Rookie Mistakes No One Should Make Traveling to Peru’s Royal Estate
Let’s face it. As thrilling as travel spontaneity can serve our wanderlust desires and cravings for adventure, some trips by nature take an ornate amount of planning to simply do it right. Say, a sightseeing European vacation or a tour of the Hawaiian Islands. Bachelorette parties in Vegas, on the other hand, are usually best experienced without guidebook in hand.
That being said, I “planned” my trip to Machu Picchu as though I were gearing up for my last weekend of singledom, allowing everyone else to worry about the details and putting on my party face. It’s easy to underestimate just how significant a trip to one of the world wonders really is, right?
The Inca ruins were the last stop on my three-month backpacking trip through South America and I wish I could blame my lack of preparedness for the journey’s grand finale on altitude sickness, or a case of been-there-done-that travel mentality.
All I knew I wanted to do was be the first to hike to the top of Machu Picchu, summit it’s sister mountain and stroll around taking photo after photo, preferably with a llama in view at all times. About that. Let my rookie mistakes and poor planning be a lesson for all take it from me, while you visit the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu be sure you DO NOT…
1. Travel in the dark.
When the last train rolls into Aguas Calientes (the Machu Picchu starting point for every visitor) close to 11 p.m., you don’t want to be on it. You especially don’t want to arrive without room reservations. It’s a mad rush scene from the doomsday movie of your choice with everyone disembarking and scrambling off to their hotels and hostels and you don’t want to be left roaming the streets alone seeking shelter. Be sure to book reservations far in advance as nearly everywhere fills up during peak season. If you plan to hit the ruins early the day (or night) after arrival, know where you are going and get there early.
TIP – Skip on the savings of a late departure and ride the rail from Ollantaytambo in the afternoon, taking advantage of the train’s glass rooftop panels and panoramic windows while enjoying the landscape of the scenic route.
2. Skip the fine print.
For then there would be no need to make sweet eyes with rail staff in hopes they don’t notice nor question your massive, 50-pound Northface companion occupying the adjacent seat. Only failure to read your train ticket prior to departure will put you in this predicament. Note: you will be charged for oversized bags. Be aware of the fine lines that detail travel regulations and bring only a daypack, it will make everyone around you much happier.
TIP – Extend your Cusco accommodation reservations for your return date from Aguas Calientes and have them hold your bags for you.
3. Hike to the ruins directionless.
Well, this should go without saying but know before you go. Let me say, finding a map or anyone awake to point you in the right direction at 3:30 in the morning is almost as challenging as the climb ahead of you. It’s also embarrassing. Check with hotel concierge/hostel staff for hiking and weather conditions while getting directions ahead of time.
TIP – If hiking to the entrance of Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes (as opposed to taking the bus that leaves from town), check out the trail the day before your hike to know what to expect. There is limited light so when hiking early, it’s easy to head off in the wrong direction.
4. Expect strangers to provide accurate information.
I once believed someone who said you could casually stroll up to the gates of Machu Picchu whenever you please. Neg-a-tive. As a stranger with real experience I am telling you now that gates on the trail prohibit you from passing and beginning the hike earlier than 5 am. (This may seem like a strange piece of advice, but from one eager-to-get-to-the-top-first tourist to another, it’s crucial to manage expectations.)
5. Forget your passports or IDs.
I believe the fine print from #2 also states you need identification along with your ticket to enter the ruins. Let me reiterate, knowing the rules makes it much easier to follow them. Luckily, my unexplainable decision to solely carry a credit card bearing my name sufficed at the entrance. You may not be so lucky.
TIP – If hiking to Machu Picchu from town you will be asked for ID with your ticket at the aforementioned gates. Also, get your passport stamped just outside the gift shop at the park entrance. It’s not well advertised but you won’t want to miss it!
6. Hike in skinny jeans.
I know, we all want to look good for our Instagram photos in front of the ancient city ruins, but fact is, Gap skinnies just won’t cut it for a grueling 90-minute hike up the side of a mountain. At the very least, pack your jeans and a spare t-shirt for a quick change at the top. Throw some deodorant in your bag while you’re at it.
