Not only did we managed to check a visit to Machu Picchu off our bucket list, but it was also an amazing experience with incredible views of the ancient Inca ruin and with no drama! While we can’t take credit for the wonder that is Machu Picchu, planning certainly helped avoid any challenges or disappointment. We’re more than happy to share our secret Machu Picchu Travel Tips.

More about Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a fascinating archaeological site located in Peru’s Sacred Valley. A breathtakingly beautiful and historic location its officially one of the wonders of the world. This ancient city was built in the 15th century and was later abandoned by the Inca civilization, only to be rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Book-ending the Northwestern edge of the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu is nestled in the Andes Mountains and is renowned for its stunning views, intricate stonework, and mysteries around its very existence. Scholars believe that it was built as an estate for the Incan emperor Pachacuti, but its exact purpose remains a mystery. The complex consists of many different structures, including temples, residences, and terraces, all of which are masterfully crafted from stone.

Today, Machu Picchu is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Visitors can take a train or hike along the Inca Trail to reach the site, and once there, they can explore the ancient ruins and learn about the history of the Inca civilization. The Peruvian government has taken steps to preserve Machu Picchu and limit the impact of tourism on the fragile site, so visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations when visiting.

So, what are our five tips for that perfect Machu Picchu experience?

1. Buy your entrance tickets early!

How early? Wendy purchased our entrance tickets before buying the airline tickets!

In order to protect its heritage sites, the Peruvian government limits the number of visitors in the sites at any given time. The odds of getting tickets days before or on the day of visiting itself would be costly at best.

Can you imagine flying all the way to Peru and not being able to visit Machu Picchu?

2. Read the latest rules for visiting Machu Picchu.

Make sure to read the official rules for visiting Machu Picchu well before going. The Peruvian government go to great lengths to preserve Machu Picchu, something they consider a national treasure.

The rules are constantly changing so make sure to read through them when arranging your vacation and before flying out. Here are some examples of some of the more incredible rules.

• Limiting the number of visitors at any given time
• One way route around the historic ruin
• Restricting the use of selfie sticks
• There are no toilets within Machu Picchu. You read that correctly.
• There was even talk of reducing the amount time a visitor could stay in Machu Picchu.

Make sure you know what to expect when you get there and plan accordingly.

3. Get acclimated to the high altitude.

Sometimes called “mountain sickness,” altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly. The pressure of the air that surrounds you is called barometric or atmospheric pressure. When you go to higher altitudes, this pressure drops and there is less oxygen available.

While Machu Picchu isn’t the highest mountain in Peru, its high enough to ruin your experience or even get sick if you’re not used to the altitude.

Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and smoking. Also, plan on spending at least two days in Cusco or the Scared Valley before tackling Machu Picchu.

We experienced altitude sickness after climbing Rainbow Mountain towards the end of our Peruvian adventure. Trust us when we say altitude sickness is not fun!

4. Arrange a guide beforehand.

Remember all those rules we mentioned? Having a guide is one of them.

Whether arranging a guide before you even arrive in Peru or doing it a few days before, make sure to find a knowledgeable guide who can speak your language. There is so much to learn and see in Machu Picchu, a good guide will make your experience that much better.

We were very lucky to have met our guide JJ a few days before in Ollantaytambo and he was kind enough to join us in Machu Picchu.

5. While not a tip, certainly a recommendation, do the early morning tour.

You’ll need to buy the bus ticket for the tip up to the entrance to Machu Picchu the day before and be at the bus station by 5.30 in the morning the day of visiting this iconic ruin, but it will so be worth all the effort.

Understand you do run the risk of clouds covering Machu Picchu, but if the weather is good not only will your pictures look incredible, and the odds of having pictures free of tourists are much better on the early morning hikes.

Finally, feel free to join us as we explore Machu Picchu in our Love Two Travel video ‘Uncovering the Secrets of Machu Picchu‘ or our entire adventure in Peru, ‘Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley: A Peruvian Odyssey‘.