WHEN TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU:
Machu Picchu is open all year, but your preferred weather and crowd conditions will determine when you visit.
The rainy season lasts from October to April, coinciding with the off-season for tourists. The dry season runs from May to October, coinciding with the peak tourist season. If you prefer quiet visits away from crowds, the low season is ideal; however, if you prefer to avoid rain, the dry season is ideal.
BOOKING TICKETS IN ADVANCE:
If you want to visit Peru’s most famous attraction, you must book your tickets in advance. You can do them with the help of a tour operator or a travel company. They will provide and cover all of the details, such as transportation, lodging, a guide, lunch, and much more.
Keep in mind that a permit to enter Machu Picchu, one of the world’s seven wonders, must be booked at least six months in advance.
WHAT TO PACK FOR MACHU PICCHU:
You should bring everything you will need for your trip so that you are well prepared. If you plan to spend the entire day there, bring your lunch and plenty of water with you because food and drinks in Machu Picchu are way overpriced.
Also, remember to layer your clothing. While it will be hot and humid during the day, once the sun sets, it will become quite cold.
If you are visiting during the rainy season, you should bring a rain jacket with you. Also, take mountain sickness seriously and stock up on mountain sickness medications.
HOW TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU:
ARRIVAL IN LIMA
Lima, Peru’s capital, is located on the country’s arid Pacific coast and is home to one-third of the country’s population. Your journey to Machu Picchu will begin here.
GETTING FROM LIMA TO CUSCO
You can take a flight from Lima to Cusco. There are many things to discover here; you can do so before departing for Aguas Calientes.
GETTING FROM CUSCO TO AGUAS CALIENTES
Getting from Cusco to Aguas Calientes requires taking a bus and a train. Take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (2 hours), then a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (90 minutes). Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo (town), is only 30 minutes away from the world-famous site.
GETTING FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU
There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes. The first option is to take a 30-minute bus directly from here to Machu Picchu. The second option is to hike for about 60 minutes uphill to the Machu Picchu entrance.
MORE WAYS TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU FROM CUSCO
Inca Trail Trek:
This is the most well-known method of reaching Machu Picchu. It is a four or five-day trek that culminates in Machu Picchu. The trail winds through the Andes, passing through jungle forests and snow-capped mountains. You must book a permit six months in advance. To secure a permit, you must book six months in advance.
Salkantay Trek:
The Salkantay Trek is an excellent substitute for the Inca Trail. This pass takes you to altitudes above 4600 m, making the trail difficult. It will be a four-day hike that you must reserve a few days in advance.
Inca Jungle Trek:
If you are not an experienced trekker, the Inca Jungle Trek is ideal for you. This trek to Machu Picchu includes biking, hiking, ziplining, and rafting.
INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT MACHU PICCHU:
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Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD by the Inca Empire, a well-known empire that ruled Peru for a century before being conquered by the Spanish in 1533. (although they resisted the conquest till the 1570s).
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The two most common languages spoken here are Spanish and Quechua.
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The Quechua are a South American indigenous people who descended from the Peruvian indigenous people. However, they have a significant population in Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina, Columbia, and Chile.
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Peru is on the continent of South America and hence lies in the Southern Hemisphere. Seasons in the southern hemisphere are diametrically opposed to those in the northern hemisphere. As a result, the winter months in Peru last from May to September.
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“Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain” in Quechua.
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Peruvian cuisine is known around the world as one of the most delicious, with dishes such as ceviche, which is also the national dish of Peru.
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Machu Picchu was only known locally until 1911, when Yale Professor Hiram Bingham rediscovered it. His discoveries became the basis for his book, The Lost City of the Incas.
WHERE TO EAT IN MACHU PICCHU:
Peru has one of the world’s best cuisines. It is well-known for its lomo saltado, aji de gallina and ceviche. On your trip to Machu Picchu, you can test these delectable dishes at various restaurants.
The majority of restaurants are located in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu town, which is only 30 minutes from the Machu Picchu site.
CHEF HOUSE
Chef House is the best Peruvian food restaurant in the Machu Picchu town. There are also the best traditional drinks, such as chicha and Cusco beer.
You will also be able to listen to live music performed by musicians in the evening. Visitors here appreciate the cool service.
Address: 616 A Lado De La Linea Ferrea, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu
VIZZIO CAFÉ
Small but welcoming café serving burgers, coffees, juices, ice cream, and even pizzas, burritos, and tacos. It is near the bus station in Aguas Calientes. This cafe serves well-prepared sandwiches and delectable brownies.
Address: Civico Center, Machu Picchu town, Peru
FOOD MARKET
The food market in Machu Picchu town offers a wide variety of foods at reasonable prices.
The most memorable dishes include lomo saltado, fried trout, and soups. It is not a very comfortable place, but it is reasonably priced and serves delicious food.
Address: Chinchaysuyo street, main square, Machu Picchu town, Peru
TINKUY RESTAURANT
Tinkuy Restaurant is one of the restaurants near the Machu Picchu site.
The restaurant serves Peruvian, South American, and international fare. The buffet lunch is notable for its trout ceviche, soups, juiced meats, a variety of potatoes, fruits, and other offerings.
Address: Hiram Bingham Highway, Kilometer 7.5, Machu Picchu, Peru
INTI HOUSE
Inti House is a large multi-story restaurant in Machu Picchu’s main centre. It provides high-quality service and serves the greatest pizzas, pastas, and grills, as well as Peruvian signature meals.
Address: Avenida Pachacutec 703, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Peru
Also read:
8 mistakes to avoid when visiting Peru
Peru Visa for Indians: Documents required, Application process, and FAQs
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