Here’s everything you should know about visiting the Lost City of the Incas.

My own trip to Machu Picchu required extensive planning and packing and wouldnt have been possible without pre-trip research.

You tend to get the best weather and not so many crowds.

Machu Picchu

Clouds surrounding Machu Picchu.Credit:Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure

Burgio agrees, saying.

From Aguas Calientes, you will then take a bus to Machu Picchu.

Expect items like a local catch of the day, ceviche, Peruviancausa, and pisco sours.

View of mountains from the ruins

The ruins of Machu Picchu.Maira Ligaya/Travel + Leisure

you might also take a train from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes.

This made travel much easier, as I just walked to the on-site train station from my hotel room.

), he notes.

Aerial view of Machu Picchu

View of Machu Picchu from above.Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure

Burgio recommends making the strenuous three-hour hike up to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain.

And, it overlooks the entire complex, boasting iconic views of Huayna Picchu Mountain in the backdrop.

The Salkantay Mountain treks are another less-crowded option.

Train between Machu Picchu at Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley, Cusco Region, Peru, South America

Matthew Williams-Ellis/Getty Images

Youll hike around Salkantay Mountain, which sits at more than 20,000 feet, to get to Machu Picchu.

Lots of companies offer Salkantay treks, butApus Peruoffers an extremely challenging four-day hike.

Robinson also recommends alodge-to-lodge Salkantay trek.

hat on a train seat

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Its great for those who want a physically challenging option combined with comfortable accommodations en route.

Mountain lodging is included.

Archaeology buffs will enjoy Choquequirao, an Incan site in southern Peru that has similar architecture to Machu Picchu.

Hikers passing a donkey in Peru

Chris Marinaccio/Travel + Leisure

How to Book

You should book your Machu Picchu trip at least six months in advance.

Each ticket to Machu Picchu is different and may not include everything mentioned above.

Hostels, such asNativus Hostelin Aguas Calientes offer affordable options for backpackers with private rooms.

Salkantay Trail is a back way to Machu Picchu in Peru

Salkantay Trail is a back way to Machu Picchu in Peru.Photo Courtesy of Austin-Lehman Adventures

Packing Tips

Robinson says that comfortable walking shoes are essential, as are good-quality hiking layers.

Machu Picchu has semi-tropical weather, and temperatures can drop down low with weather changing quickly, he says.

Trains have baggage restrictions, so pack a smaller overnight bag with just the essentials to visit Machu Picchu.

A sign on top of Machu Picchu Mountain, a peak above the famous ruins of Machu Picchu itself.

Getty Images/Geraint Rowland Photography.

Theres no need for any fancier clothes, as its very much a hikers aesthetic in the entire area.

People standing in the remains

Visitors observing the remains of Machu Picchu.Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Courtesy of the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge

Cusco, Peru, Plaza de Armas

Cusco, Peru, Plaza de Armas.Hughes Herve/Getty Images

Peru, Andes, Urubamba Valley, tourist with red backpack at Machu Picchu with mountain Huayna Picchu

Westend61 / Getty Images