13 Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
Little selfie action in front of Machu Picchu in Peru
If you’re planning a visit to this wonder of the world, I’m incredibly excited for you. Not only does it seem like an impossible feat but the landscape these ruins were built into, is unreal.
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 are planning on no hiking, a little hiking, or doing the complete trek, here are some of my tips from one traveler to another.
A.H.S.W. (Always Have Snacks and Water) - For the ride up, any hiking you may do, and your commute back, come prepared. The stops you may (or may not) take during your visit may have slim pickings and long lines so better to stock up at a local convenience store before you head up and ahead of your journey back.
Bug Repellant is a Must - 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. I say that too as someone who is not as delicious to biters (aka bugs usually leave me alone). Smear it on your body and reapply regularly.
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 (this is especially important if your windows in the back won’t open… which is very common).
Also, when you’re picking your seat avoid ones 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.
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!
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 but if you want to avoid the fee (and the hassle of lugging your baggage) see if you can leave your larger bags/backpack at your hotel (even if you’re checking out that day) to avoid a gate fee.
Birdseye view of Machu Picchu in Peru
6. 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.
7. Keep Small Change On You - 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.
8. Make Sure to Tip Your Guide - You will very likely have a guide, although it’s not required. Speaking from 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.
9. 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 - so be sure to stick close and stay silent. Aka, don’t be the jackass talking to someone else in the group which A) Makes it hard for others in the group to hear the guide and B) Is incredibly disrespectful to your tour guide as they are sharing their wealth of knowledge.
10. 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.
11. Have Lunch on the Urubamba River - Once you leave Machu Picchu, 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.
12. Check your Train Ticket - There are two train stations in Aguas Caliente. 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 the 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. Simply go up to one of the station attendants (if you purchased your ticket in advance) and confirm that that is the station you need to be at.
13. Only Bring One Pack - I only packed lightly in my day-pack 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, it’s likely that your stay in town 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.
That is everything (or at least everything I can think of)! 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!
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