MACHU PICCHU INFORMATION
ELEVATION:
Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters (7,972 feet).
CLIMATE / ATTIRE:
Machu Picchu is located in the cloud forest. It is cool in the morning and evenings and warm during the day. We recommend layering your clothing to accommodate the varying temperatures. There are also sand flies (worse than mosquitoes!) that inhabit Machu Picchu and it is recommended to wear long pants and apply insect repellent frequently. Sunscreen and a hat are also a must. Peru is located close to the equator and with the high elevation the sun’s rays are extremely intense.
PERU RAIL BAGGAGE REGULATIONS (TRAINS TO/FROM MACHU PICCHU) :
Carry-On Baggage:
You can carry one carry-on baggage considered with the following characteristics:
- Type: Bag or Backpack
- Quantity: (1) Per Person
- Weight: No More Than 8 Kilos / 17.64 Pounds
- Maximum Measurement: 62 Linear Inches / 157 CM (Height + Length + Width)
Additional Information Regarding Peru Rail Train Luggage:
https://www.perurail.com/luggage/
ADDITIONAL HIKES:
All additional hikes within Machu Picchu require a separate pre-purchased entrance ticket and must be booked in advance. Please note that Huayna Picchu is the most popular additional hike and sells out fast. This hike should be booked several months in advance to ensure availability:
Current Available Hikes:
– Huayna Picchu
– Huchuy Picchu
– Machu Picchu Mountain
– Inca Bridge
Current Closed Hikes:
– Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – From Machu Picchu
– Temple of the Moon
RESTROOMS:
The ONLY restrooms located at Machu Picchu Archaeological Site is at the main entrance. There is also a fee to use these restrooms, which is currently S/2 per person, per use – so please make sure you bring coins. Once you enter the site there are no restroom facilities available. There is no charge to use the restrooms for anyone traveling to Machu Picchu on the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train.
RESTROOMS – INCA TRAIL FROM KM104:
The only restrooms available are located at the trailhead, Winay Wayna Archaeological Site and Machu Picchu main entrance. It is free to use the restroom facilities at the trailhead and Winay Wayna, but the facilities at the main entrance of Machu Picchu charges a small fee. The fee is currently S/2 per person, per use.
FOOD & BEVERAGE:
Food is not allowed within Machu Picchu Archaeological Site. Guests should bring enough water for the duration of the tour within the site. Travelers who must eat for medical reasons (e.g. diabetes, hypoglycemia…etc.) will be allowed.
FOOD & BEVERAGE – INCA TRAIL FROM KM104:
Food and beverages are allowed along the Inca Trail from KM104 in the designated area your guide will advise.
PASSPORTS:
All travelers must present their original passport to enter Machu Picchu. Those hiking the Inca Trail from KM104 must show their passports at the trailhead entrance as well as the check-point located just past Winay Wayna Archaeological Site. Please keep this in your daypack at all times. Please also note a souvenir passport stamp is available at Machu Picchu. It is illegal to place this stamp within your official passport. For those wanting the stamp, they should bring an alternate booklet.
LLAMAS:
There is a resident herd of llamas that lives within Machu Picchu. Please feel free to photograph them, but they should not be fed or harassed.
ONE-WAY CIRCUIT:
Once within the site visitors must follow a one-way circuit through the site (backtracking is not allowed). Re-entering the site is prohibited unless the guests need to use the restroom, which is located outside of the site. Please have your ticket and passport with you at all times.
SINGLE USE PLASTIC BOTTLES:
Single use plastic bottles are not permitted in Machu Picchu. Please ensure to bring a reusable water bottle while visiting the site.
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED IN MACHU PICCHU:
– Single Use Plastic Bottles
– Tripods for Cameras (No Professional Photography Gear Allowed Without a Permit)
– Drones
– Selfie Sticks
– Large Backpacks (20 Liter Maximum)
– Walking Sticks with Metal Points
*Please note that walking sticks with rubber tips are allowed on the Inca Trail as well as for elderly and disabled people within Machu Picchu Archaeological Site.
– Umbrellas with Metal or Wooden Points
– No Shoes with Metal Heels
– Touching, Sitting or Climbing on the Walls
– Disrespectful Behavior
– Food & Beverages (Other than Water)
– Smoking or Fires
– Jumping Pictures
– Nudity
– Weapons
– Music
– Flags or Signs with Commercial Designation
