EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD ABOUT VISITNG MACHU PICCHU

Recently the government has reorganized the times and circuits of visiting Machu Picchu, it is due to the large quantity of visitors. It is very important that you should know the following information for a memorable trip to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu now offer four different circuits and in different times. Learn here about these circuits.

What is the difference between the four circuits of Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu has 4 circuits designed so that your experience is profitable without having a lot of crowds at certain points of the archaeological site.

Circuit 1.- This circuit allows you to observe the guardian’s house, near the place where you can take the iconic photo of Machu Pichu. Additionally, you will be able to observe other places in the citadel, among which are the viewpoint of the temple of the sun, granitic chaos or the main quarry and the squares.

Circuit 2.- This circuit is more complete than the circuit 1, since it gives you the opportunity to enjoy many more archaeological sites such as the sacred square, the temples located around the Square, the Intiwatana pyramid or the Sun Dial and the sacred rock located next to the entrance to the mountain of Huaynapicchu.

Circuit 3.- This circuit is one of the circuits that goes through the lower part of Machu Pichu and also allows you to enjoy the Inka citadel from another view. In addition, it allows you to observe archaeological zones such as the “Qolqa”s or deposits, the agricultural zone, the royal tomb and the set of the house of the Inka.

Circuit 4.- it is more complete than the circuit 3, since it gives you the opportunity to observe symbolic places such as the ceremonial fountains, the set of water mirrors and the temple of the condor.

Is there a difference between entering Machu Picchu in the afternoon or in the morning?

To visit the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, there are 9 entrance times, which you can choose depending on the time you arrive in Aguas Calientes. Bellow we are detailing the visiting Hours to Machu Picchu

• The entrances at 6, 7, 8 and 9 in the morning it is necessary to leave the city of Cusco very early, keep in mind that the trip is 2 hours and 30 minutes by car and you must be 30 minutes before at the train station of Ollantaytambo. It is also possible to use the Peru Rail Bimodal service. It consists of the transfer by bus from Cusco to the station included in your train ticket. To avoid waking up too early, you can travel one day before and stay in in the town of Aguas Calientes, and avoid getting up too early. Take into account the travel time of 4 hours between the bus trip and the train trip. At these times, the sunset is diagonally with respect to the sanctuary, offering us a different and beautiful panorama compared to other times, it is possible that some rainbows form due to the mist.
• The hours of 10, 11, 12 and 1 are likely to be more crowded, if you were planning to take the classic photo without people around, it will cost you a little more of time. The sun will be at the top giving direct light to the sanctuary with great intensity. The contrast will be too much but it also has its charm because the sky will be clear and you will be able to observe much better Machu Picchu.
• Between 1 and 2 in the afternoon, some travellers consider that this time is the best time to visit Machu Picchu because the sun falls between the mountains, covering the citadel of Machu Picchu with its last rays. Perfect panorama for photography, the weather is cooler and you will not feel very hot compared to entering in the morning. You can travel the same day, it is not necessary stay in the town of Aguas Calientes the day before, but remember that you will also arrive in Cusco a little late between 10 and 11 at night.

What should I take to Machu Picchu?

You should not miss the following:

IMPORTANT: Always carry your original passport with which the entrance to Machu Picchu was reserved.

• Sunscreen.
• Windbreaker jacket.
• Rain Poncho (according to Season).
• Trekking shoes.
• Repellent.
• Light clothing.
• Water.
• Sunglasses.

What can’t I take to Machu Picchu and what are the prohibitions?

• Carrying backpacks, bags or handbags larger than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches).
• Enter to Machu Picchu with food and household items.
• Enter with any type of alcoholic beverage or in an ethyl state.
• Carry canes, umbrellas, sunshades, portable seats, tripods, supports or extensions for cameras, cell phones or any other stabilization or extension element for filming and/or photography.
• Enter with animals, with the exception of guide dogs.
• Feed domestic and wild animals.
• Enter with any type of aerosols.
• Make any kind of graffiti.

Find out more at www.machupicchu.gob.pe about the restrictions when visiting Machu Picchu