Most people fly into Cusco from Lima, which is the capital of Peru. It’s a pretty easy flight and takes about an hour and a half. Once you land in Cusco, the best way to get to your hotel is by taxi. It’s a good idea to have your hotel arrange one for you, or you can grab one at the airport. It’s also smart to spend a day or two in Cusco to get used to the altitude before you head off to Machu Picchu.

Cusco has a wide range of hotels that fit all kinds of budgets. Here are a few suggestions:

-Luxury: If you want to treat yourself, places like Belmond Hotel Monasterio, Palacio del Inka or JW Marriott are fantastic options. They combine historic charm with modern comfort.

-Mid-Range: For something comfortable but not too expensive, check out Casa Andina Premium,Tierra Viva Cusco Centro or Novotel Cusco.

-Budget: If you’re traveling on a budget, Pariwana Hostel or Hostal El Triunfo are affordable and popular choices.

It’s always a good idea to book your hotel early, especially during the busy season from June to August. That way, you’ll have more choices and get the best deals.

There’s a lot to see around Cusco! Here are some day trips you might want to consider:

- City Tour: This tour takes you to explore the highlights of Cusco City: Plaza de Armas, 12 Angled Stone Street, Qoricancha, Sacsayhuaman, Puka Pukara, Q'enqo, Tambomachay, and more!
-Sacsayhuaman: This is an incredible Inca site just outside the city, and it gives you an amazing view of Cusco. You can spend a few hours wandering around the ruins.
-Moray and Maras: This is a great trip where you can see the fascinating circular terraces of Moray and the salt mines at Maras. It’s a cool way to learn about ancient farming techniques and how salt is harvested naturally.
-Pisac: A visit to Pisac lets you explore some impressive Inca ruins and visit its famous local market, where you can pick up handmade crafts and souvenirs.
-Rainbow Mountain: This tour includes a guided tour to Rainbow Mountain, where you'll see stunning views of the colorful landscape. You'll also explore Red Valley,

You can either join a tour with us or hire a taxi to take you to these spots.

Cusco is pretty high up, sitting at about 3,400 meters (11,155 feet), so it’s common for people to feel the effects of altitude. Here are some tips to help you adjust:

• Take it easy on your first day, try to relax and avoid any heavy physical activity. It’s best to give your body a little time to adjust.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps your body cope with the altitude. Many locals recommend trying coca tea, too, which is known to help with altitude sickness.
• Avoid consuming alcohol, rest the necessary, and eat light (chicken soup or pumpkin cream soup)

If you still feel off, pharmacies in Cusco sell medication like Diamox or Sorojchi pills that can help with altitude sickness.

What you pack depends on the season and whether you’re hiking or taking the train. Here’s a simple list to guide you:

• Clothes: Pack layers as the weather changes throughout the day. Lightweight clothes are great for hiking, but don’t forget a warm jacket for cooler evenings. A rain jacket is also important if you’re visiting during the rainy season (November to March).
• Shoes: If you’re trekking, you’ll definitely want sturdy hiking boots. But if you’re just taking the train, a good pair of comfortable walking shoes will do.
• Daypack: Bring a small backpack to carry things like water, snacks, sunscreen, and your camera.
• Hat and Sunglasses: The sun can be pretty intense up there, so you’ll want something to protect your face and eyes.
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Sunscreen is a must to protect against UV rays, and bug spray will keep the mosquitoes away, especially if you’re near the jungle areas.
• Camera/Phone: Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone—you’ll want to capture the beautiful scenery.

If you’re doing a multi-day hike, make sure you pack light but don’t leave out any essentials!

