Before traveling to Machu Picchu we suggest that you keep these recommendations in mind so that your trip is safe and you enjoy it to the maximum.
It is recommended that you travel to Machu Picchu in the dry season which is from April to October. If you go in the rainy season, which is from November to March, take into account the climatic conditions that may vary.

When arriving in Cusco it is important that you rest at least 2 hours so that your organism adapts to the height. You can even take advantage and visit sites near the place such as the Cathedral, the church of San Blas, the Plaza de Armas, the Stone of 12 angles among others.

What is the Machu Picchu tour?

The tour starts early, you have to consider that from Cusco you have to travel by land (bus or private car) to the train station:

Poroy Station (distance of 20 minutes from Cusco) or

Ollantaytambo Station (distance of 1 hour 45″ from Cusco)

Once you are in one of the stations, the train to Machu Picchu will only be taken. Keep in mind that all services and trains to Machu Picchu are not the same and that there are many differences in their categories.

The train journey takes approximately 4 hours and will depend on which class of train you are travelling on (tourist, first class or luxury). Once at the Aguas Calientes station, you will take the bus that will take you to the entrance of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.

The guided tour lasts all day starting in Cusco and includes transfers from the city of Cusco, trains, bus up and down, guided tour of the Citadel and buffet lunch.

If you wish, you can also stay one night in a hotel in Machu Picchu town and enjoy the thermal baths.

What is Aguas Calientes or Macchu Picchu Pueblo?

It is the town below the citadel of Macchu Picchu. The train service arrives there and has services such as Wineries/Shops, Markets, Restaurants and Hostels where to stay.

To climb to the citadel of Machu Picchu you can do it walking but it is recommended to be in good physical condition and in a conventional way you can opt with the bus service (Ida and / or Return 30 min approximately for each trip).

How else can I get to the citadel of Machupicchu?

a) Inca Trail or Inca Trail: to make this trekking is necessary to hire an authorized travel agency and have a good physical condition. The duration is 4 days / 3 nights. This trekking is the traditional Inca trail and is very popular with tourists so it is advisable to make reservations well in advance because spaces are limited.

b) Salkantay Trekking. This circuit ends in Aguas Calientes, from there you go up to Machupicchu. There are several agencies that offer it. It is necessary to be in good physical condition. This trekking is considered an alternative in case there is no longer availability in the traditional Inca way.

c) By train along the classic route: Cusco – Machu Picchu Pueblo.

d) By the alternative route Santa Teresa. This route is by bus and train. It takes more days and is recommended for those who like adventure, you also get to Machupicchu Pueblo and from there you climb to Machupicchu.

Is it necessary to hire a travel agency to go to the citadel of Machu Picchu?

You can go alone, it is not necessary to hire the services of a travel agency or tour guide.

The advantages of going with a travel agency is that they coordinate and schedule all the train transfers, buses, entrances, guides. Letting the passenger enjoy before and during the trip.

If you have little time better hire an agency.

The advantage of traveling on your own is that you manage your schedules, you can adjust your itinerary at any time. But in this case it is advisable to buy the train tickets and tickets with due anticipation because places are limited.

If I go alone without hiring a travel agency, what do I need?

First you have to buy your train ticket in Peru Rail or Inca Rail for the date you want, take the bus or car to move from the city of Cusco to the train station, then you have to board the train at the time and place indicated by your ticket, this train will take you to the town of Aguas Calientes, then or previously you will have to buy the entrance to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (can be purchased at the Cultural Center located in the town of Aguas Calientes, or at the Ministry of Culture Cusco or through an authorized agency or through the website. It is not allowed the purchase of tickets in the same Sanctuary of Machupicchu) and in the same way the Ticket of bus of ascent and descent of hot waters to Machu Picchu.