Machu Picchu is on so many travel bucket lists for a reason. The Lost City of the Incas is iconic and clouded in mystery, delicious food, and rich culture. It's not a straightforward path to this UNESCO World Heritage site, but it's well worth it to see it.
It might be a bit tricky for first-timers to get around, so reading up on Machu Picchu travel tips before you go is a great idea. Generally, it is very safe to travel to Machu Picchu. That being said, travel tips can be very helpful for your health and overall well-being when planning to travel to Machu Picchu.
There are a variety of experiences when embarking on a Machu Picchu travel excursion. Adventure tours in Peru take you to all the destinations you want to go to. Exciting options range from hiking the Inca Trail to zip-lining along the stunning Peruvian Andes.
Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu?
Experience the serenity of Machu Picchu, where safety meets adventure.
Yes, it is safe to travel to Machu Picchu. Of course, safety levels can change at any time, but generally, it is safe. To get the latest Peru travel advisory go to Travel.State.Gov. For the most part, Peru is at a level two out of four. Check for updates on the U.S. State Department website to see which areas you should avoid to stay safe from crime and political unrest.
If you would feel more secure with certified tour guides, by all means, try a tour company like IMA Safaris. You will be guided to fun and entertaining activities while feeling safe in a group. While on adventures, keep in mind that hiking areas and streets are not even to walk on, so be careful to wear the right gear that protects you and keeps you safe and healthy.
Concerning health, is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu? Yes, but be aware of altitude sickness. This can wipe you out for days if you do not take proper precautions ahead of time. So stay hydrated and talk to your doctor for more tips. Additionally, avoid using unfiltered water while in Peru. It is not recommended to drink from the tap. Bring a water filter with you or buy bottled water while abroad.
When is a good time to travel to Machu Picchu?
There are many options to choose from when deciding when to travel to Machu Picchu. While Machu Picchu can be enjoyed any time of year, there are preferred times recommended for tourists. The best times to go during the year are late spring to early fall, so May to October. During this time, the weather will be nicer because it's during their dry season.
The summer months from June to August will be the busiest, so if you want to avoid the crowds, go during May, September, or October. It also might be less expensive if you decide to go during the off-season. The weather will be better this time of year compared to the winter months.
The peak rainy season starts around late December to early January. Beware that temperatures can range from 52 degrees to 59 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 degrees to 11 degrees Celsius) during the day in the winter. At night, it can get below-freezing temperatures around 23 degrees Fahrenheit or -5 degrees Celsius.
Overall, the temperatures in Machu Picchu are mild and range from 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. That's 20 degrees Celcius to 25 degrees Celsius. Essentially, it's up to you when you want to go, just make sure you are prepared for whatever weather you encounter while in Peru.
How much does it cost to travel to Machu Picchu?
Embark on an unforgettable journey without breaking the bank—adventure awaits!
Traveling to Machu Picchu doesn't have to be expensive. If you budget, get good deals on flights, and/or book a tour with a provider or travel company, you can have a great time abroad without worrying too much about money.
IMA Safaris has private tours with professionals to guide you on your treks. Their packages can include transportation costs, hotel accommodations, some meals, and more. So, how much does it cost to travel to Machu Picchu with IMA Safaris? They have adventurous and exciting tours starting at around $1,650 USD or 1,506.41 euros.
If you want to travel to Machu Pichuu to volunteer, study, intern, or work abroad, there are scholarship options that can help you with this. Look for scholarships and deals on GoAbroad.com here. After you fill out the form, you will find scholarships and deals on programs that align with your interests. This tool will filter out scholarships based on your eligibility as well.
FundMyTravel is another great resource to cover your travel expenses. On this website, you create your campaign, get the word out, and then get donations funded straight to you. Just note, that the website will take out 5% of all donations to pay for their services.
6 Useful Machu Picchu travel tips
1. Stay healthy during your trip and talk with a doctor before you leave.
Altitude sickness is a very common issue tourists encounter when visiting Machu Picchu. Talk with your doctor about ways to avoid this sickness and take your medicine with you when you travel to Peru. There may be altitude sickness medicine in Peru, but oftentimes it is sold out, so make your you bring it with you from your home country.
Make sure you stay hydrated. This is crucial to staying healthy and avoiding getting sick. The elevation levels will make you dehydrated more quickly, so bring lots of water bottles with you. If you can, bring a water filter with you to refill your water bottles.
2. Book your tickets ahead of time.
Secure your spot ahead of time and savor the beauty of this ancient wonder.
Unless you decide to go on a paid tour, you will most likely need to purchase tickets to get to Machu Picchu. Always book your tickets ahead of time if at all possible because tickets to Machu Picchu often sell out.
One of the first tickets you need to purchase is transportation tickets for trains and/or buses. It is recommended to book a train ticket on Peru Rail. It will allow you to see the gorgeous landscapes as you travel from Cusco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes).
Then when you arrive at the gates, you must present your ticket to the site. Additionally, you need to present your original passport to the park officials. A photocopy will not be accepted, only the original.
3. Use a Guide.
As you arrive at the entrance to go into Macchu Picchu, expect to be approached by many individuals selling their services and souvenirs. One of the most useful services offered is guides to take you into Machu Picchu.
Many guides are on standby to help if you want to learn more about your surroundings and the cultural influences. They can teach you about the history of the region while offering you a direct path to see everything you want to see. However, if you don't want a guide to help, you don't need one. They are not needed for entrance to the park.
4. Go on a hike with an official guide.
Venture into history—let a guide lead you through breathtaking trails.
Sure, you do not need a guide to enter the park, but if you want to go on famous and popular hikes like the Inca Trail, you will need a guide. Think about it, this path is centuries old and elevates to over 13,000 feet, so you will want a guide to help you get the best experience possible.
Oftentimes, the Inca Trail sells out, because visitors are limited each day to maintain the park. So make sure you book your tickets early. If it's sold out there are other trails and treks you can choose from, the Incas Trail is not the only one available.
5. Plan ahead what time of day you want to go.
There are many options for what time is best to go to Machu Picchu. The most popular time is from 11am-3pm. This is the time most tourists visit the area.
If you want to beat the crowds, you could always go first thing in the morning by taking the first bus at 5:30 a.m. There will be fewer crowds and more peaceful moments you can experience by going at sunrise. Alternatively, sunset is a very popular time to explore Machu Picchu. Not only will you get to see the gorgeous sunset over the horizon, but sunrise and sunset provide great lighting for taking pictures!
6. Protect yourself from the elements.
The sun can get brutal especially when you are battling changing elevation levels and hiking up mountains. So, make sure you protect yourself with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Make sure you reapply the sunscreen often to prevent skin damage, sunburn, and dehydration.
Sometimes random rain storms may come out of nowhere, so make sure you bring a rain jacket to stay dry and comfortable. Note, that umbrellas are not allowed in Machu Picchi, so leave them at the hotel. Also, wear the right type of shoes that are comfortable and reliable for your hiking adventures.
You’ll never forget your time at Machu Picchu!
Capture the magic of Machu Picchu and let the adventure transform you!
Traveling to Machu Picchu will change you for the better. You will develop an adventurous spirit that will continue with you even after you have returned home. Whether you hike up to see legendary views or stay local to the cities, you will have a great time visiting Machu Picchu.
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