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There are several trekking options to Machu Picchu, each offering something unique. Here’s a quick look at the main routes:

-Classic Inca Trail: This is the most famous route and takes about four days. It follows an ancient Inca road all the way to Machu Picchu. Since permits are limited, you’ll need to book well in advance.
-Short Inca Trail: If you don’t have much time, the 2-day Short Inca Trail is a good option. You still get a taste of the Inca Trail but with less hiking.
-Salkantay Trek: This one’s more adventurous and takes 4-5 days. It takes you through stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains and lush valleys.
-Lares Trek: The Lares Trek is great if you’re interested in experiencing Andean culture. You’ll pass through remote villages and have the chance to meet locals. It’s less crowded and takes around 3-4 days.

Remember: When choosing your trek, consider your time, fitness level, and the kind of experience you want.

If you’re looking for something truly special, there are a few luxury options near Machu Picchu that offer an amazing experience:

-Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: This is a beautiful eco-lodge located in Aguas Calientes. It’s surrounded by nature, and they offer luxury rooms, a spa, and guided nature walks. It’s perfect if you want to relax after your visit to Machu Picchu.
-Belmond Sanctuary Lodge: If you want to stay right next to Machu Picchu, this is the only hotel near the entrance to the ruins. It’s super convenient and offers stunning views, plus you can enjoy a meal with a view of the surrounding mountains.
-Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel: This luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes combines comfort with Peruvian culture. The hotel also offers gourmet dining and spa treatments—ideal for unwinding after your trek.
-Glamping Experiences: For something more adventurous, some tour companies offer glamping (luxury camping) near Machu Picchu. These experiences usually include private tents with comfortable beds, gourmet meals, and a stunning natural setting.

These options are a bit pricier, but they can really elevate your Machu Picchu experience.

Buying tickets for Machu Picchu is pretty straightforward, but it’s important to plan ahead, especially during peak season. Here’s how you can do it:

-Online: The official government website is the best place to buy your tickets. You can choose different options, like entry to just Machu Picchu, or a combination ticket that includes hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
-Tour Operators: If you’re booking a trek or a guided tour, your tour operator will usually take care of the tickets for you, so you don’t have to worry about it.
-In Person: You can also buy tickets at the Cusco Cultural Center or in Aguas Calientes, but this can be risky if you’re visiting during the high season. Tickets often sell out, especially for the popular hikes like Huayna Picchu.

It’s best to book your tickets as early as possible, especially if you want to do one of the mountain hikes, as they have limited spaces.

There are a few different train services to choose from, depending on your budget and how luxurious you want the journey to be:

All of these trains will get you to Aguas Calientes, which is the town closest to Machu Picchu.

Yes, there’s actually an alternative route that doesn’t involve the classic train or hiking routes. It’s called the Hydroelectric Route:

• By Car and Walking: You can take a bus or car from Cusco to the Hydroelectric Station, which is near Aguas Calientes. From there, you can walk along the train tracks for about 2-3 hours to reach the town. It’s a bit of an adventure and takes longer than the train, but it’s a much cheaper option. Many budget travelers choose this route.

This route is a bit more rugged, but if you’re up for an adventure and want to save some money, it’s a fun alternative to the train.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for:

Whenever you go, it’s best to book your tickets, trains, and tours well in advance.

Travel insurance is always a smart idea, especially for a trip like this. Here’s what you should look for when buying travel insurance for Machu Picchu:

• Trip Cancellation and Interruption: This covers you if you have to cancel your trip due to illness, weather, or other unforeseen events. It’s especially important if you’ve booked tours or tickets that are non-refundable.
• Medical Coverage: Since you’ll be traveling to high altitudes and possibly hiking, it’s important to have medical coverage in case of an emergency. Make sure it covers altitude sickness, as well as basic medical treatment.
• Adventure Sports Coverage: If you’re planning to do any trekking or other adventurous activities, make sure your insurance covers adventure sports.
• Evacuation: If you’re trekking in remote areas, having coverage for emergency evacuation is important. In the rare event you need to be airlifted to a hospital, this can save you thousands of dollars.

Make sure to read the fine print and understand what’s included in your policy. It’s worth the peace of mind.

