What comes to mind when you think of PERU? MACHU PICCHU!!!

But as I am neither a specialist in Inca history, nor knowledgeable enough to give you information on who-when-why-how (you will be spoiled for choice on the internet or on tourist guides), I will simply just give you some tips on how to organize your visit.

First of all, we need to understand what we're talking about… Everyone knows what Machu Picchu is . This Inca archaeological site is known to all, but what about the mountains around it?

What is Huaynapicchu or Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu?

It's the mountain that resembles a sugarloaf, visible in the background behind Machu Picchu . You can climb it (2,700m) and see Machu Picchu from a different perspective (a magnificent panoramic view). But be warned: the climb is difficult and should be avoided by those who suffer from vertigo. The path is very narrow, and there have been numerous falls, some fatal. So if you decide to climb it, don't be reckless when taking that "selfie"! Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip.

Access is limited to 2 groups of 200 people maximum per day with one group leaving 7-8 a.m. (group 1) and another departure 10 am-11 a.m. (group 2).

What is the mountain of Machu Picchu?

It's the mountain directly opposite Huayna Picchu . It's lower than Waina, easier to access, and less popular, therefore less crowded. However, access is also limited. They allow two groups of 400 people per day. Allow two hours for the round trip (2,160 steps).

I did not choose this option but I had rather positive feedback. The view would be sensational with a 360 ° panorama!

Why book Machu Picchu tickets?

VERY IMPORTANT: You must book your train tickets, your entrance to Machu Picchu , and especially your entrance to Huayna Picchu (see information below) several months in advance. Indeed, in order to preserve these fragile sites, access is limited to 2,500 people per day at the Machu Picchu citadel and 400 people at Huayna Picchu (two groups of 200 people). By booking in advance, you will have a choice of site visit times as well as train times. This is essential if you want to make the most of your day by leaving as early as possible and returning as late as possible.

If you buy tickets on site, the risk is that there will no longer be any entry options for Huayna Picchu , or that the only possible return trip will be by train at a time that is not convenient…

Given the importance and scope of the site (s), I preferred to leave nothing to chance to be sure to do the best and not to leave frustrated!

How to book Machupicchu Huaynapicchu tickets?

As you may have read above, the choice of time is mandatory and important if you want to do both sites.

Group 2: 10:00-11:00 allows you to visit Machu Picchu at a leisurely pace in the morning without the crowds (from 6:00 to 10:00) and then enjoy climbing Huayna Picchu from 10:00-11:00. For this, you will of course need to leave very early in the morning (see my schedule below).

So I chose a combined ticket Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu 10 am-11am (158 soles).

Here is the official website link to book online:

http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/

Please note , they only accept VISA cards to validate payment.

In addition, be patient because this very old site does not stop crashing ... but you have to go all the way to obtain confirmation of payment.

You'll see, the Machu Picchu adventure starts from here!!!

When you have a reservation code with the "FORMATO DE RESERVA" info, you must continue (be careful because this code is only valid for 3 hours) to make the payment.

You will need to get the proof of payment (to print) like this one:

Finally, this is what the final confirmation looks like (after payment):

How to book the MACHUPICCHU train?

To book in advance, I of course booked online on the INCA RAIL website :

https://incarail.com/

But you can also take your tickets directly:

• in Cuzco: 105 Portal de Panes in the Plaza de Armas
• in Ollantaytambo: at Avenida Ferrocarril station

In any case, you will need to go to Cuzco in advance ( INCA RAIL SAC agency – Portal de Panes 105, Plaza de Armas) to have the electronic tickets issued with your internet reservations.

On the day of your train departure, remember to take 2 copies of your electronic tickets : One for check-in and the other for boarding.

MACHU PICCHU train prices

We paid 123 USD round trip (it's expensive but we avoid a tiring trek…).

MACHU PICCHU train timetable

The journey lasts 1h40.

How to book the MACHU PICCHU BUS?

The Aguas Caliente-Matchupicchu return ticket is valid regardless of the schedule. The best is to buy it the day before so as not to waste time on the big day!

Machu Picchu bus prices

24 USD round trip

Where to buy Machu Picchu bus tickets?

Ticket office in Aguas Calientes open from 5 a.m. to 21:30 p.m.: Avenida Hermanos Ayar

Ticket office in Cuzco open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 15 p.m. to 18 p.m.: 433 Avenida Infancia and also at the following address: 380 avenida del sol.

Machupicchu bus timetables

The journey takes 20 minutes. There are buses every 10 minutes.

The first leaves at 5:30 a.m. and the last leaves at 17:30 p.m.

What timing to visit Machu Picchu?

Here is our very tight timing:

• 4h00: Be in the queue at the bus stop
• 5:30 am: on the bus
• 06h00: Visit of Matchu Picchu with French speaking guide
• 9:00 am: Inca Bridge
• 10h00-11h00: Go up to Huawna Picchu
• 12h00-13h00: Get off Huawna Picchu
• 15:00 p.m .: Gate of the Sun
• 16:00 p.m .: descent to the exit
• 17:00 p.m .: last bus to Aguas Caliente (take one before ...)
• 18:00 p.m .: collection of bags at the hotel and quickly towards the station
• 19:00 p.m .: return train to Ollantaytambo
• 20:40 p.m .: Arrival in Ollantaytambo
• 20:45 p.m .: Our private driver will meet us at the gate to drive to CUZCO
• 22:30 p.m .: Arrival in Cusco and taxi to go to Arnaud's to make a BIG BIG DODO!

I'm sorry for you but unfortunately you won't be able to copy and paste my great timing ...

Indeed, since January 1, 2017, and still with the aim of protecting the site, it is no longer possible to spend a whole day at Machu Picchu . You will have the choice between a visit from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. or from 12 p.m. to 17:30 p.m.

Useful info Machu Picchu

Opening times

Every day from 6 a.m. to 17 p.m. (last entry at 16 p.m.)

Main prohibitions important for the organization of the visit to the site

• food (plan to eat afterwards) but you can still take some dried fruits and cookies (well hidden);
• backpack larger than 40x35x20 cm (plan a very small bag);
• selfie sticks (due to accidents).

What to take at MACHU PICCHU?

• Camera / camcorder / phone / binoculars
• Windbreaker / rain poncho
• Hat or cap
• Passport + copies of train tickets and Matchu Pitcchu
• Good walking shoes
• Aspirin or paracetamol
• Biscuits and dried fruits
• Bottle of water
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

The MACHU PICCHU visa

To bring back a UNIQUE souvenir of this exceptional place, do not forget to ask for the VISA MACHU PICCHU to be stamped on your passport!

What's on the agenda for the following day? Find out at this link: DAY 14 Cuzco Tour