Machu Picchu Faq

Here is a set of Questions about Machu Picchu trips, we hope you will find them helpful to answer the questions you may be wondering. Contact us if you were looking for a different answer. There may be missing questions you wanted to know or there may simply be, not Machu Picchu FAQ, so we will gladly help you. Now it is time to have a look at the answers below.

Do I need a tour guide to get in?

Aunque todavía es opcional contratar un guía turístico para ingresar a Machu Picchu, es recomendable hacerlo con un guía, porque su conocimiento aporta mucho a la experiencia.

Are there restrooms at Machu Picchu?

Yes, there are restrooms at the entrance of the park, so make sure you use the restrooms at the beginning.

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

June through August means drier weather and easier traveling, but it’s prime vacation time for those in the northern hemisphere. Prices and visitor numbers can drop dramatically during October through April. January is the most rainy month. For near-ideal weather and manageable crowds, consider August, September, or October.

Can I camp in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu?

In order to preserve the historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the Peruvian Government has deployed strict measures and it is not possible to camp inside Machu Picchu.

Is one day enough to know Machu Picchu?

You can visit Machu Picchu on a full day trip, but it’s best to stay overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes to see the ruins after most visitors have gone.

Is Machu Picchu closed in the rainy season?

Fortunately Machu Picchu is open all year long, just make sure to book your tickets well in advance.

What are the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains?

The Huayna Picchu Trail follows an ancient Inca path and takes between 2 and 3 hours round trip. The Machu Picchu Mountain hike is longer but less steep and reaches a higher summit.

Do I require a high fitness level to visit Machu Picchu?

No, you don’t need to be in any specific physical condition to visit Machu Picchu; the sightseeing is relatively chill and not challenging at all.

Do I need to buy the entrance to Machu Picchu in advance?

Yes, the Machu Picchu tickets ought to be bought well in advance, as this is the first thing to book due to limited availability.

Is there an age limit?

There is not a guideline established regarding age limits; this is up to your travel operator and the traveler’s criteria.

Are there any restrictions for Machu Picchu?

As of 2022, there are no longer capacity restrictions at outdoor Inca sites. Machu Picchu trains and shuttle buses are at 100% capacity.

Is it necessary to hire a travel agency to go to Machu Picchu?

Yes, if you want to save time, it’s better considering using a local travel agency for the convenience of an arranged tour.

Where can I get the best photos of Machu Picchu?

The best photos can be taken from the Guardian House, the Sun Gate, and the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain summits.

When does Machu Picchu close?

Machu Picchu is open all year long. The sanctuary does not close for the rainy season.

What is the worst time to visit Machu Picchu?

January, because of the non-stopping rains and potential landslides that may affect the train schedule to Aguas Calientes.

How much are the Machu Picchu tickets?

The entrance ticket is approximately USD $45, though this can vary per travel agency since they may charge a service fee.

Can I find tour guides at Machu Picchu?

Yes, it’s possible to find freelance tour guides at the entrance gate for private or group guided tours.

What is the altitude of Machu Picchu?

The altitude in Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters, located within a cloud forest environment.

Is the bus drive dangerous?

The drive from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is not dangerous, though it has a standard level of risk like any mountain road.

Is there an internet connection?

You will have signal with a Peruvian SIM card. Most hotels and restaurants in Aguas Calientes provide free Wi-Fi.

What about mozzies up there?

Mosquitoes in Machu Picchu can be annoying. We recommend bringing repellent to stay comfortable during your visit.

Do you have a fear of heights?

The standard visit is fine for everyone, but the Huayna Picchu hike is only recommended for those without acrophobia as it is steep and narrow.

Can I find an ATM at Aguas Calientes?

Yes, there are ATMs in Aguas Calientes, but it is recommended to withdraw cash in Cusco as a backup.

How much time can I stay in Machu Picchu?

Usually 3 to 3.5 hours is sufficient for the citadel. If you have mountain tickets, you will naturally spend more time in the park.

