When traveling to Machu Picchu?

Peru is a wonderful country with many tourist attractions, but all of them, undoubtedly the Machu Picchu stands as one of the most incredible.

This is one of the most impressive Inca settlements that have been discovered and one of the best examples of architecture and engineering of pre-Columbian cultures.

World Heritage Site since 1983, this settlement should be traversed completely, but to enjoy it really is very important to have a good time on our side.

Are you planning a trip to know Machu Picchu?, we explain what is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu so you can make the most of this trip.

• The climate in Machu Picchu is warm and humid, with an average annual temperature minimum of 12º and maximum of 24º, so to explore this Inca settlement will be very important to wear a coat.

 

• It is a generally rainy area, with rainfall that may occur throughout the whole year. However from November to March is officially the rainy season, so during these months is not recommended to travel to Machu Picchu, not only because rain can make it very dangerous journey but also because the clouds could completely ruin your trip, preventing you from enjoy the views and the settlement completely.

 

• The best time to travel to Machu Picchu is between April and October, the peak months in the area because it is the dry season, however this does not guarantee that no one other isolated rain. During this season there are fewer clouds and you can enjoy much more travel in the area.

 

• To reach Machu Picchu will have to choose a hotel in Cusco to stay in it during your stay in the area. It is very important to rest a little before the tour and allow your body to adjust to the altitude of the area, so you can better enjoy your trip.

Five activities perfect for an adventurous couple

If you're looking to do something different with your partner, be encouraged to travel around Peru in search of a good dose of adrenaline

There are couples who prefer romantic dinners change in a fancy restaurant for an experience full of adventure. Accustomed to being outdoors, they will seek all kinds of activities full of adrenaline on every trip they make.

If you are one of those adventurous couples, Peru offers you dozens of perfect places to test your nerves and daring with your other half to do something new. From water sports to bungee jumping, there is something for everyone.

Ready for a good dose of adrenaline? Then you can not fail to include these destinations on the list for your next vacation.

1. Paragliding in Lima

Not to go too far to get a good shot of adrenaline. Tourism companies offer this service starting from the cliffs of the Costa Verde. Take still with us the sun so you have a beautiful view of the sea. Prices vary according to each company.

2. Bungee Jumping in Cusco

Enjoy the big picture of the Sacred Valley descend at full speed while tied to a rope. Action Valley is one of the destinations of choice for all adventurers in Cusco, where you can do Bungee Jumping and Slingshot for 74 or 64 dollars respectively.

3. Diving Máncora

Discover all the richness of our coast in the warm north. Dare to dive with your partner and live not only exciting but also romantic experience. The Spondylus school offers tours for beginners and people with PADI certification.

4. Stand Up Paddle in Puerto Maldonado

If yours is water, but prefer to stay on the surface, try a ride on Stand Up Paddle along the Tambopata River in Madre de Dios. The lodge Tambopata Research Center has this activity that will take you for a leisurely stroll through a portion of some mighty river. The price is $ 75.

5. Trekking in Arequipa

Peru is a paradise for lovers of long walks. Apart from the Inca Trail, the route of the country's most famous trekking route in Arequipa. Colca is also one of the most requested. You can choose to do it in 2.3 or 4 days, depending on your time and your physical ability. The price varies according to the agency to hire and day to walk.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

When we started planning a trip to Machu Picchu, we find a key question … How to get to Machu Picchu?

In the search for that answer appears things like Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Alternative Road, Km 82, Aguas Calientes, walk along the railroad tracks, etc.

Many alternatives can lead to significant confusion. And if you do not have time to research the options one by one, you may end up choosing a wrong alternative that can complicate your trip.

Therefore, we will conduct a review of each one so that you manage to make the best decision based on your time, budget and travel style.

First thing’s first

Cusco

Before starting to describe each of the alternatives, the first thing to know is that all begin in the city of Cusco.

Your first stop if or if, should be the navel of the world … Cusco, the Inca Capital.

Aguas Calientes

The majority of the roads that we will name ending in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo.

This village lies at the foot of the mountain where Machu Picchu Sanctuary is located.

From Aguas Calientes you can climb to the citadel on foot or by bus.

