Imagine standing on top of a quiet and peaceful mountaintop, peering out over the remains of an ancient civilization. This is Machu Picchu, located in the Andes Mountains deep within the heart of Peru. The site, often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas," features intricate stone structures, terraced fields, and ceremonial spaces.
The journey to Machu Picchu often involves a scenic train ride and a short hike, unless you decide to do the complete 4-day, 25 mile Inca Trail route. Since it's not a landmark you can easily pop over to, the journey there is an experience in and of itself.
When to Visit
Dry Season - May to October: Considered the best time to visit, the weather is relatively dry, with clear skies providing excellent visibility, and the temperatures are moderate. July and August are the busiest months.
Rainy Season - November - April: While rain showers are more common, the crowds are generally smaller, allowing for a more intimate experience. The landscape also offer more of a lush, green scenery.
Shoulder Season - April & May, September & October: Ideal temperatures, dryness, and fewer crowds.
What to Bring
Unless you’re opting to the Inca Trail trek, you should prepare to visit Machu Picchu like you're preparing for a hike:
Raincoat/Poncho: Especially during rainy season, but you could get the occasional shower at any point.
Hat/Sunscreen: The UV levels are extremely high in Peru due to a minimal ozone layer.
Comfortable Footwear: You don't need hiking boots, but you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Don't bother bringing any kind of food because it is not allowed inside the site.
Tickets
Purchase your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in advance, especially if you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as these have limited daily slots. Try to get a time slot as early as possible to avoid crowds. You can buy tickets here.
There are the five ticket options:
Machu Picchu Entrance Only
Grants access to the main Machu Picchu archaeological site - circuit 1,2,3, or 4.
Machu Picchu Entrance + Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Entrance + Huayna Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Entrance + Wayne Picchu Mountain
Best for adventurous travelers seeking panoramic views offering different angles of the grounds.
Machu Picchu Entrance + Inka Bridge
Best for those interested in the historical significance of the Inka Bridge and its role in Machu Picchu's defense.
The Machu Picchu Entrance Only is the most popular option and lets you experience the citadel. You’ll walk through a path that circles through the entire civilization, walking through ruins as you're met with incredible scenery at the edge of the cliffs, and witness the carefully constructed terraces that line the mountain.
Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
Cusco
Begin in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, located a one-hour flight away from Lima. Settle in this quaint town for a couple of days to acclimatize to the higher elevation to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
This small city serves as a central hub for many travelers because of the variety of day trips offered here including: Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lagoon, and the Sacred Valley.
There is nothing to love about Cusco with its cobblestone streets, upbeat energy, impeccable food, and immersive experience of Peruvian culture.
Tip: Don't miss the restaurant, Morena Peruvian Kitchen where you can taste the flavors of Peru from the coast, to the Amazon, and the Andes.
Ollantaytambo
When choosing between train tickets from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, you have the option to stop in Ollantaytambo. Not only does it not affect the total cost, but it also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Sacred Valley. Enjoy picturesque views of the Andean landscapes during the 1-2 hour train ride.
The Sacred Valley consists of three main cities: Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, take some time to explore this charming town with its well-preserved Inca ruins. You’ll find numerous shops, restaurants, and an outdoor market right across from the entrance to the ruins in town.
If you want to venture outside of your comfort zone, consider trying Alpaca from one of the local restaurants. Recommended restaurant: Restaurante Alpanka, located right in the Plaza de Armas.
Spend a couple of nights in Ollantaytambo if you're using it as your base to explore other areas of the Sacred Valley.
Maras & Moray
Take a day trip from Ollantaytambo to the these sites that allows visitors to understand the Inca Empire's architectural prowess and appreciate the stunning scenery of the Peruvian highlights.
The Maras Salt Mines, Salinas de Maras, comprise of over 3,000 small pools filled with high-quality salt, known to be some of the best in the world. Walk around the top and you’ll look down at several workers continuously beating on the thick and hard layers to harvest.
Moray is an ancient agricultural site with layers of circular terraces that formed microclimates for the Incas to experiment with different crops.
Aguas Calientes
After spending a couple of days to explore the Sacred Valley, board a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu ~ 1 1/2 hours.
This is an alpine town with one extremely steep main road leading up to the hotels, restaurants, and shops where you're a walking distance to everything. Most visitors stay overnight to explore Machu Picchu early in the morning.
The entrance to Machu Picchu is 1,279 feet above Aguas Calientes. You can either get there by:
Hiking: 2.2 mile trail that takes ~ 1 1/2 hours. You may beat the bus as the trail opens earlier than the first bus starts.
Bus: A 30 minute ride to the entrance. Buses depart every 10 minutes, the earliest starts at 5:30 AM. People do start lining up as early as 4:30 AM during busy season.
Machu Picchu
Catch one of the early buses to Machu Picchu to witness the sunrise and explore the site with fewer crowds. The scenery is breathtaking in the morning as well, seeing the sun rise over the mountain and shed light on this ancient civilization.
A crucial recommendation for your Machu Picchu journey is to hire a tour guide. Their expertise is invaluable, providing in-depth knowledge about each artifact and its historical significance. Trying to gather information later through documentaries reveals a limited depth of details about the specific ruins or the Inca civilization at Machu Picchu.
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