Frequently Asked Questions about Machu Picchu

Do you dream of visiting the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu? This ancient wonder of the world, nestled in the Peruvian mountains, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations on the planet. Before you set off on your journey, it’s natural to have a lot of questions about how to properly prepare and what to expect. In this article, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu, so that you can enjoy this unforgettable experience to the fullest.

Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel hidden among the mountains, awakens the fascination of travelers from all over the world. If you’re planning your trip to this magical place, it’s normal to have a lot of questions.

General Frequently Asked Questions about Machu Picchu

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Cordillera Oriental of southern Peru. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America.

Where is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco region of Peru, about 80 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco. It is located on a plateau at 2,430 meters above sea level, at the confluence of the Vilcanota and Urubamba rivers.

Who built Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is believed to have been built around the year 1450 by order of Inca Pachacutec, the ninth ruler of the Inca Empire, at its height of power and territorial expansion.

What can you see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is made up of a number of stone buildings, including temples, palaces, houses, and agricultural terraces. The main places of interest are:

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Temple of the 3 Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Staircase of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Puerta del Sol (Intipunku).
• The Main Square.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.

How do you get to Machu Picchu from the United States?

There are no direct flights to Machu Picchu from the United States. The most common way to get there is to fly into Lima, the capital of Peru, and then take a domestic flight to Cusco. From Cusco, you can take a train or bus to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the foot of Machu Picchu.

How to get from Brazil to Machu Picchu?

The most common way to get to Machu Picchu from Brazil is to fly into Lima, Peru, and then follow the same instructions as to get there from the United States.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

There are two main ways to get to Machu Picchu from Lima:

• By plane: There are daily flights from Lima to Cusco. From Cusco, you can take a train or bus to Aguas Calientes.
• By bus: There are direct buses from Lima to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes about 20 hours.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

There are three main ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco:

• By train: The train is the most popular way to get to Machu Picchu. There are different types of trains available, from economy to luxurious.
• By bus: There are regular buses from Cusco to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes about 7-8 hours.
• On the Inca Trail: The Inca Trail is a hiking trail that takes you to Machu Picchu through the Andes. The trek lasts between 2 and 4 days.

How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

There are two ways to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu:

• By bus: There are buses that take you to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The journey takes about 25 minutes.
• Walking: Machu Picchu can be reached by walking along a trail that takes about 45 minutes.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo?

There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo:

• By train: There are trains that take you from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
• By bus: There are buses that take you from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes about 2 hours.

How to get to Machu Picchu by train?

There are two companies that operate trains to Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both companies offer different types of trains, from economy to luxurious. You can buy train tickets online or at the train stations in Cusco and Ollantaytambo.

What do I need to go to Machu Picchu?

To visit Machu Picchu, you need:

• Valid passport
• Visa (if required)
• Entrance to Machu Picchu
• Travel Insurance
• Appropriate clothing
• Comfortable footwear
• Water and snacks
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Cash

Is a guide necessary to visit Machu Picchu?

It is not mandatory to hire a guide to visit Machu Picchu, but it can be highly recommended. A guide can explain the history of the citadel, show you the most important sights, and help you make the most of your visit.

Should I hire a guide in Machu Picchu?

The decision to hire a guide in Machu Picchu depends on your preferences. If you want to learn about the history of the citadel and have a more complete experience, I recommend hiring a guide. If you’re short on time or prefer to explore on your own, you can visit Machu Picchu without a guide.

How do I hire a guide in Machu Picchu?

You can hire a guide online, at your hotel, or at the entrance of Machu Picchu. There are many guides available, so it’s important to shop around and choose one that has good references.

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, there is less rain and clearer skies. However, Machu Picchu is a popular destination year-round, so it’s important to book your ticket in advance.

What clothes to wear to Machu Picchu?

The weather in Machu Picchu can be variable, so it’s important to wear appropriate clothing. I recommend you bring comfortable and breathable clothes, as well as a coat for the night. It is also important to wear comfortable walking shoes.

How long does it take to visit Machu Picchu?

Most people need between 4 and 6 hours to visit Machu Picchu. However, if you want to make a more complete visit, you can dedicate a whole day to the citadel.

How to buy tickets for Machu Picchu?

You can buy tickets for Machu Picchu online or at the Ministry of Culture office in Cusco. It is important to book your ticket in advance, as there is a limit on the number of visitors per day.

How much do Machu Picchu tickets cost?

The price of Machu Picchu tickets varies depending on the season and the type of ticket you choose. You can find up-to-date information on prices on the website of the Ministry of Culture.

What types of tickets are there for Machu Picchu?

There are two types of tickets for Machu Picchu:

• General Admission: Allows access to Machu Picchu throughout the day.
• Entry by appointment: Allows access to Machu Picchu at a specific time.

How to book tickets for Machu Picchu?

