The best time to get to Machu Picchu is the hot season from April to October. Temperatures can be high but you will avoid the rainy season. Machu Picchu is perched at 2,400 meters above sea level. So before your trip, ask about travel conditions at altitude.
From Cuzco to Aguas Calientes
You can organize your trip:
- France, through an agency;
- When you’re in Peru, ideally from Cuzco (about 100 miles from Machu Picchu).
Your hotel can also recommend a local agency or even plan your journey.
If you decide to go there on your own, you should already reach Aguas Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu). To get there, two solutions:
- Comfort solution: the daily train from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes;
- Cheap solution: take a bus to Ollantaytambo and then a train to Aguas Calientes.
Note: most trains are reserved for tourists. The last evening train to Aguas Calientes in the direction and the first morning train in the direction of Cuzco or Ollantaytambo are nevertheless open to all, and therefore much cheaper.
Going to the foot of the sacred mountain
If you want to enjoy your visit, you must arrive at Machu Picchu at dawn. To gain entrance, you’ll once again choose between two options:
- Take a bus fee which will operate the route in half an hour (leaving every half hour from 5 am);
- Up several hundred steps through the vegetation (around 1:30).
If you take the bus, take your provisions for the road is winding and steep.
If you walk up, equip yourself with warm clothes and at least 1.5 liters of water per person. Finally, avoid smoking before and during the trip.
The trek of the Inca
Another option is to do a walk of several days on the famous Inca Trail.
The hike lasts 2 to 9 days, depending on the starting point. A guide and porters accompany hikers. The trek also includes visits to several Inca ruins and historic sites.
This trek does not present major difficulties. However, the path is very steep and sometimes you have to take a pass at 4300 meters. A medical examination is recommended.
Note: this trek is very popular, sometimes you have to book several months in advance. So do not expect to be in Peru and contact an agency in France at the earliest.
Some advice
Remember to bring your student card if you have one. It offers a 50% reduction on entrance fee. You can also buy a pass for several historic sites overall (on sale in branches of Cuzco or through your hotel).
Bring snacks and drinks with you. For restaurants located at the entrance of the site offer exorbitant rates.
Finally, remember to bring sun cream, sunglasses and a hat. At this altitude, the sun is very strong!