If you love adventure and history, a trip to Machu Picchu ticks all the boxes for many travellers. This 15th-century Incan citadel in the Andes Mountains of Peru is set above the Urubamba River Valley and offers spectacular insight into the brilliant engineering of the time.
However, given its location and the intricacies of getting there, it’s easy to make mistakes as a first-time traveller to the area. If you’re eager to travel like a pro, awareness of these mistakes may prevent you from making them yourself:
Booking at the Last Minute
While you can simply walk up to many attractions without notice, you can’t do the same when planning a trip to Machu Picchu. Thousands of people visit the site every day, and it attracts at least 1.5 million visitors every year. Be sure to plan your trip in advance, as tickets sell out quickly. You can purchase a ticket for an organized tour so you don’t have to think about a thing, or book your own train and bus tickets. You’ll need to:
Alternatively, book a guided two- or four-day hike or trek and travel on foot through the Andes to the ancient complex.
Not Acclimatising Before Your Visit
The historic city of Cusco sits 3,400 metres, or 11,200 feet above sea level. Travellers who hike to Machu Picchu will also reach an elevation of 4,215 metres, or 13,828 feet, as they navigate the highest and most challenging point: Dead Woman’s Pass.
Don’t make the mistake of heading straight to Machu Picchu after arriving in Cusco. Doing so puts you at risk of severe altitude sickness, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Instead, spend at least two days relaxing, resting, and hydrating in Cusco before visiting the attraction. Your body will thank you.
Not Knowing the Rules of Conduct
While you have the freedom to visit Machu Picchu, you don’t have the freedom to behave however you please. You must follow set rules of conduct set out by the Ministry of Culture and National Police, or you risk being expelled from the area and having legal action initiated against you. Ignorance is not an excuse for breaking the rules, so familiarise yourself with them before visiting Machu Picchu, including not:
- Carrying bags, backpacks, or purses larger than 40 x 35 x 20cm, or 16 x 14 x 8 inches
- Bringing food and/or household items
- Entering with alcohol or illegal substances or being under the influence or intoxicated
- Bringing canes, umbrellas, portable seats, tripods, or similar
- Making loud or annoying noises
- Entering with weapons or sharp objects
- Feeding domestic and wild animals
- Throwing away waste of any kind
Not Bringing Rain Protection
You might not be visiting during the wet season, but you shouldn’t assume it’s dry. Machu Picchu is mountainous, so the weather can change quickly. Even if you don’t think it will rain, bring a waterproof rain poncho, light layers, and robust footwear. Once you pass the entry gates, there are few to no roofs, overhangs, or indoor buildings to seek shelter. Umbrellas and parasols are also prohibited at the site.
Travelling to Machu Picchu is a memorable experience, but you’ll want it to be memorable for all the right reasons! Familiarise yourself with common mistakes like not booking in advance and not knowing the rules so you can explore this beautiful attraction with confidence.
