Machu Picchu Travel Tips

Inca paradise in Peru, Machu Picchu delights those travelers who love nature and history. Magical environment, with great energy!

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1)THE TRIP – MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

At first, in our trip to Machu Picchu, we stayed for 02 days in Lima. Then, our flight took us to Cusco. It was quick. Just around 1h20min.

2)GETTING ADAPTED TO ALTITUDE: MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

We spent our first day Cusco trying to be comfortable at the high altitude.

The most common symptoms are headache, shortness of breath and nausea. The worst for us was the headache and shortness of breath. We tried to rest, sleep as much as possible and drink a lot of water…and of course, we tasted the famous coca tea…and no, it doesn’t taste good, but helped us feel better

They sell lots of different products with coca. Another option are the coca candies, that help minimize the symptoms and taste better. 

3)TRAVELING FROM CUSCO TO ÁGUAS CALIENTES –  MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

After 03 days sightseeing in Cusco and Vale Sagrado, it was time to see “the lost city of the Incas”. We woke up early, because from Cusco to the the train station of Ollantaytambo takes 90 min. It’s necessary to arrive 30min before departing time. We left at 8h29min.

The trip is charming, the train crew is sympathetic and the view of the valley is magnificent! The mountains are covered with clouds, the native vegetation and the plantations are beautiful to see. The train has panoramic windows so you can admire all the beauty.

The ticket, only to go, costs US$68 and to return, US$61. This tour was included in our travel package, but you can buy the tickets in advance online. There are 02 train companies: Peru Rail e Inca Rail.

4)TRAVELING FROM ÁGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU – MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

Águas Calientes is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The village is tiny, with just a few hotels and restaurants. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the hot springs.

 MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS: TO BE ABLE TO SEE THE SUNRISE AT MACHU PICCHU, SLEEP IN ÁGUAS CALIENTES

It’s possible to stay the night at Águas Calientes and visit the village. This way, you will be able to see the sunrise at Machu Picchu. All the travelers who we had spoken with, loved it.

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

And the trip continues: You can go by foot or by bus to the archaeological site. We chose the bus, because we didn’t have a lot of time. It took 30 min, traveling in a narrow road, with a lot of turns. It costs 24 soles (local currency).

5)THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF MACHU PICCHU – MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

We met with our tour guide at the mountain top. Besides the ticket, that costs $152 soles, it’s necessary to show the passport. Every ticket gives you the right to enter 03 times at the archaeological site. There is only one direction to walk in the Inca city.

In our first entrance, we did the guided tour. It lasts 2h. There are lots of things to see! It’s very interesting visit the archaeological site with the tour guide, because he will explain all the details, the restoration work and the Inca history.

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

The second time, we took pictures and climbed to the upper part of the mountain. From there, you have a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, from the top. Cool!

We were amazed by the conservation of the ruins and with the Incas knowledge of architecture hydraulics, astronomy and astrophysics. And the view of the valley is breathtaking! It was a magical experience that we definitely recommend!

6)WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU – MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

We advise you to take a coat, sunscreen, water, a cap and mosquito repellent. When we left in the morning was very cold. During the day, the sun was strong and it got warm.

We left the archaeological site at 14h30min because we had reservations for lunch until 16h. After lunch, we visited the arts and crafts fair at Águas Calientes.

MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS: TAKE SOMETHING TO EAT AND DRINK AND HAVE A PICNIC  AT MACHU PICCHU.

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

At 17h50min we were at the train station. Our train left at 18h20min to Ollantaytambo, same station as the start of the day. We met our driver and went back to  our hotel at Cusco. 

7)WHEN TO GO – MACHU PICCHU TRAVEL TIPS

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

Avoid traveling to Machu Picchu between November and March, the rainy season! The best months are from May to September.

8)THE POST’S AUTHOR

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

Rúbia, the post’s author, is married with Roberto and is Miguel’s mother. What they have to say about themselves: ” We love family travel, even though our family is small. Hiking is what we like the most. When we finish one trip, we are already dreaming about the next destination. We always try to do a good research beforehand, to enjoy as much as possible what the destination has to offer!”

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Machu Picchu Travel Tips

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