7 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Machu Picchu
Have you ever traveled somewhere in the world and thought, “if I knew x,y,z, I would have done this differently”?
I’ve thought that plenty of times and always wish someone would give me simple yet impactful insights. It can change your experience for the better.
So, I wrote these seven things you need to know before traveling to Machu Picchu.
1.) You need 2 (or 3) different tickets
Ticket #1: An entry ticket
To visit this Wonder of the World, you must buy an entry ticket. The Minestario de Cultura in Peru created a timed-entry system because of the high volume of people traveling from all over the globe. Each ticket grants a 1-hour window of entry. Whether hiking to the entrance or taking a bus from the bottom, book everything with appropriate buffer time between each ticket. The last thing you want to do is miss your entry time and not be able to check this off your bucket list! Their website has detailed information and a bunch of FAQs. You can purchase your entry ticket here.
Ticket #2: A train ticket
To get to Machu Picchu, you must take a train to a small town at the base of the mountain called Aguas Calientes. You can catch the train from Cusco city or a small town in the Sacred Valley called Ollantaytambo. Cusco to Aguas Calientes is a 3.5-hour train ride, whereas the journey from Ollantaytambo is only 1.5 hours. Be sure to purchase the train tickets in advance online or at the station in person. Please do this as soon as you book your entry ticket because you cannot purchase train tickets the day of.
Each passenger has an assigned seat, table, and access to the bathroom on board. Recently, snacks became available for purchase on the train again! You can also bring your own food and beverages.
Early morning train to Aguas Calientes
Each train ticket has a fixed departure time on both ends of the journey. Set reminders on your phone or keep a watchful eye on the time because you cannot miss your train! You cannot transfer your ticket to a different train, even if it’s on the same day. So if you do miss your train, cross your fingers that there will be some open seats the next day. If your travel plans change or you are ill, be sure to cancel at least one day in advance so you can file for a refund.
They recommend buying tickets three months in advance if you want to visit during peak season. I visited Machu Picchu in July 2022 and was able to book only one month in advance.
If you are sensitive to motion, bring a nausea pill because the train wobbles gently from side to side as it ascends into the mountains.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes by train…
2.) There are 2 ways to get up to Machu Picchu
by bus or on foot.
On foot:
El Camino Peatonal a Machu Picchu (Pedestrian Path to Machu Picchu) is a flat 20 min walk from the train station. Just before the trailhead, there is a gate where someone will ask to see your entrance ticket.
The view from my hike up
From there, you will hike up the hillside and watch the valley expand below. The green mountains tower around you and come to life.
Although it is not a technical hike, it is a bit steep because there is an elevation gain of 1,456 feet (444m) over 1 mile (1.6 km). It took me about 1.5 hours to walk from the train station to the official Machu Picchu entrance.
Machu Picchu lies in the “jungle mountains” of Peru. This means that tall peaks AND a lush green jungle surround you. Depending on the time of year, the humid climate encourages mosquitos, sweating, and a lot of water consumption.
By bus:
The bus departs for the summit every 15 minutes and is only a 3-minute walk from the train platform. The buses zig-zag up a paved road and get the same views hikers witness on the way up– but without sweat and exertion.
It’s best to purchase your tickets in advance, so you don’t have to wait in line and miss your entrance time. When I arrived at Aguas Calientes at 7 am, the first bus tickets available departed at 2 pm. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to work because my entry ticket time was between 9 am - 10 am. Luckily, I arrived early with enough buffer time to hike up to the entrance.
If you don’t want to hike up, purchase your bus tickets ahead of time to ensure timely arrival.
3.) Typically, it’s busier later in the day
Most people don’t want to wake up early to adventure, especially if they have kids. It is much easier for people to make an 11 am train than a 4 am one. Like most tourist attractions, Machu Picchu gets busier as the day unfolds.
Arriving earlier in the day is worth it because you can avoid bigger crowds. You will also get more time in Aguas Calientes to shop and have a meal before your train home. When visiting during the off-season, it is better to visit during the late morning, so some of the cloud covers can lift.
4.) Visit during the dry season
Peak season in Machu Picchu is between May and October. Unlike the nearby Sacred Valley, which gets browner with each month during the dry season, Machu Picchu remains green all year.
Plan your trip during the dry season if you want the best chance of seeing this Wonder of the World and all of its majesty. April and November can be wildcards because they are near the end and the beginning of the rainy season. Between December and March, it rains a lot in this part of the country, causing increased fog and lower levels of visibility.
5.) You walk one loop, one time
When I first imagined visiting Machu Picchu, I thought the experience would be similar to national parks. Usually, once you enter, you can generally stay and explore as long as you like. This destination isn’t quite like that, so let’s set it straight.
Each one-way loop is designed with time and ability in mind. You can do research and explore the map before your trip here. This will help you decide which loop is best for you and will show you how much time is needed between each form of transportation. During your tour, retracing your steps or going off-trail is prohibited. Once visitors reach the exit, they cannot walk a second loop or re-enter. This strategy helps regulate crowd size and maintain a steady flow of transportation.
When you walk through Machu Picchu, don’t just take a picture; soak in every sight you see.
6.) Hire a local guide
At the entry of Machu Picchu, there are local guides for hire that speak many languages. A guide can bring you through the city, pointing out beautiful sacred formations and Incan technology, and of course, take your photo along the way. They answer all questions and will give you the perfect amount of time so you don’t feel rushed during your visit. These experts and certified historians will enhance your experience and how you view this Wonder of the World.
If you prefer, there are guide agencies located in Cusco that can book a guide for you in advance. Locals have told me that hiring a guide on the spot is usually less expensive than using an agency.
7.) Be prepared
To ensure a happy travel day, be prepared.
Those not used to altitude should begin hydrating before landing in Cusco. The city towers at 11,152ft (3,399m) and can give visitors altitude sickness. Believe it or not, Machu Picchu sits at a lower elevation than Cusco. But 7,972 ft (2,430m) is still high for those that are from sea level.
Bringing your own water will help you stay hydrated and feel your best. Purchase bottled water in Aguas Calientes because it is much cheaper than at the entrance. Eating is prohibited inside of Machu Picchu, so keep those snacks packed away for after your adventure.
I recommend close-toed shoes or hiking boots if you have them. Support and traction when touring a place like this is always helpful. During the dry season, the sun is bright and can feel intense because of the altitude. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and some sunnies to prevent sunburn, as well as bug repellent to keep the pests away. It is always a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho to stay dry, especially during the rainy season.
Bring your passport to verify your entry ticket and get the one-of-a-kind Machu Picchu stamp in your passport.
It is recommended to get the yellow fever vaccination before visiting the jungle of Peru. It is an easy one-dose vaccination that is good for life. If you choose to receive a dose, get it at least ten days or more before visiting.
My final preparedness tip is a no-brainer. Make sure your phone/camera is charged or that you have a small battery bank, so you don’t miss taking photos and videos of this beautiful destination.