Machu Picchu Peru Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Machu Picchu					Peru

Machu Picchu Travel Information

Cusco, Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes

Machu Picchu includes the cities of Cusco and Aguas Calientes as well as the ruins of Machu Picchu (see map).

The Inca ruins of Machu Picchu are located 80 km from Cusco on top of a hill overlooking the Urubamba river. This mystic place holds over 200 buildings which were discovered in 1911.

Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu and its attractions. The city has all facilities and services necessary to visit the region: airport, hotels, transportation and tours. Its distinctive walls survived centuries of earthquakes, and Inca style constructions can still be seen around the city (see photos).

In order to visit many of Cusco´s attractions you will need a tourist ticket (Boleto Turistico) which costs about USD 10 and gives access to over 15 sites.

Cusco is at 3,360 mts above sea level so the first 2 days should be spent with minimum activities and light meals. We advise you not to plan any trekking for that period, especially the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

Cusco´s popular visits include the Cathedral, the San Blas Church, the Convent of Santa Catalina, the Museo Palacio Municipal, the Museo de Arte Religioso and the Museo de Historia Regional.

Aguas Calientes is a small village nested in the mountains, on the edge of a river. Most of the construction surrounds the train tracks that connect the village with Machu Picchu. The name Aguas Calientes comes from the hot springs found in the area. Alternatives for lodging and eating are very limited here, although prices are much lower than Cusco and Machu Picchu.

Cusco Hotels, Hostels & Lodges

Cusco hotels and hostels are mainly located around Plaza de Armas - main square. There are some 4 and 5 star hotels but most of the offering consists of family owned hostels with few rooms (see customer reviews).

When booking budget Cusco hotels or hostels be sure to ask if accommodations include private or shared bathroom.

Aguas Calientes hotels and hostels are mainly located by the train rails. The offering is very limited and prices and services are lower than Cusco Hotels. However many travelers spend the night here since it is the closest village to Machu Picchu.

Cusco Tours, Trekking & Rafting

Cusco tours can be grouped into 2 categories: a city tour covering most of the attractions located in greater Cusco and specific tours to nearby attractions.

Cusco attractions include the Cathedral, the San Blas Church, the Convent of Santa Catalina, the Museo Palacio Municipal, the Museo de Arte Religioso and the Museo de Historia Regional. For this tour we recommend purchasing a tourist ticket (Boleto Turistico) which costs about USD 10 and gives access to over 15 sites.

Nearby tours include the Pisac market, Chincheros, the Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo and the ruins of Sacsayhuaman, Pucapucara, Qenko and Tambomachay. These tours can be done on your own or with a local agency in Cusco.

The Machu Picchu Ruins

The Machu Picchu ruins are open from 6am to 6pm. The best time to visit is before 10am or after 3pm. Sundays and Mondays are the busiest days while July, August and September the busiest months.

The entrance to Machu Picchu costs USD 20 and English-speaking guides can be hired for about USD 15. Expect a tour of about 2 hrs.

From Cusco to Aguas Calientes there are 2 train services: Vistadome is faster (it takes 3.5 hrs.), more comfortable and more expensive (about USD 75). Back Packer is a low budget service which costs USD 35 and takes 4 hrs.

In Aguas Calientes there is a bus service to Machu Picchu every half hour. The last bus returns from the ruins at 5pm. It costs USD 4.50 each way.

Huayna Picchu is a mountain overlooking Machu Picchu. Its trail is open from 7am to 1 pm and you may take amazing panoramic photos of the ruins from there. Expect a 2-3 hrs walk.

The Inca Trail

Inca Trail is the best known trekking to Machu Picchu. The full path across the jungle is 45 kms long. It takes 4 days and reaches altitudes of over 4000 mts. We recommend getting fit and staying at least 2 days in Cusco before doing the Inca Trail. The last part of the hike is demanding and the altitude has important effects.

Inca Trail regulations limit the number of trekkers to 500 per day and make mandatory the use of licensed operators (you cannot do the trails on your own).

Although Inca Trail permits can be purchased 2-3 weeks in advance in low season, we recommend at least 8 weeks in advance to be safe.

The best time to go is September and October. From January to May it rains a lot and June, July and August have a lot of people doing the trail. Avoid the crowded months if possible.

There are 3 Inca Trail Alternatives: the classic 4 day Inca Trail, the 2 day short Inca Trail which can also be completed in 1 day, and the 7 day Apu Salkantay Inca Trail. They all end in Machu Picchu.

The Classic Inca Trail starts at kilometer 82 and travelers reach Machu Picchu at down of the 4th day. The trail passes by the Cusichaca river, Wayllabamba, Abra de Huarmihuañusca, Pacamayo, Runkuracay, Abra de Runkuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Trekkers Hostal and Wiñay Wayna (see map). This trail is closed in February for conservation.

The Short Inca Trail is the easiest and most popular trek. It starts at kilometer 104 and passes by the Vilcanota river, Chachabamba, Wiñay Wayna and Trekkers Hostal, reaching the Machu Picchu area in the late evening. From there you are taken to a hotel in Aguas Calientes and return to Machu Picchu in the early morning by bus.

Apu Salkantay Inca Trail starts in Mollepata and passes by Soray, Incachiriaska, Pampachuana, Inkaracay and Wayllabamba. From here the trek follows the Classic 4 day Inca Trail.