If you have questions about packages to the Inca Citadel sanctuary, we are here to help! Below, we provide answers to frequently asked questions about the Machu Picchu tour in 2024, which many tourists often ask. We hope this article will be of great help to you. Feel free to contact our travel experts if you have any additional questions you need clarification on. We are here to make sure your Peruvian adventure this year is unforgettable.

1.What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is a world-class destination and the most important construction left by the Incas. It is located in the department of Cusco, 75 km northwest of the capital, the city of Cusco, at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level. This archaeological site is a spectacular citadel built in stone, located on top of a mountain. The prevailing theory states that it was the main luxury refuge and place of sacred rituals of the Inca nobility.

Excursions to Machu Picchu are available every day. Tourists can arrive by train or take adventure tours from Cuzco, such as the Classic Inca Trail, traversing peaks, valleys, and plains. Many travelers consider Machu Picchu as the best destination in the world. Find the fabulous citadel on our map. Also, since 2007, it is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.

2. What is the best time to visit?

It depends on your preferred weather. The dry season lasts from April to October, while the rainy season spans from November to March.

Dry season. Cusco City experiences cool temperatures throughout, with colder periods from June to late August. However, Machu Picchu, situated in a subtropical environment, sees warm to hot days and occasionally chilly nights. Rain is uncommon in Cusco City during this time, although there may be brief and light showers in Machu Picchu on some days.

Rainy season. The rainy season sees frequent but short rainfall in Cusco City, occurring 2 or 3 times a week, with similar conditions in Machu Picchu. It’s advisable to have a waterproof coat or rain poncho and dress in layers for varying weather conditions.

For detailed weather information in the Cusco region, read our related article. Keep in mind that Machu Picchu tends to be warmer due to its proximity to the Amazon rainforest.

The choice of when to visit depends on your preference, so you can experience our Wonder of the Modern World! For more information on the best time for the Machu Picchu 2-day tour.

3.- What kind of clothes and items should I bring for the trip?

Machu Picchu is located on the frontier of the Amazonian rainforest. That is, it has a subtropical climate (warm and humid), so the type of clothing we recommend is:

• For the rainy season (November – April). The best option is wearing a raincoat, as well as wind-resistant clothing. But dress up in layers, in a way you can adapt clothes to a changing climate, whether cool or warm.
• Bring a warm jacket anyway. It may be annoying having to carry it during the visit, but it’s better to be prepared for the wind at the end of the afternoon.
• T-shirts with long sleeves (preferably). To avoid insect bites and/or annoying sunburn.
• Sun hat and sunglasses. A lightweight and comfortable sun hat, for you to stay fresh. The glasses will allow you to appreciate all the beauty of Machu Picchu without having to strain your eyes.
• Sunblock and insect repellent. These are mandatory. Especially the repellent, since the itching of mosquito bites can be very intense. If you think that insects have a particular taste for you, we also recommend not wearing short garments of any kind. Use only personal hygiene and health products that are eco-friendly, and that do not contaminate water. As a guide, you can read our recent article about many biodegradable products that you should use.
• Drink lots of water! Staying hydrated with purified or bottled water is the best thing you can do to be healthy and full of energy during the trip. It will also help prevent altitude sickness. Just keep in mind that Peru is already under a rule banning disposable plastic in tourism, so you must bring a reusable bottle.

This aspect is very consulted and of course, should be in the FAQ’s Machu Picchu tour 2019. You will find more details about packing for this trip in our article on what to take to the citadel.

4.- What cannot be brought to Machu Picchu?

Forbidden items. It is very important to consider this as well, to prevent barring any of your belongings into the sanctuary or having to rent a deposit or locker, whose cost is high. Our article about what you should not take to Machu Picchu will provide all the information in detail.

5.- How to get to Machu Picchu?

There are two different ways you can get there: by train or doing one of our fascinating Inca Trails. Below we explain each option in detail:

TRAIN

If you want to go to Machu Picchu by train, consider that none of them leaves directly from Cusco City and none of them goes back until there either. That is why before boarding, you must take a transfer to the starting point of your choice (included in the cost). There are two stations currently operative:

• The Poroy Station is approximately 30 minutes away from Cusco City.
• The Ollantaytambo Station, is approximately 2 hours away from Cusco City.

