Machu Picchu
Dubbed in 2007 as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu draws tens of thousands of tourists each year with its fascinating history, stunning location, and alluring treks.
This July marked the 100th anniversary of the lost Inca city’s ‘rediscovery’ by the Indiana-Jones-esque lecturer and explorer Hiram Bingham, and the centennial celebration brought attention to the majestic qualities of the sacred ruins, as well as the challenges that 100 years’ worth of tourism have posed.
Over the last decade, swarms of visitors have brought the spirit of adventure and reverence to the ancient religious and archaeological site of Machu Picchu, but the site has also suffered from litter, disturbance from foot traffic, and frustrated tourists who want a less crowded glimpse of the hidden city.
Officials at the Start of the Inca Trail
In response to the ever-growing number of visitors, the Peruvian government has spent the last decade making and enforcing new regulations in an attempt to balance the needs of tourists with the issues of upkeep and safety along the Inca Trail.
Here are the changes that were instituted since 2003, as outlined by Frommers.com:
- Trekkers are required to be accompanied by a guide as part of a group, instead of taking individual, unsupervised treks
- The overall number of trekkers permitted on the trail has been significantly reduced to 200 per day
- The maximum number of trekkers per group outing is capped at 16
- Guides on the Inca trail must be professionally qualified and licensed
- Porters’ maximum loads can’t exceed 20kg (44lbs)
- All companies must pay porters the minimum wage
- Tourists are no longer permitted to travel on the local train from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, or vice versa.
Cusco tourism authorities are currently opening a new route to Machu Picchu that will allow up to 400 visitors to view ruins and trek in this spectacular landscape. AWR also offers several alternatives to the official “Inca Trail” including the Salcantay to Machu Picchu Trek and a Luxury Lodge to Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu.
Hiking Along the Inca Trail
The admission rate may soon receive another price hike by the Peruvian government.
The drawback of these new changes is that it is more challenging, structured, and expensive to climb and explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding areas. But the good news is that the updated regulations also help protect this delicate archaeological site from trash and other human disturbance, and visitors will be able to enjoy their visit within smaller groups, instead of standing in the long lines and pedestrian ‘traffic jams’ that would build up otherwise.
If you’re hoping to see this ancient piece of Incan history in the heart of Peru, don’t let the challenge of tourist regulation put a dent in your plans. Knowing the rules ahead of time, planning accordingly, and taking a note from other adventurers who have learned helpful tips will help make your trip the once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’ve been hoping for.
There are essentially two transportation options for visitors to Machu Picchu:
- Take the train to Aguas Calientes and then transfer to the citadel in a shuttle bus. There are two excellent trains from Cusco to Aguas Calientes: the Vistadome Train and the Luxury Hiram Bingham Train.
- For those with more endurance, take the traditional entrance on foot via the Inca Trail! Hikers can opt for the full Inca Trail in 5 or 4 days, one of the alternative treks offered by AWR, or, for a taste of the hike, the Inca Trail Express, a one day hike ideal for travelers with less time.
If you’re planning to see this world-renowned destination for yourself, here are some helpful tips from Frommers:
- Guarantee your space on the trail by making a reservation at least 15 days in advance (you’ll need to book at least 3 months in advance for high season, May-Oct.) Reservations can be made as much as a year in advance.
- Travelers who want to get a last-minute pass might find available spots a couple of days before (perhaps even at discounted rates), but waiting is a huge risk, and may mean missing out on trekking the Inca Trail during your visit.
- Choose your dates carefully in regard to the best season / times of year to hike the trail, and only purchase tickets or trip packages from licensed agencies.
- At the end of the trail, guides, cooks, and porters need to be tipped for their services. Tip to the extent that you are able, and factor tip money into your budget when you plan your trip.
Additionally, these tips might also help you as you’re planning your trip:
- Brush up on the various trek options, and determine which trek will be best for your fitness and endurance level.
- Keep an ear to the news about rules and restrictions at Machu Picchu, as they are subject to change.
- Check out travel forums, blogs and websites for updates on what you will be able to bring with you, such as water (Nalgenes are a better choice than disposable plastic bottles, which are ‘not allowed’ according to the rules on the admission ticket), food, backpacks, and hiking sticks. Hikers on websites like SummitPost.org remind visitors that the essentials—suncreen, bug spray, and basic first aid necessities—can make or break your experience.
Considering adding some Inca Trail dirt to the bottom of your favorite hiking boots?
Call Adventures Within Reach for more information about traveling to Machu Picchu, and visit our website to see what additional Peruvian adventures could be in store for you!