7. Scale Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu back-to-back.
I don’t care if you believe yourself to be the Lance Armstrong of mountaineering, that’s uphill like you won’t believe. After the Machu Picchu main entrance opens its gates at 6 a.m., two groups of 200 hundred elite (a.k.a. Huayna Picchu ticket holders) are allowed one hour to climb the ruins’ famous backdrop, and you need EVERY MINUTE of it. (If only I were kidding as I say it’s a knees-to-chin clamber to the top.) The groups leave at 7 and 10 a.m. so when you purchase your ticket in advance, opt for the later hike.
8. Rush.
Most importantly, take your time and walk the ruins both with a guide and on your own. The one thing we managed to get right was staying all day until closing time. Sure, it’s a long day but with plenty of serene places to rest in the shade and an unforgettable view you can hardly complain. Plus, tourists begin to disappear in the late afternoon leaving you with prime photo ops as the sun
Other tips to consider:
Don’t underestimate the dangers of altitude sickness, or soroche as it’s known as in Peru. Regardless of how fit and in shape you may be, hiking at such high altitudes is challenging and you might experience dizziness or slight headaches from such physical activity. Again, take your time rather than rushing to the top and around the ruins.
Wear layers. Machu Picchu is nestled high in the tropical jungle where it’s quite cool early in the mornings and evenings and steamy during the day. Pack sunscreen and apply it liberally.
Bring plenty of water and snacks for the entire day. There is a ridiculously priced snack shop outside of the gates but no concessions are sold within the park.
Want to save these tips? Pin the image below for later on Pinterest!
Tell me, is there something you would have done differently while visiting Machu Picchu? What do you look forward to most about going if you haven’t been?
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Haha this is a well written and funny post. Do people really hike Machu Picchu in skinny jeans?! I heard it’s a hard hike up there! Plus love that first photo! Excellent tips I’ll definitely keep these in mind whenever I go 🙂
Great points raised. I haven’t been myself but is on my list. These tips will come in very handy when it comes to people who haven’t been and aren’t sure what to expect. Not all places worth visiting are a walk in the park as they say. Places like this will take a fair amount of preparation. I’d look forward to taking in the views and getting some great pictures most. And that the uphill part is mostly over 🙂
It’s true, sometimes the most challenging experiences can be the most rewarding at the same time. Every second of effort to make it to the top was worth it 🙂 You’ll definitely enjoy your time when you make it to Peru and the ruins!
I’m going in November and very excited but a little nervous about getting altitude sickness. How do you pack tons of water and snacks if you can’t take a backpack inside the gates?
You are allowed a day pack and when I went in 2012, they allowed outside food and beverages. My mistake was carrying my entire backpacking load plus two other travel packs on the train to Aguas Calientes. That’s a no-no. Good luck!
I visited Machu Picchu in April, and it was the most fantastic experience – easily one of the highlights of my trip to South America! Luckily I didn’t have any of the difficulties above! I had tickets to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, which is the one opposite Huayna Picchu, but after the 1700 steps up to Machu Picchu, I just didn’t have the energy!
I barely made it up to the top of Huayna Picchu, it was tough! I’m glad I did it though, was it really 1700 steps just to MP? Crazy! I’d love to go back and hike the Inca Trail, or better yet the Salkantay Trek!
Machu Picchu is so high on my list of things to do, its not even funny. But these are amazing tips because each one is something I would probably try to do (or not do). I will definitely be picking your brain when I plan my trip. 🙂
There are some good tips in there for jungle/mountain hiking in general really, but I totally agree with the be prepared advice. The Inca Trail is probably one of the single most visited and busiest tourist attractions in the world, and visiting it is tightly regulated (rightly so given it is a UNESCO world heritage site) so this is one of those rare times where I would advise booking, organising and preparing in advance.
Agreed. It’s just not the place to wing it at the last minute. Especially if planning to hike the Inca Trail, it really should be planned as far in advance as possible. I can’t believe how fast tours fill up, thank goodness for the trail daily limits so that it isn’t too overpopulated. Either way, it’s a wonderful experience!
