Machu Picchu Vacations

Visitors from most countries, including the US, Canada, European countries and Australia do not need a visa to enter Peru where Machu Picchu is located. A valid passport (at least 6 months after your trip) is sufficient and you will be permitted to stay in the country for up to 90 days.

We recommend visiting your clinician at least six weeks before you travel to receive the latest advice. Peru recommends (but does not require proof of) vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Yellow fever and antimalarials are are not necessary for trips to Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Lake Titicaca or Machu Picchu (including the Inca Trail).

Of all the Machu Picchu sights, the Intihuatana is a must. This stone monument was used in the Incan religion as an astronomical device. The Inca believed that the stone helped guide the sun through the sky. Now, the vantage point from Intihuatana offers a breathtaking view.

Andean cuisine is heavily based around the abundant potato varieties, corn, quinoa, trout, alpaca and even guinea pig of the Andes. Popular regional dishes to try are the Pachamanca, a traditional meat and vegetable medley cooked in an earthen stove, and the cuy chactado, deep-fried guinea pig.

Many of the Andean staples and exotic ingredients can be seen and tried in the San Pedro Market in Cusco. Guests staying in Aguas Calientes below Machu Picchu may like to visit the Chullpi restaurant famed for its contemporary and innovative dishes using local products.

Machu Picchu itself is a very safe site that is visited by travelers from all around the world on a daily basis. The nearby city of Cusco does have high rates of petty theft, and visitors should watch out for pickpockets and sham cab services that exist to steal their money.

The best time of year to visit Machu Picchu is between September and October. During this time, temperatures are cool and pleasant at about 21°C (70°F) in the daytime and 12°C (54°F) at night. This is also the less busy season, making it easier to avoid the crowds.

Going to Machu Picchu with kids is a great option for a family vacation, offering the chance to learn about different cultures and history and see beautiful sights. Bear in mind that the steep steps and optional hikes can be strenuous, so it may be a challenge for young children or the elderly.

If you and your spouse are adventurous, a Machu Picchu honeymoon makes an excellent choice. It offers the chance to enjoy the outdoors, with unforgettable sights. The nearby Sacred Valley and city of Cuzco, also have amazing opportunities to experience Andean culture and cuisine.

Yes, don’t worry. Whilst hiking the Inca Trail is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience, it’s not for the faint-hearted and many who want to do it cannot because the number of permits are limited. Besides, a 4-day hike may not fit in with your timescales or the idea of a relaxing vacation for many.

The most common way to reach Macchu Picchu is by train, with several departure stations and train services to choose from.  The most popular trains depart from Ollantaytambo, the finishing point for popular Sacred Valley tours, located a couple hours’ drive northwest of Cusco. You can also take the train from Poroy, located about 25 minutes outside of Cusco.

Many travelers want to visit both destinations whilst in Peru, and wonder if Machu Picchu is in the Amazon jungle, or how far it is from the Amazon. Machu Picchu sits in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba mountain range where the Peruvian Andes meet the Amazon, which lies 160 km (100 miles) to the East.

However if you are planning to do an Amazon river cruise you will need to travel some 1,050 km (652 miles) to Iquitos. The good news is that travelers can visit both easily with our dedicated Amazon Rainforest and Machu Picchu tour.