Visiting Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience, but it does come with challenges if you have accessibility needs. The site sits on steep, uneven terrain, with narrow paths and many stone staircases.
If you’re concerned about toilet access or getting around safely, it’s important to plan ahead. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for a smoother visit.
Types of Accessible Facilities Available
Facilities
- Public Toilets: Located near the entrance to Machu Picchu on the lower level. Cost is 1 Peruvian Sole. These are the only public toilets at the site.
- Luggage Storage: Found 2–3 meters past the entrance gate turnstiles on the left-hand side. Cost is 3 Soles per day. Large backpacks are not allowed inside Machu Picchu.
- Guide Services: Guides can be found near the entrance. Official guides have an authorization badge. How to hire a guide at Machu Picchu.
- Shuttle Buses: Depart when full (every ~30 minutes) from outside the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel. First bus at 6am, last bus at 6pm. More info on shuttle buses.
- Medical Assistance / Pharmacy: Permanent onsite doctor and pharmacy provided by Clinica San Jose and Clinica Pardo. Located directly to the left of the entrance.
- Snack Bar: Adjacent to the entrance. Offers sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, pastries, hot and cold drinks. Operated by Sanctuary Lodge Hotel. Open from early morning to late afternoon.
- Tinkuy Restaurant: Outside the main entrance. Buffet-style, run by Sanctuary Lodge. Costs ~$40 USD per person. Open from 11:30am to 3:00pm.
- Souvenir Shops: Found before the entrance and near the toilets. Products are overpriced; better to buy in Cusco or Sacred Valley.
- Administration Office / Stamp Room: Immediately past the entrance turnstiles. Offers Machu Picchu passport stamps upon request.
Restroom Facilities Within Machu Picchu
The reality of toilet facilities at Machu Picchu may surprise many visitors. Unlike modern tourist attractions, bathroom options are extremely limited within the ancient citadel itself.
Locations of Accessible Toilets
You’ll only find public toilets near the entrance, on the lower level of the site. Once you step into the ruins, there are no additional restroom options.
If you have mobility challenges, these entrance-area toilets are your only option. They’re located on relatively flat ground, close to the main gate. However, don’t expect full accessibility features like grab bars or wide doorways.
Quality of Accessible Restrooms
The toilet facilities at Machu Picchu are basic but generally clean and maintained regularly throughout the day. Attendants are present to collect the 1 Sole fee and provide toilet paper. While the facilities lack luxury, they offer the essentials needed for comfort.
During peak tourism seasons (June-August), lines can form at these facilities.
Restroom Facilities Along the Inca Trail
For travelers undertaking the classic Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, bathroom facilities present a different set of considerations entirely.
Accessibility of Trail Toilets
Toilets along the trail vary widely depending on the campsite. Most designated camping areas have basic toilet setups—usually squat toilets with inconsistent cleanliness. These are not designed for travelers with mobility issues.
If you have physical limitations, you’ll find this trek especially difficult, as the toilet areas are rarely accessible.
Some campsites have basic buildings with doors for privacy, while others may only have screens or open-air structures.
Toilet Paper Policies and Alternatives
One thing many first-time trekkers overlook is that toilet paper is not provided at most trail toilets. You’ll need to bring your own supply, and you’ll need to pack it out. That means carrying used toilet paper in sealed bags, since the trail’s primitive plumbing and fragile environment can’t handle flushing or burying paper waste.
Guides often recommend biodegradable toilet paper and resealable bags to make this easier.
Managing Personal Hygiene During Your Trek
Here’s how to handle hygiene responsibly and stay prepared every step of the way.
Eco-Friendly Toilet Options
For those concerned about environmental impact, portable eco-friendly toilet options have become increasingly popular among conscious travelers.
Biodegradable bags with gelling powder that neutralizes odors and begins decomposition are available for purchase before beginning your journey.
Some premium tour operators now include portable toilet tents with eco-friendly disposal systems at their campsites.
Disposal of Female Hygiene Products
Female travelers face additional considerations regarding hygiene product disposal at Machu Picchu and along the Inca Trail. There are no designated disposal facilities for these items along the trail or at the main site.