I sincerely hope there aren’t people out there concerned about number 6. Throw on some gym clothes and that is it. If I saw someone change out of their active wear and INTO skinny jeans for a photo opportunity I would . . . . I don’t know what I would do. But I would feel shame for them, haha! I hiked the 4 day trail and though I looked like crap by the end – it doesn’t matter! Where you are matters!!! 🙂 🙂
Hahaha nice, Alli! Agreed all around, it’s the moment that matters! I wish I would have done the trail hike, maybe you can throw together a list of tips for the trail 😉
It wasn’t so much climbing Huayna Picchu after climbing up to Machu Picchu that was the problem for me in May. It was more the fact that I decided it would be a great idea to climb down to the caves on Huayna Picchu. From the caves you then have to climb back up to the top of Huayna Picchu and back town before a little bit more back up to get back to Machu Picchu.
And had I done my research I would have been made aware of these caves…that’s quite a hike you amassed! After a workout like that it’s nice to enjoy a few beers and not feel too guilty about it haha 🙂 Do you have a post about MP? I’d love to check it out. Cheers!
Haha. Great list! I definitely wound up doing number 1. We ended up doing the cheap route, walking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. We walked into town at night, without hotel reservations. Bad choice!
Are you sure about the skinny jeans?!! Love the first photo! I’m hoping for a Machu Picchu trip next year. I’ve wanted to go for ages but I’m more of a last minute traveller and this one requires more organisation!
If you’re planning on going next year it’s never too late to start planning for this one! I also enjoy last-minute travel and wish you the best of luck putting your Machu Picchu experience together!
Loved Machu Picchu and your tips really hit the spot. If I may add another tip… DO the Inca Trail! Yes, it is expensive and really hard work, but the feeling of having made it is incredible!
GREAT addition. I don’t know how I left out this tip considering how badly I wished I was able to do the hike, spots fill quickly so you have to plan very far in advance! Do you have a post about your experience? Send it over, I’d love to check it out.
This is a trip I’d so love to do one day. I kind of missed the opportunity in my student days and now have family so may just have to wait until either a) children are older or b) save it for semi-retirement! 🙂
These are great tips. We saw so many people who were just starting the hike up to M.P when our bus left at 5.30am- they hadn’t even reached the foot of the climb! What on earth were they thinking? At that point, by the time they reached the top and got through the massive queue to get in, hundreds of people would already have got there by bus, so might as well have slept in and gone later!
M.P was one of the best things of our whole Latin America trip. Just looking at photos now makes me ridiculously happy! Love the llama (alpaca? I never did learn the difference haha) in yours!
Excellent advice and tips for hiking Machu Picchu. I bookmarked your post for future reference because I’m planning to to there next year. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Sorry to hear that your Machu Picchu trip was not all you hoped it would be but sounds like you still enjoyed it in spite of the travel mistakes and snafus. We are hoping to visit Peru this year or next and will keep this advice in mind of things to avoid. We are thinking about doing the Inca Trail hike instead of taking the train but we’ll see…..Mt. Kilimanjaro may have been enough uphill hiking for us:)
Brilliant and hilarious! We’re off to Machu in a few months, so we will try to do (or not do!) everything you listed! Did M.P live up to your expectations?
It’s these misadventures that make travel so memorable! But oh man, I cannot believe you went to hike it that early in the morning!! That’s practically in the middle of the night. I think when I go, I will probably opt for the later hike :D. And I would love passport stamp from Machu Picchu… how cool is that?!
Thanks so much for all these tips. I sincerely hope to put them to use some day. I had no idea they would stamp your passport. That’s so cool! And I thought the hike would take an entire day, so I am quite glad to hear that although it’s tough, it’s only 90 minutes. I can handle uphill, but I do have a huge problem with altitude.
I can’t wait and thank you for the tips. I am planning on going in Sept for my 40th so I will take these notes into consideration. What medications do you recommend bringing for the altitude sickness
Great advice. Unfortunately, my heart condition doesn’t allow for me to hike up. So, I was one of those crack of dawn on the first bus folks. But, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Spent the whole day just hiking around and absorbing it all.
As far as lesson learned … On top of being prepared for sunshine (sunscreen). I would just say that rain is also very possible. So a rain hat, light poncho, or at least a visor for glasses wearers is pretty practical. Oh, and extra battery for camera. Grrr…
Great tips! Machu Picchu is not the easiest place to travel to, however, so worth it. Wrote a very similar advice also )) If only travelers were in charge of Tourism Boards, life would be so much easier lol
We just returned from a 12 day stay in Peru with 25 college students from SW Missouri. .. MP was the highlight of the trip! One thing we learned is to get some rest before tackling MP. We logged 14 miles afoot (all stairs) that day alone. LOVE your writing! Clever and funny ; )
Thank you so much, Jorge! That’s great to hear you had a wonderful time with your group, I can’t believe how many MILES of stairs you climbed! I’m happy you enjoy my writing! Thanks for such a nice comment, bring your students to Bolivia!
