Where to Stay
Stay in Aguas Calientes (the town at the base) for easy access to the site. Booking 2-3 months ahead is essential in high season (June-August). Boutique hotels near the river are quieter and more comfortable than busy central options.
Safety Notes
Buy your entrance tickets on the official government website only (machupicchu.gob.pe) - third-party sellers charge inflated prices. On the trail, watch your footing on slippery stone steps. Bring rain gear; weather changes rapidly at altitude.
What to Do
Enter at sunrise for the best light and fewer crowds. Explore the agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana stone. If fit, add the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) hike for panoramic views. Huayna Picchu requires a separate ticket and must be booked months in advance.
Where to Eat
Aguas Calientes has solid restaurants along the main street. Try chicha morada (purple corn drink) and lomo saltado (stir-fried beef). Avoid eating inside the citadel - outside food is not permitted.
Local Travel Tips
Only one bag per person is allowed on site. Bring a reusable water bottle - plastic bottles are banned. The train journey from Cusco or Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley is spectacular in itself; book the Vistadome for panoramic windows.
