Visiting the imposing ruins of Machu Picchu is, without a doubt, one of the best experiences you can have. However, just as a tour to Machu Picchu is a unique memory, it also requires some planning and that you are aware of some considerations.
For this reason, the best recommendation we can give you before embarking on your adventure is to be properly informed, so that you can make the most of it and not have any inconveniences due to unforeseen events during the trip.
At Guru Explorers we want your trip to Machu Picchu to be the best, so we have compiled all the necessary information so you don’t have to research before your flight. Get your notebook!
What is not allowed in Machu Picchu?
- As it is common knowledge, Machu Picchu is a protected site with very narrow trails, so it is necessary to prohibit some elements and/or activities in order to protect the environment and its visitors. Let’s see what is not allowed:
- Entering with items such as banners, posters, or placards
- Wearing clothing for advertising purposes or costumes
- Filming or photographing for publicity purposes
- Causing crowds
- Jumping, running, stripping, or causing a disturbance
- Carrying baby carriages
Of course, littering, graffiti or disturbing the fauna and flora is not allowed. Nor should you make loud noises or play music that may affect the well-being of the animals and other visitors. Being a heritage site, this site must be protected by the authorities, but it is also everyone’s responsibility to respect this incredible place.
Remember that the marked trails are also mandatory to circulate and you are not allowed to enter places away from these trails. The reason is simple: being a site surrounded by mountains, there may be a risk of getting lost or suffering an accident due to a fall.
If you are a smoker, we recommend not to be tempted to smoke along the way, as this activity is not allowed, nor is leaving any substance that could cause a fire in the area. Drones are also not allowed to be used at this site, and you may risk immediate ejection or legal consequences.
Download tickets to your cell phone
Fortunately, it is possible to take the tickets in their digital version for access to the Citadel circuits. They can be downloaded directly from the government website, or if you purchased our tours, we will send it to your email for your convenience. This is not the case with other tours such as those of the Sacred Valley, since, in these cases, the ticket is delivered in physical format.
What to bring?
Although the belongings to bring on a tour to Machu Picchu are similar to any trekking excursion, it is necessary to know before making this trip. In general, less experienced tourists often make mistakes in clothing, or do not carry essential items for a comfortable experience in the incredible Citadel.
For this reason, here is what we recommend you to bring to your adventure in Machu Picchu:
- Choose comfortable and optimal footwear for hiking, warm jacket, caps or hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, clothes or poncho for rain (especially in November – April).
- Passport or ID card.
- Travel insurance.
- Audiovisual recording devices (cell phone, camera, video cameras).
- Cash (preferably Soles).
Comfortable clothing is an indispensable factor, considering that you will have to move on foot through the circuits. Keep in mind that you will not be able to bring food, although you can bring drinks in your equipment, so you should not forget to bring backpacks or bags suitable for carrying items.
Where to eat in Machu Picchu?
At some point during your trip you will surely need to have breakfast, considering that the tours start very early in the morning. If you stay in Aguas Calientes (or Machu Picchu town) you will have the advantage of avoiding the hours of train travel, but you will also have to find a place to have breakfast.
So, here are some sites with very good ratings and recommendations:
- Tao Sweet & Savory
- Coffee & Crepes
- Antojitos
- El Indio Feliz
It is normal that with so much walking you start to feel the need to taste a good lunch and fortunately, you have many options to eat on your tour to Machu Picchu. For this reason, we recommend you to check the best rated places and fortunately, there is not too much distance to find them.
What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?
To understand the climate of Machu Picchu, it is important to know its location. This incredible destination is located between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon rainforest, so temperatures will never be extremely cold or hot.
On average, the minimum temperature is 12ºc and the maximum can be found at 24ºc. However, temperature is not usually the reason for low seasons. Being a subtropical zone, it has dry and rainy periods throughout the year.
The rainy season is between October and March, being days that tourists prefer to avoid due to the weather conditions. However, this does not mean that you cannot visit the Citadel or that it rains continuously. You can plan your trip at this time, bearing in mind that the best chances are in the morning and at noon.
Conclusions
In short, if you are looking for a unique trip, there is no doubt that Machu Picchu is the ideal candidate. If you decide to take any of our tours to this destination, you can count on the tranquility of having the best service and being in the hands of trained professionals.
Do not hesitate to contact us to schedule your next trip!