Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. This ancient Inca city is perched high in the Andes Mountains, and its ruins are a testament to the ingenuity and engineering skills of the Incas.
There are many different ways to experience Machu Picchu, and one of the best ways is to take a tour. There are tours to suit all budgets and interests, from day trips from Cusco to multi-day treks on the Inca Trail.
If you’re planning a trip to Machu Picchu, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a tour:
- Budget: Tours can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start looking at tours so that you don’t overspend.
- Interests: What are you interested in seeing and doing in Machu Picchu? If you’re interested in hiking, you’ll want to choose a tour that includes the Inca Trail. If you’re more interested in history and culture, you might want to choose a tour that focuses on exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu.
- Timeframe: How much time do you have to spend in Machu Picchu? If you’re only in Peru for a short time, you might want to choose a day trip from Cusco. If you have more time, you might want to consider a multi-day trek on the Inca Trail.
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start looking at specific tours. There are many different tour operators to choose from, so it’s important to do your research and compare prices.
Here are a few of the most popular Machu Picchu tours:
- Day trip from Cusco: This is the most popular type of tour, and it’s a great option if you’re short on time. You’ll travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, by train. In Aguas Calientes, you’ll have lunch and then take a bus up to Machu Picchu. You’ll have a few hours to explore the ruins before taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes and then the train back to Cusco.
Inca Trail: This is a multi-day trek that takes you through the Andes Mountains to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is one of the most popular trekking routes in the world, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of the Andes and the history of the Incas.
Sacred Valley: The Sacred Valley is a beautiful valley located near Machu Picchu. This tour takes you to some of the most important Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray.
Combination tour: This type of tour combines two or more of the above tours. For example, you could take a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu and then do the Inca Trail on a separate day.
No matter what type of tour you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing experience in Machu Picchu. This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world for a reason.
Here are some additional tips for planning your Machu Picchu tour:
- Book your tour in advance: Especially if you’re traveling during the peak season (May-September), it’s important to book your tour in advance. This will ensure that you get a spot on the tour and that you don’t have to pay any last-minute surcharges.
- Get travel insurance: Travel insurance is a good idea for any trip, but it’s especially important for trips to Machu Picchu. This is because the weather in the Andes Mountains can be unpredictable, and you might have to cancel your tour due to bad weather. Travel insurance will cover your costs if you have to cancel your tour.
- Pack for all types of weather: The weather in the Andes Mountains can change quickly, so it’s important to pack for all types of weather. This means packing warm clothes for the winter and cool clothes for the summer. You should also pack rain gear, as it can rain at any time of year.
I hope this article has helped you plan your Machu Picchu tour. With so many different tours to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
