13 Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu (and What to Know Before You Go)
If you’re planning a visit to this wonder of the world, I’m so excited for you! These tips for visiting Machu Picchu will ensure you’re covered from start to finish.
Not only does it seem like an impossible feat, but the landscape these ruins were built into is unreal. Check out my weekend guide to Machu Picchu here for how to plan your trip!
Although my original plan was to do the full Salkantay Trek, food poisoning in Ecuador sabotaged that dream. I ended up doing a mix-match of busing, hiking, busing, training… and busing.
Regardless of whether you’re planning on no hiking, a little hiking, or doing the complete trek, these tips for visiting Machu Picchu will have you prepped and ready to explore!
Before You Go
1. A.H.S.W. (Always Have Snacks and Water)
Come prepared with quick bites and water for the ride up, any hiking you may do, and your commute back. The stops you may (or may not) take during your visit may have slim pickings and long lines.
It’s better to stock up at a local convenience store before you head up to Aguas Calientes, as well as before your journey back.
2. Bug Repellant is a Must
I say this as someone who is not as delicious to biters (aka bugs usually leave me alone).
I don’t know what exactly is flying up there, but it will welt you. Not kidding. Plus, they are super itchy and will stay with you for a minute, like giant chicken pox. Smear it on your body and reapply regularly.
3. Leave Your Large Bags Behind
You’re not allowed to bring large packs into Machu Picchu. They do have a place where you can check any bags ahead of entering. If you want to avoid the fee (and the hassle of lugging your baggage), ask at your hotel if you can leave your larger bags/backpack (even if you’re checking out that day).
4. Understand your Limits (Physically and Monetarily)
Knowing what you can afford, your own activity level, and keeping an eye on safety precautions, means that sometimes the “splurge” of the bus and/or train is 100% worth it.
Keep in mind that some of these areas are literally ancient, so what you may be used to for a climb doesn’t match. Also, while there are plenty of people whose budgets can only afford the absolute bare minimum, many things in South America are quite affordable in comparison to where many of us are visiting from.
5. Only Bring One Pack
I only packed lightly in my daypack for my weekend visit and left the rest of my belongings at my stay in Cusco. If leaving some of your belongings behind ahead of your trip to Aguas Caliente is not an option for you, as mentioned, your stay in town likely has storage available for you to check a bag the morning you visit Machu Picchu.
Keep in mind, if you do the hike up from Hidroelectrica, you are in charge of carrying everything… for three hours. Plus, as mentioned above, you’re not allowed to bring large bags into Machu Picchu. Mine as well leave it behind and save yourself the backache.
Getting to Machu Picchu
6. Choose Your Bus Seat Strategically
If you’re taking the bus at any point on your commute, sit in the rows closest to the driver and next to a window. I’m an aisle girl in almost all situations, but I was a window girl on any bus in South America.
That is likely you’re only chance at an even remotely cool breeze, and sitting closer to the driver allows you some windfall from their windows. Especially important if your windows in the back won’t open… which is very common.
Avoid seats over the wheel of the bus. Those usually have a large hump that takes up a big portion of your minimal space… and they’re incredibly uncomfy (esp if someone tries to recline in front of you). Yes, I do speak from personal experience.
7. Spanish Not Great? Make New Friends
Befriend any and all Spanish speakers if you don’t know the language well. This is especially true if you are traveling solo. Push past your feelings of potentially bugging someone(s) and simply begin a conversation: “¡Hola! ¿Hablas inglés?”
Most travelers are incredibly friendly, even if they can’t communicate easily with you, and are willing to help. We’ve all been there!
Visiting the Ruins
8. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
The sunrise over these beautiful Incan ruins is stunning, but it gets hot real quick. Be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout your visit, as you are directly in the sun’s path throughout most of your tour. Additionally, sunglasses are always a good idea.
9. Keep Small Change On You
A small but one of the most important tips for visiting Machu Picchu! Whether you end up needing to check your bag(s) at the gate or just need to use the toilet, having small sols on you is important. Without it, you’re out of luck.
10. Make Sure to Tip Your Guide
You will very likely have a guide, although it’s not required. In my experience, they are incredibly knowledgeable about the ruins and have been offering tours for years – so they are well deserving of a tip. In addition to toilet and bag change, make sure to have enough sols on you to thank your guide.
11. Be Respectful of Your Guide
They are doing what they can to fluidly move you through the various spaces – while also keeping other tourists in line. Stick close and stay quiet.
Aka, don’t be the jackass talking to someone else in the group. This makes it harder for others in the group to hear and is incredibly disrespectful as your guide is sharing their wealth of knowledge.
Make the Most of the Experience
12. Have Lunch on the Urubamba River
Once you leave Machu Picchu, you’ll likely head back to Aguas Calientes before leaving town. Grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants with views overlooking the river. After your early morning, it’s a lovely view to relax by.
13. Check your Train Ticket
There are two train stations in Aguas Calientes. One that’s larger and tucked a bit behind the market, and another that’s smaller and more visible in town.
If you’re taking a train out of town, make sure you know well in advance which one you need to be at. The larger one has a policy for when you can go into the waiting area (again, great crowd control), as well as the latest you can enter.
Not sure what station your train departs from? Simply go up to one of the station attendants and confirm the station you need to be at.
That is everything (or at least everything I can think of) for the best tips for visiting Machu Picchu! I hope you have the best time viewing this absolute masterpiece.
I’d love to see how your travels go! Tag @accentgolden in your social posts and follow along for more travel tips!
Ready to see more of South America?
All these travel plans have you craving something sweet?
Pies, cakes, cookies, or make them single-serve. Find your next favorite bake here!
This website uses affiliate links, which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.