Hi! I’m volunteering with a friend this summer for a month in Peru. We’re staying in Cusco with a host family. Of course we’d love to go to Machu Picchu. We’re quite young so we don’t have much money to do this trip. I’m searching through many sites to find the cheapest but least touristic way to reach MP and, if possible, Huayna Picchu. So far i’ve found (the most preferable options) that we can go by train to Aguas Calientes, sleep there for the night and walk to MP. Another thing is the famous Inca Trail, but i fear that this will cost to much and be too touristic. The trails of the beaten path are better, but also more expensive. Do you have any suggestions what we should do? Thanks in advance x Fien, Belgium
Hi Jessica! Great tips! I’m actually going to Peru next month. One question – where did you buy your Machu Picchu tickets? My friend and I still haven’t bought ours. We were thinking of getting them days before when we get to Peru. I also know that they sell fast. Just wanted your advice and suggestion! Thank you!! 🙂
Hi, Jennifer! We purchased our tickets from the Machu Picchu ticket office in Cusco, where we also purchased our train tickets at the same time. I wish I still had the address but if I find it online I will send it to you! We were able to get our tickets with the additional admission to hike Huayna Picchu (limit of 100 hikers per day) about three days before we arrived to Aguas Calientes. That was already 4 years ago so I am not sure if there is a higher demand these days! I know my friends that just came to visit in Bolivia traveled to MP a week later and were only able to secure general Machu Picchu entrance tickets. Good luck!
Nice article I would like to say something Also be sure to bring water. In the rainy season (December-April) is recommended to wear rubber boots to walk, because the floor gets very slippery by rain, it is also best to store personal belongings and documents in a plastic bag inside the backpack. It would also be advisable to always carry an extra shirt.
I am peruvian and I would just like to recommend everyone who is planning to go to Machu Picchu to learn some Peruvian History! Specially Inca history 🙂 It will make your experience much more rich and meaningful. Without the history and culture, machu picchu is just a bunch of stones on top of a mountain without meaning. Enjoy your experience and please don’t forget to try Peruvian food!
I love these tips! We actually tried to hike the Inca Trail and failed THAT, ended up turning around on day 2 and having to take the train. We don’t recommend it! Our story is on our blog. But hey, at least we can all say we did eventually make it, right??
I would like to add one more tip. Don’t forget to smile all the time, especially if your dream comes true here. I was there twice and I can`t believe how this marvel was made.
A group of us old farts (oldest 78)went back in Oct 2009 and climbed Huayna Picchu at the 7:00 time which worked well for us because we were there early and got some great sunrise pictures with not many people in them. We also hiked to the SunGate when we were done with Huayna Picchu and walking around Machu Picchu. One thing we ran into was tons of little no see ‘ems ( kind of little biting bugs like mosquitoes) so I would recommend taking bug spray or wipes. One of my favorite trips and we’ve been all over the world. Hope to make it back there someday.
I am always so shocked to see people hiking in jeans. And some even hike in high heels! That’s just so irresponsible, I am glad you brought it up 🙂 I agree with every single point you’ve raised!
The highlight of my Machu Picchu trip was climbing Machu Picchu Mountain. The hike is exhausting, can take a few hours, and requires climbing some of the steepest steps imaginable, but the views on the way up and from the top were more than worth it! I would recommend taking a LOT of water with.
I haven’t been yet, but I’ll add to not forget your camera. The photos that I have seen from others are priceless.
Great tip! I can’t imagine what it would be like to forget your camera after making it to such a beautiful, amazing location.
Very useful tips. I would like to visit Macchu Picchu and with these tips, it will al be fine 🙂
Good to hear, Axelle! Thanks for reading 🙂
Haha this is a well written and funny post. Do people really hike Machu Picchu in skinny jeans?! I heard it’s a hard hike up there! Plus love that first photo! Excellent tips I’ll definitely keep these in mind whenever I go 🙂
Haha, they do and I embarrassingly did as well :/ I DONT KNOW WHAT I WAS THINKING. Thanks for the love and for reading!
