Machu Picchu - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Tour Highlights
- Arrive at Machu Picchu on foot after hiking the four-day Inca Trail.
- Alternatively, base yourself at Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), arriving after a spectacular train journey through the mountains.
- Travel up to the ruins in time to catch the sunrise at Machu Picchu.
- Look out for highlights among the ruins themselves including the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, Intihuatana and the Sun Gate.
- Climb Huayna Picchu, the peak at the northern end of the ruins, for views of Machu Picchu.
Travel Tips
- Visitors to Machu Picchu are limited to 2,500 per day so book ahead to avoid disappointment, especially at the busiest times.
- Only 400 people are permitted to climb Huayna Picchu per day so you will need to arrive early. This means queuing for the first bus from Aguas Calientes before 4.30am.
- Follow the vertiginous trail down from Huayna Picchu to see the less-visited Temple of the Moon.
- If you are unable to obtain a ticket for Huayna Picchu, climb Cerro Picchu to the south instead. You will be rewarded by great views and fewer crowds.
- If you want to avoid the overcrowded Inca Trail, you can take on the alternative Salkantay Trek which offers views of Machu Picchu from above before arriving at Aguas Calientes for a visit of the ruins the next day.
- Take insect repellent and be prepared for both sun and rain even in dry season.
Machu Picchu has seasonal weather so please do check up on the best time to visit Machu Picchu before planning your tour. If you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Peru, do check out our Peru Travel Guide for more information.
