Travel Information
At Info Machu Picchu, we want you to be fully prepared for your adventure to Machu Picchu. This section provides important travel information about acclimatization, trek logistics, Machu Picchu entry circuits, luggage, transportation, and helpful recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Peru.
Pre-Trek Briefing
All briefings are held at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 PM, one or two days before your tour. The session lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
During the briefing, your guide will explain the itinerary in detail, review safety recommendations, provide your duffel bag, and answer any questions before the trek begins.
Acclimatization in Cusco
Proper acclimatization is highly recommended before starting the trek. Cusco is located at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level, and adjusting to the altitude helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your tour to allow your body enough time to adapt to the elevation.
Recommended Tours Before Your Trek
During your acclimatization days, we recommend enjoying light tours around Cusco and the Sacred Valley:
- Cusco City Tour
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
- Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour
- Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour
- Rainbow Mountain Tour
These excursions are ideal for adjusting to the altitude while exploring the rich culture, history, and landscapes of the region.
Visiting these attractions before your trek also provides a better understanding of Inca history, traditional Andean culture, and the incredible natural beauty surrounding Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Balance Payment in Cusco
Any remaining balance must be paid at least 1 or 2 days before the start of your tour.
We recommend payment in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) during your briefing. Credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal are also accepted with a 5% service fee. Bank checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted.
ATMs and exchange offices are available along Avenida Sol in Cusco.
Please make sure to confirm your final payment in advance to avoid delays before the start of your adventure. Our team will gladly assist you with any payment questions during your stay in Cusco.
Luggage Storage
You may store your main luggage at your hotel or coordinate luggage storage with our team before the trek begins.
We recommend keeping valuables, passports, and important documents in your hotel safe whenever possible.
Most hotels in Cusco offer complimentary luggage storage for travelers participating in multi-day treks and tours to Machu Picchu. Please confirm this service directly with your hotel before departure.
Machu Picchu Entry Circuits
Machu Picchu operates with timed entrance tickets and designated visitor circuits to help preserve the archaeological site.
- Circuit 1: Panoramic viewpoints
- Circuit 2: Classic route through the main citadel
- Circuit 3: Lower sector and temple areas
Entry circuits are subject to availability at the time of booking. Re-entry to Machu Picchu is not allowed after exiting the archaeological site.
We strongly recommend booking your tour several months in advance, especially during the high season, since Machu Picchu entrance tickets and circuits can sell out quickly.
Pick-Up Information
All pick-ups are arranged from hotels located in Cusco’s historic center. Pick-up times are confirmed the day before your tour and may vary slightly depending on traffic and logistics.
If your hotel is located on a narrow street or in an area inaccessible by vehicle, we will coordinate a nearby meeting point.
Please be ready in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time to help maintain the tour schedule and transportation logistics.
Return from Machu Picchu
After your guided visit to Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train journey to Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley.
Upon arrival, our transportation team will transfer you back to Cusco and drop you off near your hotel.
We recommend arriving at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure.
Train schedules may vary depending on availability and operational logistics. Your guide will provide all return details and transportation instructions during the tour.
Strikes and Demonstrations
Occasionally, strikes or local demonstrations may affect transportation schedules in Peru. In these situations, Info Machu Picchu will make the necessary operational adjustments while always prioritizing traveler safety and tour continuity whenever possible.
Although these events are uncommon, flexibility and patience are sometimes necessary when traveling in remote regions of the Andes. Our operations team constantly monitors local conditions to provide the best possible service.
Personal Belongings
Travelers are responsible for their personal belongings throughout the trek and tour operations.
We recommend checking your belongings carefully after every stop and avoiding leaving valuables unattended during transportation, hikes, or train rides.
To help protect your personal items, we also recommend using waterproof bags or backpack covers during the trek, especially during the rainy season in the cloud forest region.