The Machu Picchu ruins are one of the most iconic sites in all of South America. Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, this ancient citadel is believed to have served as a royal retreat. Today, with its mesmerizing scenery and stonework, Machu Picchu attracts travelers from around the globe. Check out our Machu Picchu travel guide for some inspiration!
To make the most out of your trip, make sure to plan your Machu Picchu travel itinerary carefully and well in advance. The historic site is magnificent year-round, but the sunniest and driest season (May-September) is also the busiest.
Peru's New Wonder of the World is worth a visit!
“Our Machu Picchu tour was absolutely perfect. No delays in the pickup, a proper organisation & communication prior to the tour, a competent & happy guide and of course a stunning site: Machu Picchu itself”
Sandro K
Peru's New Wonder of the World is worth a visit!
“Our Machu Picchu tour was absolutely perfect. No delays in the pickup, a proper organisation & communication prior to the tour, a competent & happy guide and of course a stunning site: Machu Picchu itself”
Sandro K
Before booking a trip to the new wonder of the world, it’s important to know how to get to Machu Picchu. Besides that, there are many different treks to Machu Picchu and the big question of which one to choose remains?
The most picturesque way of traveling to Machu Picchu is by trekking. You can reach the royal citadel by hiking the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek.
If you’ve got time, we recommend taking the classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the 5-day Salkantay Trek, during which you’ll get to visit local villages, discover natural monuments, and sleep in comfortable beds surrounded by Peru’s awe-inspiring nature.
Bear in mind that the Inca Trail is the most popular trek in South America and you need to book the tour at least 6 months in advance. This is why you need to find the best time to do the Inca Trail. You should also check out the Inca Trail packing list and plan accordingly.
If you’re short on time – but still want to witness ancient Incan ruins and impressive scenery – consider the 2-day Inca Trail trek. During this tour, you will hike along the Urubamba River, rest in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, and hike to Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Additionally, you can opt for the Machu Picchu day tour where you will get to see the Incan ruins in a single day, traveling by car, bus or Machu Picchu train. Next to that, you can also hike one of the two mountains for an unforgettable view on Machu Picchu. Therefore, it’s crucial to know the differences of Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu mountain.
If you’re not hiking, the easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is by taking a relaxed train ride to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo). You can also take a break and enjoy some of the best restaurants in Aguas Calientes. From there, it’s a short 20-minute bus ride to the site’s main entry point. Make sure that you don’t miss out on the 8 Machu Picchu Facts before visiting this sacred place.
When packing for your trip to Machu Picchu, it’s essential to consider Machu Picchu weather and include weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. If you opt for trekking during the rainier months (October to April), don’t forget to pack high-quality rain gear as well. Check out our Salkantay Trek Packing List for more information!
Note that you can – and should – take a water bottle with you. Bringing food and eating inside the site, however, is forbidden.
The first thing you need to do is choose one of the Machu Picchu routes: Salkantay trek vs. Inca Trail. Each one has different length and difficulty so you need to take into account your physical endurance and time when choosing the right trek. For a truly remarkable experience we highly recommend the Huayna Picchu hike from where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable view on the ruins.
The next thing you should plan is buying Machu Picchu tickets in time. If you want to learn more, check out the 10 things you need to know before visiting Machu Picchu!
Ready for the mystical Machu Picchu? Learn more about the cost of a Machu Picchu trip in 2023 and check out some of the Cuscos’s must-visit sites to plan your trip.
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