Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a special question about your trip to Machu Picchu? Or just want to know a little more about our work and how we do it, you can do it through info@americanandeantravel.com; but to save time, we have made a list of frequently asked questions about the trip to Machu Picchu. If you don't find what you are looking for, you can always send us an email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
When can I book?
Anytime. This tour is open every day of the year; but, due to the large influx of visitors during the high season from June to September, we recommend you to book as early as possible in order to guarantee spaces on the train and in the hotels.
What to do with my luggage during the tour?
If you choose the one-day tour, your luggage will, in principle, stay at your hotel in Cusco. However, if you choose the 2-day or longer tour, you may need to leave your luggage in Cusco. Most of the places where you will be staying (hotel, hostel or in lodging houses).
What documents are mandatory to present?
At the time of booking, each hiker must indicate their full name, nationality and present their passport. If the hiker wants a student discount, he/she must have a valid ISIC card.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?
If you are coming from the other side of the world or from countries north of Peru, it is possible that your trip will start in Lima, and you may want to go directly from Lima to Machu Picchu, but 1,200 km will prevent you from doing so, so while you are waiting for your flight or bus to Cusco, try the food.
Bus Lima - Cusco: We recommend you to take this as a last option, as you will not like to sit for 20 hours, unless you have time to enjoy stops in some cities during the tour, you can visit the Nazca lines or Arequipa City.
Plane Lima - Cusco: This is the best option, you will be in Cusco in only 1 hour approx.; from Jorge Chavez International Airport there are several flights a day.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
There are only a couple of ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco; either you walk the Inca Trail for 4 days; or you cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in one of the most incredible short train rides in the world, to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu (town). The trip requires excellent organization, you can go on your own, although you may prefer that we take care of your entire trip.
¿Cómo ir en tren a Machu Picchu?
It is the simplest way to get to Machu Picchu; well, actually it is this or walk for 4 days through the Inca Trail. The train to Machu Picchu departs from Ollantaytambo (2 hours approx. Cusco-Ollantaytambo by car) or Poroy (30 minutes Cusco-Poroy approx. by car), following the course of the Urubamba River through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas. You can buy train tickets from Peru Rail or Inca Rail companies, each one has different services, from economic to luxury services, all on board.
Who can go to Machu Picchu?
Everyone can go, there are no age restrictions, but it should be taken into account that the archaeological site is located in the center of the Andes of Peru, at a considerable height, so it is recommended:
First, to acclimatize and prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended to be in Cusco or the Sacred Valley a few days before.
To have the entrance tickets, since there is a limit of 2,500 tickets per day, and a total of 400 authorizations to climb Huayna Picchu, for the high season, which runs from June to August, it is recommended to book at least 3 months in advance.
From what time can I enter the sanctuary of Machu Picchu?
You can enter Machu Picchu from 06:00 am until 4:00 pm, and you can stay inside until 5:00 pm.
How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
Aguas Calientes is the name of the town at the foot of Machu Picchu mountain, where the Inca city of the same name is built. Here you can take the buses to the entrance to Machu Picchu, prices vary according to your nationality and age; although you can walk up, going by bus is the best option, especially if you plan to climb any of the mountains in Machu Picchu; also remember that there is a lot to see in Machu Picchu and arriving at the top tired is not a good idea. So, just as everyone who has already climbed Machu Picchu would do, we recommend you to go up by bus and if after touring Machu Picchu, you still have strength left, you can walk down.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on your priority. When there are few people, the low travel season between September and April is the best. For the best weather, the dry season, between May and August, brings the clearest skies and of course more people visit.
The season is not really a problem in Machu Picchu, the minimum temperatures vary between 6 °C and the maximum around 24 °C. We recommend that you always bring something waterproof, as the geography of Machu Picchu means that rain can fall at any time of the year. However, there are big differences between coming in rainy season or during the dry season; if you definitely do not want to get wet, you can choose to come between the months of April and October, dry season, but coming in rainy season also has its advantages, lower prices, fewer people and Machu Picchu in its most intense green.
Who handles entrance tickets to Machu Picchu?