I will definitely come back to this post when I am planning my trip there!
Great points raised. I haven’t been myself but is on my list. These tips will come in very handy when it comes to people who haven’t been and aren’t sure what to expect. Not all places worth visiting are a walk in the park as they say. Places like this will take a fair amount of preparation. I’d look forward to taking in the views and getting some great pictures most. And that the uphill part is mostly over 🙂
It’s true, sometimes the most challenging experiences can be the most rewarding at the same time. Every second of effort to make it to the top was worth it 🙂 You’ll definitely enjoy your time when you make it to Peru and the ruins!
I’m going in November and very excited but a little nervous about getting altitude sickness. How do you pack tons of water and snacks if you can’t take a backpack inside the gates?
You are allowed a day pack and when I went in 2012, they allowed outside food and beverages. My mistake was carrying my entire backpacking load plus two other travel packs on the train to Aguas Calientes. That’s a no-no. Good luck!
Great tips . Inca trail is in my bucketlist , hopefully il do it next year
Thanks, Anne! I hope you make it, it’s amazing!
I visited Machu Picchu in April, and it was the most fantastic experience – easily one of the highlights of my trip to South America! Luckily I didn’t have any of the difficulties above! I had tickets to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, which is the one opposite Huayna Picchu, but after the 1700 steps up to Machu Picchu, I just didn’t have the energy!
I barely made it up to the top of Huayna Picchu, it was tough! I’m glad I did it though, was it really 1700 steps just to MP? Crazy! I’d love to go back and hike the Inca Trail, or better yet the Salkantay Trek!
Machu Picchu is so high on my list of things to do, its not even funny. But these are amazing tips because each one is something I would probably try to do (or not do). I will definitely be picking your brain when I plan my trip. 🙂
Haha, thanks! I had an amazing time even with all the mishaps and I’m sure you will as well! Stay in touch when you make it to Peru!
There are some good tips in there for jungle/mountain hiking in general really, but I totally agree with the be prepared advice. The Inca Trail is probably one of the single most visited and busiest tourist attractions in the world, and visiting it is tightly regulated (rightly so given it is a UNESCO world heritage site) so this is one of those rare times where I would advise booking, organising and preparing in advance.
Agreed. It’s just not the place to wing it at the last minute. Especially if planning to hike the Inca Trail, it really should be planned as far in advance as possible. I can’t believe how fast tours fill up, thank goodness for the trail daily limits so that it isn’t too overpopulated. Either way, it’s a wonderful experience!
I sincerely hope there aren’t people out there concerned about number 6. Throw on some gym clothes and that is it. If I saw someone change out of their active wear and INTO skinny jeans for a photo opportunity I would . . . . I don’t know what I would do. But I would feel shame for them, haha! I hiked the 4 day trail and though I looked like crap by the end – it doesn’t matter! Where you are matters!!! 🙂 🙂
Hahaha nice, Alli! Agreed all around, it’s the moment that matters! I wish I would have done the trail hike, maybe you can throw together a list of tips for the trail 😉
It wasn’t so much climbing Huayna Picchu after climbing up to Machu Picchu that was the problem for me in May. It was more the fact that I decided it would be a great idea to climb down to the caves on Huayna Picchu. From the caves you then have to climb back up to the top of Huayna Picchu and back town before a little bit more back up to get back to Machu Picchu.
May have had a breakdown half way back…
http://www.thatadventurer.co.uk
And had I done my research I would have been made aware of these caves…that’s quite a hike you amassed! After a workout like that it’s nice to enjoy a few beers and not feel too guilty about it haha 🙂 Do you have a post about MP? I’d love to check it out. Cheers!
Great tips! I’m doing this next year and I’m exactly the kind of person that would do most of these things, so I’m glad I read this.
Thanks, Jon! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and hope you have a successful adventure next year!
Haha. Great list! I definitely wound up doing number 1. We ended up doing the cheap route, walking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. We walked into town at night, without hotel reservations. Bad choice!
Walking! That would make all of the hiking up the mountain even more exhausting! Power to you 🙂
Are you sure about the skinny jeans?!! Love the first photo! I’m hoping for a Machu Picchu trip next year. I’ve wanted to go for ages but I’m more of a last minute traveller and this one requires more organisation!
