Machu Picchu Tours: The Sights You’ll See

Guests explore ancient ruins while enjoying Machu Picchu tours.

Machu Picchu tours are powerful ways of experiencing the marvels of Incan culture located in the heart of Peru. There really is something special about visiting Machu Picchu for the first time. Visiting this Incan citadel set alongside Peruvian mountain scenery, the experience is described as truly mystical. Peru is home to so much incredible history that everyone should make a point of visiting the legendary Machu Picchu at least once in their lifetime.

See why so many people flock to this incredible destination and learn how you can do it yourself!

  • Caravan is proud to offer an 8-day guided tour of Peru that includes exploration of Machu Picchu.

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is a 15th-century hand-crafted citadel built by the Inca Empire. It is an elaborate stone-carved community of over 150 ancient ruins and buildings, once known as the home of Inca royalty well over 600 years ago. The dry-stone walls found throughout the citadel tell stories of an ancient civilization that utilized intuitive engineering methods to build this massive community set atop a mountainous range located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru.

It sits at just under 8,000 feet of elevation; much of the ruins remain intact today, likely due to its hidden location, which was never discovered by Spanish colonizers. Today, it is a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and innovations, designated as a National Historic Sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It remains one of the seven great wonders of the world, attracting millions of visitors globally each year. Today, it remains available for respectful viewing by tourists, offering a glimpse into Incan culture and history that simply isn’t available anywhere else in the world.

What Makes Machu Picchu So Special?

Machu Picchu is truly a bucket list destination for anyone who loves incredible natural scenery paired with an articulate history lesson of indigenous cultures. Much of the remains of Machu Picchu remain untouched, carefully preserved by the Peruvian government, where guests can take an up-close look at these granite structures that were expertly crafted without any modern technology. Further, the location of Machu Picchu offers dramatic outdoor scenery, with unique views of Peruvian mountainscapes and hiking experiences that make for a truly one-of-a-kind travel experience.

Many visitors build their trip itinerary around visiting Machu Picchu, enlisting the services of travel guides and tour companies to provide insight into the mystery that is these ancient ruins. Step into a time machine and appreciate the stunning craftsmanship of these structures that were once intended to serve Incan royalty. See the incredible craftsmanship of ancient cultures that have been preserved due to its remote and hidden location. Then, ask yourself why this citadel was abandoned, yet still remains intact hundreds of years later.

Planning A Visit Machu Picchu

There are many rules and restrictions for visiting Machu Picchu, and guests should know that booking this experience will take significant time and planning. Here is how you can visit Machu Picchu for yourself:

  • First, guests are required to purchase a ticket online, sometimes several months in advance. There are daily visitor limitations, and guests will need to choose between a specific circuit for exploration. Your ticket will also come with a specific time slot that will require you to arrive on time. There are also many third-party travel operators and tour groups that can facilitate this process on your behalf.
  • Next, it is important to note that there are no roads available for driving into Machu Picchu, and as such, you have the option to take a train in from the town of Cusco or Ollantaytambo directly to Aguas Calientes. This is the main hub of travel to Machu Picchu. You will need to purchase a separate ticket for this train ride, available from PeruRail or Inca Rail. Some guests opt to hike in to Machu Picchu, but that is suggested only for the especially adventurous type.
  • Then, you will need to travel from Aguas Calientes via shuttle bus to the main gate of Machu Picchu. Upon your arrival, you can also hire a guide to take you through the ruins.

Rules For Visiting Machu Picchu

This site is carefully monitored and preserved, and misbehavior can result in significant consequences.

Guests must bring along their passport and pre-purchased ticket to be able to enter the

site. Guests should also expect restrictions on their bags, while large bags are not permitted but can be stored at the main gate. Things like selfie sticks, tripod cameras, and drones are not permitted. As for food and water, guests are only allowed to bring snacks and a refillable water bottle. Some guests may be stopped for not wearing the proper footwear, as hard soles and high heels are not permitted on site.

In some cases, you could face penalties and fines for touching or climbing on any structure, while things like running, jumping, smoking, and feeding animals are also prohibited. Your pathway is only one-way, and guests are not allowed to backtrack down the path they have already taken.

Many guests opt to hire a travel guide to ensure they carefully follow the rules and avoid any kind of fine.

Restrooms and Water at Machu Picchu

There are no restrooms inside Machu Picchu, and instead, guests can only use the paid restrooms that are available at the main gate. Generally, toilet paper is not provided, and bringing along your own roll can help avoid some unexpected costs. Guests are not allowed to leave the ruins to use the washrooms and then return. Should you need to leave the ruins for this reason, that will be the end of your experience.

As for water, Machu Picchu has a no plastic policy that prevents plastic water bottles from entering the site. Instead, travelers should bring along a reusable canteen or flask that is not made of plastic. There are no single-use bottles allowed on site. Refill your hydration device at Aguas Calientes prior to arrival.

