10 Tips to have a perfect trip to Machu Picchu

In this post Peru Andean Travel gives you 10 tips to have a perfect trip to Machu Picchu and fully enjoy your experience in the beautiful Imperial City of Cusco.

1.- Visa in Perú

Generally if you are Latin American, North American or European you will need one. If you are a citizen of MERCOSUR (American association), all members can enter to Peru just by carrying their document (National Identity Document) or with a valid passport.

If you are from other country, you will need a valid passport and in some exceptional cases depending on your country of origin, a visa.

If you are a child, you will need to go with your parents. If you are a parent and you are traveling with your child, you will need to present the child's marriage certificate, certificate or birth certificate.

2.- Vaccines

From 2020 to enter Peru it is mandatory to have the vaccine against covid 2019 or have a negative test no more than 48 hours before your trip to Peru

No vaccination is mandatory, but the Peruvian Ministry of Health "recommends" vaccinating against Yellow Fever to go to certain regions of the jungle.

Other recommended vaccines

It is recommended according to the Ministry of Health of Peru vaccines against:

• Anger
• Diphtheria-tetanus
• Tick encephalitis
• Japanese encephalitis
• Hepatitis A and B
• Pneumococcal pneumonia
• Rage
• Measles
• Among others
• Coronavirus - COVID 2019

3.- Accommodation and camping

If you are thinking of traveling to the Peruvian highlands, you won’t need to bring a heavy tent with you, it is not customary to camp in this region of the Country, in case you have booked a trek through the different routes in Cusco (Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Salkantay Trek, Ausangate Trek , Choquequirao Trek, Lares Trek, etc) the travel agency that you have contracted will provide the corresponding tents and camping places for your comfort.

Peru is one of the most accessible countries in South America, so you can get rooms at very comfortable prices. However what you get is directly related to what you pay.

4.- Climate and environment in Cusco

The periods of intense rain and cold are between December and February while the capital of Peru (Lima) is very hot.

Be it summer or winter, in Cusco at some time of the day it is cold. Always wear a coat. It is typical that in sunny places you feel hot and in shady places cold. The sun is radiant, and with the local climate it can damage your skin. Take sunscreen and / or buy cocoa paste pills at pharmacies that are very cheap and useful.

Machu Picchu is located in the jungle, that is, at a hybrid point where the mountains meet the jungle and the vegetation changes, showing characteristics of both regions at times.

The best visiting season is usually between April and November (high season) in which there is not so much rain and always blue skies, however this place is visited all year round and never disappoints.

5.- Altitude sickness

You may never have experienced a lack of oxygen. This is commonly felt in Cusco due to the height and makes everything cost three times as much effort so do not count on your usual physical resistance which will be diminished.

Your digestion will be a little slower and your sleep will be dense and deep.

Ideally, stay calm the first day to acclimatize (without too much physical activity). It is very normal for all pharmacies to sell pills for altitude sickness. Coca tea also helps.

6.- Inca Trail

Doing the Inca Trail is not mandatory to get to Machu Picchu. Many people are terribly confused about it. This is only a tourist route that can only be accessed through authorized travel agencies.

7.- Alternative Trekking Routes to get to Machu Picchu

All the roads are excellent, full of incredible nature, with similar landscapes but each one with a different attraction. Cusco is full of routes of the authentic path that makes up the Inca Road Network.

To get to Machu Picchu on your own you can do it in the following ways:

By train from Cusco city or Ollantaytambo Town through Inca Rail or Peru Rail Train Company.

By Bus From Cusco to Ollantaytambo (15 soles) and then another local bus that will leave you at Km 83 of the train tracks. From there walk the remaining kilometers to reach Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes). It is the cheapest route of all but also the most exhausting (after the Inca Trail) since you have to walk about 10 hours to get there.

Cusco Route > Santa María > Santa Teresa > Aguas Calientes.- Perhaps the preferred route for backpackers who want to save the cost of the train. It is a little longer but allows you to enjoy the landscape in the most economical way and make a trek as interesting as the Inca Trail but less exhausting.

8.- Health and safety

The city of Cusco is safe in the places where you are surrounded by tourists, the center, the Sacred Valley Tour, Machu Picchu. Avoid walking alone in the night markets or too far from the center with things of value and tourist aspect.

Be aware of your pockets at fairs or areas where you are very close to people. In one of the world's most touristy cities, petty thefts and scams are predictable. To avoid this simply don't leave your valuables alone or trust free stuff. Don't trust the excesses of unwarranted kindness from strangers who will usually always want something from you.

Hygiene is very important to maintain health. Try whenever possible to see how the food served is treated. It is common for tourists to get sick to the stomach for trying everything. To avoid this, be cautious, and avoid things that are sold on buses and street vendors, especially fried foods and artisan cheeses that can carry dangerous bacteria.

Boiled, freshly made, or washed food will almost always be fine. Long walks on stony ground can easily prey on dislocations or similar injuries. Wear good shoes. Cusco has good health care places that specifically cater to tourists. To access them do not forget to have traveler's insurance.

9.- Discounts

If you are a student, it is convenient to take the ISIC (International Student Identity Card) that allows you to have discounts in hostels, in addition to getting the ticket to go up to Machu Picchu at half price as well as the tourist ticket in Cusco and other advantages)

10.- In Machu Picchu

Formerly with a single entrance you could visit the entire Machu Picchu complex. Now they have divided the visit into sections. If you want to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain you must reserve your entrance in advance and arrive before noon (It is the mountain that is behind the citadel where the Temple of the Moon is located). Same for the Machu Picchu mountain.