What do we think of when we think of PERU? At 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, you have to understand what we are talking about ... Everyone knows what the Machu Picchu. This Inca archaeological site is known to all but what about the mountains around?
What is Huaynapicchu or Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu?
It is the mountain that looks like a sugar loaf that we see in the background behind the Machu Picchu. You can climb it (2m) and see the Machu Picchu from another angle (magnificent bird's eye view). But beware: the climb is difficult and should be avoided for people suffering from vertigo. The trail is very narrow and there are many falls, some fatal. So if you decide to climb it, no recklessness to take "the SELFIE"! Allow 1h30 to 2h 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 is the mountain just in front of the huayna picchu. It is lower than the Waina, easier to access and less popular and therefore less crowded. However, its access is also limited. They allow 2 groups of 400 people per day. Allow 2 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 a few months in advance, your entry to the site of the Machu Picchu and especially that at the site of Huayna Picchu (see info below). In fact, in order to preserve these fragile sites, access is limited to 2 people per day on the citadel of Machu Picchu and 400 people for the Huayna Picchu (2 groups of 200 people). By booking in advance, you will have the choice of site visit times but also the choice of train times. This is essential if you want to optimize the day by leaving as early as possible and returning home as late as possible.
If you take the tickets on site, the risk is that there will be no more entry possibilities for the Huayna Picchu or that there is only one possibility of returning by train at an unsuitable time ...
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 pm - 11:00 pm allows you to quietly visit the Machu Picchu in the morning without the crowds (from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and take advantage of climbing the Huayna Picchu from 10-11 a.m. For that, you will of course have to leave very early in the morning (see my timing 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/
You have been warned!, they only accept VISA cards to validate the 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 will see, the adventure of MACCHU PICCHU start from there !!!
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 website ofINCA RAIL :
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
Anyway, you will have to go to Cuzco in advance (agency INCA RAIL SAC - Portal de Panes 105, Plaza de Armas) to edit electronic tickets with your internet reservations.
On the day of departure by train, think about take 2 copies of electronic tickets : One for check-in and one 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 ...
In fact, since January 1, 2017, always for the sake of site protection, it is no longer possible to spend a whole day at the MACCHU PICCHU. You will have the choice between a visit from 6 to 12 p.m. or from 12 p.m. to 17 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!
The next day's program? Come and find out on the link: DAY 14 Visit of Cuzco
Hello,
Thank you first of all for this very detailed page for your day in Machu Picchu. If I understood correctly, you had to buy your return tickets for the train? A ticket for entry to the site? And a ticket for the bus to access the site? That's right ? And remember the overall cost of all these purchases? Thanks in advance.
Charlotte.
Hello Charlotte,
That's it: 1 return train ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (123 USD or 108 €) + 1 return bus ticket to go from Aguas Calientes (24 USD or 12 €) to Machu Picchu and 1 ticket for the entrance to Machu Picchu + Waina (152 Soles or 40 €). Or a total of around 160 €. But it was in October 2016, I think the prices must have increased a bit ...
Many thanks for this information; Days that I am on research and it is the first site so precise and didactic. Thank you !