The citadel of Machu Picchu is a world heritage site protected by UNESCO, so the Peruvian Government and in particular the Ministry of Culture Cusco, set the conditions of access, and regulate entry fees, etc.. All companies are subject to these regulations and must respect the regulations imposed.
What to see in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu houses amazing constructions, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Intihuatana or the Temple of the Moon, very close to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain, are some of the most amazing structures that exist. Here is the list of the places you cannot miss in Machu Picchu.
- The Temple of the Sun.
- The Intihuatana.
- The Temple of the 3 Windows.
- The Temple of the Condor.
- The Hall of Mirrors.
- The Staircase of the Fountains.
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- The Temple of the Moon (Huayna Picchu Mountain).
- The Gate of the Sun (Inti Punku).
- The Main Square.
- The Royal Tomb.
- The Sacred Rock.
What is Huayna Picchu?
The Machu Picchu ticket includes the option Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket. This ticket includes entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain next to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The top of this mountain offers some of the most spectacular aerial views of Machu Picchu. It is climbed by a very steep road, built on the side of the mountain, so most of the way, you will be between the walls of the mountain and cliffs of hundreds of meters; it is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo, or who can not overcome their fear of heights.
It is the majestic mountain that dominates the north of the city of Machu Picchu. It rises to 1750 m.a.s.l. and on its summit there are architectural vestiges such as: altars, enclosures, steep stairs, tunnels and terraces.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
The Machu Picchu ticket includes the option Machu Picchu Ticket + Machu Picchu Mountain. This ticket includes the entrance to the Machu Picchu Mountain next to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
It is the elevation that is located south-east of the Inca city of Machu Picchu at 3050 meters above sea level. At its summit extends a platform of Inca invoice, which corresponded to a ritual space to which the priests accessed on special dates to perform the liturgies of greeting to the Apu Salkantay.
Is there a limit on the sale of Machu Picchu Picchu Tickets?
The enormous demand for the wonder, has led to the establishment of a limit of 4044 people per day who can enter Machu Picchu, this to protect and preserve it.
Can I visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the same day?
Yes, it is possible, indeed, the visit of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu should be done on the same day, but for this you will need to book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket as far in advance as possible and take into account the train schedules and the time you have in Aguas Calientes before making the purchase. Remember that if you are going to enter Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu or Machu Pucchu + Mountain in the first group, it would be best to stay overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu, village).
Do I have to bring any documents to enter Machu Picchu?
You will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu if you do not show the printed Machu Picchu ticket and the document with which you made the purchase, Passport in case of foreigners, and DNI in case of Peruvians. The documents must be valid.
Who runs the trains to Machu Picchu?
Since 2009 there are two companies that cover the route to Machu Picchu. They generally provide good train service to Aguas Calientes; both companies have different services, from economic to private and luxury services. Although their prices are very high, the companies are: Peru Rail and Inca Rail who manage the schedules, conditions and fares.
I have heard about a "local" train, can I take it?
Yes, there is indeed a train service called "local train" on the route from Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, but by government decree it is reserved only for residents of the Andean towns and national tourists so they can make use of this service, upon presentation of the DNI (National Identity Card), foreign tourists can not use this service.
Why is visiting Machu Picchu important?
Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the greatest Inca site in the world, today it awakens the dream of many, lately it was considered among the great wonders of the ancient world and no doubt a visit to the place will be a fond memory for a lifetime. In addition, at the top of the Andes, there are some of the most beautiful views and wonderful places on earth.
Machu Picchu is an Inca city built in a green setting of mountains and rivers, an impressive historical site, a mystical and mysterious place, charged with energy; it is also a world heritage site and one of the most desired destinations for travelers around the world. It is located in a cloud forest, between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon jungle, at 2,400 meters above sea level, in the middle of two mountains, surrounded by other mountains. Only 4044 people can enter Machu Picchu each day; if you enter by the Inca Trail, you will cross mountain passes and beautiful jungle landscapes; if you choose to come by train, it will take you from the town of Ollantaytambo through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas.
INFORMATION
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