Of course! Aguas Calientes offers several good restaurants where you can enjoy both local and international cuisine. Here are some spots you should try:

-Indio Feliz: This place is famous for its fusion of Peruvian and French cuisine. It’s a cozy restaurant with great dishes like trout and Andean soups, and it’s a favorite among tourists.
-Tree House Restaurant: If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, Tree House offers a creative menu with Peruvian flavors and international influences. The setting is rustic but charming, and the food is delicious.
-Café Inkaterra: This café serves traditional Peruvian dishes with a gourmet twist. The setting is beautiful, and the menu includes things like alpaca steaks, fresh trout, and quinoa salads.
-Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine: This restaurant is perfect for those who want to enjoy Peruvian cuisine with a good craft beer. You will find dishes like ceviche, lomo saltado, and aji de gallina.

If you want to try something local, choose trucha a la plancha (grilled trout) or aji de gallina, a classic Peruvian dish made with chicken, a creamy sauce, and rice.

Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain offer fantastic views, but they’re quite different hikes. Below will show you what you need to know:

• Huayna Picchu: This is the famous steep peak you see in the background of most Machu Picchu photos. The hike is shorter but steeper, and it can be a bit challenging with narrow stairs and sections that require holding onto ropes. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach the top, but the view is absolutely worth it. If you’re looking for an adventurous hike with a little bit of a thrill, Huayna Picchu is a great choice.
• Machu Picchu Mountain: This hike is longer and less steep than Huayna Picchu. It’s not as popular, so there are usually fewer people on the trail. The hike takes about 2-3 hours to reach the summit, but the views from the top are stunning, with a wide panoramic view of the entire Machu Picchu site and the surrounding mountains.

If you want a shorter, more intense hike, go for Huayna Picchu. If you prefer a longer, more gradual hike with fewer crowds, Machu Picchu Mountain is the way to go.

There are two main train companies that take you to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and IncaRail both offer different classes of service, so here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- PeruRail: With over 20 years of experience, offers a range of trains from affordable to exclusive, providing an authentic connection to the Andes’ culture and landscapes. (Vistadome, Expedition, Hiram Bingham)
- IncaRail: Combines modern comfort with Andean tradition, offering personalized options for a memorable journey to Machu Picchu. (The voyager, the 360°, first class, the private)

Yes, it’s possible to visit Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco, but it can be a bit rushed. So, below, we present two options:

-Day Trip from Cusco: If you’re short on time, you can take an early morning train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, visit Machu Picchu, and return to Cusco in the evening. You’ll need to catch a train around 5:00 or 6:00 AM and then a late train back in the evening. It’s doable, but it’s a long day of travel, with most of it spent on the train.
-Overnight in Aguas Calientes: Many travelers prefer to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, the town right below Machu Picchu. This way, you can take a more relaxed approach—arrive in Aguas Calientes the day before, get some rest, and then take the early morning bus up to Machu Picchu. You can explore the site without feeling rushed and have more time to enjoy the experience.

If you’re not pressed for time, staying overnight in Aguas Calientes gives you a chance to relax, enjoy the town, and maybe even take a dip in the hot springs after your visit to the ruins.

Yes, to protect the site and enhance visitor experience, there’s a limit to how many people can enter Machu Picchu each day. Tickets are capped at around 5,600 for general entry, so it’s a good idea to book well in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during peak season.

Absolutely! While the rainy season (November to March) can bring some wet weather, Machu Picchu is open and safe to visit. Just be sure to pack a rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and be prepared for some mud on the trails. The benefit? Fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, and a more serene experience.

You’ll need your passport to enter Machu Picchu, so keep it safe and handy. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll also need their passports. And don’t forget your entrance ticket! Tickets must be purchased in advance, as you can’t buy them at the entrance.

No, the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is only accessible if you’re arriving via the Inca Trail. This entry point offers the classic first view of Machu Picchu that trekkers experience at the end of their journey. For those visiting by train from Aguas Calientes, the Sun Gate isn't included, as it’s exclusive to the Inca Trail route.