Machu Picchu and Peru Travel Guide
Peru is a destination we can explore repeatedly. Like many, Machu Picchu was the first place we visited in the country and it remains an unforgettable highlight.
Machu Picchu, the Land of the Incas
Arriving at Cusco
We landed in Cusco at 3,300 meters (10,000 feet) and immediately felt the altitude, experiencing headaches and nausea.
Fortunately, Peru’s natural remedy, coca tea, alleviated our symptoms. Sipping tea while overlooking the Plaza, we began to make our plans for the days ahead.
Finding accommodation was our first priority, especially with the cold setting in after sunset.
Lesson 1 – Plan Early
We aspired to trek the Inca Trail, however, with August being the peak tourism season in Peru, everything was fully booked.
Consequently, we settled for a rustic guest house, paying a higher price than expected due to our lack of planning.
Learn from our mistakes: secure a hotel in Cusco ahead of your trip. Check TripAdvisor for hotel reviews and rates.
Booking the Train to Machu Picchu During High Season
Booking the train to Machu Picchu was also challenging on this last-minute trip during high season.
We anticipated easy ticket purchases at the train station, but soon realized all trains were sold out for the next few days, with only the First Class Vistadome available.
We decided to indulge in the first-class Vistadome train—a pricey choice, but how often do you get to see one of the New Wonders of the World?
You can book tickets on the Vistadome Peru Rail in Advance
Book a Tour to Machu Picchu
If you’re interested in a day tour to Machu Picchu, Get Your Guide offers various hassle-free options for purchase ahead of time.
Explore the Sacred Valley
Since we couldn’t reach Machu Picchu immediately, we took the opportunity to explore Cusco and its surroundings.
As we waited for our scheduled departure, we ventured into the stunning ruins of the Sacred Valley.
Trek the Sacred Valley if You Can’t Trek to Machu Picchu
Although we couldn’t secure an Inca Trail trek, we explored the ancient city of Ollantaytambo, a popular starting point for the four-day trek to Machu Picchu.
Two days later, after navigating the Sacred Valley, meeting locals, and acclimating to Cusco, we finally commenced our journey to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu By Train
The train ride turned out to be worth the investment, with Vistadome’s glass windows providing breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains.
Although it was a slow ride, it was relaxing, and we were served a hot meal.
Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, we faced the challenge of finding another hotel.
Again, without prior plans, we carried our luggage up and down the steep streets searching for accommodation. With everything sold out, we were forced to splurge on a room once more.
The lesson here is to book in advance if you’re traveling to Peru between June and August.
Aguas Calientes (Hot Water) is a charming town and serves as the base for visiting Machu Picchu.
Here, we spent the night before catching a bus up a series of switchbacks to the ruins the next day.
While we didn’t hike the Inca Trail, we thoroughly enjoyed our time on the train and in Aguas Calientes.
Purchase Entry Tickets to Machu Picchu
After settling in, we promptly went to the cultural center in Aguas Calientes to buy our entry tickets to Machu Picchu.
We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Tickets are available online and in Cusco.
The Morning Arrived!
We caught our bus at 4:30 am on a rainy morning. It was dark and cold, and we worried that the weather might ruin our day at the ruins!
Ascending the mountain in complete darkness, we wondered what awaited us.
Entering Machu Picchu
Arriving at Machu Picchu early has its advantages; we avoided the crowds and had ample time to explore in tranquility.
Moreover, the authorities restrict access to 2,500 visitors each day, so we were grateful to visit before peak times.
As we entered, we encountered a foggy trail populated by friendly alpacas, the adorable guardians of this monumental site.
Initially, the gloomy weather disheartened us, hindering Dave’s opportunity for the perfect photograph.
However, as morning progressed, the clouds parted, allowing warm rays of sunlight to illuminate the site.
The feat of building this city on the mountain side, complete with terraces plunging into the valley, is truly unfathomable.
Being there was exhilarating, as we marveled at the terraced steps that dance down into the deep valley below, a construction feat from the 1400s.
The day-to-day management of 2,500 visitors never felt crowded, allowing us to capture moments free of other tourists.
As crowds increased during the afternoon, we took that as our cue to conclude our visit.
Traveling in Peru at High Season
- Finding accommodation took time because of the high season.
- We did not secure our Inca Trail hike or accommodations ahead of time, which resulted in higher costs.
- A lack of advance booking meant many treks were fully booked, even a year in advance!
- Without pre-booked hotels, we ended up paying inflated rates.
- If you want to hike the Inca Trail, ensure you make a reservation well ahead.
- During high season, reserve your hotels and trains in advance to avoid disappointments.
Planning Resources for Your Next Peru Trip
- Rainbow Mountain: What To Expect When Hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru
- Iquitos: Things to do in Iquitos, Peru – A Gateway to the Amazon
- Cusco: Top Three Little Known Hiking Day Trips in Cusco, Peru
- Machu Picchu: How To Plan A Trip To Machu Picchu
- Food: 5 Authentic Cusco Restaurants Where You Can Eat Like A Local
- Amazon River: 10 Reasons to Visit the Amazon River
- Facts About Peru: Fun Facts About Peru You Never Knew
- Things to do: 21 Of The Best Things To Do In Peru In 2021
- Paracas: Paracas Peru – Adventures In The California Desert
