Machu Picchu

Packing list:

• Passport
• Light, breathable clothing, relaxed walking shoes, hat, poncho or rain jacket
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and repellent
• Reusable water bottle, camera, snacks
• Daypack or backpack
• Strong hiking shoes and a trekking pole if you intend to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Don’t Pack These Things for Machu Picchu:

• Drones, selfie sticks and camera tripods
• Large backpacks and luggage are not permitted. Numerous hotels provide free luggage storage. At the entrance of Machu Picchu, there are also storage lockers.
• Alcohol
• Strollers for babies are not practical. It is advised to use a baby backpack carrier instead.
• Only walking sticks and canes with rubber tips are permitted within Machu Picchu. Metal tips are not permitted.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

Since Machu Picchu is located in a remote area of Peru, there are few ways to get there. Your only two options are to ride the train or hike there since there are no highways that connect Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Aguas Calientes

Train options to Machu Picchu:

The majority of visitors opt to go by train to Machu Picchu because it is a comfortable and convenient option. With a number of morning and evening departures each day, PeruRail provides a variety of train services, including the Expedition train, the upgraded Vistadome, and the opulent Hiram Bingham.

In order to go to Aguas Calientes, travelers can either board the train in Cusco at the Poroy Station (a 20-minute taxi ride from the main plaza) or in the Sacred Valley at the train station in Ollantaytambo. The last stage of your journey is a 20-minute shuttle bus ride (ticket required) or uphill walk to Machu Picchu’s main entrance after you arrive at Machu Picchu Station.

Routes & Travel Times:

• Train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu is 4 h
• Train ride from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is 1.45 h
• Train ride from Urubamba to Machu Picchu is 3 h (limited weekly departures)

Train luggage limitations:

Because there isn’t much storage space on board the train to Machu Picchu, you must pack lightly. Only one carry-on bag that weighs no more than 5 kg (11 pounds) is permitted per passenger (5kg). Many lodging establishments in Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer complimentary luggage storage.

How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

The village of Aguas Calientes is about 400 m (or 1,310 ft) lower and 9 km ( 5.5 mi) away from the Machu Picchu archaeological monument. Buses transport people via a zigzagging switchback road between the town and the ruins from the bus stop that is only three to five min walk from the railway station in Aguas Calientes. All the tickets are included in our Machu Picchu tour.

The first buses arrive at Machu Picchu’s entrance just before the gates open at 6:00 am after leaving at 5:30 am. The early rush hour between 5:30 and 6:15 am and the arrival of the mid-morning trains from Cusco and the Sacred Valley between 9:00 and 10:00 am are typically when lines are the longest.

How to get around in Aguas Calientes:

Aguas Calientes is a tiny village that lies at the foot of Machu Picchu. It is accessible on foot and serves as the entry point to the renowned Machu Picchu ruins. These are some methods for getting around Aguas Calientes:

Walking: While Aguas Calientes is a small town, the majority of the hotels and restaurants are close to one another. The town has several paved streets and walkways, making it pedestrian-friendly as well.

Buses: You may take a bus from Aguas Calientes to the ruins of Machu Picchu. It takes the buses roughly 25 min to travel from the Aguas Calientes bus station to the entrance of the ruins. From early in the morning until late in the afternoon, buses run.

Taxis: Taxis can be found in Aguas Calientes as well. Although they are a little more expensive than buses, they provide a more direct and private mode of transportation. In the taxi stands in the town center, you can locate cabs.

There are numerous hiking trails in and near Aguas Calientes if you enjoy hiking. One well-traveled route is the ascent to Machu Picchu. Although the walk is difficult and steep, it rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and the ancient ruins.

Trains: Aguas Calientes is connected by trains to Cusco and other adjacent towns. The Andes Mountains may be seen well from the trains, which are comfortable. They do cost more than other forms of transportation, though.

Health concerns:

Machu Picchu is located at a height of 2,430 m (7,970 ft). Although Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes are at a lower height than Cusco (by around 1000 m or 3,300 ft), altitude sickness might still affect you when visiting these locations. A lot of people only have minor symptoms, such as headaches and shortness of breath, which normally go away in a day or two. Make sure that you know how to avoid altitude sickness.

Restaurant recommendations:

1. Full House Peruvian Cuisine: Offers a mix dishes from the jungle, coast and mountains. You can enjoy your meal at the balcony with a view of the river.
2. Apu Inti Restaurant: Uses organic products from the Peruvian coast, mountains and jungle. Some travelers therefore recommend Aji de Gallina or Ceviche de Trucha (trout ceviche).
3. Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine: Offers Peruvian and international food and great craft beer. It’s situated next to the Urubamba river.

For more inspiration, have a look at our blog about the best restaurants in Aguas Calientes.