Altitude Sickness When Visiting Machu Picchu

Unfortunately, altitude sickness is a real possibility for guests wishing to explore Machu Picchu. In some cases, guests take a day or two to properly acclimatize in the town of Cusco, which also sits at incredibly high elevation. Anyone who plans on doing some hiking throughout the experience should come prepared for altitude sickness symptoms. Medication is available, and locals may offer guests some home-made remedies.

Remember to limit your alcohol consumption and drink water to manage the symptoms that come with the higher altitudes. Those who want to trek by foot into Macchu Piccu should consider taking part in cardiovascular training prior to their arrival. Take the time needed to properly adjust to altitude sickness prior to arriving at Machu Picchu.

The Best Times to Visit Machu Picchu

Peru’s dry season remains the most popular option for visiting Machu Picchu as the weather offers incredibly beautiful skylines and sunsets, with limited rain. The dry season runs from May to October, where guests should expect the highest levels of tourist traffic. September and October remain great options as well, as they are known as the shoulder season with minimal rain, fewer tourists, and beautiful natural landscapes. The off-season remains popular as well, but guests may experience cooler and more rainy weather conditions.

The Benefits of Guided Travel When Visiting Machu Picchu

Tour guides really show their value when visiting Machu Picchu, or any part of Peru for that matter. Private group travel companies like Caravan enlist the services of highly experienced guides who are familiar with Peru and what it is like to visit Machu Picchu. Guides can ensure your full enjoyment of the experience, preventing mistakes before they happen, securing tickets, and working to help guests carefully follow the rules of visiting this historic site.

Should you be unsure of how to navigate travel throughout Peru, enlist the services of a trusted travel company who can facilitate the process on your behalf. These travel companies understand the fine details of purchasing tickets and having the best possible experience, and their knowledge can work to support your goals of seeing Machu Picchu for yourself!

Explore Tours From Caravan

Caravan remains a trusted provider of fully booked travel experiences around the world. Click the links below to learn more about our available tours:

Call us directly to learn more at 1-800-CARAVAN.

Find Answers To Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Machu Picchu

Use these answers to help guide you when visiting Peru and Machu Picchu.

How difficult is it to visit Machu Picchu?

The planning and logistics required for visiting Machu Picchu can be complex. Travelers often use a domestic flight to fly into Cusco, and then take a train ride to Aguas Calientes, the main hub into the site. From there, a shuttle bus trip is required to take guests to the main gate of Machu Picchu. Further, guests are required to purchase these tickets months in advance.

Without the right planning, guests may face unplanned delays or disruptions to their itinerary.

What are the rules for visiting Machu Picchu?

Rules include no single-use plastic water bottles, no backtracking while exploring your circuit, no selfie sticks or tripods, and no hard-soled shoes, including heels.

What vaccines do I need for Machu Picchu?

There are no required vaccines for visiting Machu Picchu. However, travelers should speak with their family doctor if they are planning to visit Peru or the Amazon jungle.

Should I bring toilet paper to Peru or Machu Picchu?

Yes. Some public restrooms charge extra for soap, toilet paper, or hand sanitizer.

Can I take a backpack into Machu Picchu?

Yes, small backpacks are permitted. Backpacks must be no larger than 16 × 14 × 8 inches and under 11 lbs.

Experience Machu Picchu Alongside Caravan

South America and countries like Peru are incredible travel destinations, but they can come with unexpected delays or mishaps without the right planning. That is why Caravan is excited to offer an 8-day Peruvian excursion that includes time spent at Machu Picchu. Look to Caravan to facilitate safe travel to Peru and never worry about logistics, ticket purchasing, or booking the right experience. Instead, take advantage of a fully-booked tour that includes pre-purchased tickets, hotels, and transportation.

At times when international travel to Peru may feel complex or overwhelming, our guided offerings take the stress away, allowing you and your family to make the most of the experience without ever having to worry about the many details. Our private group tour of Peru remains one of Caravan’s most popular options, helping people explore the world with confidence, never having to worry about booking a trip into Machu Picchu.

Let Us Lead The Way

Our tours remain suitable for travelers of all kinds, including families, couples, or even solo travelers. Enjoy the incredible sights of Peru and let our fully-guided tour ensure you have the best possible time. All of our tours remain incredibly safe, bringing together like-minded travelers for an epic experience in Peru.

Ready to book a vacation that you will never forget?

See why Caravan has grown to be a highly trusted travel company for decades and take part in this trip, or one of our many other options. Our tour guides are excited to share with you these incredible destinations, so don’t delay! Spaces are often limited, and we encourage our guests to contact us months in advance to secure your spot.

Book now by calling us directly at 1-800-CARAVAN and explore Peru with confidence! Contact us now to learn more.

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