I was very excited by the fact that I had forgotten to do my research as I was about to visit the world’s most photo-shot, most visited and most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The moment I arrived in Machu Picchu I was like a child on Christmas Day. So, before you go here to Machu Picchu, here are 10 things you need to know to help you avoid making the same mistake as me:
Avoid the crowd
The first assumption I was so grossly wrong was to incorrectly assume that the first crowd would be smaller on the morning when Machu Picchu opened at 6am. In fact, the best time to visit is late in the afternoon, from 4 to 5pm, while all visitors from Cusco have left. That allowed me to take the following (much more etheric) photos:
The best place to take photos
When you arrive at Machu Picchu, the first thing you notice is that there is a labyrinth of roads that connect in every way, and you are not entirely sure which will lead you to the best photo opportunity. The truth is that it’s best to explore, but if you’re looking for that “postcard Machu Picchu photo”, you’ll find it in the security guard’s house above the highest peak in the abandoned ins. Elsewhere, you can take photos from afar (provides a great overview), but you need to commit to a day’s hike. The easiest of these is actually walking part of the Inca Trail (inverse). This will take 2-3 hours of round trip. If you book in advance, you can also consider a “Machu Picchu” hike, which most visitors know. This is definitely where you find the best photo op.
Time to visit
Machu Picchu is busy all year round, but the “dry season” (May to October) is the most popular time to visit, not just during the Christmas/New Year period.
Sun and bug protection
Perhaps it’s not surprising that the sun is as detrimental as it is in the clouds. Machu Picchu is literally a small eavesdropper, so don’t forget to stuff it with sunscreen and bug spray.
The food in Machu Picchu is good/great
Before taking the 30 minute bus from the small town below to Machu Picchu, I thought it would be better to grab a snack in case I was hungry and couldn’t find anything there. But in reality, on the snack bar or Belmond Lunch Buffet site, the food is better x100. Vegetarians are not afraid, and for $6.20 you’ll get a great vegetable quiche. There are healthy options. Wrap, sandwiches, hot dogs, soft serve ice cream, etc. It’s very cheap considering the location.
Stamp your passport
I need a passport to enter Machu Picchu, so why can’t I not get a free passport stamp on my way out while I’m there? It is on the right side as you exit just before passing through the exit gate. It looks like this:
Altitude
I have not had too many problems with altitude sickness or have the people around me, but it is worth mentioning to someone who is worried about the effects of severe illness. First of all, contrary to popular belief, Machu Picchu is not the best point of the Andes. Instead, it’s one of the lowest. You will be at much higher altitudes in both the Sacred Valley and Cusco. However, if you’re really worried to avoid headaches and unnecessary whims, drink plenty of water and chew on coca leaves. It’s not entirely necessary, but as you want!
toilet
It is located only outside the site itself, so please use it before entering or wait halfway through.
Trekking around Machu Picchu
If you want to make the most of your visit, but don’t want to commit to the famous 4-day Inca trekking, there are hiking on various days during your visit in Machu Picchu. If you want to trekk down the famous Mount Juaina or Mount Machu Picchu, you must book at least 6 months in advance.
Stay in Machu Picchu overnight and stay in Cusco overnight
As mentioned, the best time to enjoy Machu Picchu almost completely is to stay in Machu Picchu in the late afternoon before closing time at 5pm and stay overnight in Machu Picchu. Many travelers choose to take the train to Cusco instead, as it is much cheaper to stay in a hotel in town. But consider this: you came like this, why not enjoy it rather! ? By staying in Machu Picchu overnight, you can also take an afternoon train to Cusco the next morning (especially in case good crowd coverage is not allowed).