When choosing which one, you will have two companies:

Peru Rail: this company has more varied schedules and offers four types of services: Expedition (economic service), Vistadome, Sacred Valley, and Hiram Bingham. It also has two places of departure and arrival which are shown below. Currently, the Sacred Valley train is trending among tourists, it departs from the Tambo del Inka hotel station, in the beautiful city of Urubamba. (Check with our sales staff about this new train!)

• Poroy – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Poroy.
• Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.

When making your purchase, consider that prices vary according to the type of service, the starting point, and the time you choose. Our staff can buy all the tickets you want.

Inca Rail: this company offers four services: Voyager, 360° Service, First Class Service, and Private Machu Picchu Train. Likewise, the starting and arrival points are the following:

• Poroy – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Poroy.
• Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.

Note: you can also combine different trains, with any of the companies, one for the departure and one for the return. Contact our tourism experts to coordinate that option, if it’s the one you want.

HIKING

An excellent option to visit Machu Picchu! You will find several alternatives such as the route of the Classic Inca Trail 4D/3N, or alternative trails such as the Salkantay Trek 5D/4N, the Lares-4 Day Hike, etc. In all these treks you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, microclimates, typical villages, and quite astounding nature. You’ll also have time to go to the thermal baths that are on the route, and the last day will be specially reserved so you can do a tour of the fabulous Machu Picchu sanctuary. The return is by bus and train. If you want to book one of these tours, contact us!

Do not forget to check permits availability for the Classic Inca Trail and for the Short 2-Day Inca Trail.

6.- How to go from Aguas Calientes village to Machu Picchu?

Aguas Calientes is the cozy small town next to the citadel. This is also one of the FAQ’s Machu Picchu tour 2019. There are two ways to get to the Inca sanctuary from there:

a) If you like walking and enjoying nature. There is a route that ends with stairs properly signposted. The walk on average will take 1 hour and a half. It is advisable to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, and sunglasses, remember that you are on the edge of the jungle. But we inform you that the road is quite demanding, there is a high traffic of buses on the route, which is also a bit narrow, it can be somewhat uncomfortable and risky.

b) Taking a bus is the ideal option. The trip will take about 30 minutes approximately. This bus will leave you at the entrance of the Machu Picchu citadel. Departures start from 5:30 a.m. Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu are administered by the CONSETTUR company, which has offices in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.

• CONSETTUR Office in Cusco: Av. Infancia N ° 433.
• CONSETTUR Office in Aguas Calientes: Av. Hermanos Ayar s/n (metal shed).

Note: tickets can be bought by you, however, the easiest and most convenient is that we do it, to coordinate this part with the remaining schedule of your tour. Otherwise, there may be problems with the itinerary’s organization.

7.- What type of accommodations does your travel agency offer?

TOUR IN PERU provides them. Our packages to Machu Picchu include accommodations in a standard hotel, comfortable and with all essential services. It can also be arranged for our staff to book you a higher-cost hotel. If that is the case, contact us to receive some recommendations.

8.- How much luggage can I take on the train and where can I leave it?

Either Peru Rail or Inca Rail only allows carrying hand luggage. This will have a maximum weight of 11 pounds (5 kg). Both companies offer free storage for this luggage. The other option is to leave it at the hotel in Aguas Calientes. For the Machu Picchu site tour, a regular backpack is enough.

9.- Is there a limit on the sale of the Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain tickets?

There are some normatives. These were enacted by the Peruvian Government organizing access to these tourist destinations, needed for their preservation. The regulations are detailed below:

• Machu Picchu citadel tickets: 5,400 per day. (Important: this is the total number of tickets for all activities).
• Machu Picchu Citadel + Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets: 400 per day, divided into two groups:

          – Group 01: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: 200 spaces per day. Consult with our staff about the available schedules.

          – Group 02: Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: 200 spaces per day. Consult with our staff about the available schedules.

• Machu Picchu Citadel + Machu Picchu Mountain tickets: 400 per day. In this case, it is the tour of the Machu Picchu citadel plus the mountain of the same name, which is next to the archaeological complex. Learn more about the spectacular Machu Picchu mountain.
• Machu Picchu citadel + Chavez Ballon Inca History Museum: 2,500 per day.

