Machu Picchu: Touch the Sky, Walk with the Past

Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, and proper planning is key to ensuring a smooth trip. Here’s how you can visit Machu Picchu, starting with getting your tickets, bus transportation, and timing your visit.

Buying Tickets for Machu Picchu

Before anything else, you’ll need to buy tickets to enter Machu Picchu. Tickets are sold online via the official Peruvian government website or through authorized travel agencies. It’s important to know that Machu Picchu has different entry circuits that correspond to different experiences:

• Circuit 1: For the classic Machu Picchu experience, with access to the upper terraces and panoramic views.
• Circuit 2: Offers a more extensive walk, including temples and lower parts.
• Circuit 3: A shorter circuit that focuses on specific sections of the site.
• Circuit 4: This route includes a climb up Huayna Picchu, the towering peak that stands tall behind Machu Picchu in those iconic photos

Choose the circuit that best fits your interests, and be sure to check availability in advance, as tickets sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Once you’ve chosen your circuit, you can purchase the tickets online and print them or have a digital copy on your phone.

Getting to Machu Picchu by Bus

To reach Machu Picchu, most travelers take a bus from Aguas Calientes, the nearest town, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Here’s how it works:

• Bus Tickets: You can buy bus tickets online through the website or in person at their ticket offices in Aguas Calientes. It’s recommended to purchase your bus tickets in advance, especially during busy seasons.
• Bus Schedule: Buses start operating early in the morning, around 5:30 AM, and continue throughout the day. Each bus departs every 10-15 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long for a ride.
• Travel Time: The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu takes about 30 minutes, zigzagging up the mountain.

 Nature and History in Perfect Harmony

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Machu Picchu, it’s important to plan ahead and be aware of the regulations in place to protect the site. All visitors are required to purchase a ticket in advance, and access to the site is limited to a certain number of visitors per day. Tickets are available for specific entry times, so it’s essential to book early, especially during peak tourist seasons.

When visiting Machu Picchu, it’s also important to respect the rules and guidelines set by the Peruvian government. Visitors are not allowed to bring large bags, tripods, or drones into the site, and touching the ruins or climbing on the structures is strictly prohibited. Additionally, visitors are encouraged to stay on the designated paths and follow their assigned circuit to minimize the impact on the fragile environment.

Experience the Magic of the Sacred Valley

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is more predictable, with fewer chances of rain and clearer skies. However, this is also the most crowded time of year, so it’s essential to book tickets in advance.

Tickets to Machu Picchu are sold based on the specific circuits you plan to explore. It’s essential to purchase your tickets in advance, as daily visitor numbers are limited to protect the site. Additional tickets are required for the hikes up Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu, and these sell out quickly.

Visitors should come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and sunscreen. The weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to dress in layers and bring a rain jacket just in case.

Discover the Ancient Wonder 

It’s essential to time your visit to Machu Picchu according to the entry slot on your ticket. You are only allowed to enter during the time indicated on your ticket, so plan your arrival accordingly. For example, if your ticket is for 7:00 AM, make sure to catch an early bus to reach the entrance in time. Arriving early in the morning has its perks, like avoiding the larger crowds and getting a more peaceful experience.

The site opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:30 PM, and visits are generally limited to a few hours, depending on the circuit you’ve selected. Once inside, you’ll be free to explore the awe-inspiring ruins, terraces, and views of the surrounding Andes Mountains at your own pace, following the specific route for your circuit.

You’ll be well-prepared for your adventure! Just remember to book tickets early, be mindful of your bus timing, and arrive at the entry point with plenty of time to spare. Enjoy the journey!

Where History Touches the Sky 

The most expensive hotel near Machu Picchu is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, a luxury property located right at the entrance of the famous Inca site. As the only hotel in the area with direct access to Machu Picchu, the Sanctuary Lodge offers unmatched convenience and exclusivity.

Staying at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge costs around $1,200 to $2,000 per night, depending on the season, room type, and amenities. These prices typically include gourmet meals, private guided tours of Machu Picchu, and access to the lodge’s beautiful gardens with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.