10 Things to Know Before You Visit Machu Picchu

Are you thinking of visiting Machu Picchu? Perhaps the most relevant legacy of the Inca civilization that attracts thousands of visitors year around due to the rich architectural treasures and historic richness that it possesses.

In this post, you’ll familiarize yourself with 10 things you need to know before visiting Machu Picchu:

Things You Need to Bring

There is no need to bring a large backpack full of things to the Compound; you’ll need sunblock, a hat/cap, weatherproof jacket, water, some snacks, good hiking shoes and of course your camera.

Food and Water

When you are going to Machu Picchu, make sure you have a hearty breakfast and bring some snacks and bottled water as trekking is strenuous in most parts of the Compound. Remember that you will be at 2430 meters above sea level so it’s rather important to be properly hydrated. You can get some snacks and bottled water at local small stores and also help the locals economically.

Visit in the Morning

There are two timings to enter Machu Picchu, 6:00 am to 12:00 pm or 12:00 pm to 17:30 pm. It is advised to get the morning ticket, as you will be able to spend more time inside. But afternoon visit is also feasible depending on the time you have and your overall tour’s configuration. 

No Bathroom beyond the Gate

While visiting Machu Pichu, you can find bathrooms and small stores/sellers outside the entrance gate; bear in mind that there are no bathrooms inside the Compound as you are entering a large Historical site. With your ticket, you are allowed for one re-entry before 11h59 in case you need to use the restrooms outside the Compound.

Get Free Stamp on Your Passport

When you visit Machu Picchu, you must bring your original passport so you can get the Machu Picchu passport stamp as proof that you were there as a remembrance of this amazing visit.

Rainy Season

Another thing to learn before you visit Machu Picchu is how weather is year around: the rainy season in Peru starts in December and lasts until March, being February the rainiest month of the year. So if you are traveling around these period, make sure to bring quality weatherproof clothes and good quality hiking shoes.

Trekking is not very easy

Machu Picchu is located at 2430 m.a.s.l. so high altitude may leave you a bit exhausted and dizzy. So it is recommended to take it slowly the first hour or so, don’t rush; also it is important to be constantly hydrated with plane water and whenever you feel lightheaded, find a good spot where you can sit, breed and take wonderful pictures on the surroundings.

You are Being Watched

If you think you can do something silly, then you are wrong. There are employees all over the Compound so make sure that you understand and follow the rules given by the guides inside Machu Picchu and make sure that you follow the self-guided trails for visitors at all times so you can help reserve this magnificent treasure.

Hidden Museum

There is a hidden Machu Picchu museum that is challenging to find. You will have to buy a separate ticket for Site Museum “Manuel Chavez Ballon” for US$8 p.p. The museum is located at the base of the footpath that leads to Machu Picchu. It is nearly a 30-minute walk from the town of “Aguas Calientes”.

How to Visit Machu Picchu?

There are three ways to visit Machu Picchu. The most popular way is by taking famous Train from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes, maybe spend the night at this lovely and colorful small Town and head to Machu Picchu on the next day.

Now, the most challenging and fascinating way to reach Machu Picchu is by taking the famous “Inca Trail” hike 4-5 days’ tour (with camping); this tour is almost always fully booked year-round due to the great demand that it has but you if you are lucky enough to find spots for the hike, remember that it requires excellent physical state and will for high-altitude adventure!

Summary

Machu Picchu is among the top-ten destinations in the World and we can arrange fantastic land-tours or River cruise & Machu Picchu extensions so you can get the most out of your holiday time in marvelous Peru!