If you are thinking of visiting the Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu, here are some things you probably did not know about the site. We hope that this information will help you to plan for your trip, and to learn more about Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is expensive
Machu Picchu Trek
Costs for entering Machu Picchu can be more than people expect. It is more expensive than museums and other sites in the city of Cusco or other areas of the country, since it has to be reserved in advance and involves taking a train or other form of transportation.
There are only a certain number of people allowed in per day.
You can see this information on our availability chart for Machu Picchu entrances. But only 2500 people can enter every day arriving from the regular Inca Trail, alternative Inca Trail, or by train. You can see our chart to find if there are openings for the day you want.
Huayna Picchu mountain
Huayna Picchu is the mountain on the other side of the valley from Machu Picchu and it can also be climbed, and you can see Machu Picchu well from here. It is a good way to see it from a different place. You will have to climb a while to reach the top, about 50 minutes, and then walk back down, another 50 minutes. There is also a limited number of people (400 total, 200 at 7 am and 200 at 10 am) who can climb Huayna Picchu every day.
Huayna Picchu
There are alternative Inca Trails
Other than the standard 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, there are other ways to get there. One trail is shorter and takes only 2 days, and another trail allows you to go by bike on part of the trail.
Inca Trail By Bike TOURinPERU
No Wheels were used to bring the stones
It is believed that no wheels were used to transport the stones up the mountain. The Incas did use logs to transport heavy items however. But no wheels were used in the construction of Machu Picchu.
