Todo sobre Machu Picchu – Guía actualizada 2024

 

Travel to Machu Picchu It is something that almost all of us dream of in our lives. And why not? Perched high in the mist-soaked mountains of Peru, these centuries-old ruins are steeped in mystery. How were these huge boulders placed on the tops of the mountains? How were the structures carved with such perfection? And what was the true purpose of this wonderful place?

  

You could spend hours on Google researching it, but nothing will be as exhilarating as finding out for yourself. Whether you want to do a multi-day walking route, or wander through these places on your own without hiring a tour, there are many ways to visit Machu Picchu for relatively little money I tell you how to do it!

 

How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu?

 

It depends on several factors. If you like get to Machu PicchuYou must hire a tour. However, it is also possible (and quite easy) visit Machu Picchu on your own, without the need to do one of these tours. You can prepare a walking tour from Cuzco (one day +/- and stay overnight on the way, or take a bus to the ruins (among other options)

 

 

Classic Inca Trail excursion price (€600) Includes:

 

• Accommodation
• Pick up at your hotel in the morning and private transfer to the starting point of the trek
• Foods
• Guide in Spanish and English

book it here

 

Price of the One Day Tour from Cuzco (€319) Iincludes:

• Guided tour in English or Spanish to Machu Picchu
• Round trip train tickets
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to the citadel of Machu Picchu
• Price of admission
• Delivery and collection at the hotel

book it here

 

Price for a Day Tour from Aguas Calientes (€140) Iincludes:

• professional guide
• Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Price of admission

book it here

 

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

 

In theory, any time of the year can be good (or not so good). Peruvian weather is quite unpredictable. In the rainy season the sun can shine a lot and then there are torrential rains in the dry season. Simply put, no particular month will guarantee you good weather!

 

 

Some points to take into account to plan your visit to Machu Picchuh

 

The rainy season runs from October to April. This would be the low tourist season, the risks during these months are downpour and fog. The dry season is from May to September, which offers a greater chance (but not a guarantee) that the sun will shine, which translates into a greater influx of tourists. The least crowded hours of the day at the ruins will be early in the morning (between 6AM and 8AM) and late afternoon (2PM to 4PM).

 

➡ How to find the flightsace cheap

 

Important note: The Inca Trail is closed the entire month of February every year due to maintenance work.

 

Take your time to acclimatize

 

Give your body at least two to three days to adjust to the altitude, especially if you are going on a hike. Cuzco is an ideal place to acclimatize.

 

How to get to Peru and where to stay

 

Whether you're going to travel to Peru from abroad as if you come from South America, your first stop in the route to Machu Picchu it will be Cuzco. This ancient city was once the capital of the Inca Empire and today is a mix of ancient and modern touches.

 

 

What to do and what to see in Cusco

 

• Stroll through the Plaza de Armas

• Visit the Qorikancha, one of the most precious temples of the Inca empire

• Enjoy a good Pisco Sour (national drink par excellence)

• Visit the Convent of Santo Domingo

• Prepare an excursion to Saksaywaman (you can walk or take a taxi, you can also hire a guide there)

• Stroll through the Mercado Central de San Pedro (be very careful here with pickpockets)

• Marvel at the centuries-old masterpieces that you will find in the city of Cuzco, among which is the painting of "The Last Supper" in the Cathedral of Cuzco

• Pay a visit to the impressive museum of pre-Columbian art

• Learn how chocolate is made and taste free samples (or make it yourself!) at the ChocoMuseo

 

where to stay

 

There are accommodations for all tastes and budgets in Cuzco. That being said, most options are fairly cheap, even when your idea is to stay in a hotel. In most of the accommodations you will have a clean and basic room, shower with hot water, free coca tea, etc. Sometimes they usually include breakfast also for free.

It's not uncommon for them to charge extra for heaters (you'll need them at night).

➡ ohtop 8 hotel seekers!

 

I recommend you make your reservation through Booking, since this search engine performs a very broad search and generally finds the best quality/price options. I advise you to review the comments of the other guests to be fully successful.

I share a web page where you will find all the necessary information about PeruThe web is very interesting and it is worth it if you want to spend a few days in this beautiful country

 

fly to peru

 

To get to Cuzco, choose the Alejandro Velasco Astete (CUZ) airport. If you are planning a trip to South America, keep in mind that Bolivia is the country of departure where it is cheaper to fly, followed by Ecuador (Guayaquil or Quito), and then Chile (Santiago). If you want to know all the tricks on how find the cheapest flights to Peru, or to any other part of the world Click here.

 

 

How to get to Peru by bus or train

 

PeruRail has routes from Lake Titicaca, Bolivia to Puno, Peru, and vice versa. You can find a multitude of buses throughout South America to travel to Cuzco, with connections from practically all cities. There is an international bus pass called Bolivia Hop, which offers bus travel between Peru and Bolivia. Either way, you just have to Google the bus companies that correspond to the country you come from.

