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Machu Picchu
Tours & Treks
Looking for a tour to Machu Picchu? If visiting Machu Picchu has always been on your bucket-list then you have come to the right place. Tucan Travel are specialists in tours and holidays to Peru and offer multiple ways to visit the Lost City of the Incas. Whether you want to trek to Machu Picchu on a single-country tour through Peru, or want to tick off the whole of South America on a multi-country trip, we can help you plan the adventure of a lifetime. Below is a handy guide with everything you need to know about planning a holiday to Machu Picchu.
Hiking to Machu Picchu
Hiking Trails
The Inca Trek
Level: Medium/ Hard
Duration: 4 Days
The Inca Trail is the most popular trekking route to Machu Picchu. The 4 day adventure takes you past ancient ruins, through breathtaking scenery and finally, to the sun gate entering Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is a classic example of why the journey is just as impressive as the destination, and the overwhelming feeling of pride once you complete it is something special you will remember forever.
The Salkantay Trek
Level: Medium/ Hard
Duration: 6 days
The Salkantay Trek is perfect for those who aren’t as keen on camping, staying in comfortable mountain lodges along the way. Walk past Inca ruins and catch spectacular views of Mount Salkantay, trek along the Salkantay River into cloud forests and finally, take a scenic train journey from Aguas Calientes to the magnificent Machu Picchu.
The Lares Trek
Level: Medium
Duration: 4 Days
On the Lares Trek you will pass rural Andean communities and witness some fantastic scenery on route. Since no permit is required, it is often a preferred alternative when the Inca Trail is sold out. The route remains largely untouched and gives an authentic glimpse into rural Peru. With two nights camping, the final night is spent in a hotel before getting the bus to Machu Picchu.
Facts
Machu Picchu
Peru
Machu Picchu is located in the Andes mountains in south-central Peru.
GPS Coordinates
13.1633° S
72.5456° W
The altitude of Machu Picchu
2,430
m
above sea level.
The ruins are located within Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary which is situated in the province or Urubamba and covers an area of
32,592
Hectacres
The Incan people spoke a language called Quechua which many still speak to this day. When translated into English Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” or “Old Peak”.
Quechua Greetings:
Hello
Rimaykullayki
How are you?
Allillanchu?
The decreased oxygen in the air at high altitude makes breathing a challenge for most animals, but llamas are well adapted and can live comfortably in these conditions.
The Inca Trail's highest point is Dead Woman’s Pass (Warmihuañusca), standing at
4,215
m
Inca Trail permits are strictly limited to
500
per day
Packing Guide
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
- Long trekking pants
- A warm sweater
- Good quality, breathable socks
- Sun hat
- A light rain coat
- Extra layers
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- High SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- A water bottle
- Camera, memory card & extra batteries
- A waterproof backpack
Group Tours that include Machu Picchu
Tucan Travel have over 20 tours that go to Peru. Our first tour started in Colombia and finished in Peru back in 1987 - so we can firmly say we are experts in all things South America! Our group tours and our itineraries are designed by ex tour leaders and travellers and there are options to suit all budgets and dates. Some of our trips are encompassing explorations of solely Peru whilst others combine Peru with the rest of South America!
Below are some of our best-selling holidays to Peru.
Machu Picchu, Amazon & Galapagos
Duration:14 Days
Duration:Cuzco to Quito
Tour Code:PEAG
Best ways to reach
Machu Picchu on a group tour
The journey to Machu Picchu is often part of the experience! If you choose to follow in the footsteps of Inca messengers and trek the famous 4-day mountain path to the site, you’ll walk the last short section in the dark, reaching the Inca’s strategically located Sun Gate just in time for dawn. Wispy morning cloud obscures the site at first, gradually burning away to reveal the dramatic ruins of buildings and layer upon layer of agricultural terraces. It is truly unforgettable to witness Machu Picchu emerging out of the mist - it’s like rediscovering a long-lost, secret world.
