Switch to Spanish Switch to Portuguese
The Marvel of Machu Picchu

Enigmas - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for visiting Machu Picchu - Peru

Do you have questions about an excursion or tour? Have you bought a tour and don't know what else you need? Clear your doubts in our frequently asked questions section. Below, we show you a series of questions that may arise before or during your stay in our city.

Is traveling to Peru safe?

Currently, most Latin American countries can be traveled safely, and Peru is no exception. It has a relatively efficient transport infrastructure that will allow you to move with ease. Furthermore, Peruvians are very friendly, supportive, and will not hesitate to help you. Peru is one of the most visited countries in Latin America, so you can imagine that, regarding tourism, they know their stuff. We know from experience that traveling with "common sense" will allow you to explore 95% of the planet without problems. Unfortunately, inconveniences also exist; however, planning your trip well and knowing where you are going and why, will allow you to reach Machu Picchu.

Is the city of Lima safe?

Lima is the capital of Peru, known as the "City of Kings." It is usually the first place in Peru you will arrive on your trip to Machu Picchu; Lima is relatively safe, you just need to know where to go and, of course, where not to (ask). All tourist places, airports, terminals, and other places frequented by visitors are safe and constantly guarded.

Is Cusco safe?

Yes, Cusco is one of the safest cities in Peru; you can walk freely through the streets of Cusco without fear, except perhaps being besieged by many street vendors, but that's all. All tourist areas in Cusco are guarded by agents and security cameras.

Is Machu Picchu safe?

Before entering the Inca City of Machu Picchu, you will have to pass through the town of Aguas Calientes, a small town at the foot of Machu Picchu mountain. It is the last train station to the wonder and is quite safe. Safety within the Inca City of Machu Picchu is guaranteed; you will only have to follow the marked trails and enjoy its incredible constructions.

Is Huayna Picchu mountain safe?

You will be safe on Huayna Picchu, as long as you follow the trail signs. Do not look for a path on your own, as this represents a fairly high potential risk. It is also important that you hike this mountain with appropriate footwear; hiking boots are very necessary.

What is Machu Picchu?

It is a spectacular stone-built citadel located on the top of the mountains and very close to the clouds, at 2430 m.a.s.l. It is located in the Cusco region, Urubamba Province, Machu Picchu District, above the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is 80 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. According to many scholars, its original name would have been Llaqtapata.

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The climate in the Andean region is marked by two climatic seasons:

Dry season (from April to October).

Rainy season (from November to March).

Keep in mind that, despite being the rainy season, on the same day there can be rain, cloudy skies, and even a lot of sun.

Today, tourists from all over the world visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The months with the highest influx of tourists are from April to September. Machu Picchu is located in the jungle eyebrow, so its climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8° and 20° C. It is advisable to bring clothes for both cold and warm weather.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

There are two different ways to get to Machu Picchu, which we explain below:

BY RAIL (TRAIN).

If you want to go to Machu Picchu by train, consider that no train departs directly from Cusco and no train arrives directly at Cusco. That is why before boarding your train, you must take a bus or a car to your chosen departure point. There are two train stations:

  • Poroy station, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from Cusco. (you can take a taxi at any time of the day, the average cost is 20 soles).
  • Ollantaytambo station, which is approximately a 2-hour bus ride from Cusco. (you must take a bus from the Ollantaytambo bus station; they depart every 30 minutes throughout the day, the average cost is 15 to 20 soles).

When choosing which train to take, you will have to choose between two companies:

PERU RAIL: this company has a wider variety of schedules and offers three types of services: Expedition, Vistadome, and the Hiram Bingham, in addition to having two departure and arrival points

  • Poroy - Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu - Poroy. Urubamba or Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo or Urubamba.

INCA RAIL: this is a company that has fewer years in the tourism market; it offers four services: tourist service, executive service, first-class service, and presidential service.

  • Ollantaytambo - Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo.

NOTE: We remind you to buy a round-trip train ticket, as it will be a little cheaper. When making your purchase, consider that prices vary according to the type of service, the departure point, and the schedule you choose.

When you are in Aguas Calientes, you can buy a bus ticket on the spot to the citadel of Machu Picchu from the only company CONSETTUR, or you can walk for 1 and a half hours.

BY BUS.