If you’re planning on going next year it’s never too late to start planning for this one! I also enjoy last-minute travel and wish you the best of luck putting your Machu Picchu experience together!
Great tips.
Loved Machu Picchu and your tips really hit the spot. If I may add another tip… DO the Inca Trail! Yes, it is expensive and really hard work, but the feeling of having made it is incredible!
GREAT addition. I don’t know how I left out this tip considering how badly I wished I was able to do the hike, spots fill quickly so you have to plan very far in advance! Do you have a post about your experience? Send it over, I’d love to check it out.
Great list! I havent been there yet but I will be sure to remember your tips when planning and packing clothes for the trip.
Thanks, Bianca! I’m glad it was useful 🙂
This is a trip I’d so love to do one day. I kind of missed the opportunity in my student days and now have family so may just have to wait until either a) children are older or b) save it for semi-retirement! 🙂
My number one tip: Get the bus to the site 😉
These are great tips. We saw so many people who were just starting the hike up to M.P when our bus left at 5.30am- they hadn’t even reached the foot of the climb! What on earth were they thinking? At that point, by the time they reached the top and got through the massive queue to get in, hundreds of people would already have got there by bus, so might as well have slept in and gone later!
M.P was one of the best things of our whole Latin America trip. Just looking at photos now makes me ridiculously happy! Love the llama (alpaca? I never did learn the difference haha) in yours!
Excellent advice and tips for hiking Machu Picchu. I bookmarked your post for future reference because I’m planning to to there next year. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Oh man! What an experience! Well at least you suffered so we don’t have too, hey?! :/ It was worth it once you eventually got to the top, tho’ hey?
Sorry to hear that your Machu Picchu trip was not all you hoped it would be but sounds like you still enjoyed it in spite of the travel mistakes and snafus. We are hoping to visit Peru this year or next and will keep this advice in mind of things to avoid. We are thinking about doing the Inca Trail hike instead of taking the train but we’ll see…..Mt. Kilimanjaro may have been enough uphill hiking for us:)
Brilliant and hilarious! We’re off to Machu in a few months, so we will try to do (or not do!) everything you listed! Did M.P live up to your expectations?
It’s these misadventures that make travel so memorable! But oh man, I cannot believe you went to hike it that early in the morning!! That’s practically in the middle of the night. I think when I go, I will probably opt for the later hike :D. And I would love passport stamp from Machu Picchu… how cool is that?!
Haha, this is hilarious and full of great tips! Machu Picchu has always been on my wish list. Hopefully I’ll get there one day.
Thanks so much for all these tips. I sincerely hope to put them to use some day. I had no idea they would stamp your passport. That’s so cool! And I thought the hike would take an entire day, so I am quite glad to hear that although it’s tough, it’s only 90 minutes. I can handle uphill, but I do have a huge problem with altitude.
I can’t wait and thank you for the tips. I am planning on going in Sept for my 40th so I will take these notes into consideration. What medications do you recommend bringing for the altitude sickness
I’ll definitely pin that for later! I’m dying to see the Machu Picchu and these are so great tips. Thank you so much for sharing!
x, Juliet
Thank YOU, Juliet! I’m glad you found the tips useful and I hope you get to visit the ruins sometime soon!
Great advice. Unfortunately, my heart condition doesn’t allow for me to hike up. So, I was one of those crack of dawn on the first bus folks. But, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Spent the whole day just hiking around and absorbing it all.
As far as lesson learned … On top of being prepared for sunshine (sunscreen). I would just say that rain is also very possible. So a rain hat, light poncho, or at least a visor for glasses wearers is pretty practical. Oh, and extra battery for camera. Grrr…
Hey Jessica! Thanks for the great tips. Gonna use them tomorrow!:) I’m really looking forward to doing the Machu Picchu trip.
xo Johanna
Glad to hear they may be of use! Let me know how your trip went, and send me pics (hopefully not with your skinnies on hehe)!
Thanks for the great tips! Altitude sickness can be a real bummer if not prepared…I learned the hard way on a trip to the top of Pike’s Peak. Yikes!
Great tips! Machu Picchu is not the easiest place to travel to, however, so worth it. Wrote a very similar advice also )) If only travelers were in charge of Tourism Boards, life would be so much easier lol
YES yes yes, we should be hired to manage tourism boards like NOW! Haha send me your link to your post so I can take a look! Keep in touch, Nadia!
