Machu Picchu, a wonder you should visit at least once in your lifetime. If you want an honest review and tips, you've come to the right place. I'll tell you where I stayed, recommendations based on my experience, and will also tell you what not to do. Let's get started!
Machu Picchu Travel Guide: History
This astonishing archaeological site located in the northwest of Cuzco, was built by the Incas around 1450, and commissioned by emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. They made they lives there.
While Machu Picchu is the name of the site, we must remember that it's also the actual mountain's name. Yes, that's right! The first peak being Machu Picchu mountain (Old Peak) at 7,972 ft (2,430 m) above sea level, and then we have Huayna Picchu (New Peak) at 8,835 ft (2,693 m) above sea level.
About a century later, the Incas abandoned it. Historians are not 100% sure on the causes. Theories say it could have been due to a disease, drought, or a growing population. While the abandonment happened around the beginning of the 16th century (around the 1530s), at the same time of the Spanish conquest, Machu Picchu was never found by the conquistadors. This is the reason why the site is known as the "lost city".
It was re-discovered in 1911 by Yale University professor Hiram Bingham, while looking for "the lost city of the Incas" aka Vilcabamba. The expedition ended up with a complete different discovery, led by Melchor Arteaga, a Quechua-speaking local.
Machu Picchu: Facts
Who doesn't love random pieces of information? Here's a few fun facts I thought you'd find interesting.
The Incas didn't use any mortar in the construction of the citadel of Machu Picchu. Instead, they used a technique called Ashlar, which means they cut the stones so precisely that simply laying them on top of each other without any space in between, it would hold. I mean, it's tight! I don't think even a sheet of paper would fit in between the stones.
Machu Picchu was never abandoned. The reason why Bingham was able to find the site is because a local, Melchor Arteaga, brought him to the site. While it wasn't known to the entire world, there were farmers still cultivating the terraces around the citadel!
For those with fear of getting altitude sickness, let me tell you that Machu Picchu is actually at a lower altitude than Cusco! The mountain sits at 7,972 ft (2,430 m) while the city of Cusco is 11,200 ft (3,400 m) above sea level.
You can hike Huayna Picchu. Yes, that iconic mountain in the back of the pictures of the historical site. However, a permit is required to climb. Buy it here or you can also purchase it through a licensed tour operator. You'll need to select the exact route, date and time of your visit.
Helicopters are not allowed at Machu Picchu. Random, right? Turns out that helicopter operations were allowed in the 90s and it damaged the stone of the archaeological site. Reason why in 2010, the Cusco province banned helicopters in the area.
Machu Picchu: Best time to visit
In Peru, there are 2 seasons: dry season and rainy season. Typically, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is between April and October aka the dry season. You'll be able to enjoy clear blue skies and sporadic rain. However, since it's so beautiful, it's also high season. On the other side, we have rainy season between November and March. There's higher chances of landslides, and therefore it's less crowded.
You may ask me, but when is it really the best time to go to Machu Picchu? I'd recommend going during shoulder seasons. Either April-May or September-October. You'll still get good weather, and you won't be going during peak season (June through August).
I went in May and the weather was gorgeous. In terms of amount of people it was also very decent. It was a bit crowded in some sections, but I was still able to take beautiful photos without tons of people in the background or rushing me.
Oh, and before I forget, try to go early morning! You'll realize most tours start early mornings, and that's for a reason.
Machu Picchu: Accommodation
There's plenty of options to choose from, and for all budget ranges. My entire Cusco trip was made solo, so I decided to stay at a hostel to meet fellow travelers and have a great time. However, if you're more the type of voyager that likes to stay at boutique hotels, or simply like your own space, there's options for that too. Below are a few options and price ranges so you have an idea when planning your trip.
SuperTramp Machupicchu. This is where I stayed. Where community and adventure match perfectly. Expect lots of opportunities to interact with other travelers, yummy food, and even guidance as to which tours to take. They were very easy to get a hold of, I talked to them via WhatsApp and they cleared up all of my long list of questions. Price: From $15 USD per night, for 1 adult, on a shared room. Book here.
El MaPi by InkaTerra. Located right at Machu Picchu pueblo, this hotel's concept is where smart meets contemporary. It's a peaceful place to stay, and within average prices for accommodation. Price: From $190 USD per night, for 2 adults. Book here.
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. With fabulous views of the Andean mountains, top notch service and exquisite restaurants, this is a more premium choice. Price: From $696 USD per night, for 2 adults. Book here.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. The appeal of this boutique property is the location. It's right at the entrance to Machu Picchu! Of course, you can expect charming rooms, contemporary finishes, and outstanding service. Price: From $2,200 USD per night, for 2 adults. Book here.
Disclaimer: These accommodation prices were searched on February 2025, to stay in April or May 2025.
Machu Picchu: Transportation
Wondering how to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu? There's three different ways to do so:
By train: The two main companies are PeruRail and Inca Rail. This is the easiest way to get to Machu Picchu. One way tickets starting at $62 USD.
By bus + walk: Also known as hidroeléctrica. If you pick this option, prepare for about 6-7hrs of bus ride, plus another 3 more hours walking. Usually, the more adventurous travelers are the ones who pick this route. It goes in parallel to the rails of the train and the Vilcanota river.
By foot aka hiking: The Inca Trail (yes, this is how the route is called) is the most popular hike to Machu Picchu, it extends for about 26 miles (42 km). There are many tour companies that you can hire to guide you. It takes 4 days on average. If you're not up to the challenge but would like a similar experience, you should consider the Short Inca Trail, it takes 2 days and covers approx 6 miles (10 km).
One thing to keep in mind is that Machu Picchu Pueblo, known as Aguas Calientes, is not exactly where you will find the entrance of Machu Picchu itself. You need to get on a bus for 30min or walk to the entrance of the attraction for about 2hrs.
You need to purchase the bus ticket in person the day before at Consettur, as the lines can get pretty long, and you don't want to waste precious time. When I visited in 2021, the cost for foreigners for a round trip bus ticket was 24 USD. The price remains the same in 2025.
Machu Picchu: Travel tips
The following are things you should know before embarking on your Machu Picchu trip.
You should arrive to Aguas Calientes one day prior to your Machu Picchu expedition.
There are set entry times for Machu Picchu. Make sure you book them in advance.
Popular tourist gadgets such as selfie sticks, tripods and drones are prohibited. Professional filming is only allowed with prior authorization.
Make sure you bring sunscreen with you, and a hat to cover your face. It can get very hot.
You won't need many layers of clothing if you visit in May, like I did. I was prepared to visit the North Pole, pretty much, and ended up removing all 3 layers of clothing, ending up doing the entire visit with sports bra and leggings.
There's a luggage store before entering the site. They charged 5 Peruvian Soles to store your goods.
There are no bathrooms inside the Inca Citadel, only at the entrance (make sure you have some coins to pay the entrance fee). Keep your wanter intake to a minimum before you start the tour.
I hope you have found this Machu Picchu travel guide useful. You can always contact me via social media if you have any questions. May your journey to this sacred citadel leave you with memories that will last a lifetime and a renewed appreciation for the extraordinary achievements of our ancestors.
Disclaimers: All photographs on this article are taken by me and are protected by copyright. Please, do not use any images without prior written consent. If you wish to share an image, please reach out to get my prior agreement.
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