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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.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.
Getty Images/Geraint Rowland Photography.
Theres no need for any fancier clothes, as its very much a hikers aesthetic in the entire area.
Visitors observing the remains of Machu Picchu.Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure
Courtesy of the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Cusco, Peru, Plaza de Armas.Hughes Herve/Getty Images
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