We just returned from a 12 day stay in Peru with 25 college students from SW Missouri. .. MP was the highlight of the trip! One thing we learned is to get some rest before tackling MP. We logged 14 miles afoot (all stairs) that day alone. LOVE your writing! Clever and funny ; )
Thank you so much, Jorge! That’s great to hear you had a wonderful time with your group, I can’t believe how many MILES of stairs you climbed! I’m happy you enjoy my writing! Thanks for such a nice comment, bring your students to Bolivia!
Hi! I’m volunteering with a friend this summer for a month in Peru. We’re staying in Cusco with a host family. Of course we’d love to go to Machu Picchu. We’re quite young so we don’t have much money to do this trip. I’m searching through many sites to find the cheapest but least touristic way to reach MP and, if possible, Huayna Picchu. So far i’ve found (the most preferable options) that we can go by train to Aguas Calientes, sleep there for the night and walk to MP. Another thing is the famous Inca Trail, but i fear that this will cost to much and be too touristic. The trails of the beaten path are better, but also more expensive. Do you have any suggestions what we should do? Thanks in advance x Fien, Belgium
Hi Jessica! Great tips! I’m actually going to Peru next month. One question – where did you buy your Machu Picchu tickets? My friend and I still haven’t bought ours. We were thinking of getting them days before when we get to Peru. I also know that they sell fast. Just wanted your advice and suggestion! Thank you!! 🙂
Hi, Jennifer! We purchased our tickets from the Machu Picchu ticket office in Cusco, where we also purchased our train tickets at the same time. I wish I still had the address but if I find it online I will send it to you! We were able to get our tickets with the additional admission to hike Huayna Picchu (limit of 100 hikers per day) about three days before we arrived to Aguas Calientes. That was already 4 years ago so I am not sure if there is a higher demand these days! I know my friends that just came to visit in Bolivia traveled to MP a week later and were only able to secure general Machu Picchu entrance tickets. Good luck!
Nice article I would like to say something Also be sure to bring water. In the rainy season (December-April) is recommended to wear rubber boots to walk, because the floor gets very slippery by rain, it is also best to store personal belongings and documents in a plastic bag inside the backpack. It would also be advisable to always carry an extra shirt.
I am peruvian and I would just like to recommend everyone who is planning to go to Machu Picchu to learn some Peruvian History! Specially Inca history 🙂 It will make your experience much more rich and meaningful. Without the history and culture, machu picchu is just a bunch of stones on top of a mountain without meaning. Enjoy your experience and please don’t forget to try Peruvian food!
Agreed! Great advice, Francesco! And yes, a solid Peruvian meal is the best way to round out your experience to the ruins!
I love these tips! We actually tried to hike the Inca Trail and failed THAT, ended up turning around on day 2 and having to take the train. We don’t recommend it! Our story is on our blog. But hey, at least we can all say we did eventually make it, right??
Hi Jessica
I would like to add one more tip. Don’t forget to smile all the time, especially if your dream comes true here. I was there twice and I can`t believe how this marvel was made.
Cheers from la Costa del Sol.
Bo
Such a great tip, Bo! It’s true, don’t forget to feel how incredible of an experience you are living while enjoying the ruins! Cheers!
A group of us old farts (oldest 78)went back in Oct 2009 and climbed Huayna Picchu at the 7:00 time which worked well for us because we were there early and got some great sunrise pictures with not many people in them. We also hiked to the SunGate when we were done with Huayna Picchu and walking around Machu Picchu. One thing we ran into was tons of little no see ‘ems ( kind of little biting bugs like mosquitoes) so I would recommend taking bug spray or wipes. One of my favorite trips and we’ve been all over the world. Hope to make it back there someday.
I am always so shocked to see people hiking in jeans. And some even hike in high heels! That’s just so irresponsible, I am glad you brought it up 🙂 I agree with every single point you’ve raised!
Can’t wait to try Peruvian food and and I have been interested in the Incas since sixth grade.
The highlight of my Machu Picchu trip was climbing Machu Picchu Mountain. The hike is exhausting, can take a few hours, and requires climbing some of the steepest steps imaginable, but the views on the way up and from the top were more than worth it! I would recommend taking a LOT of water with.