How To Travel To Machu Picchu From Us

First, Make Travel Plans

To travel to Machu Picchu, you must first arrange your itinerary. Take into account the following elements:

The Ideal Time to Go

The dry season (April through October) is the ideal time to explore Machu Picchu. The weather is perfect for touring the site because it is usually sunny and clear. June through August is the busiest travel month, so expect heavier crowds during this time. Travel plans may be impacted by the frequent showers and sporadic severe rainfall that occur throughout the rainy season, which runs from November to March.

Length of Visit

Choose the duration of your trip to Peru as well as the number of days you want to spend in Machu Picchu. A typical itinerary to Machu Picchu consists of visiting the citadel itself, exploring the Sacred Valley, and spending time in Cusco getting adjusted to the altitude. To properly explore the region, allow at least 5-7 days to travel there.

Budget

Establish a spending limit for all aspects of your trip, such as airfare, lodging, transportation, meals, and attraction fees. Take into account additional costs for activities, souvenirs, and guided tours. There are several ways to visit Machu Picchu on a budget, from luxurious excursions to affordable choices.

Step 2: Purchase Tickets to Peru

You must take a plane to Peru in order to get to Machu Picchu. Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), located in Lima, the country's capital, serves as Peru's primary international entry point. The steps to book your flights are as follows:

1. Find Flights

Utilize travel comparison services like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to look for flights to Lima from the US city of departure. To locate the best offers, compare costs, travel times, and layover choices.

2. Reserve Domestic Air Travel

You will have to take a local aircraft from Lima to Cusco, which is the closest city to Machu Picchu. Airlines that operate from Lima to Cusco include LATAM, Avianca, and Sky Airline. The flight lasts for around one hour and twenty minutes.

Step 3: Get Used to the Climate in Cusco

Situated at an elevation of 11,152 feet (3,399 meters), Cusco is the historical capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In order to prevent altitude sickness and guarantee a comfortable journey to Machu Picchu, it is imperative to acclimate to the high altitude. Here's how you get used to it:

1. Take a Few Days to Visit Cusco

Schedule a minimum of two to three days in Cusco prior to your visit to Machu Picchu. This will allow your body to acclimate to the higher altitude. Explore the historic sites of the city, such as Sacsayhuamán, the Qorikancha Temple, and the Plaza de Armas, during this time.

2. Maintain Hydration

Remaining hydrated is important since dehydration can make altitude sickness worse. Steer clear of caffeine and alcohol since they might exacerbate dehydration.

3. Remain Calm

Avert physically demanding activities on your first day in Cusco. Go gently, take it easy, and give your body time to acclimate to the reduced oxygen levels.

4. Take Into Account Altitude Medication

To assist prevent altitude sickness, speak with your doctor prior to your travel and think about taking an altitude medication like acetazolamide (Diamox). It's also thought that coca tea, a traditional Peruvian medicine, can reduce symptoms.

Step 4: Take a Look Around the Sacred Valley

Take advantage of the chance to tour the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is situated halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu, before going there. The Sacred Valley is renowned for its historic ruins, charming communities, and stunning scenery. The following places are a must-see:

1. Pisac

See the village of Pisac, which is well-known for its vibrant marketplace and striking Inca ruins. There are terraces, temples, and a sizable ceremonial center at the Pisac Archaeological Park.

2. Ollantaytambo

Discover Ollantaytambo, a beautifully preserved Inca hamlet featuring terraces and a fortress. Trains to Machu Picchu also depart from Ollantaytambo.

3. Moray and Maras

Explore the Moray agricultural terraces, which are thought to have served as an Inca laboratory for agriculture. The Maras salt mines, which are nearby, provide a distinctive and picturesque setting.

Step 5: Proceeding to Machu Picchu

You must go to the town of Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo) from Cusco or the Sacred Valley in order to reach Machu Picchu. You can hike or take a bus up to the citadel from there. The available modes of transportation are as follows:

1. Take the Train to Aguas Calientes

Train travel is the most common means of getting to Aguas Calientes. Train services are provided to Aguas Calientes from Cusco, Ollantaytambo, and Urubamba by two major companies, PeruRail and Inca Rail. The Urubamba River and the Andes may be seen spectacularly from the train ride.

