25 Ways To Make The Most Of Machu Picchu
Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu draws travelers worldwide, but getting the most out of your trip takes a little know-how. The timing of your visit and travel choices, like choosing to trek and selecting tickets, can shape your experience. These tips will help you explore the ancient citadel like a seasoned traveler.
Start With A Ticket Strategy
Booking tickets early isn’t just smart; it’s essential. Visitor limits cap daily entries, especially for the most popular routes. Popular time slots fill quickly, so securing tickets in advance gives you more flexibility and peace of mind when planning your day.
Pick The Right Entrance Route
There’s more than one way in. You can choose from the main circuit, Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Each has different views, routes, and time limits. The main circuit works for most visitors, but hikers craving adventure should consider the steeper climbs, which have timed entry slots and require extra permits.
Time Your Visit Wisely
Clear skies and cooler mornings are typical from May to September, but it’s also the most crowded time to visit. April and October strike a nice balance between weather and visitor numbers. It’s good to note that the Inca Trail closes in February for maintenance, but Machu Picchu remains open to travelers during that time.
Stay Overnight In Aguas Calientes
Rushing from Cusco and back in one day is doable but draining. However, spending a night in Aguas Calientes helps you rest and get ahead of the early crowds while giving you extra time to enjoy the area. It also gives you a better chance of catching the sunrise over the ruins.
Take The Train From Cusco Or Ollantaytambo
The easiest way up is by train. For this, PeruRail and Inca Rail both operate scenic rides from Cusco and Ollantaytambo. For a quicker trip, start from Ollantaytambo and cut down travel time. Either way, the views from the window are worth every second of the ride.
Dress For Sudden Weather Swings
Since Andean weather flips fast, you’ll want layers you can peel off or throw on quickly. A waterproof jacket is essential, as are reliable shoes that can handle rough terrain. Plus, a hat for sun protection also goes a long way. This is because mornings can be chilly, but by noon, the sun gets intense.
Carry Only What You Need
Backpacks larger than 20 liters are not allowed, and even small bags may be checked. Pack only the essentials, such as water for hydration and a light rain jacket. Also, keeping your bag light will make the visit easier, although lockers are available in town if you need to store extra gear before the hike.
Don’t Forget Your Passport
Entry to Machu Picchu requires your ticket and the original passport you used to book it. Digital copies won’t be accepted under any circumstances. You’ll also need it at the train station and when checking into accommodations, so keep it secure and easy to access throughout your trip.
Plan For Altitude Differences
While Machu Picchu isn’t as high as Cusco, altitude can still affect energy levels. Give yourself time to adjust before heading up. Alternatively, you can take a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to adjust. Drink coca tea and stay hydrated to help with the transition.
Watch Your Step On Uneven Terrain
The ruins are full of uneven ground, with narrow steps and angled paths that require careful footing. Sneakers might work in town, but a day at Machu Picchu calls for trail shoes with grip. You’ll thank yourself when climbing narrow paths or descending slick stone steps after rain.
Start Early For Fewer Crowds
The site opens at 6 am, and the early morning hours are your best bet for quiet exploration. Fog may initially cover the views, but it usually lifts by mid-morning. It’s enjoyable because fewer tourists and cooler air make early entry worth the early alarm.
Hire A Local Escort
You can explore solo, but hiring a certified escort adds real value. The escorts bring the history to life and help you notice details that often go unnoticed, which makes it easier to move through the site without confusion. Escorts are available at the entrance or through hotels and tour companies in advance.
Follow The One-way Trail System
All visitors must follow designated one-way circuits to protect the site and manage foot traffic. So, once a section is behind you, there’s no going back. That’s why it helps to plan and choose your route carefully. Move slowly and absorb the details because you’ll only see each area once.
Leave The Drone At Home
Drones and items like selfie sticks or umbrellas are banned inside the archaeological site. Walking poles without rubber tips are also prohibited. These rules are strictly enforced to protect both the ruins and other visitors. Guards may confiscate restricted items or deny entry, so check the guidelines before packing.
Look Beyond The Main Ruins
While the classic photo spot gets all the attention, other areas like the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge are just as rewarding because they involve short hikes and offer stunning views with fewer people. For a perfect experience, ask a guide or map out these spots before your visit.
Download Offline Or Get Paper Maps Before You Go
Cell service around Machu Picchu is patchy, especially in the ruins. Download offline maps and save your ticket QR code to your phone. Paper maps from hotels or the entrance gate also come in handy if your phone battery dips below safe levels.
Grab A Passport Stamp Before You Leave
The Machu Picchu passport stamp is no longer available at the site exit. To get it, stop by the Centro Cultural in Aguas Calientes instead. It’s a fun, free memento for travelers who want a physical memory of their visit. Bring your own pen, since the station sometimes runs out.
Explore The Inca Trail (If You Book Early)
The classic four-day Inca Trail trek requires a permit, and those sell out fast, sometimes months ahead. Securing one early gives you access to a more immersive experience that includes guided camping and visits to remote ruins, ending with a sunrise arrival through the Sun Gate. For shorter options, try the one-day trek version.
Visit The Site Museum In Aguas Calientes
Most travelers skip it, but the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chavez Ballon offers artifacts and historical context, with displays that explain the site’s significance through preserved items and detailed exhibits. A short walk from town, it’s a quiet way to learn more about Machu Picchu before or after your visit.
Respect The Wildlife And Site Rules
Llamas roam freely, but don’t feed or chase them. Stick to paths, don’t touch stonework, and avoid loud noises. Machu Picchu is both a heritage site and a fragile ecosystem. Following the rules helps preserve it for others and keeps rangers from shortening your visit.
Bring Snacks But Eat Outside
Food isn’t allowed inside the ruins, so plan ahead. Bring snacks and enjoy them outside the gates where shaded picnic areas are set up for visitors. After eating, pack out all the trash, too. Local vendors also sell drinks and light meals near the bus stop if you need a refuel.
Use The Bus To Save Energy
Buses run every few minutes between Aguas Calientes and the main entrance. The ride takes about 30 minutes and climbs a steep switchback road. Tickets can be bought in town ahead of time. While hiking is an option, the trail is long and steep—most visitors find the bus the easier choice.
Snap Photos But Be Present
Everyone wants the perfect shot, but don’t let photos take over the moment or distract you from the experience. The energy of the place is better experienced without a lens in front of your face. Take your pictures, put the camera away, then walk, look, and breathe it all in.
Soak In Hot Springs After The Trek
Back in Aguas Calientes, the town’s hot springs (Aguas Calientes hot springs) provide a soothing break after hours spent on your feet. The pools are simple but soothing, especially in the cool mountain air. Bring flip-flops and a towel; although rentals are available, supplies can run low.
End With A Meal And A View
Before heading out, grab a bite at one of the terrace restaurants in Aguas Calientes. Watch the river roll by as you refuel. The town caters to travelers, so you’ll find everything from Peruvian classics to pizza. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your adventure.
