Best time to visit Machu Picchu

If seeing Machu Picchu is one of your lifelong dreams, consider doing it in dreamy style, on board one of the trains that take you from Cuzco to the foot of the citadel at Aguas Calientes. The Vistadome and Hiram Bingham are the two posh versions, with panoramic viewing carriages; the latter, named after the US historian who ‘discovered’ Machu Picchu, is the super deluxe. Machu Picchu may not be about chic, but gourmet meals, cocktails and wine en route through the Andes is a mucho peachy way to go.

If you think that climbing the sheer peak of Huayna Picchu that appears in just about every Machu Picchu pic is a challenge, just remember what the Incas achieved at these heights. And gradients. They created temples such as the Temple of the Moon into the mountainside, thought to be a place of sacrifice or a tomb. No sacrifices here, however, with ropes and ropebridges facilitating the climb. Definitely not for anyone prone to vertigo, numbers are limited to 400 per day, climbing in two morning shifts.

Few people know about the tiny museum, Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón, in Aguas Calientes, packed with details on the history and excavation of Machu Picchu. The is little on-site interpretation (apart from your guides, who are highly recommended), so take the half hour walk from Aguas Calientes to the museum, to learn more and enjoy some time away from the crowds too.

If taking on the Inca Trail, don’t turn a blind eye to the people who will be carrying your bags, tents and everything including the kitchen sinks. Porters’ rights have become a huge issue in Peru, and while they are now protected by law, many companies still try to skirt around it. When you travel with a responsible tourism company, you are ensuring fair pay for and treatment of porters. See our Inca Trail guide for more details.
 
Don’t break the rules at Machu Picchu. First and foremost, this is a sacred site, so respectful, common sense behaviour is the way to go. Streaking there is just not cool, for example – and yes, it has been done. No litter, no pinching of stones or plants, no wandering out of bounds, no alcohol, don’t feed the llamas, and respect the guides’ requests at all times.

Don’t overlook poverty. Although the economy is on the up, a third of the country lives in poverty. So, use local guides and porters, and visit the charity restaurant Ruinas 415, while acclimatising in Cuzco, which supports social projects for Yanapay. Shop in the markets, buy products made from sustainable balsa wood, and stay in a homestay.