Essential Information for Your Machu Picchu Adventure

Machu Picchu stands as an enduring testament to the Inca civilization’s legacy and remains an iconic global tourist attraction. Despite its lofty perch atop a mountain, this UNESCO World Heritage site draws thousands of eager visitors daily. For those contemplating a journey, there are essential details to bear in mind, particularly considering the implementation of new regulations effective since July 1, 2017. From my recent expedition, it appears that adherence to these rules may not be strictly enforced yet. Nevertheless, it remains prudent to acquaint oneself with them and be well-prepared. Here, we offer 11 invaluable tips to enhance your Machu Picchu experience.

Secure Your Tickets in Advance

Attempting to secure tickets on the day of your visit at the gate is strongly discouraged. Most tour operators recommend that you meticulously plan your excursion at least six months in advance. In some instances, securing a spot for the Inca Trail trek leading to Machu Picchu can be an arduous task, with reservations filling up nearly a year in advance, particularly during peak seasons. While there is a slim chance of obtaining tickets weeks or even days ahead of time during the off-peak season, to avert any potential disappointments and guarantee your entry on your preferred date, it is prudent to plan as far in advance as feasible. This is particularly crucial if you intend to embark on treks to limited-access sites like the nearby Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Booking well in advance is essential to secure your spot for these exclusive experiences.

Enhance Your Adventure with Optional Mountain Hiking Upgrades

If you aspire to explore the majestic peaks encompassing these ancient ruins, it’s possible to enhance your experience by opting for additional privileges when obtaining your entrance ticket. Moreover, you will receive a designated time window during which you can commence your mountain hike. For those aspiring to conquer Huayna Picchu, it’s advisable to secure entrance tickets at least three months in advance. As for the Machu Picchu Mountain adventure, making reservations three to four weeks prior to your intended visit is recommended. If you prefer a shorter, family-friendly trek that is already encompassed within your ticket price, contemplate embarking on the trails leading to the Sun Gate or the Inka Trail. These options offer a wonderful and accessible exploration of the site.

Huayna Picchu Tickets presents a shorter, yet thrilling hike that typically takes one to two hours to complete. This adventure involves steep inclines and occasionally demands the use of hands or even some crawling in areas devoid of guardrails. Given its popularity, expect larger crowds during this trek. It’s imperative to underscore that if you grapple with vertigo or harbor a fear of heights, it’s wise to bypass this expedition.

On the other hand, Machu Picchu Mountain offers a more extended hike spanning approximately two to four hours, predominantly along steep stone steps. While there are still a few precipitous sections, the trail generally doesn’t induce the same vertigo as Huayna Picchu. However, do bear in mind that this mountain ascends to greater heights, and the hike is notably longer. Importantly, these hikes are exceptionally steep and are not suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Both journeys, despite their challenges, yield breathtaking panoramic views of the ancient ruins and the majestic surrounding mountains. Exercise utmost caution during your ascent, as rescue operations in this remote locale can be exceedingly difficult due to the site’s isolated location.

The Altitude Isn’t Actually That Bad

Machu Picchu is situated at an elevation of 2,430 meters (7,972 feet) above sea level, notably lower than the city of Cusco Peru, which stands at 3,400 meters or 11,152 feet. Therefore, if you’ve already acclimatized in Cusco before your Machu Picchu visit, the likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness is relatively low. However, it’s essential to note that the altitudes at the summits of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu are significantly higher, exceeding 3,000 meters (~9,842 feet) and approximately 2,700 meters (~8,858 feet), respectively. You may feel the effects of altitude, particularly when engaging in physical activities.

If altitude-related concerns weigh on your mind, exercise caution by taking it slow and staying well-hydrated. Additionally, consider traditional remedies such as sipping coca tea, chewing coca leaves, or carrying soroche pills, which are readily available at local Peruvian pharmacies. These measures can assist in alleviating symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. It’s prudent to consult your healthcare provider in advance if you have any reservations or underlying health conditions related to high altitudes.

