Machu Picchu

Since 2017, you can only enter Machu Picchu with an official tour guide so you cannot rock up on a Peru trip and hope for the best. There are a number of different ways to get to Machu Picchu including the famous four day Inca Trail Trek. Most travellers will use the city of Cusco as their base to visit Machu Picchu no matter what route they are taking to get to the site. From here you will travel to Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes to either get the train or start hiking to Machu Picchu. Tucan Travel tours include entry and a tour of Machu Picchu. You have the option to do the Inca Trail Trek, train to Machu Picchu or even the one day trek.  

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca Citadel situated in the Andes. Built in the mid 15th century as an administrative centre, Machu Picchu was abandoned during the Spanish conquest, overgrown by jungle, visited only by locals and practically forgotten to the outside world. It was finally ‘rediscovered’ when an American historian Hiram Bingham brought it back to international attention in 1911.

Surrounded by forested peaks and invisible to those approaching from below, Machu Picchu was never actually visited by the Spanish and therefore retained much of its original architecture and materials. Inca stonemasons, the original masters of earthquake-safe engineering, built temples, bath houses, storerooms and walls, using closely interlocking polished stones of varying shapes and sizes, but no mortar. The partially reconstructed buildings and walls are at once imposing and unpretentious, and provide a fascinating insight into the life of the original inhabitants.

Huayna Picchu is the mountain which you will recognize from photos at Machu Picchu. Although you may see some tourists climbing this, it is not recommended by Tucan Travel. The ascent is steep, narrow and slippery!

Although the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance in February, Machu Picchu is open all year round. The dry season is between June to August and this is when it tends to be the busiest, attracting crowds from all over the world. The rainy season is from November to March. For less rainfall and slightly less people, visit in April or May before high season hits.

You will almost certainly see llamas and alpacas at Machu Picchu, grazing amongst the ruins. Andean bears, also known as the spectacled bear have also been spotted at Machu Picchu however these are much more elusive than llamas. There is also some fantastic birdlife that you may see on a trip to Machu Picchu. Species include the Green Jay, the Overcast bird and even the Andean condor.

Big backpacks are not allowed into Machu Picchu so remember only your small daypack. It’s advisable to wear layers at Machu Picchu as the weather can change at any time. You should also remember to bring sunblock as there is little shade especially when you are exploring the ruins. Your passport is vital, for entry as well as the all-important stamp! And of course, your camera to capture the iconic photo in front of the mountain.

Entry to Machu Picchu is operated in two shifts, either the morning or the afternoon, to limit people at the site at one time. On our Peru tours which include the Inca Trail Trek, you will arrive at Machu Picchu in the morning however on the one day trek you will be there for the afternoon. Your ticket to Machu Picchu does not allow for re-entry, so once you’re in, you’re in!