Machu Picchu Travel Guide: Exploring the Lost City of the Incas

Best Time to Visit • Dry Season (May to October): The weather is generally sunny with pleasant temperatures, ideal for hiking and sightseeing. June to August is peak tourist season. Despite the larger crowds, the clear weather makes this the best time to visit. • Wet Season (November to April): Although rain and humid weather are common, there are fewer tourists, making it suitable for those who don't mind the rain and prefer smaller crowds. Machu Picchu is vibrant during the rainy season, with lush vegetation and unique scenery. However, be aware that some attractions (such as the Inca Trail) may be closed during the wet season, and hiking can be affected. Transportation • Airplane: From China, you need to fly to Los Angeles, USA, and then transfer to Lima. There are flights from Lima to Cusco every morning. • Train: You can take a train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Ticket prices range from USD 100–120 depending on the class. There are three trains daily, and the journey takes about three and a half hours. The blue train is the preferred choice for most travelers. • Hiking: You can hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This is a classic hiking route where you can see many Inca ruins along the way. Ticket Booking • Ticket Types: Currently, the scenic area offers five types of tickets, including Machu Picchu General Ticket (Routes 1–4), Machu Picchu Route 4 + Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Route 3 + Machu Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Route 4 + Huchuy Picchu, and Machu Picchu Route 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge. • How to Purchase Tickets: It is best to book tickets in advance on the official website. Otherwise, buying tickets on-site not only requires long queues but also risks tickets selling out. Register an account before purchasing, then follow the instructions to select the ticket type (foreigners select "Tarifa General"), ticket category, date, and entry time slot. • Important Notes: The entry time slot is one hour long. Try to enter within this timeframe. If you are late, do not arrive later than one hour after your scheduled time. Tickets are registered under real names and require personal information such as name, ID, and phone number. Accommodation • Aguas Calientes: Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, is where most tourists choose to stay. There are many hotels and guesthouses available. From Cusco/Ollantaytambo, take the scenic train to Aguas Calientes, rest for a night, and then take the early morning bus up to Machu Picchu. • Cusco: If you have plenty of time, you can also choose to stay in Cusco, the main gateway to Machu Picchu. Tour Routes • Classic Route: This is the most common route, suitable for visitors with limited time. This route covers the main attractions of the Machu Picchu ruins, including the Temple of the Sun, Inca Plaza, and altars. • Machu Picchu Mountain Route: This is a more challenging hiking route, suitable for visitors in good physical condition. After climbing Machu Picchu Mountain, you can overlook the entire ruins and the surrounding mountains, enjoying a panoramic view. • Huayna Picchu Route: This route is suitable for adventurous visitors. The climb to Huayna Picchu involves traversing steep mountain paths, but the view from the summit is magnificent and one of the best photo spots in the Machu Picchu ruins. • Official Tour Routes: There are three official tour routes designed for Machu Picchu. Since backtracking is not allowed at Machu Picchu, you can choose a route that suits your physical condition. Important Notes • Sun Protection: Sunburn is common at Machu Picchu, so sun protection is essential. • Altitude Sickness: Machu Picchu is located at a high altitude, so altitude sickness is possible. It is recommended to take precautions in advance. • Protecting Cultural Relics: Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site. Please protect the cultural relics during your visit and refrain from touching or damaging them.