/Planning The Perfect Machu Picchu Trip

Planning The Perfect Machu Picchu Trip

 

When looking for some quality South America Travel time, Machu Picchu cannot be matched in terms of its pure beauty and status as a wonder of the world. This guide will hopefully help you to find out a bit more about how to approach your next trip to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail and how to get the most out of it.

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How to travel

There are a number of Machu Picchu Tour options to choose from, but it is also possible to do it alone. I would personally recommend a tour because it is much cheaper and the stresses of organising everything are taken away and you can focus more on making the trek to Machu Picchu (it will take some fitness and determination to conquer the Inca trail). It is possible to hire porters to help lighten the load on your trip, it is advisable to pay porters a fair wage and really engage with them and this will only add to the experience.

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When

The period between July and August is certainly the busiest and this is naturally the peak tourist season and it is much drier during this season. At most times of the year you will experience some form of mist or rain in the Andes, particularly due to the high altitude. Between November and April is the rainy season and actually going during November and April can be perfect, especially if you want to avoid the peak tourist season and the rain.

How far

The Inca trail is relatively short at just over 40km long, but don’t let this fool you. The high altitude and up and down landscape can really take its toll. It is important to do some training before you go and make sure that you have an adequate level of fitness. You should give yourself a final test of fitness before you go, perhaps in the form of a long and hilly walk in your local area.

When you get there

Probably the best tip when you are there is to get on the trail early, most tour groups will be arriving after 11am and therefore it is best if you can get out before them. The morning light will also be ideal for taking photographs, so keep that in mind when deciding when to embark on your walk.   

What to see

Naturally the trail offers some extremely beautiful sights of the surrounding highlands. When you reach the 500 year old citadel it will certainly be a sight that you cannot believe and it will be truly breathtaking, for the view and also the altitude which is over 2400 metres above sea level.. Some of the highlights of the mountain are the Inti Watana, the Room of the Three Windows and the Temple of the Sun. Once you get there it should naturally be simple just to walk and explore everything that you desire.