• PeruRail: Provides a range of service classes, such as the Vistadome, Expedition, and opulent Hiram Bingham trains.
• Inca Rail: Offers a variety of classes, including 360° trains, Executive, and First Class.

2. The Inca Trail Trekking

Consider climbing the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu for a thrilling adventure. The four-day classic Inca Trail travels through breathtaking scenery, cloud forests, and Inca sites. It is necessary to obtain permits, which can be done so through a licensed tour operator several months in advance.

3. Alternative Treks

Alternative treks like the Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, and Inca Jungle Trek offer interesting and beautiful ways to Machu Picchu in the event that permits for the Inca Trail are not available.

Step 6: Travel to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu may be reached in a short bus journey or hiking from Aguas Calientes. What you should know before visiting is as follows:

1. Get Your Tickets in Advance

Due to limited availability, tickets for Machu Picchu must be bought in advance. You can purchase tickets from accredited ticket sellers or online via the official Machu Picchu website. There are various ticket options, such as Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu, and citadel admission.

2. Travel to the Citadel by Bus or Hike

Buses to Machu Picchu leave from Aguas Calientes and arrive at the gate in around half an hour. Alternatively, there's a steep trail that takes around 1.5 hours to trek up to the citadel.

3. Employ a Guide

It is strongly advised that you hire a certified guide to improve your experience and provide you insights into the background and significance of Machu Picchu. You can schedule a guided tour in advance or pick one up at the door.

4. Verify the Website

Explore the primary sites of Machu Picchu, such as the terraces for agriculture, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the Temple of the Condor, at your own pace. Make sure you get a picture of the famous vista from the Inca Bridge or the Sun Gate (Inti Punku).

5. Show Site Respect

Machu Picchu is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors are expected to abide by the guidelines. Remember to stay on the prescribed trails and refrain from touching or climbing the ruins.

Step 7: Make Your Way Back to Cusco

Take the train from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco after exploring Machu Picchu. Before returning to the US, spend a few additional days in Cusco taking in the sights and relaxing in case you missed anything.

Further Advice on Visiting Machu Picchu

Take into account the following advice to make sure your trip to Machu Picchu goes smoothly and enjoyable:

1. Make Reservations in Advance

Due to its popularity, Machu Picchu experiences a high rate of ticket sales for numerous services, including train tickets, entrance tickets, and lodging. To ensure the dates and selections you choose, make all of your reservations in advance.

2. Make the Right Packing Decisions

Bring only the necessities with you, including a reusable water bottle, insect repellant, a hat, sunscreen, and comfy walking shoes. The Andes' weather is prone to sudden changes, so pack a rain jacket and wear layers of clothing.

3. Maintain Your Connection

To stay connected when traveling, think about getting an international data package or a local SIM card. Wi-Fi is available in many hotels and cafes throughout Cusco and Aguas Calientes, while connectivity could be spotty in more isolated locations.

4. Get Started with Basic Spanish

Even though many people working in the tourism sector understand English, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases will make traveling easier and improve your experience.

5. Be Cautious

Take standard safety measures, such locking up your valuables, staying away from dimly lit locations after dark, and using caution when taking cash out of ATMs. Although travel to Peru is usually safe, it's wise to exercise caution.

6. Give Local Businesses Your Support

By using family-run restaurants, buying gifts from regional artists, and using local tour operators and guides, you can help the community's economy.

Conclusion

The journey from the US to Machu Picchu is one of adventure, history, and stunning beauty. One of the most famous archeological sites in the world may be visited with a well-planned and unforgettable trip if you follow the instructions in this book. Organizing travel and lodging, getting adjusted in Cusco, and touring the Sacred Valley are all necessary steps that will help you fully experience Machu Picchu's enchantment. During your tour to the center of the Inca Empire, embrace the experience, show respect for the cultural legacy, and make lifelong memories.