My Best Machu Picchu Tips- The Adventuring Millennial

You can find Machu Picchu on many different lists. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. And of course, it’s on more than a few bucket lists.

But did you know that it could soon be included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Danger list?

Luckily, Machu Picchu hasn’t reached this status yet. But the flood of tourists on this international destination has caused some necessary operation changes.

But, don’t let this deter you from visiting this incredible site. Machu Picchu is breathtaking. And worthy of it’s place on your bucket list. You just need to know how to safely and responsibly visit this site.

Planning a trip to Machu Picchu can be overwhelming. Especially if you are doing it without a tour group. But don’t worry, I didn’t travel with a tour. And I still had a phenomenal experience.

So I am going to cover everything you need to know about visiting Machu Picchu in this post. From its history to practical info for tourists. I want to give you my best Machu Picchu tips so you can make the most of this incredible opportunity. Alright, let’s dive in!

History

Before I knew much about Machu Picchu, I assumed it was a lost Incan city. I had images of Incan royalty reigning over their citizens in this ancient town.

Interestingly, no one really knows what Machu Picchu was. (No I’m not about to introduce an Ancient Aliens theory). But, this citadel probably wasn’t a city. Instead, many historians think it was actually a retreat for Incan royalty. We do know it was completed in the 1400s and likely abandoned during the Spanish Conquest of the 1500s.

Re-Discovery

It was not until the 20th century that Machu Picchu was brought back to the general public’s consciousness. Although, it was probably never entirely lost. Some locals knew about Machu Picchu, but never tried to capitalize on its tourism potential.

As with most explorers, the person who “rediscovered” Machu Picchu is surrounded with controversy. But Hiram Bingham is regarded as the man who “rediscovered” this Incan citadel in 1911. This Yale professor was led to the ancient city by local guides. And some people think Hiram and his book (The Lost City of the Incas) were major inspirations for Indiana Jones.

Tourists

At its prime, Machu Picchu was occupied by 700 individuals. These were probably servants and staff that attended to the Incan royals.

In 2016, more than 1.4 million people visited the “Lost City”. Unfortunately, this site wasn’t built for this many guests. And the steady number of tourists brings unwanted damage to the ancient ruins.

So in 2017, UNESCO recommended a cap of 2,500 visitors per day. And you are now required to enter Machu Picchu with a tour guide. However, these regulations are slightly confusing. When I visited in 2016, these new rules were not in place. And from everything I’ve read, these are not strictly enforced today.

If you purchase a ticket in advance (they are not sold at Machu Picchu) I doubt you will be turned away if you don’t have a guide. But, tour guides are supposedly available for hire on site if this is required.

Honestly, this is what makes planning a trip to Machu Picchu difficult. There is a limited amount of reliable information online. And you really can’t find anyone to call to discuss your plans. So, I planned my trip based on blog articles I read. And I hope my post can help you navigate this challenging planning process.

If you don’t want to deal with the stress or potential risks of traveling without a tour guide, consider signing up for a tour in advance. Since I didn’t use a tour, I don’t have a strong recommendation. But I have used Viator in the past for other sites, so you may want to check their Machu Picchu tour options.

Inca Trail Hiking

The Inca Trail is one of the most popular ways to access Machu Picchu. But it’s definitely not the only way.

If you do want to hike the Inca Trail, prepare for a 4-day backpacking trek through the Peruvian mountains. You must hike with a guide. Also, a limited amount of visitors can use the trail each day, so book your trip in advance.

This is not an easy feat. But finally experiencing the views after a 4-day hike must be incredible.

Getting There

If you are staying in Cusco, take a taxi to Ollantaytambo. From there, take a train to Aguas Calientes. You can book your ticket from PeruRail or IncaRail. This is a beautiful 2-hour trip through the Sacred Valley.

Once you reach Aguas Calientes, you will need to take a bus to Machu Picchu. This trip is only about 30 minutes. You can purchase tickets from the Consettur kiosk near the departure point (the intersection of Imperio de Los Incas Avenue and Aguas Calientes River). Don’t worry, there are signs directing you to this point. Or, just look for all the other tourists eager to reach Machu Picchu.

Cost/Tickets

Let me tell you, booking Machu Picchu tickets is confusing. But don’t stress! You got this.

So, tickets are not sold at the entrance. You must purchase them in advance. And they are sold through the official website. If you have trouble with that website, you are not alone. It doesn’t translate well and often it isn’t working. But, if you are able to get it to load, follow this incredible step-by-step guide from The Thrifty Nomads. They walk you through the entire process and it is SO HELPFUL!

