Frequently Ask Questions

Currently, the majority of the countries in Latin America can be visited safely, and Peru is not an exception. It has a relatively efficient transport infrastructure that it will allow you to move easily, in addition, Peruvians are very friendly, solidarity and won´t hesitate to assist you. Peru is one of the most visited countries in Latin America, so you must already imagine that, in relation to tourism, they know their business. We know from experience, that travel with “common sense” would allow to take 95% of the planet without problems. Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages; However, plan the trip well and know where to go and why, will allow you to get to Machu Picchu safely.

Lima is the capital of Peru, is known as the “city of the Kings”, usually is the first place in Peru that you will land on your trip to trip to Machu Picchu; Lima is relatively safe, just need to know where to go and of course where not (ask). All the tourist sites, airports, terminals and other places frequented by visitors are safe and are constantly guarded.

Yes, Cusco is one of the safest cities in Peru; You can walk freely through the streets of Cusco without fear, except, perhaps, be besieged by many street vendors, but that’s all. All the tourist areas in Cusco are guarded by agents and security cameras.

Before joining the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, you must stop in Aguas Calientes town, is the small village at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain. It is the last train station to Marvel and it is fairly safe. Security within the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is guaranteed, you just need to follow the marked trails and enjoy its incredible old constructions.

It is a spectacular citadel built based on stone, which is located at the top of the mountains and is close to the clouds, at 2430 m.a.s.l.  It is located in the Cusco region, province of Urubamba, district of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas. it is 80 kilometers northeast of the city of Cusco and through which the Urubamba river flows on. According to many scholars, its original name would have been Llaqtapata.

The climate in the Andean region this marked by two weather seasons:
Dry season (from April to October).

Rainy season (from November to March).

Note that, despite being rainy season, in one day there may be rain, cloudy skies and even plenty of sunshine.

Today, tourists from all over the world come to visit Machu Picchu 365 days a year. The months with the largest influx of tourists are from April to September. Machu Picchu is located in the jungle, so its climate is warm and humid. Temperatures vary between 8° c and 20° C. It is advisable to carry warm and cold.

There are two different ways to get to Machu Picchu:

VIA RAIL (TRAIN).

If you want to go by train to Machu Picchu, consider that no train comes directly from Cusco city and not arrive in Cusco city. Therefore, before you board your train you should take a bus or a car to the starting point you choose. There are two train stations:

Poroy station which is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Cusco. (you can take a taxi at any time of the day; the average cost is 20 soles).

Ollantaytambo train station is approximately 2 hours by bus from Cusco. (you must take a bus from the bus station to Ollantaytambo, depart every 30 minutes throughout the day; the average cost is 15 to 20 soles).

When you decide to go by train, you will have to choose between two companies:

PERU RAIL: It has more variety of schedules and offers three types of services: Expedition, Vistadome and Hiran Binghan, also has two points of departure and arrival.

• Poroy – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Poroy.
• Urubamba or Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo or Urubamba.

INCA RAIL: It has less years in the tourism market, offers four services: service tourist, Executive service, service first class and presidential service.

• Poroy or Ollantaytambo – Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo or Poroy.

NOTE: We remind you to buy a round trip train ticket, since it will be a little cheaper. At the time you purchase the ticket, consider that prices vary according to the type of service, the departure point and the schedule you choose.

Once in Aguas Calientes you can buy immediately the bus ticket to the citadel of Machu Picchu. There is only one company CONSETTUR. Also, you can hike for about one hour and a half.

BUS:

The bus route is very tired/dangerous, and it needs at least two days minimum. If no matters what you want to take this route, you must do the following instructions:

• Take a taxi to the Quillabamba bus terminal in Cusco or hire a direct service to hydroelectric power plant.
• Buy your ticket to Quillabamba and tell the seller you will get off the bus in Santa Maria.
• In Santa Maria take a collective (car,bus, or enay vehicule)  to hydroelectric power plant.
• From hydroelectric, you have the option of taking a train to the Aguas Calientes, but it is better to do a 2-hour hike approximately by the side of the rail, also you will find beautiful landscapes and visit the waterfalls of Mandor.
• You will reach in Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, then look for an accommodation.
• The next day in the morning, you visit Machu Picchu archaeological park, then you should be back on hydroelectric plant at approximately 13:00 hours, so that you find the return buses (the same route)
• The average total time in bus is 6:00 hours, from hydroelectric to Cusco.

TRESK:

It is one of the best options to visit the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. There are several alternatives: Inca Trail, Salkantay, Inca Jungle, etc.

On all the trails/hikes you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, microclimates, towns, flora and fauna. Also, you will have time to enjoy hot springs located on the route and the last day will be especially dedicated to visit Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The return is by train or bus.

If you still do not have a reservation, don’t worry because in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes there is plenty of accommodation in different categories, sure that some will fit your expectations.

Train services, whether PERU RAIL or INCA RAIL only allow one carry-on baggage; Maximum weight: 5 kilos (11 pounds). Dimensions: 157 cm or 62 inches (length, width and height).

If you are going to Machu Picchu for two days, then carry no more than 5 kilos in your luggage, and the day of the visit to the Inca Citadel you can leave your luggage in the storage of the hotel in Aguas Calientes.

When you go for a day, we recommend you carry a small bag or backpack with necessary items for the tour in Machu Picchu, as well as a few small snacks.

Some years ago, the Peruvian Government established a limited access to these destinations, necessary for their preservation.

Reservations can be made at any time. It depends on the availability of spaces. But we recommend you do it as soon as possible, especially if it is the Huayna Picchu mountain ticket, since they run out more easily. Male the reservation two or three months in advance.

Yes, it is possible to visit them the same day, although you must consider the train timetables and the days that you will stay in Aguas Calientes before the purchase.

It is usually easy to find a guide at Machu Picchu. But anyways, we recommend you hire the service of a guide before you travel to Machu Picchu.

The entrance to Machu Picchu is from 06:00 a.m. to 17:00 pm. The CONSETTUR buses ride to the Ancient Citadel from 05:30 am.

The hot springs are at the end of the Avenida Pachacutec 20 minutes from the main square 800 meters East of Machu Picchu town. The water well among the rocks at different temperature. The average temperature of the waters is between 35° and 43 ° C.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 05:30-20:00 hours.
• Rates: turist: S /. 15.00 / national: S /. 10.00.

If you would like more detailed information or queries you can do so via our website or email.