The bus route is very tiring/dangerous and requires at least two days. If you still want this option, you must do the following:

  • Take a taxi to the Quillabamba terminal in Cusco or hire a direct service to Hidroeléctrica.
  • Buy your ticket to Quillabamba and tell the seller that you will get off in the town of Santa María.
  • In Santa María, you must take a collective taxi to Hidroeléctrica.
  • From Hidroeléctrica, you have the option of taking a train to the town of Aguas Calientes, but it is highly recommended that you walk for approximately 2 hours along the side of the tracks, as you will find beautiful landscapes and can visit the Mandor waterfalls.
  • You will arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and must find accommodation.
  • The next day in the morning, you must visit Machu Picchu and be back at Hidroeléctrica at approximately 13:00, to find the return buses (the same route).
  • The average total bus time is 6:00 hours, from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco.

HIKES.

This is one of the best options to visit the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu; there are several alternatives: Inca Trail, Salkantay, Inca Jungle, etc.

On all hikes, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, microclimates, towns, flora, and fauna. You will also have time to enjoy the hot springs found along the route, and the last day will be specially dedicated to exploring the Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The return is by train and bus.

Is it easy to find accommodation?

If you do not yet have accommodation booked, do not worry because in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Aguas Calientes, there is a large number of accommodations of different categories; you are sure to find a space in one of them.

How much luggage can I take on the train?

Train services, whether PERU RAIL or INCA RAIL, only allow one piece of hand luggage. Maximum weight 5 kilos (11 pounds). Dimensions: 157 centimeters or 62 linear inches (width plus length and height).

What do you do with my bags during the visit to Machu Picchu?

If you are going to Machu Picchu for two days, then you should carry no more than 5 kilos in your luggage, and on the day of your visit to the Inca Citadel, you can leave your luggage at the hotel storage in Aguas Calientes.

If you are going for one day, we recommend carrying a small bag or backpack with necessary items for the Machu Picchu tour, as well as some small snacks.

Is there a limit on ticket sales for Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu mountain?

Some years ago, the Peruvian Government established some measures that limit access to these tourist destinations, which are necessary for their preservation.

When should I book my Machu Picchu ticket?

Reservations can be made at any time, taking into account availability. However, it is advisable to do it as soon as possible, especially for the Huayna Picchu ticket, as they sell out more easily, and it is recommended to book two or three months in advance.

Can Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu be visited on the same day?

Yes, it is possible. The visit to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu must be done on the same day, and you should consider train schedules and the number of days you will stay in Aguas Calientes before making the purchase.

Can a guide be found in Machu Picchu?

It is usually easy to find a guide in Machu Picchu. But in any case, we recommend that you arrange for a guide service before traveling to Machu Picchu.

From what time can you enter Machu Picchu?

Entry to the Machu Picchu Citadel is from 06:00 am to 16:30 pm. Buses to the Citadel from the CONSETTUR company start going up from 05:30 am.

Where are the hot springs of Machu Picchu located?

The hot springs are located at the end of Pachacútec Avenue, about 20 minutes from the main square of Machu Picchu town.

The hot springs are 800 meters east of Machu Picchu town, and the waters flow from between the rocks at different temperatures. The average temperature of the waters is between 35° and 43° C.

  • Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 05:30 - 20:00.
  • Rates: Foreigners: S/. 20.00 / Nationals: S/. 10.00.
Do you have any other special questions for your trip to Peru?

Our Destinations in Peru

Travel with Andes Perú; new destinations, new routes, new experiences.

Traditional Tours
Birdwatching

Culture & Adventure

We live in a fantastic and wonderful world filled with Culture and Adventure.
Discover the legacy of the Incas and the power of Nature.

Tour Packages

Do you want to explore the Inca Empire and immerse yourself in its energy?
Walk through the Sacred Valley of the Incas?
Dream of visiting one of the modern world's wonders?
Discover incredible hidden places most travelers never see?
Then choose us! Travel with Andes Perú.

Andes Perú

Discover the best of Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Machu Picchu. Experience Andean Culture, History, Archaeology, Customs, Traditions, and Living Nature.

Cusco & Machu Picchu

Don't settle for just the typical "must-see" destination.

Cultural Cusco

We want your trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu to be unforgettable.

Sacred Cultural

We want to make your journey to Cusco and Machu Picchu an unforgettable experience.

Dreams of the Inca

What are you waiting for? Fall in love with Peru’s most visited city!

logo Perú Rail logo Prom Perú logo Marca Perú logo Dircetur logo Mincetur