Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary
(
www.machupicchu.gob.org
;
adult/student S128/
65; 6am-4pm)
Entrance tickets often sell out: buy them in advance in Cuzco. Guests
can only enter until 4pm though those inside are not expelled until 5pm. Check for
changes in online purchasing: it was possible to use Verified by Visa, but rampant fraud
had the feature close down mid-2012.
The ruins are most heavily visited between 10am and 2pm, and June to August are the
busiest months. Plan your visit early or late in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds. A
visit early in the morning midweek during the rainy season guarantees you more room to
breathe, especially during February, when the Inca Trail is closed.
Walking sticks or backpacks over 20L are not allowed into the ruins. There are baggage
check offices outside the entrance gate (S5 per item; 6am-4pm) and inside the complex
(S3 per item; 6am-5pm).
Local guides (per person S100-150, in groups of 6-10 S20) are readily available for hire
at the entrance. Their expertise varies, look for one wearing an official guide ID from
DIRCETUR. Agree on a price in advance, clarify whether the fee is per person or group,
and agree on the tour length and maximum group size.
The information and illustration provided in this topic should be enough for a self-
guided tour. For really in-depth explorations, take along a copy of
Exploring Cuzco
by
Peter Frost.
Dangers & Annoyances
Inside the ruins, do not walk on any of the walls - this loosens the stonework and prompts
a cacophony of whistle blowing from the guards. Overnighting here is also illegal: guards
do a thorough check of the site before it closes. Disposable plastic bottles and food are not
allowed in the site, though vigilance is a bit lax. It's best to eat outside the gate, use
camping-type drink bottles and pack out all trash, even organic waste. Water is sold at the
cafe just outside the entrance, but only in glass bottles.
Use of the only toilet facilities, just below the cafe, will set you back S1.
Tiny sand fly-like bugs abound. You won't notice them biting, but you may be itching
for a week. Use insect repellent.
The weather at Machu Picchu seems to have only two settings: heavy rain or bright,
burning sunlight. Don't forget rain gear and sun block.
