The ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu will be one of the most incredible expeditions you’ll ever have. High up in the Andes of Peru, this isolated city is one of the seven wonders of the world. When you arrive you’ll find this landmark offers, history, architecture and much more to explore. But before you travel there with your pillow of the plane, here are the best Machu Picchu travel tips.

  

Machu Picchu Travel Tips: Essential Travel Gear 

Machu Picchu is located in the highlands and isn’t an easy place to travel to, here are some essentials you should bring to make the journey easier.

Hiking Boots/ Trainers: It may sound fairly obvious, but it’s a lot of uphill trekking. So, make sure you're wearing hiking shoes or comfortable trainers, the last thing you want to be wearing is a pair of holiday sandals.

Light Weight Rain Coat: during at least half the year, you’re almost certain to get caught in the rain while exploring Machu Picchu. A light raincoat is essential to avoid not feeling constantly wet while enjoying this ancient destination.

Water: As mentioned, it’s a lot of walking hiking and it’s not a destination that is filled with stores to keep topping up your water supply. Take around two or three litres of water for the day. It can get hot, and you wouldn't want to ruin your day by feeling dehydrated.

 

 

Machu Picchu Travel Tips: Cusco

The local city of this landmark is Cusco, a beautiful city which you should take some time to learn about. The city is known to have a high level of crime due to the number of wealthy tourist visiting. Luckily the city is very dependent on tourism so the number of police officers you’ll see will make you feel safe. But to ensure your safety at night, take street taxi’s with other people, or use a taxi service you can call if you are alone, most hotels and hostel can recommend some. 

You can also expect to see friendly locals, great nightlife in Plaza De Armas (The Main Square) and a lot of stray dogs.

 

Machu Picchu Travel Tips: It's Expensive

It’s best to buy everything you’ll need for the day trip from Cusco. Machu Picchu is about 2 hours away from the city and everything you can buy at the destination is heavily overpriced. So, tickets, water, snacks and anything else you think you’ll need should be ready in your backpack, the only thing you won’t be able to avoid is paying to go to the bathroom, it’s around 1 sol and there isn’t a way around this.

The locals there are also very pushy with trying to sell you food and souvenirs, so if you’re not interested, it’s best to avoid eye contact.

 

Machu Picchu Travel Tips: Hire a Guide

As this is an ancient site there are plenty of rules in place which help to preserve it and you don’t want to offend anyone while you’re here. It’s best to hire a guide in the city to take you round this historic place, and they’ll not only keep you safe but also teach you about this amazing citadel. This landmark is full of tourists from all around the world to it’s something to expect when you’re here, and though it’s going to be busy when you visit, out of respect the guards will want you to be very quiet when exploring.

 

Machu Picchu Travel Tips: The Guards a Strict

There are a number of rules to obey while in Machu Picchu, but they aren’t highlighted very well. The guards tend to blow a whistle to get you to stop what you’re doing and it will likely be that you're taking a picture somewhere you shouldn't be or if you standing or climbing on something you're not allowed to. The safest bet is to stay with your tour guide or find out the rules from them.