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What You Need To Know To Visit Machu Picchu?

What You Need To Know To Visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is a must-see destination. Built by the Incas, this ancient place is famous as the “Lost City.” It is one of the most popular archaeological sites in the world.

Want to see this exciting place?  Then you have to make proper and stepwise planning.  But before you book Machu Picchu tours, there are some essential things to know. These aspects will make your visit smooth.

Machu Picchu tours

Essential Tips for Your Trip

  1. Bring All Necessary Travel Documents

  • Passport: Always have your original passport with you. You will need it to enter Machu Picchu. Photocopies won’t be accepted.
  • Any transportation tickets (train and bus): Electronic tickets on your phone are accepted. But print everything just in case of technical issues like a dead battery or no internet. If you forget to print them, your hotel can usually help you out.
  • Additionally, you also require entrance tickets.

  1. Take the Shuttle Bus

Want to travel from Aguas Calientes? You have two options:

  • hike up
  • take a shuttle bus

The Machu Picchu hike is about 90 minutes.

  • The views during the hike are limited. You might feel tired even before reaching the entrance.
  • It is quite challenging as it has a steep path through the jungle.

So, for more comfortable journey option is the 25-minute shuttle bus ride. This way, you will save energy and will be ready to see the ancient ruins once you arrive.

  1. Pack the Right Gear

The weather in the Andes can change quickly. So, be well-prepared for Machu Picchu tours.

  • Your backpack must be of standard size.
  • Larger bags will not be allowed inside the ruins.
  • You will need to leave larger bags in lockers outside the site.

In your backpack, you can carry

  • Camera
  • Phone
  • small water bottle
  • sunscreen
  • insect repellent

Food is not allowed inside. So, eat before your visit. You can also pack snacks to enjoy before you enter. The following things are banned:

  • Tripods
  • Drones
  • selfie sticks

So, leave those at your hotel.

Wear sturdy shoes and dress in layers. Mornings can be chilly. But the temperature can rise later in the day. For more comfort bring:

  • rain poncho
  • hat
  • zip-off pants

  1. Follow the Fixed Route Inside Machu Picchu

Once inside Machu Picchu, there is a fixed route that all visitors must follow. You can’t retrace your steps once you have passed a certain area. Take your time at each spot to see the views, as you won’t be able to return.

This system was introduced to help manage the flow of visitors. It also helps to preserve the site.

  1. Avoid Getting Your Passport Stamped at Machu Picchu

You may have seen other travelers showing off a Machu Picchu stamp on their passports. It might seem like a fun souvenir. But it is best to avoid it. This unofficial stamp could cause issues when traveling to other countries. This is because it is not recognized by immigration authorities.

If you want a stamp as a keepsake, bring a postcard or notebook to stamp instead.

  1. Choose the Best Train for Your Journey

Two train companies run between Cusco and Aguas Calientes:

  • Peru Rail
  • Inca Rail

You have three train options to choose from:

  • Expedition
  • Vistadome
  • luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham

Vistadome: Best train to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys during Machu Picchu tours.

Expedition:

  • This is the standard budget-friendly rain.
  • It has half-panoramic windows.

Belmond Hiram Bingham: It has

  • Onboard bar
  • fine dining
  • beautiful open-air views.

For most visitors, the Expedition or Vistadome are the best choices.

  • If you are traveling at night, the panoramic windows of Vistadome won’t add much value. So, the Expedition is more practical.
  • However, if you are returning during daylight hours, upgrade to the Vistadome. This will enhance your experience.

  1. Advance Ticket Booking

Planning to visit Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain? Always try to book your tickets in advance because

  • Tickets can sell out 2-3 months before your trip. This is because only 400 visitors are allowed per day.
  • Tickets are usually available a few weeks before your visit.

You will have a nice experience during hiking Machu Picchu.

  1. Use the Restrooms Before Entering

Restrooms are not available inside the site. That means after entering, you won’t be able to leave and return without purchasing another ticket. So,  

  • Use the restroom before entering.
  • Many public restrooms in Peru don’t have toilet paper. So, carry some tissues with you.

  1. View the Sacred Valley Before Visiting “Machu Picchu”

The Cusco altitude is more than 10,000 feet.

  • You have to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Hence, before going to Machu Picchu, see the Sacred Valley.
  • By doing so, your body will get a chance to adjust to the altitude gradually.

  1. Night Stay in Aguas Calientes

You can get rid of the heavy crowds at Machu Picchu. To do this, you must stay at night in the Aguas Calientes.

  • The Cusco to Machu Picchu day tour starts at 2:30 AM.
  • It results in a long and tiring day. But, by staying in Aguas Calientes, you can get rest.
  • This small town is a short bus ride away from the ruins.
  • You can arrive at Machu Picchu early. So, be among the first to enter the site.

Wrap Up

To enjoy the trip to Machu Picchu? You have to follow some tips in mind. Check out this blog post to learn about these tips. These will make your tour pleasant. For more details, contact us at nazcalines.net.

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