Like everybody and their mother, Machu Picchu had been a bucket list, dream destination for me for as long as I can remember. Images of those mist-shrouded ruins perched high atop the Andes had filled my wanderlust-fueled daydreams for years. Let me tell you friends, the reality most certainly meets, if not exceeds expectations.
However, before lacing up your hiking boots and venturing off on your own Machu Picchu adventure, there are some crucial things to take note of. From navigating the permit process, to choosing the best time to visit, consider this your ultimate cheat-sheet to fully experiencing the Lost City of the Incas.
A Guide Is Not Mandatory
While you’ll find many places, such as the official website for Machu Picchu itself, claiming that the location has a mandatory guide policy, this isn’t entirely true; or at least, they fail to make it true. Whether it came into effect and was later scrapped, or it was never enforced at all, is up for debate, and you can certainly hire one if you like. In fact, they’re swarming the entry location, insisting on you taking one of them a long, for a fee of course. However, if you prefer exploring independently, know that this is entirely possible and I found to be more enjoyable.
You Must Pick a Circuit & Time Slot
Machu Picchu has become a major tourist attraction. As a result, they have chosen to implement a circuit system. Your ticket will permit you access to only one circuit and with it one time slot (a one hour window in which you may enter the site.
Technically, a single ticket allows you to be in the site for a maximum of 4 hours, but this is not at all enforced (at least it wasn’t enforced during my visit).
Some circuits are much better than others, so you should choose your circuit wisely; there are four circuits to pick and once you choose one you cannot deviate nor backtrack. In addition the ticket only permits one entry, so to reenter, whether it be the same circuit or another circuit, requires the purchase of another ticket.
Circuits 1 & 2 Provide The Iconic View
Everyone knows and has seen the classic shot of Machu Picchu. That “postcard” image. If you wish to experience it yourself, you should prioritize circuit 1 or 2, because 3 and 4 are at a much lower level and don’t offer the chance to deviate anywhere near what the first two provide.
If You Must Pick One Ticket, Make It Count
There is one ticket in particular that is sold in a limited amount and also provides the most solitude. That is, the Inca Bridge ticket; a fun little side trail to an ancient cliff-side bridge utilized by the Incas for some unknown purpose. With this experience comes almost complete solitude. The walk to the bridge is both beautiful and peaceful; I saw very few people during my time on the trail.
With this ticket costing the same as a general entry ticket, its a no brainer to buy this one, as it also comes with access to either circuit 1 or 2.
Go Potty Beforehand
An important tidbit of information that might otherwise go overlooked: there are no toilets within the site. While it makes it a very special experience to not have unsightly things like toilets inside, it is rather jarring due to the fact that you are unable to re-enter, and therefore cannot leave to use the restroom and then continue on. Of course, the following detail aids in not needing a restroom…
Food and Drink are Not Permitted Within the Site
No food or drink, besides water, is allowed inside Machu Picchu. Given there are no restrooms, this may seem like no big deal, as the two go hand-in-hand and you don’t want to consume to much fluids anyhow. However, it did get quite stifling during my visit, so water was a must to stay hydrated.
Be Sure to Read Up and Do Your Research Beforehand
Machu Picchu has little to no information boards or informational plaques explaining the site and its history. This is great for the aesthetics, but it does mean that anything you want to know you must research beforehand, buy a guide book, or hire a guide. As far as guides go, I did not utilize one, but there were plenty of people offering their services at the entry gate.
The Bus Ride Is Child's Play
You may see videos or read up online and think it looks worrisome, but know that, while South America certainly wasn’t known for road safety, the bus journey never felt scary. With that said you may not want a window seat if you’re afraid of heights. The road is in fact steep with room only for one bus most of the way, but there are regular passing points that never made you feel like you were going to fall off of the edge.
Stay Overnight in Aguas Calientes
Sitting at the base of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is a very quaint little town, set amongst the rising limestone cliffs of the Andes. While a lot of the walking through the town is uphill, there are a multitude of cute cafes and restaurants.
More importantly, staying the night lets you enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu at a more leisurely pace; a day trip is of course possible if on limited time.
Its important to note here, though, that what you can bring is limited. All that the trains to Aguas Calientes allow is a small carry on, which is fine for a night or two, but may cause some head scratching if planning to stay longer (there is laundry services in town if needed though).
Altitude Is A Non-Issue
While Machu Picchu is, in fact, very high up, it sits at a much lower altitude than Cusco. As a matter of fact, it sits at just 7900ft (2400m) elevation. Therefore, if you’ve already spent a few days acclimatising to life in Cusco, you can breathe easy, literally. A plus is that Aguas Calientes is even lower, so sleeping here will be a dream after Cusco.
With this said, coming from Machu Picchu from sea level, as I did, makes it a little tougher on the lungs; nothing a well-seasoned hiker can’t overcome.
The Train Ride is Magnificient
The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes is absolutely jaw-dropping. Mile for mile, it might be one of the most beautiful train rides I’ve taken; there’s no shortage of incredible views.
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