Machu Picchu Travel Information

Machu Picchu is visited by 1.5 million tourists each year and is a proud member of the exclusive club of The United Nations Organization UNESCO, being officially one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Machu Picchu also sits firmly atop many people’s bucket lists, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Peru. If you are thinking of organizing a trip to Machu Picchu, here is some essential information that ensures your visit will be an unforgettable one.

Decide the best time to travel to Machu Picchu:

It is no secret that the weather in Machu Picchu can be unpredictable, so choosing the best time to visit Machu Picchu is paramount. Throughout the year, the sanctuary of Machu Picchu experiences two main climatic seasons:

The rainy season 

The rainy season in Machu Picchu Runs from December till April. Throughout this period there is a lot of precipitation, so the experience is very different to that of the dry season. Although Machu Picchu and the surrounding archaeological sites are open all year round, it is likely that they may be shrouded in mist. Daytime temperatures during the rainy season can reach a maximum of 20°C and drop to 10°C after dusk, but with 12 hours of high-altitude sunshine a day, you will only tend to feel the cold throughout the night.

If you plan to Travel to Machu Picchu during the rainy season, we recommend that you prepare for your visit with clothing suitable for wind and rain, and take care when navigating the trails.

It is prudent to consider however, that although the rainy season experiences more challenging weather conditions, visitors can take advantage of fewer tourists and less crowds. Naturally, this provides you with an opportunity to share the beautiful green scenery with less people and perhaps even that famous view accompanied by a colourful rainbow.

The dry season 

The dry season in Machu Picchu is from April to December. Throughout this period, there can be significant temperature differences throughout the day and night. The mornings tend to be warm with an average temperature between 17 – 19 ° C. But the nights can be very frigid, with temperatures often falling below 0°C, especially in the winter in June and July.

What makes this season so attractive though is the consistent good weather due to the lack of rainfall. This is why the drier months bring with them many tourists, with the high season for tourism falling between May and July.

Consequently, we recommend that visitors favour the dry season, with the best months for exploring Machu Picchu being between May and October. Not only are the conditions during the dry season more preferable, but your souvenir photo of Machu Picchu is almost certain to be much more glorious throughout the drier months.

Reserve entrance tickets in advance:

Before your trip you must book your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. As there is a limited number of visitors that are permitted to enter each day, we recommend booking them 2 to 3 months in advance, especially during the high season. There are two options for reserving Machu Picchu entrance tickets. Either through a registered tour operator, or through the official ticketing platform. Remember that if you are a student with a valid ISIC card, or are part of the Andean Community (Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia), you will receive a special discount.

Choosing the type of entrance:

Entering Machu Picchu can be achieved through purchasing a variety of different entrance tickets. The standard pass allows you to enter the citadel once in a single day at the designated entrance time of your choosing. The ticket will also be specific to the circuit of your choosing, permitting you to visit certain sites within the Sanctuary alongside your guide. If your ticket is combined with the Inca Trail, then you will have different access benefits than that of a standard ticket. If your ticket includes Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain, they you will be able to hike to the summit(s) alongside your guide.

Choose the means of transportation:

Once you have landed in Cusco, there are a number of different routes you can take to reach the gates of Machu Picchu. The most popular and direct route is that of the tourist train from either Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Alternatively, you can take a car to Hydroelectrica and then walk for 3 hours along the railway line. Or if you fancy a more lengthy adventure, you can chose from the multitude of trekking options including the famous Classic 4-day Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu, and the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu.

Choosing the trek route:

If you prefer to hike to Machu Picchu on one of the many multi hikes that lead to the Inca citadel, then you will need to choose which is best for you depending on your fitness level, ability to perform at altitude and prior hiking experience. The 2 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers visitors the opportunity to hike to the Inca city in one day, however the rest of these trails involve 3, 4 or even 5 days of hiking, which can be a test of stamina and determination for the best of us.

Hire a tour guide:

It is not a mandatory requirement to enter Machu Picchu with a tour guide, however it is highly recommended if you wish to have a full and complete experience. Professional tour guides are usually bilingual and will accompany visitors on the classic tour for approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the circuit permitted by your entrance ticket. The guide will provide you will valuable information about the history and cultural significance of the site and ensure that you do not miss out on any of the highlights!

Prepare for altitude:

The city of Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,400 m / 11,155 ft and Machu Picchu at 2,430 m / 7972 ft. It is therefore important that visitors allow themselves time to acclimatize before embarking on any physical activity. If you are signed up for a hike to Machu Picchu, then it is also advisable to bring appropriate clothing and equipment for the hike, including sturdy shoes, a raincoat, and a comfortable backpack.

Prepare for safety:

The sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a relatively safe place for visitors. However, we always advice that you are alert and take precautionary measures inside the citadel, including keeping your belongings safe and following the tour guide’s instructions at all times.

If you head this information, we are confident that you will be able to plan a trip to Machu Picchu that will be unforgettable and hassle-free.