Machu Picchu
Attractions Eating & Drinking Tips & Advices Sustainability

Machu Picchu

Travel Machu Picchu is the ultimate adventure you can take in Peru. What is Machu Picchu? It is an archeological site hidden between mountains at 7972 feet above sea level. A sanctuary, a royal palace, or a fortress, the experts haven’t decided yet which was its original purpose. 

But one thing is certain for everybody- Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible engineering and architectural masterpieces of the ancient world. The trip to Machu Picchu starts in Aguas Calientes, a quaint village between the Peruvian Andes, a train ride away from the popular city of Cusco. From Aguas Calientes (“hot waters”) a bus takes travelers through winding roads up to Machu Picchu’s main entrances. You can wander the citadel, and visit the Gate of the Sun, and other places used to perform sacred rituals. This is our tailored guide to traveling Machu Picchu. keep reading and find information about attractions, restaurants, transportation, and more for your next trip.

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Tips & Advices

Tips & Advices

Can I travel to Machu Picchu from Lima?

Yes. From Lima, you can fly to Cuzco, then take the train to Aguas Calientes. There is no airport in Aguas Calientes.

What should I pack for Machu Picchu?

Hiking boots! And comfortable hiking clothes. A windbreaker can be useful, especially for the rainy season (December-April). You’ll also need a warm jacket when temperatures drop at night.

What destinations include Machu Picchu packages?

Usually, to travel Machu Picchu comprises a minimum of 8 days travel package. Destinations like Lima, Cuzco, and Sacred Valley can be easily combined with the Machu Picchu experience.

What was Machu Picchu used for?

Some believe it was a religious ceremonial hub and others the political and administrative center of the Inca empire. Today it is famous for being a stunning example of engineering and architectural dexterity.  

When is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu?

Out of the rainy season (December-April). So, the best time to visit the citadel is during May and November. 

Where is Machu Picchu on the map?

Machu Picchu is a fortress between the mountains in southern Peru, neighboring Bolivian and Brazilian Amazonia.

Can you drive to machu Picchu?

No. The only way to reach the archeological site is through Aguas Calientes. Once there, you can take a bus or walk to the site. The trail is around 6 miles of windy road. 

How can I travel to Aguas Calientes?

The only way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, from Cuzco or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. 

Can I visit Machu Picchu without a guide?

No, to visit the archeological site an official guide is mandatory.

How much it cost the entrance to Machu Picchu?

The general entrance fee including only the visit to the citadel it’s around 60 USD per adult. Expensive entrance fees include, for example, a visit to the Huayna Picchu or the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum to see ceramics and other pieces found by archeologists in Machu Picchu. 

Can I book my trip back and forward to Machu Picchu?

Yes, we worked with the local operator from Perú. 

 

How many days should I stay in Machu Picchu?

The recommendation is 3 nights and 2 days. One to visit the ruins, and a second to enjoy Aguas Calientes or a second visit to Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu. 

 

Can I travel to Machu Picchu from Lima?

Yes. From Lima, you can fly to Cuzco, then take the train to Aguas Calientes. There is no airport in Aguas Calientes.

What destinations include Machu Picchu packages?

Usually, to travel Machu Picchu comprises a minimum of 8 days travel package. Destinations like Lima, Cuzco, and Sacred Valley can be easily combined with the Machu Picchu experience.

When is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu?

Out of the rainy season (December-April). So, the best time to visit the citadel is during May and November. 

Can you drive to machu Picchu?

No. The only way to reach the archeological site is through Aguas Calientes. Once there, you can take a bus or walk to the site. The trail is around 6 miles of windy road. 

Can I visit Machu Picchu without a guide?

No, to visit the archeological site an official guide is mandatory.

Can I book my trip back and forward to Machu Picchu?

Yes, we worked with the local operator from Perú. 

 

What should I pack for Machu Picchu?

Hiking boots! And comfortable hiking clothes. A windbreaker can be useful, especially for the rainy season (December-April). You’ll also need a warm jacket when temperatures drop at night.

What was Machu Picchu used for?

Some believe it was a religious ceremonial hub and others the political and administrative center of the Inca empire. Today it is famous for being a stunning example of engineering and architectural dexterity.  

Where is Machu Picchu on the map?

Machu Picchu is a fortress between the mountains in southern Peru, neighboring Bolivian and Brazilian Amazonia.

How can I travel to Aguas Calientes?

The only way to reach Aguas Calientes is by train, from Cuzco or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. 

How much it cost the entrance to Machu Picchu?

The general entrance fee including only the visit to the citadel it’s around 60 USD per adult. Expensive entrance fees include, for example, a visit to the Huayna Picchu or the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum to see ceramics and other pieces found by archeologists in Machu Picchu. 

How many days should I stay in Machu Picchu?

The recommendation is 3 nights and 2 days. One to visit the ruins, and a second to enjoy Aguas Calientes or a second visit to Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu. 

 

Sustentability

Sustentability

Manage of waste

 

One of the major problems of preserving Machu Picchu is poor waste management. Local companies are making big efforts to reduce and recycle single-use plastics.

 

You can help too! Follow these best practices for responsible traveling:

 

  • Bring all waste back with you to Aguas Calientes.
  • Choose to bring reusable bottles.
  • If you smoke, bring all cigarettes back. Don’t leave them in nature.
  • Try to use cloth bags instead of plastic wrappers.

 

Recycling and Biodiesel 

 

There is a local project created to recycle used oil from houses, hotels, and restaurants in Machu Picchu. This oil is then turned into biodiesel energy and organic glycerin used to clean the stone floors and sidewalks of Aguas Calientes. 

 

Before this initiative, 2000 liters of oil ended up in the river Urubamba.

 

Biodiesel is a lesser pollutant fuel- It reduces up to 44% of the carbon footprint, much more than regular fuel. On the other hand, organic glycerin features a lesser chemical structure which makes it biodegradable. 

 

 

Manage organic wastes

 

Biocarbon is a natural fertilizer used to reforest Machu Picchu’s surrounding forest. Around eight tons of organic waste can be processed per day. 

 

Reducing visitors to preserve the environment

 

A couple of years ago, authorities decided to reduce the number of people on site. The archeological site is a fragile environment. Roads and rocks degraded with time and group visits. That’s why group visits are scheduled and have a limited number of visitors per day. This will help preserve Machu Picchu for future generations, as beautiful as we know it!

 

Sustainability tips

 

  • Take your reusable bag with you when you go shopping.
  • Choose the consumption of local products from artisans and small producers.
  • Travel the city by bike or on foot. It is healthy and does not leave a carbon footprint.
  • When you go on an excursion, ask for food without plastic wrap.
  • Don’t leave trash in nature.
  • Take a reusable bottle with you to carry water in restaurants.
  • Don’t feed native fauna.
  • Use rechargeable batteries and batteries.