You can book Machu Picchu tickets online or at the Ministry of Culture’s office in Cusco. It is important to book your ticket in advance, as there is a limit on the number of visitors per day.

Are there discounts for tickets to Machu Picchu?

Yes, there are discounts for Machu Picchu tickets for students, children, and seniors. You can find up-to-date information on discounts on the website of the Ministry of Culture.

Frequently Asked Questions specific to Machu Picchu

How to get the entrance permit to Machu Picchu?

To obtain the entrance permit to Machu Picchu, you need:

• Valid passport
• Visa (if required)
• Entrance to Machu Picchu

You can get your entry permit online or at the Ministry of Culture’s office in Cusco.

How to climb Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a hiking trail that takes you to Machu Picchu through the Andes. The trek lasts between 2 and 4 days.

What tours are available for Machu Picchu?

There are a variety of tours available for Machu Picchu, from day tours to multi-day tours. Some of the most popular tours include:

• Machu Picchu Day Tour: This tour takes you to Machu Picchu from Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Includes transportation, entrance to Machu Picchu, and a guide.
• 2-Day Machu Picchu Tour: This tour takes you to Machu Picchu from Cusco or Aguas Calientes. Includes transportation, entrance fee to Machu Picchu, a guide, and accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
• Inca Trail Tour: This tour takes you to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail. It includes transportation, entrance to Machu Picchu, a guide, accommodation, and food during the trek.

Is it safe to travel to Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is a safe tourist destination. However, it is important to take some basic precautions, such as:

• Bring your identity documents with you
• Be mindful of your belongings
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Drink bottled water

What precautions should I take when visiting Machu Picchu?

In addition to general safety precautions, it is important to take some specific precautions when visiting Machu Picchu, such as:

• Acclimatize to the altitude
• Bring sunscreen
• Wear a hat
• Wear sunglasses
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Do not touch the ruins
• Do not litter

What should I do if I get sick in Machu Picchu?

In case of illness, there is a first aid post at Machu Picchu. There are also several hospitals in Aguas Calientes.

What souvenirs can I buy in Machu Picchu?

In Aguas Calientes there is a wide variety of shops where you can buy souvenirs of Machu Picchu, such as t-shirts, caps, keychains, etc.

What is the maximum limit of visitors to Machu Picchu?

The maximum limit of visitors to Machu Picchu is 5,000 people per day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Health and Safety in Machu Picchu

Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Machu Picchu?

Vaccinations are not required to travel to Machu Picchu. However, it is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever and tetanus.

What should I do if I get sick during my trip?

In case of illness, there are several hospitals and clinics in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. There is also a first aid post at Machu Picchu.

Are there any security risks I should be aware of?

Machu Picchu is a safe tourist destination. However, it is important to take some basic precautions, such as:

• Bring your identity documents with you
• Be mindful of your belongings
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Drink bottled water

What should I do if I get lost in Machu Picchu?

If you get lost in Machu Picchu, you can ask a guard or another visitor for directions. You can also go to the tourist information stand.

Tips for travelers:

How can I avoid altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness can be a problem for travelers who are not acclimated to the altitude. To avoid altitude sickness, you can:

• Acclimatize to the altitude gradually
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Taking medication for altitude sickness

What can I do to acclimatize to the altitude?

To acclimatize to the altitude, you can:

• Arrive in Cusco a few days before your trip to Machu Picchu
• Sleeping at a high altitude
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Taking medication for altitude sickness

What can I do to avoid mountain sickness?

Mountain sickness can be a problem for travelers who are not acclimatized to the altitude. To avoid mountain sickness, you can:

• Gradually Ascend
• Rest Often
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Taking medication for altitude sickness

What should I do if I feel unwell during the visit to Machu Picchu?

If you feel unwell during your visit to Machu Picchu, you can:

• Rest in a cool, shady place
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat light foods
• Taking medication for altitude sickness
• If your symptoms are severe, seek medical attention

What can I do to protect myself from the sun in Machu Picchu?

The sun can be very strong at Machu Picchu. To protect yourself from the sun, you can:

• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
• Wear a hat
• Wear sunglasses
• Drink plenty of water

What can I do to respect the environment in Machu Picchu?

To respect the environment in Machu Picchu, you can:

• Do not leave trash
• Do not touch the ruins
• Do not walk off the trails
• Use public restrooms
• Be respectful of the flora and fauna

We hope this article on frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu has been useful to you when planning your trip! If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Remember:

• Book your ticket in advance
• Wear appropriate clothing
• Adjust to the altitude
• Protects from the sun
• Respect the environment

We’ve addressed the most frequently asked questions about Machu Picchu, from general questions to specific details on how to prepare, how to get there, what to expect, and how to make the most of this unique experience. We hope you find this information useful and that you can have an unforgettable trip to this wonder of the world.

Book today and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Machu Picchu!