For those traveling to South America for the first time, if Peru is on your itinerary, is Machu Picchu on your must-visit list?
Many travelers often ask Summer: What should first-time visitors to Machu Picchu be aware of?
The most important thing — choosing the right route!
Currently, there are three main routes to explore Machu Picchu. Here’s a brief breakdown:
- Route 1: Leads to the upper platform of Machu Picchu, offering the most stunning panoramic views. However, it does not grant access to the lower platform.
- Route 2: The most popular and comprehensive option, covering all the iconic sights of Machu Picchu while still allowing for panoramic photos. The downside? It’s in high demand, and if you don’t book months in advance, it’s often completely sold out.
For travelers on extended trips through South America, locking in an exact date for Machu Picchu months ahead can be challenging. Even if you manage to pick a date, you may find yourself adjusting the rest of your itinerary just to fit Machu Picchu in.
Summer understands the struggle!
For those planning to take Route 2, Summer recommends booking your tickets at least three months in advance to secure your spot.
Route 3: This route leads only to the lower platform of Machu Picchu, meaning you won’t be able to see the iconic panoramic view. That’s its main drawback.
In addition to choosing a route, you can also pair your Machu Picchu visit with one of three mountains or a bridge:
- Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
- Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu
- Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain
- Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge
Among these options, Summer’s top recommendation is Huayna Picchu!
Why Does Summer Recommend Huayna Picchu?
Because Huayna Picchu is the highest accessible viewpoint, offering the most breathtaking panoramic views! Seeing Machu Picchu from this angle—doesn’t that sound thrilling?
Secondly, the hike up Huayna Picchu itself is an unforgettable adventure. The steep, narrow paths and hand-over-foot climbing sections make for an exhilarating challenge—Summer still remembers the adrenaline rush!
Another huge advantage of choosing Huayna Picchu? It extends your time at Machu Picchu. With the new 2024 regulations, visitors on any route can only stay at Machu Picchu for a maximum of two hours. But if you add Huayna Picchu to your itinerary, you can extend your visit up to six hours. Now that’s a great deal!
Is Machu Picchu Really Worth Visiting?
Some travelers have asked Summer, “Is Machu Picchu really worth it?”
I get it—you need to book months in advance, and the cost isn’t exactly cheap. So, is it truly worth the effort?
Summer reached Machu Picchu by trekking the Inca Trail. When I arrived, a light drizzle was falling, and as I passed through the Sun Gate, I couldn’t see even a shadow of Machu Picchu.
But then, as the sun broke through and the clouds slowly lifted, I happened to reach the upper platform—and there it was, Machu Picchu, revealing itself in all its glory. At that moment, every penny spent and every step taken felt absolutely worth it!
Where Should You Stay—Aguas Calientes or Cusco?
Summer recommends staying in Aguas Calientes!
Why? Because Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu, making your visit incredibly convenient. From your hotel, you can simply walk to the entrance, hop on the shuttle bus up the mountain, and be dropped off right at the citadel’s entrance—it doesn’t get any easier than that!
If you visit Machu Picchu in the morning, you’ll avoid the crowds and have a much quieter experience. After descending around midday, you can take your time exploring Aguas Calientes’ markets and enjoy a relaxing meal.
When Summer visited, after coming down from Machu Picchu, a Scottish couple from the group leisurely enjoyed a few beers with their guide before catching the train back to Cusco—a perfect way to end the adventure!
If you’re visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon, simply swap your sightseeing and meals to the morning—it’s just as relaxing!
Why Not Stay in Cusco?
If you stay in Cusco the night before your Machu Picchu visit, here’s what your day will look like:
Before the rooster even wakes up, you’ll have to be up and moving! First, you’ll take a bus to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to a train to Aguas Calientes. By the time you arrive, you’ll already be exhausted—and worse, you’ll have missed all the incredible Inca ruins along the way.
Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have to rush to meet your guide (since having a guide is now mandatory for Machu Picchu). Then it’s a mad dash to catch the shuttle bus up the mountain—because if you miss your ticketed entry time, you won’t be allowed in!
After the tour, you simply won’t have time to shop or dine—since the train won’t wait, you’ll have to rush back to Cusco!
Stay tuned for more tips on Machu Picchu in the next post. If you need more advice on planning your Machu Picchu and Cusco itinerary, just leave a comment for Summer.
I’m Summer, a backpacker with a passion for the outdoors.
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