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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.