 

Visit Machu Picchu hiring a tour

 

The tours to Machu Picchu they vary substantially in price and available routes. Most of the tours include a 4-day walking route with outdoor camping overnight. The route generally culminates with a tour at Machu Picchu on the last day.

Here is a brief summary of the prices, but keep in mind that these are only estimates based on tours departing from Cusco and its surroundings (ie, they are not tours through Peru or South America). Prices will vary depending on the route and the chosen company.

 

Price breakdown:

 

Tour price: €600 (for a classic tour of 4 days/3 nights from Cuzco)

Accommodation, entrance and meals: Generally everything is included in the price

Equipment rental:

• Sleeping bag: €25
• Walking sticks: €6
• Inflatable mattress: €22
• Tent: €30
• Porter: (if you hire someone to carry your bags): €65
• Others: Souvenirs, sandwiches to take away, etc: €15

TOTAL PRICE: 763€ (Approximately)

 

tips

 

Tips are something very common here, so I will tell you a little about how they work.

How much should you tip? Recommendations vary depending on the company and the duration of the tour. As a general rule, it is advisable to leave a tip of €15 or €20 for all the kitchen staff and porters (this tip will be divided among all), €4 to €6 for the assistant guide, and €6 to €8 for the main guide If you have questions, you can ask at the reservation website on what amounts are considered appropriate in each case.

 

Book a tour to Machu Picchu

 

When you arrive in Cuzco you will find an endless number of tourism companies that offer routes to Machu Picchu. It is important to choose the tour well, since we are talking about an important route that lasts several days. The last thing you want is shabby equipment or incompetent guides.

 

Here are some points to keep in mind

 

Choose well the company with which you will do the tour, this can make a difference. You will ensure equipment prepared for this purpose that is in good condition (you don't want to find yourself with a torn tent and a holey sleeping bag, right?) and trained guides with a good knowledge of the area.

You can save some money by renting hiking equipment yourself in Cuzco or Aguas Calientes, but first thoroughly inspect all equipment. Investigate the different companies and use your own criteria when deciding.

Book in advance! I recommend you book up to 6 months in advance, since A limited number of tickets are sold for each day. Once you know when you will travel, book!

 

Choose alternative routes

 

Many people are not aware that there are a wide variety of hiking trails to get to Machu Picchu. The most accepted is the Classic Inca Trail, with an approximate duration of 4 – 5 days. Although it is the busiest (and usually the most expensive), there are lesser-known and cheaper alternatives.

If what you are looking for is to save money during your visit to this incredible place, I present several alternative routes to get to Machu Picchu without scratching your pocket so much.

 

Inca Trail (Short)

 

• duration and distance: 2 days, 10km
• Landscapes: This is the last part of the Inca Trail. You will see panoramic views from the Andes, Inca ruins during the route, forests, valleys, etc.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum height: 2730m
• Price: €430 Approximately (depending on the size of the group)

More information and reservations

 

 

Camino Chaski (or Cachicata)

 

• Duration and distance: 4 days and 45 km
• Landscapes: Lush farmland, ancient Inca settlements and stone age petroglyphs, waterfalls, the Cachicata (quarry used by the Incas), the chullpas (funeral towers) with some mummies still inside
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum altitude: 4500m
• Price: €670 Approximately (depending on the size of the group and the tour)

More information and reservations

 

Huchuy Qosqo Road

 

• duration and distance: 3 days and 22km
• Landscape: Lesser-known Inca ruins, water channels and quarries, landscapes full of snow-capped peaks, subtropical forests, Inca stone paths, panoramic views of valleys
• Difficulty: easy
• Maximum height: 4,300m Price: €490 Approximately (depending on the size of the group and the tour)

More information and reservations

 

Vilcabamba Route

 

• duration and distance: 5 days and 70km
• Landscape: Some of the last places where the Incas stayed, subtropical landscapes, snow-capped mountains, the White Rock (a large rock with elaborate carvings), Vitcos (the summer residence of the Inca emperor).
• Difficulty: Hard
• Maximum altitude: 3915m) Price: €670 Approximately (depending on the size of the group and the tour)

More information and reservations

 

Salkantay Trail

 

• Duration and distance: 5-7 days and 70 km
• Landscape: Snowy peaks, subtropical forests, stone paths of the ancient Inca road, panoramic views of the valley
• Difficulty: Hard
• Maximum altitude: 4650m
• Price: €450 Approximately (depending on the size of the group and the tour)

 

More information and reservations

 

In addition to these, there are more routes that lead to the sister city of Machu Picchu, Choquequirao. (The Cradle of Gold). Overlooking the Apurímac Valley, these impressive Inca ruins are nestled among epic, mountainous landscapes, similar to those of Machu Picchu.

 

 

Some of the longer tours (8 days or more) will take you through Choquequirao and Machu Picchu so you can see both incredible Inca ruins in one sitting.

