Voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, it’s no wonder why nearly a million visitors flock to Machu Picchu each year. A little planning and preparation will go a long way in helping you get the most out of your experience. Here are my top seven tips for visiting this ancient Incan site.
1. Buy Your Tickets Early
Since there are only a limited number of tickets sold each day, you’ll want to book your spot before you go – especially if you want to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. I did Huayna Picchu and highly recommend it, even if you’re not a super athlete.
Check out this handy step-by-step guide from Thrifty Nomads with detailed instructions and screenshots on how to buy your Machu Picchu tickets.
2. Buy Your Train Tickets
Similarly, it’s a good idea to book your transportation to the area in advance. Unless you’re hiking the Inca Trail, most visitors take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo (I stayed in Ollantaytambo for a few days and loved exploring the quant village) to Aguas Calientes, the village closest to Machu Picchu. The two main options are Peru Rail and Inca Rail.
Once you get to Aguas Calientes, you can purchase a bus ticket that takes you up to the actual Machu Picchu site. The ride takes just over half an hour. Although some choose to walk, I would recommend saving your energy for exploring the ruins.
3. Take Time to Acclimatize
Machu Picchu itself is 7,972 feet or 2430 metres above sea level. If you’ve never experienced high altitudes, it’s hard to tell how your body will react. Because of this, it’s a good idea to spend a few days allowing your body to adjust before making the big trek. No one wants to spend their time at Machu Picchu feeling nauseous! You can also try the widely available local remedies like coca leaves or coca tea to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness.
4. Get There Early
Given the site’s popularity, it’s hard to avoid crowds no matter what time you go. However, I do recommend getting there as early as possible so you can take your time and soak in as much of the experience as possible. There’s quite a bit of ground to cover before sunset, literally and figuratively.
5. Prepare for Changes in Weather
When I arrived at Machu Picchu in the morning, it was foggy and raining—you can imagine my disappointment when I couldn’t even get a clear shot of the famous ruins. However, by mid-afternoon the sun came out and the mist cleared. The weather can change quickly in this area, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
Luckily, I had also come prepared by dressing in layers. Which brings me to my next point…
6. Dress Appropriately
To fully enjoy your experience at Machu Picchu, comfort is key. You’re going to be on your feet for most of the day, so be sure to wear solid hiking shoes (preferably waterproof, given the climate), especially if you plan to climb one of the two mountains. It’s also a good idea to wear thin layers of moisture-wicking material—no one wants to work up a sweat and then feel clammy and cold for the rest of the day.
7. Pack the Essentials (aka Bring Lots of Snacks)
My final tip is to pack light, but make sure you have all the essentials you’ll need to enjoy the day. There aren’t food kiosks or fountains once you get inside (or bathrooms, for that matter – make sure to go before entering), so be sure to bring sufficient water and food to get you through the day. You’re not technically allowed to bring your own food in, but it’s not usually enforced as long as you do it discretely.
The kind staff at Hostal Iskay where I stayed in Ollantaytambo were nice enough to pack me a picnic lunch to take with me since they knew in advance I would be leaving early in the morning. This is just one of the many reasons I would recommend them to anyone staying in the Sacred Valley!
Visiting Machu Picchu is a magical experience – one that I personally had dreamt of for many years. I hope you’ll find these tips useful in planning your own trip!
Do you have any Machu Picchu advice of your own? Leave a comment below.
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