You can also visit Machu Picchu on a one day portion of the Inca Trail, or take the train, which winds up the mountain on a series of switch-backs. The site is often busiest between 11am and 3pm, so aim to visit the site in the early morning or at dusk for a more serene experience, fewer tourists and better lighting for photography. Below are some of the best ways to reach Machu Picchu on a group tour.
The Inca Trail Trek
The iconic Inca Trail involves hiking to Machu Picchu for three to four days led by a local guide. You will be accompanied by porters who will assist with your bags and set up the tents which you will be camping in each night. Many of our group tours include your permit for the Inca Trail Trek (simply look for the Inca Trail icon on the maps!)
Important!
The Inca Trail Trek is closed in February. Permits also sell out fast, so make sure you book at least 6 months in advance to secure your spot on the Inca Trail.
Inca Trail Day Trek to Machu Picchu
The day trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect option for people wanting to sample the hiking experience, but who don't have the time to try the full four day trek. We offer this as an option on some of our group tours to Peru as an alternative to the train.
Train to Machu Picchu
An alternative to the day trek, the train to Machu Picchu will take you on a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the town nearest to Machu Picchu. You can choose the train as another option on our group tours if you do not want to hike to Machu Picchu.
Visiting Machu Picchu on a
Tailor-made tour
Our Tailor-made team can put together a custom-made tour of Machu Picchu and Peru based on your budget and itinerary choices. As well as the Inca Trail Trek, the train to Machu Picchu and the one day trek you also have the option to journey to Machu Picchu in other ways.
The Salkantay Trek
Upgrade your Machu Picchu experience by opting for the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu. Although the hike will take you up steep ascents and past the beautiful Mount Salkantay, each night is spent relaxing in 4* mountain lodges, some equipped with an outdoor jacuzzi.
Lares Trek
Lares Trek - Hike through quiet villages and Inca countryside to reach Machu Picchu. You will pass Andean communities along the way, camping for 2 nights before reaching Aguas Calientes where the bus awaits to take you to Machu Picchu.
If you want to know about other ways to get to Machu Picchu including horse-riding or even staying at a 5* hotel outside Machu Picchu please get in touch with our Tailor-made team.
Things to know before visiting Machu Picchu
Buy your tickets in advance
Whether you’re choosing to do a group tour of Machu Picchu or wanting a Tailor-made trip to Peru, you must book your permits to Machu Picchu in advance. During high season there can be as many as 5,000 people on a holiday to Machu Picchu each day with entrance separated between morning and afternoon visits. Tucan Travel tours include the entrance and a guided tour of Machu Picchu, but we advise booking your spot as early as possible as spaces sell out fast. Please be aware that since July 2017 you are unable to enter Machu Picchu without a registered guide.
It’s important to acclimatise before visiting Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu has an altitude of 2,430 metres above sea level. However, Cusco is actually higher, with an elevation of 3,400. It is important to spend a few days in Cusco to acclimatise to the altitude especially before exerting physical activity such as the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu. The majority of Tucan Travel tours start in Lima and gradually travel through the Andes, increasing the elevation which helps to acclimatise. Many of the hotels will serve cocoa tea which is said to help the effects of altitude sickness. You can read more about preventing altitude sickness here.
Wear layers
You should be prepared for all weathers when visiting Machu Picchu. The rainy season is from December to March but being so high in the Andes it can rain at any point. Make sure to bring waterproofs especially if you are hiking the Inca Trail Trek. Additionally, bring enough layers to take off or remove as whilst you may get warm hiking, at night it can get cold.
Visit the toilets before entering
The only toilets at Machu Picchu are the ones at the entrance so make sure you use them before heading in. They are roughly 15 minutes away from the photo viewpoint.
Bring your passport
You need your passport to guarantee entry into Machu Picchu so remember to bring it. If you are doing the Inca Trail Trek it is worth packing it in a waterproof bag so it does not get wet! When you arrive at Machu Picchu you will actually get a stamp in your passport - a great souvenir from visiting Peru!
