All you need to know if you plan on visiting Machu Picchu
The truth about Machu Picchu's altitude
The first common doubt we'll clear up concerns Machu Picchu's location. Although it is in Cusco, it's not a stone's throw away from the city. You have to take a train to get there.
Another frequent mistake concerns the altitude of the Inca Citadel. Probably due to the popular postcard image showing Machu Picchu amidst cloudy mountains, many get the idea that the ruins are higher above sea level than the City of Cusco, but It's the other way around! While Cusco City stands almost 11,000 feet (3,350 m) above sea level, Machu Picchu only reaches 8,000 feet (2,438 m), which is 3,000 feet lower. That being said, it's still pretty high, so take precautions if you're prone to altitude sickness.
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How many days should you consider for your trip?
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We suggest you take at least a two-day trip if you're planning a visit to Machu Picchu. If you don't have a direct international flight to Cusco, you'll have to get there from Lima (almost an hour's flight) and then from Cusco airport to the train station, which can be a 2 to 3-hour ride depending on the station you pick. Once your train arrives in Aguascalientes, the town right below Machu Picchu, you'll need to take a bus to the actual archaeological site. If you're more adventurous and in good shape, you can also walk up! Even if you choose the earliest flights and train schedules, you probably won't accomplish the feat in one day because the ruins close at 5 p.m.
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How to get to the ruins
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Currently, two railway carriers take you to Machu Picchu: PeruRail (which has the most departures) and IncaRail (which has 2 departures per day). Most of the trains depart from the Ollanta Station (see map A) next to the Ollantaytambo archaeological site, so we recommend you choose a package where you can link the Ollantaytambo tour with your train ride to Machu Picchu.
There's an IncaRail departure from the Ollanta station at 4:30 p.m. we highly recommend if you want to enjoy the landscape at dusk and arrive in Aguascalientes at approximately 6 p.m. But if you're traveling on a budget, we suggest the 7 p.m. PeruRail train, departing from the Ollanta Station and arriving in Aguascalientes at around 8:30 p.m.
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Machu Picchu's opening hours and tour schedules
Aguascalientes is a small town with restaurants, bars, and a handicrafts market where you'll stay overnight at your hotel. The following day you can choose when to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological complex, considering the site opens at 5 a.m. We encourage everyone to go as early as possible because watching the sunrise up there is a truly jaw-dropping experience.
Machu Picchu is such a unique destination that we offer a private guide service exclusively for you and your traveling party. They'll pick you up from your hotel at any chosen hour starting from 5 a.m. and give you a once-in-a-lifetime 3-hour tour of the site.
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How to include Huayna Picchu in your tour package
If you want to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain (just across the Machu Picchu citadel), you must decide beforehand when you buy your ticket to Machu Picchu. That way, they'll include both fees on the same ticket, and you won't have any inconveniences. Keep this in mind because you won't be able to buy the Huayna Picchu ticket on-site that same day. Also, remember that both tickets and your bus ticket up to the ruins are valid for one day only.
Heading back to Cusco City
You can take a train back to Cusco the same afternoon after visiting Machu Picchu, continue your Peruvian adventure at another fabulous destination, or fly to Lima (which will probably have to wait until the following day due to flight schedules) and back home with unforgettable new memories to share.
Safe travels, and remember, the more anticipation you take to plan your trip and book your tickets, the better!