Visit Machu Picchu in the Morning

Thanks to the latest regulations, accessing Machu Picchu is now limited to specific time slots: either from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm or from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, depending on the slot allocated when you purchase your ticket. It’s worth noting that if you hold a morning entrance ticket, the likelihood of being asked to leave at noon is exceedingly low. In my personal experience, I stayed on-site from 6:30 am until nearly 4:00 pm with a morning Machu Picchu Tickets, and I didn’t observe anyone being requested to depart or approached by a site guardian. It’s important to acknowledge, however, that enforcement practices could potentially evolve in the future. Nonetheless, implementing an effective system to manage the departure of thousands of visitors at their designated end times presents a significant logistical challenge, which may delay the strict enforcement of this rule for some time.

There Are No Bathrooms Beyond the Main Entrance

Just outside the entrance gate of Machu Picchu, you’ll encounter a small snack bar, a restaurant, and restroom facilities. Access to these restroom facilities is available for a fee of one sol, which is approximately 30 cents. However, these amenities are the extent of the services available in this area.

Visitors are granted the allowance of one exit and re-entry during their visit. This feature can be used for bathroom breaks or to purchase snacks. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to ensure that you return inside the site before noon if you hold a morning entrance ticket and intend to extend your visit beyond the allocated time. Attempting to re-enter on a morning ticket after 12:00 pm might result in denied access.

Bring Your Passport With You — and Get It Stamped

Here’s a straightforward tip: Ensure you have your passport with you, as it’s a mandatory requirement for entry, along with your ticket. To commemorate your remarkable visit, be sure to seek out the special Machu Picchu passport stamp. You can find a dedicated stamping station just beyond the entrance, or feel free to inquire with a helpful staff member once you’re inside for precise directions.

You Shouldn’t Enter Without a Guide, but…

I observed numerous individuals entering the site without guides, and it appeared that the staff did not verify whether I had one either. If you opt not to hire a guide in advance and encounter any difficulties upon entry, rest assured that there are numerous licensed guides available in the vicinity of the entrance gate. You can conveniently hire one on the spot to enhance your Machu Picchu experience.

Wear Pants, Not Shorts

The persistent insects at Machu Picchu can be quite relentless, whether you label them as sandflies, mosquitoes, or chiggers. Their bites tend to result in weeks of persistent itching, and at times, conventional repellents may prove ineffective. To shield yourself from these bothersome insect bites, it’s highly advisable to wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing, even if the weather leans towards warmth.

During my visit, I observed some individuals donning shorts, displaying some of the most severe insect bites I’ve ever encountered — large, swollen, and fiery red patches covering their exposed skin. I personally experienced around nine bites on the two-inch area between my leggings and ankle socks, which persisted for nearly three weeks despite my use of repellent.

Opting for a repellent with a high DEET concentration can be helpful in deterring these insects. Additionally, local wisdom suggests applying shampoo to your legs and leaving it on — a technique that purportedly creates a protective “second skin” to prevent bug bites. This method comes highly recommended by the locals in the area.

Bring These Five Things — but Not a Large Backpack

Ensure that you pack both sunblock and insect repellent, or if you’re feeling adventurous, consider trying the local anti-mosquito shampoo method. Additionally, it’s wise to equip yourself with comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat, and multiple layers of clothing. The weather at Machu Picchu can be quite capricious, with chilly mornings, scorching midday heat, and sudden rain showers.

While bringing a small or regular-sized backpack is permitted, it’s essential to be aware of a specific rule regarding large backpacks. Backpacks exceeding the dimensions of 40 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm (15.7 inches x 13.7 inches x 7.9 inches) are not allowed inside, and you’ll be required to utilize lockers to store them before entering the site, incurring an additional fee.

You Can Still Bring in Water Bottles

During my visit, it appeared that the staff wasn’t inspecting the contents of backpacks, offering a convenient workaround for the prohibition against bringing in plastic water bottles and snacks. I observed individuals openly carrying sizable water bottles inside, and it was evident that this particular rule was not being actively enforced by the staff.

However, if you prefer to adhere strictly to the regulations, consider opting for reusable water bottles, as these are permitted. It’s a more environmentally-friendly choice as well. Regardless of your approach, it’s crucial to maintain responsible practices by carrying out any trash or wrappers with you when you leave.