Peru and Machu Picchu: A Practical Travel Guide

Machu Picchu is the centrepiece of any Peru trip, but reaching it well takes planning. The route runs through the historic city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, and acclimatising to the altitude is as important as booking the right tickets.

From the Gulf, Peru is a long-haul journey with connections, usually via Europe or North America. Build in buffer days, because the high elevation and limited entry slots reward an unhurried itinerary.

Understanding the altitude

Cusco sits very high, and many visitors feel the thin air on arrival with headaches or breathlessness. The remedy is time: rest on your first day, drink plenty of water, eat lightly and avoid alcohol. Many travellers find the lower Sacred Valley a gentler place to start.

• Spend your first night before, not after, any strenuous activity.
• Coca tea is a traditional local aid widely offered to visitors.

The Sacred Valley

Between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley holds some of the trip's highlights. The terraced ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, lively craft markets and the agricultural circles of Moray reward a day or two. The valley's lower elevation also helps acclimatisation.

Basing yourself here for a night or two is a comfortable, scenic way to ease into the high country.

Getting to Machu Picchu

There is no road to Machu Picchu. The classic route is a scenic train from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes, then a short bus up the mountain. Tickets for the site are timed and limited, so book the train, the entry ticket and the bus well in advance.

• Choose an early entry slot for softer light and thinner crowds.
• Specific circuits are assigned at entry, so check which route your ticket covers.

Trekking options

Walkers can reach the site on the famous Inca Trail, a multi-day hike that requires permits booked months ahead and a licensed operator. Alternative treks such as the Salkantay route offer dramatic scenery with easier permitting. All require reasonable fitness and prior acclimatisation.

Cusco itself

Do not rush past Cusco. Its blend of Inca stonework and colonial architecture, the main square and surrounding hillside ruins make it a rewarding base. The historic centre is walkable, though the steep streets feel harder at altitude.

Food and halal notes

Peruvian cuisine is celebrated, built on potatoes, corn, fresh produce and grilled meats. Dedicated halal restaurants are rare outside the capital, so travellers observing halal often focus on seafood, vegetarian dishes and trusted grills. Lima has a broader range of international options if you pass through.

How long to spend

A week is a sensible minimum: a day or two acclimatising in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, time to explore the valley's ruins and markets, and at least one full day for Machu Picchu itself. Adding a trek extends the trip by several days. Rushing the altitude is the most common mistake, so resist packing too much into early days.

• Build at least one buffer day for weather or altitude recovery.
• Consider an overnight in Aguas Calientes for an early site entry.

Best time to visit

The dry season from around May to September brings the most reliable weather for the ruins and trails, though it is also the busiest and priciest. The shoulder months either side can offer fewer crowds with a higher chance of rain. The classic Inca Trail typically closes for maintenance during one month each year, so check the calendar before planning a trek and book permits far ahead.

Frequently asked questions

How do I avoid altitude sickness?

Arrive a couple of days before any demanding activity, rest initially, stay hydrated, eat lightly and avoid alcohol. Starting in the lower Sacred Valley helps many travellers adjust.

Do I need to book Machu Picchu tickets in advance?

Yes. Entry is timed and capped, and trains and trek permits also sell out, so secure everything well ahead, especially in the dry season.

Do I need a visa for Peru?

Many nationalities can enter without a visa for tourism, but rules vary, so confirm your specific requirements before travelling.

Treat the journey as part of the experience, give yourself time to acclimatise, and Machu Picchu becomes the rewarding climax of a varied Andean trip rather than a rushed checkbox.