Marlina Morena has already written an in-depth guide to Machu Picchu but I figured we can’t really get enough travel tips for the Land of Incas since Machu Picchu is most likely on everyone’s bucket list. An ancient city located in the High Andes of Peru, it’s hard not to fall in love with those postcard-like souvenir photos from travellers who ventured to Machu Picchu. Experiencing its beauty firsthand will be one for the books. So, if you are planning to tick off this famed Andean tourist spot sometime soon, here are some travel tips that might come in handy.
Hola Machu Picchu
11 Tips for Exploring Machu Picchu
11. Spray on mosquito repellent and slather on sunscreen.
Mountain mosquitos are lethal. If you have any exposed skin, they will definitely not be shy. Prevent these mosquito bites by spraying on some mosquito repellent and protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun when it comes out.
Be prepared
10. Drink TONS of water.
Although Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude than Cusco, Cusco is where most tourists start their journey to this Incan paradise. When in Cusco, there’s a big chance that mountain sickness can hit you. It can affect anyone – young, old, fit, fat – if it hits you, you will experience what feels like the worst hangover of your life.
From intense pounding headaches to throwing up all the contents of your stomach, it’s clear why everyone wants to be exempt from mountain sickness. Chugging that free coca tea from your hotel isn’t going to be enough; you need to drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body is working overtime even if you don’t feel it and, most importantly, give yourself a full day’s rest once you get to Cusco even if the city is calling you to explore.
Besides drinking TONS of water (I can’t stress that enough), drink lots of Coca Tea and some Pisco Sour
9. Buy your Machu Picchu tickets ahead of time.
There have been some instances where the tickets to Machu Picchu got sold out. You don’t want to travel all the way to Peru then miss out on this gorgeous citadel. That would be beyond disappointing.
You can get a stamp on your passport for your visit to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail
8. Eat a heavy breakfast.
Eating inside the archaeological site in Machu Picchu is strictly prohibited. You can bring snacks or a boxed lunch with you, but you have to eat it outside the entrance which can be a big hassle if you are far up in the site and your stomach starts to grumble. It’s best to go in the morning with a full stomach, explore, then go outside to eat your lunch. There is also a snack bar and a restaurant at the entrance, but the cost of food may not agree with budget travellers.
Not really recommended for brekkie, but you should definitely try some Trucha (trout) Ceviche
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