Everything I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Went

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Machu Picchu is one of those places that lives up to the hype — and then some. But here’s the thing: getting there and actually enjoying it requires a little more planning than most travel blogs let on. I’ve put together this guide based on real experiences, common mistakes, and the kind of practical advice that can make or break your trip. No fluff, no filler — just the stuff that matters.

1. Book Your Tickets Way in Advance

This isn’t one of those “you should probably book ahead” suggestions. It’s a “you literally might not get in” warning. The Peruvian government limits the number of daily visitors, and during peak season (June through August), tickets can sell out weeks — sometimes months — in advance. Buy your entry through the official government website and double-check your passport details, because they’re strict about matching names at the entrance.

If you want to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, those permits are even more limited. Huayna Picchu, for instance, only allows 200 people per time slot, twice a day. So yes, plan ahead.

2. Take Altitude Seriously

Cusco sits at roughly 3,400 meters above sea level, and your body will notice. Headaches, shortness of breath, nausea — altitude sickness is real and it doesn’t care how fit you are. The best strategy is to spend at least two full days in Cusco (or the Sacred Valley, which is slightly lower) before heading to Machu Picchu.

Drink coca tea. It’s offered everywhere and actually helps. Stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and skip the alcohol for the first couple of days. Your future self will thank you.

3. Decide How You Want to Get There

The Classic Inca Trail

This is the iconic 4-day trek that ends at the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu. It’s absolutely worth it if you’re in decent shape and enjoy hiking. But permits sell out 4–6 months in advance, and you’re required to go with a licensed tour operator. Budget around $600–$900 USD depending on the company.

The Train Route

If trekking isn’t your thing, take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu). PeruRail and Inca Rail both operate this route. The Vistadome service offers panoramic windows and is genuinely scenic. From Aguas Calientes, you’ll take a 25-minute bus ride up to the citadel.

Alternative Treks

The Salkantay Trek and Lares Trek are excellent alternatives if the Inca Trail is sold out or if you want fewer crowds. The Salkantay route takes you through stunning mountain passes and cloud forests, and it’s typically 5 days. You’ll still end up at Machu Picchu, just via a different path.

4. Go Early. Like, Really Early.

The first entry slot opens at 6:00 AM, and I cannot stress this enough: be there for it. The morning light hitting the ruins is something else entirely, and you’ll have a brief window before the larger tour groups arrive. By 10:00 AM, the site starts to feel noticeably more crowded.

If you’re staying in Aguas Calientes the night before, catch one of the early buses (they start running around 5:30 AM). The line forms early, so set your alarm and grab breakfast to go.

5. Hire a Guide — It’s Worth Every Penny

Walking around Machu Picchu on your own is fine, but you’ll miss most of the story. A good guide will explain the engineering genius behind the stone walls, the astronomical alignments, the agricultural terraces, and the spiritual significance of the site. It transforms the experience from “this is cool” to “this is unbelievable.”

You can hire guides at the entrance, but booking one in advance gives you a better chance of getting someone who speaks your language fluently and knows the site deeply. Expect to pay around $30–$50 USD for a group tour or more for a private guide.

6. Pack Smart, Not Heavy

Here’s a packing list that actually matters:

Layers. The weather at Machu Picchu is wildly unpredictable. It can go from misty and cool to blazing sun in under an hour. Bring a light rain jacket and a layer you can peel off easily.

Comfortable hiking shoes. The stone paths are uneven and can be slippery, especially after rain. Flip-flops are a terrible idea. Proper footwear with good grip is non-negotiable.

Sunscreen and a hat. The sun at altitude is intense, even when it doesn’t feel warm. You’ll burn faster than you think.

Water and snacks. There are no food vendors inside the site. Bring a refillable water bottle and something to keep your energy up.

Bug repellent. Especially if you’re visiting during the wet season (November to March). The mosquitoes near the entrance can be aggressive.

7. Understand the New Rules

Peru has introduced stricter visitor regulations in recent years, and they’re enforced. You must follow a designated circuit — there’s no more wandering freely. Your ticket specifies an entry time and a circuit route, and guards will redirect you if you stray. Visits are capped at around 4 hours, so plan accordingly.

Single-use plastics are banned inside the site. So are tripods, selfie sticks, and drones. Don’t be the person who gets their drone confiscated at the gate.

8. Don’t Skip Aguas Calientes

Most people treat Aguas Calientes as just a layover town, but it has its own charm. The hot springs that give the town its name are a great way to relax sore muscles after a day of hiking. The local market is fun to browse, and there are some surprisingly good restaurants along the main strip. If your budget allows, consider spending a full night there rather than doing a rushed day trip from Cusco.

9. Budget Realistically

Machu Picchu isn’t a cheap destination, and it’s better to know that upfront. Between entry tickets, train fares, bus rides, guides, accommodation in Aguas Calientes, and meals, you’re looking at a minimum of $200–$300 USD per person for a basic visit — more if you opt for the Inca Trail or premium train classes.

That said, there are ways to save. Traveling in shoulder season (April–May or September–October) often means lower prices and fewer crowds. Booking trains and accommodation early also tends to be cheaper than last-minute options.

10. Just Be Present

I know it sounds cliché, but take a moment to put the phone away. Find a quiet corner, sit down on one of the stone walls, and just look. The mountains, the clouds rolling through the valleys, the impossibility of what the Incas built — it deserves your full attention, even if only for a few minutes.

Machu Picchu has survived earthquakes, centuries of jungle growth, and now millions of visitors every year. The least we can do is show up prepared, respectful, and ready to be amazed.