When you book, you have the option to add a hiking ticket for one of the two mountains at Machu Picchu. If you want to hike Montana or Huayna Picchu, add these when you purchase your entrance tickets.

Also, Machu Picchu tickets are now sold as a morning or afternoon ticket. So make sure you know what time you want to enter the site.

Ticket prices vary depending on the season. But they are generally around $70 (or $85 if you add a mountain hike).

If you book a guided tour, they should take care of the ticket booking process.

Where to Stay

You can access the ruins as a day trip from Ollantaytambo. But my recommendation is to stay in Aguas Calientes. That way, you can get on the first bus of the day to Machu Picchu.

There are plenty of hotels in Aguas Calientes. It is a major departure point for Machu Picchu, so the town caters to tourists. You will also find a lot of bars and restaurants in the city. After a full day of exploring Machu Picchu, enjoy an evening soak in the Aguas Termales (hot springs).

When to Go

January and February are the rainiest months. Also, the Inca Trail is always closed in February for renovations.

Don’t forget, North American summers are South American winters. If you visit during the North American summer (June-August), you will be treated to drier days but lots of tourists from the northern hemispheres.

But, even though it will be crowded, April-October is the nicest time to visit. Winters in Machu Picchu are not very cold. The skies are (generally) clear so you can capture that ideal Machu Picchu shot.

What to Do in Machu Picchu

Ok, you’ve figured out the ticket process. You traveled to Aguas Calientes and finally made your way to Machu Picchu. Now what?

Well, there is plenty to do at this ancient site.

Firstly, soak it in. Take pictures. Let it sink in that you are actually in Machu Picchu!

If you are on a tour, your guide should take you around the different ruins. But if you are on your own, make sure not to miss the highlights. Make your way to the Temple of the Sun and the Guardhouse for some incredible views. Take a 30-min walk along the Inca Bridge. And spend time relaxing in the grassy common area.

If you booked a mountain hike, enjoy the journey along the Montana or Huayna Picchu paths. I chose to hike Montana. This was a strenuous hike, but well worth the sweat. The top offered a unique perspective on the Incan ruins.

Safety

Machu Picchu is generally a safe site. But during your visit, you should be aware of a few things.

You will see llamas. These cute animals are quintessentially Peruvian. And I’m sure you want a picture of them. I mean who doesn’t. You, Machu Picchu and a llama? Talk about a great Insta shot.

But you need to be respectful. Llamas are animals after all. While they are usually calm, they can get easily agitated. So be smart and careful. And please, don’t try to feed them.

Also, be aware of the altitude. Machu Picchu’s elevation is almost 8,000 ft. (But that’s nothing compared to Cusco’s 11,000 ft). Machu Picchu is almost 3,000 feet higher than Denver, Colorado.

So, listen to your body. Take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol the night before you visit Machu Picchu. If possible, spend a few days before in Cusco or Ollantaytambo adjusting to the altitude change. Machu Picchu was one of the last stops on my South American trip. So, I was accumulated to the altitude and didn’t experience any sickness during my visit.

Quick Tips

Bring your passport. You need this to get into Machu Picchu. Also, there is a fun passport stamp you can add to your collection.

You are not supposed to bring food into the site. You can pack a reusable water bottle, but disposable bottles are not allowed. If you are entering Machu Picchu in the afternoon, try to eat lunch in Aguas Calientes before you leave. If you want to splurge, you can enjoy a buffet lunch at the Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu. Or, enjoy a variety of options from the large snack bar outside Machu Picchu’s entrance.

Bonus: Question from Instagram Story

So, on my Instagram Story, I invited you guys to ask questions about visiting Machu Picchu. I want to address one of these questions here.

“Would it be worth visiting if you have knee problems?”

In my opinion, yes. You will see get to see one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This is an incredible opportunity. However, there is a lot of walking once you are in Machu Picchu. And the ancient Incans didn’t make this easy for everyone. So, be aware you will have to go up and down a lot of steps during your visit. I would suggest skipping the mountain hikes. But even spending most of your day relaxing in the grassy common area would be worth it. The view is unbeatable!

Alright, I hope this guide helped as you plan your Machu Picchu trip. Don’t be intimidated by the challenging booking process. If millions of visitors have figured it out, you can too! But please, don’t hesitate to ask me any questions about this process.

If you want more check out my other Peru Guide:

5 Beautiful Places in Peru to Give You Serious Wanderlust