How do I prepare for Machu Picchu?

The best way to prepare for a trek to Machu Picchu is to participate in plenty of cardiovascular activity. Activities such as swimming, cycling, or long-distance running will place you in a strong position to complete the trek with ease. Remember; a happy heart makes for a happy hiker. Learn more.

When should I climb Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu can be climbed year-round, but travellers should be aware that the Inca Trail is closed in February every year for necessary maintenance. The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail, for example, is June-August and is known to be quite crowded. Learn more.

What permits do I need?

Only 500 permits are allocated per day for the Inca Trail due to the overwhelming popularity of the route and must be booked in advance. Other trails and routes in the area do not need a permit. Learn more.

Do I need a guide to climb?

From 2001, it is a compulsory requirement that travellers on the Inca Trail, in particular, must travel with a registered guide. Many of the alternative trails, however, do not require a guide, and you are able to hike as you wish unassisted. Learn more.

How do I get to Machu Picchu?

The best way for travellers to reach Machu Picchu is to fly into Cusco, Peru. Spending a few days in Cusco prior to embarking on a trek to Machu Picchu will help travellers acclimate, and reduce the impacts of altitude sickness. Learn more.

What should I pack and what equipment do I need?

Walking poles, hiking boots, waterproof clothing and plenty of layers are just a few of the essentials that you will need for your hiking adventure. As for tents and cooking equipment, be sure to check with your tour operator as this may be provided for you. Learn more.

How to get to Machu Picchu

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How to get to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, perched above the Sacred Valley, is a destination that most travellers dream of visiting. Every year, thousands of travellers make the journey to Peru to experience the beauty of the ruins up close. But before you start planning your journey, there are a few different ways for you to reach Machu Picchu that you should consider.

Travelling by air to Cusco

Cusco is where travellers will start their journey before venturing along the Inca Trail and surrounding routes to reach the Machu Picchu ruins. Cusco is located at an altitude of 3,399m (11,152ft) and is the best place for travellers who have not been exposed to high altitudes before to become more comfortable with the change in conditions and to reduce the impacts of altitude sickness. Before you travel, it’s advised that you complete the appropriate research about the dangers of altitude sickness, how to alleviate its symptoms, and the associated health risks. Most importantly, not only is Cusco the place to be for acclimatisation, it's also where you will find traces of fascinating Inca history, local textile markets, awesome nightlife, and unique architecture. Whatever you do, don’t rush your time in Cusco as there is much to see and do.

To arrive in Cusco, most international travellers will first need to fly into Jorge Chávez International Airport (airport code LIM) in Lima before reaching Cusco via internal flight. QANTAS is a popular airline that services this route for Australian travellers. In the UK, British Airways, Air France, and KLM are among the favoured airlines, whereas US travellers tend to select the routes with JetBlue, LATAM, United, and Avianca, just to name a few. The journey will be long, and it’s likely that you will encounter a layover at least once or twice depending on where you fly from and what airline you select.

For internal flights within Peru from Lima to Cusco, some of the popular airlines include LCPeru, Peruvian Airlines, LATAM, and StarPeru, and are relatively inexpensive.

Travelling by road to Cusco

Once you arrive in Lima, there is an option to travel on a bus that connects you from Lima to Cusco, but it’s definitely a time-consuming option that can take anywhere between 20-27 hours. This is known among travellers as a budget option, but it is worth noting that the roads are incredibly windy, and the road conditions are sometimes unstable or dangerous.

When comparing local bus companies, be careful not to fall into the trap of booking the cheapest ticket. If you are concerned about your safety on the roads travelling from Lima to Cusco, it is advised that routes that travel through Arequipa are generally safer.

Travelling from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Once you’ve made it to Cusco, you’re almost there – but you will still need to make your way to to the gateway town of Aguas Calientes. Depending on your travel plans, you have a number of options to consider. These include trekking directly to Machu Picchu along the classic Inca Trail, or completing a trek on an alternative route that ends in or nearby the town of Aguas Calientes – just a few miles from Machu Picchu – which is where you will formally end the hiking component of your trip before climbing the steps to Machu Picchu.

Travelling from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Travellers have the option of staying in Aguas Calientes overnight before viewing the ruins, or, if you choose to forgo the hiking experience altogether, you can travel by train from Cusco to Aguas Caliente. From Aguas Caliente, you have the option of either paying for a bus up to Machu Picchu or climbing the steps. You can start climbing the steps once the bridge opens early in the morning (top tip: line up early during the peak season) and then you can hike up the steps which will take anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour. The steps are a challenging experience but of course, the views of Machu Picchu are completely worth it.

Machu Picchu weather

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
Average °C	15	15	15	15	15	14	14	15	15	15	15	15
Average °F	59	59	59	59	59	57	57	59	59	59	59	59
High °C	24	25	25	25	25	25	25	25	26	25	26	26
High °F	75	77	77	77	77	77	77	77	79	77	79	79
Low °C	13	13	13	12	11	9	9	10	11	12	13	13
Low °F	55	55	55	54	52	48	48	50	52	53	55	55
Rainfall (mm)	138	141	151	62	23	17	22	24	44	75	86	121

How to climb Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley

How do I prepare for Machu Picchu?
The best way to prepare for a trek to Machu Picchu is to participate in plenty of cardiovascular activity. Activities such as swimming, cycling, or long-distance running will place you in a strong position to complete the trek with ease. Remember; a happy heart makes for a happy hiker. Learn more.
When should I climb Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu can be climbed year-round, but travellers should be aware that the Inca Trail is closed in February every year for necessary maintenance. The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail, for example, is June-August and is known to be quite crowded. Learn more.
What permits do I need?
Only 500 permits are allocated per day for the Inca Trail due to the overwhelming popularity of the route and must be booked in advance. Other trails and routes in the area do not need a permit. Learn more.
Do I need a guide to climb?
From 2001, it is a compulsory requirement that travellers on the Inca Trail, in particular, must travel with a registered guide. Many of the alternative trails, however, do not require a guide, and you are able to hike as you wish unassisted. Learn more.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
The best way for travellers to reach Machu Picchu is to fly into Cusco, Peru. Spending a few days in Cusco prior to embarking on a trek to Machu Picchu will help travellers acclimate, and reduce the impacts of altitude sickness. Learn more.
What should I pack and what equipment do I need?
Walking poles, hiking boots, waterproof clothing and plenty of layers are just a few of the essentials that you will need for your hiking adventure. As for tents and cooking equipment, be sure to check with your tour operator as this may be provided for you. Learn more.