 

Visit Machu Picchu without hiring a tour

 

Can you go to Machu Picchu without a tour? Of course yes, but you will not be able to do it through the Inca Trail. You can get to Machu Picchu in one day from Cuzco, or stay in one of the towns that you will find near Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes for example). and go walking or by bus to the ruins.

 

Why do the route for free when you can hire a tour?

 

• It is much cheaper
• It may be the ideal way if you have limited time and/or are unable to acclimatize to the altitude
• It is a good option if you do not want to go hiking or have mobility problems
• You will have more control over the arrival time (that is, it will be easier for you to overtake the others tourists)
• Can spend all the time you want in the place you want, do you need more reasons?

Price without booking tour:

• Accommodation: €10
• Meals: €13
• Return train ticket to Cuzco: €125
• Entry: €41
• Bus ticket to return to Aguas Calientes: €30
• Others (snacks, thermal baths): 11€

TOTAL PRICE: 230€

You can buy your ticket here

Important note: There are new rules that establish that visitors need a guide to enter Machu Picchu. At the moment it seems that the norm I don't know He is enforcing to the letter. From a logistical point of view, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to impose mandatory guides for each and every visitor. That said, you can hire a guide when you arrive at Machu Picchu (usually you will find them around the entrance), or you can book a tour in advance. Just make sure you buy your tickets in advance..

 

Machu Picchu: Buy ticket

 

To visit Machu Picchu, you need to buy a ticket and also you will need to your passport. You can't get to Machu Picchu and buy it right there, forget it! You have to buy it in advance.

Keep in mind that tickets per day are limited. In high season (June to September) tickets can sell out quickly, so I recommend that you reserve them in advance. advance.

Updated prices and ticket reservation

 

You can also buy your ticket in person, although in this case you risk that they are sold out. You can do it in Aguas Calientes and in Cuzco. You will need your passport to make the purchase.

 

How to hire a tour guide in Machu Picchu

 

All those Machu Picchu ruins will make more sense if you are accompanied by a well-informed guide. What many people do not know is that it is not necessary to book a tour in advance to have the services of a guide, you can hire one right there. You will find them wanderingaround the entrance, you can easily recognize them because they usually wear a beige vest and a lanyard with his name on it.

 

 

Points to consider when hiring a guide in Machu Picchu:

 

• Price: It is totally negotiable and will vary depending on the size of your group. The average price is about €35 for a visit guided 2.5 hours for 1-2 people. If you manage to form a group with travelers in the same situation you will reduce a lot the expense

• Language: Spanish will not be a problem there, as for English... some guides speak it better than others

 

• Duration: Most tours are 2 hours or more, but it's best to confirm before committing

 

PeruRail – Train tickets to Machu Picchu

 

There are several types of trains, from the simplest (cheapest) to the most extravagant (and expensive). Whichever ticket you buy, make sure you arrive 30 minutes before departure and have your passport handy. I leave you the link of the official page with all the shcedules and prices.

 

 

A return ticket from Cuzco to Machu Picchu will cost you approximately €200 (it will depend on the day and time you choose)

 

Where to buy a bus ticket to Macchu Picchu

 

Anyone you ask on the street will know where to buy it, but right in front of the train station there is a cabin with plants painted on the outside. You will see a small sign that says "Official Ticket Sale of Bus». Prices vary between €22 for adults and €11 for children. The buses leave every 10 minutes starting at 5:30AM (although the lines of people to catch the first bus that goes up form before), I recommend you arrive as early as possible. The bus takes you directly to the entrance of Machu Picchu.

 

How to go on foot Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

 

Getting to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes will take you between 1 and 1.5 hours. It is a route with significant difficulty due to the accumulated positive slope (+2000m).

➡ ¿Ought take out travel insurance to travel to Peru?

The route starts in the city. You will walk along the side of the road, passing a bus repair shop and a campsite, all this walking along a river. Keep walking until you come to a bridge that crosses over the river. Cross the bridge. Later you will see signs on the road that already indicate the way to follow. From there, the route zig-zags up the hill, sometimes intersecting with the road and bus route until you finally arrive at the entrance of Machu Picchu (now take a well-deserved rest 😉 ).

 

Final tips for saving money

 

Bring your own food and water. Most people don't think of food as an expense to consider here, as it Peru is relatively cheap. PBut it is actually worth bringing our own food (we can buy it in any supermarket in Cuzco) since in Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu the prices are somewhat Taller.

 

Technically, food is not allowed into Machu Picchu, but many people carry it in their backpacks without much problem.

Book in advance to get the best prices, both for tours that you are going to do as for the accommodation. In this case, to stay cheap I recommend BookingGenerally, you will have free cancellation in many of the accommodations on this search engine, so you can book at a good price and, if there is a setback, you just have to cancel the reservation a few days before and you will not be charged anything.

I hope this guide helps you visit this wonderful place spending as little as possible, because Machu Picchu is a wonder that you have to visit at least once in your life.

I will be delighted to that you come back here to see first-hand how your adventure was.

Greetings traveler!

 

 

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