Surviving Machu Picchu Peru In 5 Easy Steps

Surviving Machu Picchu Peru in 5 Easy Steps

Hidden deep in the mountains, there is an ancient city that seems more like a fairy tale land than an actual live place. Machu Picchu Peru, the old stomping grounds of the Incas, is now both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New World Wonder. It is a rite of passage for many a traveler, since besting it is not exactly an easy feat. Here are 5 great tips for surviving Machu Picchu Peru.

1) Take the Direct Train from Cusco

The most common route for getting in and out of Machu Picchu Peru is from Cusco. There are 2 options. 1) take the Perurail from Poroy station just outside of central Cusco directly to Macchu Picchu. 2) Take a bus or van to the town of Ollantaytambo, from which you will also take a train.

Though option 2 is slightly cheaper and has more trains daily, it’s important to remember that at 11,152 ft altitude, Cusco is a city you want to move slowly in. The road to Ollantaytambo is long and windy, very prone to car sickness. Bit the bullet on the train times for the convenience of avoiding Ollantaytambo.

2) Prep yourself for the Altitude

As mentioned, Cusco is VERY high in the mountains. Though Machu Picchu Peru is slightly lower in altitude than Cusco, it’s still 7,972 ft above sea level. The air is very thin which makes everything a little bit harder, especially breathing. Other symptoms of altitude sickness include vomiting, dizziness, and fever.

Both Machu Picchu and Cusco have terrains with steep inclines. Don’t rush! Take a day or two to acclimate in Cusco before moving on to Machu Picchu. Try to travel light because carrying luggage sucks in both places. Starting an altitude pill regimen before your trip can also reduce the likelihood of altitude sickness.

3) Drink Tons of Water

Hydration is absolutely paramount when attempting to visit Machu Picchu Peru. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, likely a lot of climbing, and your body will be in shock from the environment. Drinking lots of water will ensure you don’t dehydrate.

If you don’t hydrate, your muscles will spasm. You will find it hard to walk, move, even get out of bed. Forget about hiking. Don’t let dehydration be the pin in your “conquering Machu Picchu” balloon.

4) Take 2 Days to Explore

Machu Picchu sells 2 sets of timed tickets daily. You can take the early morning block or the afternoon block. The smart thing is to take one of each on two consecutive days. Day 1, go in the afternoon. Negotiate a guide outside of the entrance and get the lay of the land. Learn the history and wander the ancient city while drowning in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

On day 2, bite the bullet, grab a strong coffee, and go wait for the bus to the city of Machu Picchu Peru at 3:30 AM. If you’re lucky, you get an early enough bus to get you up there just before or at sunrise. The view is breathtaking.

Inevitably, you’ll want to climb either Hyanu Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Book your climb for early on day 2. The way will be steep and you’ll want to do it before you run out of water and get the urge to pee.

There are no bathrooms once inside the city, and reentry is not permitted. That’s one of the ways in which Peru has begun to limit the number of visitors in the city at any given time. Machu Picchu is a popular destination so efforts for its preservation is a top priority in Peru.

5) Don't Forget to Book Bus Tickets

The bus from the town of Aguas Calientes to the ancient city of Machu Picchu Peru must be bought in advance. Don’t think you can just show up and buy a ticket for sometimes even the same day. The buses run often, but they go out full as Machu Picchu is a travelers destination.

Find the bus ticket office close by where the people line up to board the buses in town. Your best bet is to buy tickets the day before your ticket to enter the city. Remember to bring your passport, they won’t sell you the ticket without it.

Final Thoughts

Machu Picchu Peru is a glorious place that I believe every traveler should experience at least once in their life. However, it ranks up there on my “travel difficulty” list, so the more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy it. Follow these 5 steps and you’ll come back with mind blowing stories of your adventures in this wondrous place.