Going to Machu Picchu is an excellent option to go on vacation, whether on a solo trip or with your family, since it is an experience that has a lot to do with the history of man and offers the perfect balance with nature that makes This destination is an even more interesting place.
But how to get to Machu Picchu? Discover below the steps you should follow and some recommendations that you cannot ignore to enjoy your trip to the fullest! Come on!
So how to go to Machu Picchu?
If you are looking for an economical, comfortable and accessible way to get to Machu Picchu, we invite you to follow the following steps:
First step: Arrive in the city of Cusco
There are different ways to get to the city of Cusco, but if you come from a city that is not at high altitude, we recommend traveling by BUS, as you will acclimatize little by little; with the only disadvantage that the trip would take up to 24 hours on the bus, a little exhausting; the other options by plane, for this second option when you arrive in Cusco you have to acclimatize for 1 or 2 days; before carrying out any tourist activity
also consider that because it is a famous tourist site in Peru and South America and one of the seven wonders of the world, it is necessary that you make your reservation in advance to ensure availability and because doing so will allow you to find the most affordable flight.
Now, for your comfort, always consider the airline that offers fair luggage weighing, that allows you to choose a good seat and that keeps you informed of the itinerary.
Second step: Plaza de Armas, Cusco
An important point for tourists is the Plaza de Armas, where you can get tickets to get to Machu Picchu, and the process is very simple:
First you purchase a bus ticket to Ollantaytambo;
Then, a ticket to go by train to the town of Aguas Calientes.
To get to Ollantaytambo there are several options where you can purchase your tickets, and everything will depend on the time you have to make this tour and the budget, since the rates vary according to the service providers. The main ones are: Go on a bus on the extra-urban route, it will cost you less, it is safe and suitable for everyone, and the trip lasts only two hours!
Or, if you prefer, you can hire an express trip with a travel agency.
Third step: Take the train to Aguas Calientes
The important thing is to get to Ollantaytambo to take the train that will take you to Machu Picchu, and the two train services in the area that take you to the citadel are:
- Inka Rail;
- Peru Rail.
Both service providers have trips of approximately three hours to get from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and their ticket prices vary by season and departure time.
Tour guides—especially those linked to the local tourism department—recommend that you purchase all tickets in the city (Plaza de Armas):
First you must have the train tickets;
And, then buy tickets for the Machu Picchu tour, and include a tour of the museum, Huayna Picchu mountain and Machu Picchu.
Fourth step: Choose the services
In the city or in the towns near the Inca citadel you can find all the services you want or need: restaurants, shops, bars, experiences, etc. You can also choose the accommodation, however, we recommend that you do so before traveling to avoid any negative situation.
On the other hand, the ideal thing for the first night is to stay near the Inca ruins, in order to save the time you invested in getting there. This way, you can use the remaining hours of the day and the entire next day.
Other tips to enjoy Machu Picchu to the fullest
We invite you to follow the following tips to fully enjoy this tourist gem of Peru and Latin America:
Don’t forget to try Peruvian cuisine!
You may be thinking about the natural landscape of Machi Picchu and that steals your attention. However, it is not the only thing you will enjoy in this place.
Also, it is an unbeatable opportunity to try the best of world-acclaimed Peruvian cuisine.
Dishes such as tacu tacu , carapulcra, anticucho de corazón and, of course, ceviche are part of the place’s gastronomic options.
If you don’t want to eat at Machu Picchu, but do it before to recharge your batteries, you can do it at different heights of the road that goes from Cusco.
Get to know and prepare for the entrance to Machu Picchu
Keep in mind that Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist places in the world and is the heritage of the Peruvian people.
Therefore, there are very specific rules for accessing the place and you should know them to avoid setbacks and delays. We talk about:
Avoid high-heeled shoes or hard soles, as they are prohibited for safety reasons. Only wear sports shoes.
Do not wear t-shirts and clothing with advertising advertisements, as the authorities will tell you that you must change in order to enter. That is because no brand can use Machu Picchu to promote itself without prior consent.
Leave your pet! Yes, unfortunately, the entry of animals is prohibited on site.
- To protect yourself from the sun, or possible rain, only use hats and parkas with caps, since the entry of umbrellas is prohibited.
- Never carry important metal objects, as you will be forced to leave them at the entrance to enter the areas of Machu Picchu.
- Finally, it is important that you know that you cannot bring your baby into the car, in case he or she accompanies you during the tour.
Always take into account the weather in Machu Picchu
Always take into account the weather in Machu Picchu, since rain can be surprising or have a completely sunny sky.
Be sure to schedule your visit for a sunny day with no rain forecast. Although you can visit the place in moderate rain, it is much more uncomfortable to navigate.
Ready! If you made it this far, you already know how to get to Machu Picchu and the tips you need to follow to make the most of your visit to this magical place.
Now all you have to do is enjoy your trip and do what you always wanted: take the best photo, climb Huayna Picchu, climb the mountain, visit Puerta del Sol, go to the temple or take a bath in the hot springs!
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