The best option is to carry small opaque bags for storing used products until you can dispose of them properly, usually back in Aguas Calientes or Cusco. Many female trekkers now opt for menstrual cups, which don’t require disposal and help reduce waste during the trip.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
Underestimating Bathroom Access Issues
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is assuming there are plenty of restrooms inside Machu Picchu. Many visitors are surprised to learn that the only toilets available are located near the main entrance. Once you’re inside the site, you’re on your own—and your visit can last 4 to 6 hours.
Importance of Pre-Booking Accommodations
If you have accessibility needs, it’s essential to book your accommodations in advance. The Sanctuary Lodge Hotel is the only on-site option and offers the best proximity to the entrance and its restrooms. However, the price is steep—around $1,000 USD per night.
Ignoring Accessibility Features of Tours
Another common oversight is booking a tour without confirming whether it supports travelers with accessibility needs. Not all tour companies are prepared to help with mobility challenges or frequent restroom requirements.
Before you book, ask if the tour includes guides trained in accessibility support, and whether the itinerary allows for rest and bathroom breaks.
Amenities for Individuals with Disabilities
Access for Handicapped / Restricted Walking Abilities
Getting around inside Machu Picchu is difficult. The site is full of steep stone stairways, narrow paths, and uneven surfaces. There are no ramps, and wheelchair access within the citadel is nearly impossible.
That said, there’s a workaround: by following the main path for about 200 meters from the entrance, you can reach a viewpoint overlooking Machu Picchu without needing to climb stairs. This area gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery without navigating the full ruins.
If you have restricted mobility, walking sticks with rubber tips are usually allowed, even though the official rules say otherwise. Seating throughout the site is almost nonexistent, so it’s smart to bring a blanket or cushion, not just for comfort, but also to protect against bugs.
Assistance Services Available
Machu Picchu doesn’t offer formal on-site accessibility services, but some support can be arranged if you contact the site administration in advance. In certain cases, staff may be able to assist you in reaching the accessible viewpoint area.
You’ll also find that a few specialized tour operators now cater to travelers with mobility limitations. These tours often include tailored itineraries and trained guides, but they need to be booked early and usually cost more than standard packages.
Recommendations for Hassle-Free Visits
Preparing for Restroom Stops
To stay comfortable throughout your visit:
- Use the toilets in Aguas Calientes before you board the bus to Machu Picchu.
- Visit the entrance-area restrooms as soon as you arrive, before entering the ruins.
- Plan your visit so you can return to the entrance mid-way if you think you’ll need another bathroom break.
- Bring hand sanitizer, since soap isn’t always available at the facilities
Tips for Carrying Hygiene Products
Discreetly managing hygiene is key to enjoying your day. Be sure to pack:
- A small waterproof bag inside your daypack for toilet paper and sanitizing wipes
- Ziplock bags to store used products until you can dispose of them properly
- Pocket-sized biodegradable wet wipes for quick cleanups
- Anti-bacterial hand gel with at least 60% alcohol to stay germ-free
Conclusion: Ensuring a Comfortable Experience
Machu Picchu may present real challenges in terms of toilet access and mobility, but with the right preparation, you can still enjoy a rewarding and comfortable visit. Knowing what to expect and planning ahead—from restroom stops to personal hygiene and accessibility needs—makes all the difference.
With a bit of effort, travelers of all abilities can fully appreciate this breathtaking site while staying comfortable, confident, and focused on the experience, not the obstacles.
Tour Booking Recommendation
If you’re looking for a tour to Machu Picchu that matches your pace, needs, and budget, use FindLocalTrips.com. It lets you search and compare guided tours across South America, including options that highlight accessibility details.
FAQs
What accommodations are available for handicapped travelers?
Sanctuary Lodge Hotel offers the most convenient accommodations for those with mobility challenges, though at premium pricing.
How can I prepare for bathroom access at Machu Picchu?
Prepare by using facilities in Aguas Calientes before ascending to the site, bring personal toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and plan your exploration with the knowledge that toilets are only available near the entrance. Consider limiting fluid intake before entering the main ruins while still maintaining adequate hydration.
Are there any specific regulations regarding restroom usage?
The primary regulation is the 1 Sole fee for using the public toilets. Along the Inca Trail, regulations prohibit disposing of toilet paper in the toilets themselves – all paper must be packed out. The site administration expects visitors to use only the designated facilities and practice responsible waste management.
