There is only one hotel located at the ancient citadel (The Sanctuary Lodge Hotel), therefore most visitors will travel to Machu Picchu for the day form the town of Aguas Calientes located 30 minutes by bus below Machu Picchu. Therefore it is important to be prepared with some basic items to help you enjoy your day fully.
Top 10 Things to Take to Machu Picchu
- Sun block
- Sun hat
- Insect repellent
- Closed comfortable
- Shoes, water
- Snacks
- Entrance tickets / passport
- Long trousers
- Long sleeve shirt or t-shirt
- Small backpack.
There are some small sand fly’s at Machu Picchu, which love to feast on foreign flesh! There bite is not dangerous, but they can leave you red and itchy for quite a few days. Always wear long clothing and closed shoes, and use plenty of insect repellant!
Site Amenities
- Toilets – Located adjacent to the entrance of Machu Picchu, there is a small charge for entrance.
- Snack Bar – Located close to the entrance a small snack bar offers visitors drinks and sandwiches.
- Medical Center – There is a doctor on site at Machu Picchu during opening hours for any medical emergency’s that may arrive. The medical center is located at the entrance gate.
- Luggage Storage – Large backpacks are not permitted in Machu Picchu, therefore should you need to store your luggage there is a storage office inside the citadel, just past ticket control.
Hiking Hauyna Picchu
In June 2011 the entrance rules to Huayna Picchu were changed by the Ministry of Culture (DRC). Now, should you wish to climb the famous mountain of Huayna Picchu or hike to the Moon Temple, you need to purchase your entrance ticket in advance. In addition to this, the DRC have limited the number of entrants to 400 per day at specific allotted times. You can either choose to enter from 7-8am or from 10-11am each day. Tickets to Huayna Picchu are usually purchased at the same time you purchase your entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
After a steep but well maintained uphill path, you reach the top, which is a summit of large rocks. Machu Picchu is down below, in the valley that surrounds the mountain. Around the valley are more mountains. The views from Huayna Picchu are superb and makes it feel like you are on the top of the world.
The path to Huayna Picchu is very steep, often slippery and in places very narrow. If you don’t feel at the top of your fitmess game, or you suffer from vertigo, we suggest this hike isn’t for you!
Entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu need to be purchased in advance, or there may not be availability on the day. In peak season tickets are sold out 2-3 months in advance!
