Energy and mysticism in one place
Machupicchu, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, is considered a must-visit destination for most tourists who travel to Peru. This citadel is characterized by its impressive constructions made with large blocks of stones joined together with great precision and without amalgam.
Although its origin and significance are still a subject of study, the fact of having been built on a rough and inaccessible mountain makes it the most important work of the Incas and the main symbol of the engineering and architecture of the Inca Empire.
This historic sanctuary is visited by –approximately- one million tourists annually, and that is why on this occasion, we share some considerations to keep in mind when planning a trip to this destination.
Choose the date of the trip
It is important to know that the rainy season in Cusco runs from November to March, and during these months, the sky remains cloudy most of the time. The dry season runs from April to October, during these months the days become sunny and pleasant, so it is almost certain that the sky will be clear, and you will enjoy an incomparable view.
Buy tickets
Due to the high demand and in order to protect this invaluable Peruvian heritage, a capacity limit per day was stablished a few years ago. Therefore, tickets to Machupicchu are sold in advance, and it is important to know that you can buy them through the official website of the Department of Culture of Peru.
In the city of Cusco there are also authorized points of sale and you can even buy them at the entrance of the citadel, but you run the risk of not finding availability for the date you want.
Buy train tickets
If you want to travel on tourist trains, it is convenient to buy your tickets in advance through the website of the company responsible for selling them. If your plan is to travel on the local train, remember that you must go very early, on the same day you want to travel, to the offices located in Cusco, so you can make the purchase upon presentation of your ID or passport.
Take tours with licensed and certified travel agencies
There are many travel agencies that offer countless tourist packages to this archaeological site. However, it is important to keep in mind that, during the dry season, the influx of tourists increases significantly, and therefore, demand does it too.
It is recommended to make reservations a few months in advance to avoid setbacks and, above all, choose serious agencies that guarantee the traveler’s safety. The official list of these formal tourism operators is the “Directorio Nacional de Prestadores de Servicios Turísticos Calificados” (“National Directory of Qualified Tourism Service Providers”), which can be found on the website of the Department of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
Less is more
On the day of your visit to Machupicchu, remember to bring only what is necessary so you can fully enjoy the walk without the worry of carrying heavy backpacks. Take only a lightweight jacket, water, sunscreen, repellent, ID’s, and some cash.
