FAQ’s

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is without a doubt the most important monument made by the Incas. He was lost in the misty valleys of the Andes until its discovery in 1911. It is a spectacular citadel built of stone found at the top of the mountains and is very close to the clouds at 2,400 meters. Every year thousands of travelers come to this enigmatic place through various means such as the train or walking from Cusco, through rugged mountain peaks, the beautiful valley and the ruins of Ollantaytambo. The favorite destination in the world is Machu Picchu, so say millions of tourists.

What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The climate in the Andean region is marked by two seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the rainy season (November to March). Note that even despite being rainy season, on the same day can be rain, cloudy sky and even sunshine.

Today, tourists from around the world come to visit Machu Picchu, 365 days a year. The months with the highest number of tourists are from April to September. Machu Picchu is located in jungle so its climate is hot and humid. Temperatures vary between 8 ° and 20 ° C. It is advisable to wear warm clothing and heat.

What kind of clothing and must be worn for the trip?

Machu Picchu is located in jungle; ie has a warm climate but the damp, so the type of clothing that we recommend using is:

• If traveling during the rainy season (November-April), the best option is to take a raincoat along with waterproof and windproof clothing.
• Although hot weather in the morning, always carry a piece of coat. It can be annoying to have to carry during the visit, but you better be prepared for the evening wind.
• Poles and / or T-shirts with long sleeves (preferably) to prevent insect bites and / or annoying burns.
• Hat and sunglasses. A light, comfortable cap will remain so fresh. The lens will allow you to appreciate the beauty of Machu Picchu without having to strain your eyes.

Sunscreen and insect repellent. They are absolutely necessary, especially since the itchy bug bites can ruin your visit. If you believe that the bugs have a particular liking for you, I would also recommend not wear short clothes of any kind.

Do not forget to bring plenty of water !. Staying hydrated with purified or bottled water is the best thing you can do to stay healthy and energetic during the tour.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

There are two different ways to get to Machu Picchu, which we explain below:

Rail (train)

If you want to go by train to Machu Picchu considers that no train goes directly from Cusco and none reaches Cusco. That’s why before boarding your train should take a bus or car to the starting point you choose. There are two train stations:

Poroy Station is approximately 30 minutes drive from Cusco. (You can take a taxi at any time of day, the average cost is 20 soles).
Ollantaytambo Station is about 2 hours by bus from Cusco. (Must take a Bus Station Ollantaytambo buses depart every 30 minutes throughout the day, the average cost is 15 to 20 soles).

When choosing where to go train, you will have to choose between two companies:

PERU RAIL: This company has a variety of choices and offers three types of services: Expedition, Vistadome and Hiram Bingham also has two points of departure and arrival.

Poroy – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Poroy.
Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.

We recommend buying train ticket round trip at the same time as it will get a little cheaper. When making your purchase consider that prices vary according to type of service, the starting point and the schedule you choose.

INCA RAIL: This is a company that has fewer years in the tourism market, offers four services: Tourist, Executive service, First Class and Presidential Service. Just a point of departure and arrival:

Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo.

You can also combine types of services in the flow and return; either First Class Service to and Economy Class return.

It is advisable to purchase round trip ticket at the same time to economize prices. Prices vary according to the schedule and the service you choose.

When in Aguas Calientes you can be purchased at the time a ticket bus to Machu Picchu from the only company Consetur, or you can walk for 1½ hours.

By bus

The bus route is a little tired and needs at least two days. If all so want this option must do the following:

• Take a taxi to the terminal in Cusco Quillabamba.
• Buy your ticket to Quillabamba and inform the seller that will lower in the town of Santa Maria.
• Santa Maria should take a bus to Hidroelectrica.
• If no direct buses to find Hydroelectric must first take a bus from the village Santa Maria to Santa Teresa and then a group of Santa Teresa to Hydro.
• Since Hydro has the option to take a train to the town of Aguas Calientes, but it is best to do a walk of about 2 hours by the side of the rails as it can find beautiful landscapes and visit the
• waterfalls of Mandor.
• Arrive to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon and should seek accommodation.
• By morning, you should make your visit to Machu Picchu and should be back in Hydroelectric approximately 13:00 hours to find the buses return (the same return path).
• The average total time is 6 hours bus from hydroelectric to Cusco

We can take care of all this buying their tickets for bus round trip through our agency (HAPPY TOURS PERU). Will indicate the points of departure of the buses. But keep in mind that the path Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes Aguas Calientes to Hydroelectric have to do it personally.

Regarding walk from Santa Maria to Aguas Calientes, although this option is cheaper not recommend it, as long as you have to visit Machu Picchu is very short, the trip is very heavy and is not a safe route.

Hikes

This is a good choice for visiting Machu Picchu, you will find several options how to route delTradicional Inca Trail 4D / 3N, or alternative routes as Salkantay 5D / 4N, Inca Jungle 4D / 3N, etc. In all you walk you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, microclimates, towns and geographic features; You have time to go to thermal baths that are in the path and the last day will be dedicated especially so you can make the inside of the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The return is by train and bus. If you wish to book one of these tours contact us (HAPPY TOURS PERU)

How to go from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

Aguas Calientes also called Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the closest to the citadel of Machu Picchu village. There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu.

If you enjoy walking and enjoying nature, there is a path with steps marked appropriately. The walk will take on average one hour and a half it is advisable to wear sun lotion, repellent, hat, sunglasses protector. Remember that you are in jungle.

The other option is to go by bus, the trip will be approximately 30 minutes. This bus will leave you at the entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu. Buses depart at 5:30 a.m. The bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu are managed by the company CONSETTUR, and have offices in Cusco and Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes).

CONSETTUR office in Cusco. Av Children No. 433.
CONSETTUR in Aguas Calientes Office: Av Hermanos Ayar s / n (metal shed.).

Remember that tickets are valid only for 3 days, for single use. Buying tickets is personnel upon presentation of their identity card, passport or student card.