Blogs
10 things you should know before visiting Machu Picchu
Decided to take on the epic trek of Machu Picchu? Well, like all good things in life it doesn’t come easy! One of the most incredible (and popular!) adventures on the planet, definitely requires a little preparation. So, you’ve got your permit? Check. Hiking gear? Check. Passport? Check! Now, what else…There’s always a few things which don’t cross your mind when taking on a quest as big as this so we’ve put together ten handy tips you should know before you set off on your big adventure in Peru!
Inca Trek vs Lares Trail
The one question till this date I cannot answer. It is kind of the equivalent of NY vs LA or Melbourne vs Sydney. It’s like asking São Paulo vs Rio de Janeiro, or even Madrid vs Barcelona. Yes, it is the Inca Trek vs the Lares Trek official showdown. Which is better? I am hoping by the end of this I will finally come to a conclusion.
First of all, my name is Tony Perdomo and I lived out of backpack for 8 years leading tours around the globe. Six of them were with Tucan Travel. My first destination was Peru back in 2004. Over the years, I got to trek the Inca Trek and the Lares Trek many times.
Machu Picchu FAQs
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How do I get to Machu Picchu?
Since 2017, you can only enter Machu Picchu with an official tour guide so you cannot rock up on a Peru trip and hope for the best. There are a number of different ways to get to Machu Picchu including the famous four day Inca Trail Trek. Most travellers will use the city of Cusco as their base to visit Machu Picchu no matter what route they are taking to get to the site. From here you will travel to Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes to either get the train or start hiking to Machu Picchu. Tucan Travel tours include entry and a tour of Machu Picchu. You have the option to do the Inca Trail Trek, train to Machu Picchu or even the one day trek.
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What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca Citadel situated in the Andes. Built in the mid 15th century as an administrative centre, Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest, overgrown by jungle, visited only by locals and practically forgotten to the outside world. It was finally ‘rediscovered’ when an American historian Hiram Bingham brought it back to international attention in 1911.
Surrounded by forested peaks and invisible to those approaching from below, Machu Picchu was never actually visited by the Spanish and therefore retained much of its original architecture and materials. Inca stonemasons, the original masters of earthquake-safe engineering, built temples, bath houses, storerooms and walls, using closely interlocking polished stones of varying shapes and sizes, but no mortar. The partially reconstructed buildings and walls are at once imposing and unpretentious, and provide a fascinating insight into the life of the original inhabitants.
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What is Huayna Picchu?
Huayna Picchu is the mountain which you will recognize from photos at Machu Picchu. Although you may see some tourists climbing this, it is not recommended by Tucan Travel. The ascent is steep, narrow and slippery!
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What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Although the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February, Machu Picchu is open all year round. The dry season is between June to August and this is when it tends to be the busiest, attracting crowds from all over the world. The rainy season is from November to March. For less rainfall and slightly less people, visit in April or May before high season hits.
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Is there any wildlife at Machu Picchu?
You will almost certainly see llamas and alpacas at Machu Picchu, grazing amongst the ruins. Andean bears, also known as the spectacled bear have also been spotted at Machu Picchu however these are much more elusive than llamas. There is also some fantastic birdlife that you may see on a trip to Machu Picchu. Species include the Green Jay, the Overcast bird and even the Andean condor.
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What do I need to pack for Machu Picchu?
Big backpacks are not allowed into Machu Picchu so remember only your small daypack. It’s advisable to wear layers at Machu Picchu as the weather can change at any time. You should also remember to bring sunblock as there is little shade especially when you are exploring the ruins. Your passport is vital, for entry as well as the all-important stamp! And of course, your camera to capture the iconic photo in front of the mountain.
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What time of day should I visit Machu Picchu?
Entry to Machu Picchu is operated in two shifts, either the morning or the afternoon, to limit people at the site at one time. On our Peru tours which include the Inca Trail Trek, you will arrive at Machu Picchu in the morning however on the one day trek you will be there for the afternoon. Your ticket to Machu Picchu does not allow for re-entry, so once you’re in, you’re in!
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