10.- Who manages the sale of tickets to Machu Picchu?

The Peruvian Culture Department. All travel agencies are subject to the regulations established by that entity. The availability of tickets is the same for both travel agencies and independent tourists. Hence, for your convenience, the purchase of them is included in the cost of any of our Machu Picchu tours.

11.- When should I reserve tickets?

Depending on your plans. If you want to visit only the Machu Picchu citadel, 2 months in advance is recommended. But if you also want to include the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, the reservation should be made 5 or 6 months in advance, as this adventure sells out very quickly.

12.- Can you visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the same day?

One of the FAQ’s Machu Picchu tour 2019. Yes, it is possible. And obviously, it can also be done on different days. The entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain has 3 shifts: 7 to 8 am (two groups) and 10 to 11 am (last group). Remember that this attraction is inside the citadel. Learn more about the wonderful Huayna Picchu mountain.

13.- Can I find a guide in Machu Picchu?

Always prefer TOUR IN PERU certified guides. Informal guides can be found and the cost varies depending on the number of people, for more people the price is lower. But we do not recommend you in any way to hire such services, for your safety and guarantee. All our tours to Machu Picchu include professional guides selected and registered by us, with valid guiding cards, which guarantee professionalism and reliability. With us, the guide’s performance will more than compensate for the cost of the tour.

14.- From what time can you enter the citadel?

From 06:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., every day. Your tour will be conducted within this schedule, according to the planning that we have agreed upon. If you want a special schedule, or a longer tour (in general, our visit to the citadel lasts 2 and a half hours, plus extra time for visiting again places you were especially interested in), the ideal option is to book one of our private tours because these can be personalized, in a different way than conventional tours.

15.- Should I bring a document?

It is obligatory to carry the documents used for your reservation. This is valid both for trains and for entering the Machu Picchu complex. If you’re a foreigner, you must present the original passport, Peruvians only present their ID, and in the case of students, the ISIC (Student Card). If you do not have the right document, you’ll be denied entry to the archaeological site. For more details, read our quick guide on documents required for traveling to Peru.

16.- Where are the hot springs of Machu Picchu?

They are in Aguas Calientes (a small town neighboring the site). Specifically, in the final part of Pachacuteq Avenue, about 20 minutes from its Plaza de Armas (Main Square). The springs sprout from between the rocks with different warmth. The temperature of the waters is between 95°F (35ºC) and 109.4°F (43ºC).

These thermal waters are used today by tourists. There are very delightful pools, with relaxing views of the surrounding valley. The thermal baths in Aguas Calientes have different healing properties, such as treatment for rheumatism, anti-stress therapy, elimination of toxins, lower blood pressure and improved metabolism.

Open: Monday to Sunday from 05:30 am to 08:00 pm.

There are many additional ways to enjoy this beautiful place! We recommend you read the article about Aguas Calientes village.

17.- Do I need to hire a travel agency to go to Machu Picchu?

TOUR IN PERU is always your best option. The reason is that we’re an authorized and certified travel agency. This guarantees safety, professionalism, and the best quality of service. Agencies without authorization and people who offer their services informally are not registered with the government and therefore can vanish, charge overpriced fees, and be linked to criminal organizations.

TOUR IN PERU is a completely authorized tour operator. In addition, we have prestigious certifications such as CALTUR (Peruvian government), SERNANP (for the Inca Trail), and TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2018, among others, which vouch for our work ethics and high-quality tourism services.

18.- Where can I get more information?

Our website has an online chat. If these FAQs Machu Picchu Tour 2019 do not clarify some of your doubts, please contact us, and we will immediately answer any questions you may have.

19.- Is the visit to Machu Picchu recommended for people of any age?

People of all ages can go. It’s available for babies, children, youth, adults, seniors. In addition, we can also provide tours for people with special needs (for example, tourists in wheelchairs, blind people, deaf, etc). The only condition in this case is that the tour is booked in advance because preparations are a bit more complex.

We are sure this article about the FAQ’s Machu Picchu tour 2019 will be very helpful! Remember that TOUR IN PERU offers several contact channels: chat, message via the website, and e-mail, among others. We will take care of everything, so you can have a perfect experience at the Inca citadel!