How much luggage should I take on the trains?

Luggage is restricted to 5 kg / 11 lb. It is best to leave your large bags at your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley.

Is it easy to find accommodation in Aguas Calientes?

During the high season, rooms run out quickly, so it is better to book in advance. In the low season, there is plenty of availability.

Can I enter Machu Picchu with kids?

Sure, but strollers are not allowed. A baby carrier is recommended for navigating the stone steps.

Note:

Children over 3 years old pay for the entrance ticket.
Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain: Both are worth climbing, but Huayna Picchu is steeper and sells out faster.
Hiking times: Huayna Picchu (2-2.5h) vs Machu Picchu Mountain (3-3.5h).
Both summits offer excellent bird’s-eye views of the ancient citadel.

Abel

CEO & Founder at AB Expeditions

My name is Abel, and I am the co-founder of AB Expeditions, a local travel company based in Cusco. I was born in Chinchero, in the community of Chusso. My journey began working as a farmer, then later as a porter on the Inca Trail. After that, I studied to become a tour guide, learned English, and spent 20 years guiding different treks around the Cusco region.

Over the years, I began writing blogs about the treks I’ve done and sharing useful tips about traveling in Cusco. Eventually, I founded AB Expeditions to offer authentic travel experiences with a strong commitment to supporting local communities and creating unforgettable adventures for our guests.

Our Reviews

We had a very enjoyable experience with the guides from the first day exploring the Sacred Valley before we started hiking, right through the challenging Inca Trail. Ricky, Jijo, Raoul, Elias and Felipe were all very observant and there for whatever we needed. We all felt that we were in very good hands and they created a great atmosphere for the group of 34 of us. The chefs were also amazing and provided us with five star meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner! Huge thanks to them all!

We had the BEST, most EPIC trip with Raul (our guide) and Daniel (our chef). Raul is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and simply fun to hike with up to the incredible Machu Picchu. The trip was so well planned, everything ran smoothly and pleasantly, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Daniel waited for us halfway up the trail with the most amazing meal, truly hard to describe. The meals were spectacular, the hotel was great, and the organization of the train, bus, and entrance tickets was excellent. I would highly recommend AB Expeditions to anyone considering a trip, look no further. You’ll be in responsible, responsive, kind, professional, and overall wonderful hands.

Hi, I am Domin, Belgium and I went with a group of 34 people on November 10 for 4 days with AB Expeditions on the Inca trail. What a unique experience, the guides, cooks, helpers and pallbearers were like an excellent team. From the first moment I feel great, you can directly notice that the people of AB are very experienced and are very friendly and caring, they help with everything during the 4 days. They are highly recommended for a trek like the Inca route. A big hug for AB Expeditions members 🤗🤗👍

We hiked the classic 4-day, 3-night Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with AB Expeditions, and honestly, the entire journey—from the moment we booked online, through the pre-trek briefing, and of course, the actual trek—was truly outstanding. Even before we left, every single pre-trek question we had was answered quickly and professionally. We decided to add the Huayna Picchu hike and upgraded to the Vistadome train for the return, and each time we reached out, the service was warm, efficient, and very informative. They even promptly handled our email questions about acclimatization and how many days to spend in Cusco, which really made us feel fully prepared. During the pre-trek briefing, we met our guide, Yiyo. He clearly and thoroughly walked us through the itinerary and what to expect.

Our experience with AB Expeditions was simply exceptional. Our guide Jacob was perfect throughout: he explained every detail clearly, helped us whenever we needed him and accompanied us throughout the tour. Besides, he is a very polite person, very friendly, and we really enjoyed his company. He also demonstrated a thorough knowledge of both the Inca Trail and all the visits to the Inca heritage we made. The organization was impeccable. There was not a single failure in the three days: absolute punctuality, well selected hotels, managed tickets without any problems... Everything worked perfectly.

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