Train

This is the option commonly used travelers.

Its great advantage is saving time is the fastest alternative. In just four hours going from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.

Its starting point is the Poroy station, 25 minutes from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. For 40 soles a taxi can take you to the station.

The final season will be to Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes.

You also have the option of boarding the train at the station of the town of Ollantaytambo which is two hours from Cusco by car

Many travelers prefer to know Ollantaytambo before going to Machu Picchu. Then it is more convenient boarding the train in this town.

The train has three levels of service. Expedition, Vistadome and Hiram Bingham.

The Expedition service is the most economical, and is highly recommended. You do not need more than this. It is a great service.

Its price is around USD $ 150 round trip.

The Vistadome is a bit more expensive, but virtually no difference with the Expedition. Only slightly larger windows. Not worth paying more just for that.

The windows of the Expedition are more than enough to enjoy the tour of the Sacred Valley.

As for the Hiram Bingham I have not had the opportunity to travel. But is the luxury wagon and not lower price of USD 300.

So if you go by train, I recommend the Expedition Train.

Tickets can be purchased at the website of the company, Peru Rail.

There is also the option of Inca Rail.

Their prices are a little lower, but times are usually not good. In my trips to Machu Picchu I were never useful and always ended up traveling with Peru Rail.

But it costs nothing to check.

Inca Jungle

Inca Jungle Trail is another fairly recent and very adventurous alternative.

The road begins in Ollantaytambo, and from there are 4 days of adventure.

You will have downhill biking, rafting, zip line, and of course, trekking.

With this option you also get to Santa Teresa to walk along the tracks to Aguas Calientes.

A different option and is emerging as good alternative to the alternative route of Inca Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions about Inca Jungle Trek

The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most popular alternative trek to Machu Picchu, because this trek is full of adrenaline and adventure, and combines adventure sports such as hiking, mountain biking, zip lining, and rafting in one of the most important rivers of the Incas.

The Inca Jungle trek starts from Malaga Pass, take the bike and downhill to village of Santa Maria, in the afternoon rafting in the Urubamba river, (level difficulty: III, IV or V depending on a year season), in the second day: trekking to town of Santa Teresa and hot springs of Cocalmayo in the evening, third day: ziplining and hiking from the Hidrolectrica Station to Machu Picchu.

Inca Jungle Trek FAQs

What is the Inca Jungle Trek?

The Inka Jungle Trek is a journey of four days that allows you to travel with travelers from other countries doing adventure sports and experiential tourism, includes access to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

This is an adventure tour, it combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip lining (canopy) and trekking to reach Machu Picchu, crossing beautiful landscapes, glaciers, valleys and forests.

The tour requires a minimum acceptable physical condition but especially a few nerves because it includes downhill biking, rafting in Urubamba river, sliding rope and hiking for a whole day.

The groups are formed without restriction of nationality, age and have 12 to 14 participants (average). During the tour there is a single high point step, open from Malaga to m.s.n.m. 4350, arriving by bus and from where begins the downhill biking.

Can I book a tour without a passport?

Residents of South America can book with their ID cards and must show them when entering Machu Picchu. Tourist from other countries will have to book and show their Original Passports to tourist attractions.

What is the best time of year to do the Inca Jungle Trek?

The best time for any tourism in Cusco is from April to November. This is the high season which means that you will have to make a reservation at least three months in advance.

Is the Inca Jungle Trek available through all year round?

Inca Jungle Trek is available every day of year, with an exeption of February when it is closed for maintenance.

Can I buy food and water during the journey?

Yes, on some sections of the road it is possible to buy bottled water, but naturally the price will be higher than in Cusco.

What kind of food will be on the tour?

Basic food of typical dishes of Peruvian cuisine. As well, fruits like apples, oranges, peaches, tangerines, avocados, bananas. As well the alternatives for vegetarians are available.

Where are the bathrooms along the tour?

During lunch and dinner we will be lodging with conventional bathrooms. If you feel the need to go to the bathroom during the trek, we will find for a suitable place (away from watercourses), we will be make a hole for the stool and then cover it with earth and stone. You should put the paper in a bag and then deposit it in the trash.