Bucket list how to: Plan a Machu Picchu trip

Travel to Peru is getting fairly easy and affordable with a few big U.S. airlines running direct routes to Lima. The capital city is the most cost effective destination to fly into from both America and Europe. From here, domestic flights can be arranged to Cusco, which is the main hub for tourists visiting the ancient city.

Most visitors travel to Lima and then to Cusco by air (flights run about $150), and then head to Aguas Calientes by train. From the town of Aguas Calientes, a bus will bring you to the Machu Picchu site. Those wanting to hike the Inca Trail should head to Cusco to meet their pre-arranged hiking guides (you can’t hike the trail without an official guide). Read on for a more complete description of the cities and logistics below.

Most international flights will touch down here and a two-night stopover is recommended if time allows. Highlights include the famous yellow Monastery of San Francisco, subterranean catacombs, and some of the city’s other “must sees”—like the Parque Kennedy cats—a park full of felines.

Many people choose the charming colonial city of Cusco to base themselves while exploring Machu Picchu. The town actually sits at an elevation of more than 11,000 feet, which is higher than Machu Picchu itself, so spending 2-3 nights here is essential as you acclimate to the altitude before your big hike. Ample hotels and restaurants make it a comfortable, beautiful place to rest up and there are plenty of sights to explore, including some ruins, lively markets, and don’t miss the world’s highest-elevation Irish bar.

From Cusco, you’re still a 3.5-hour train ride to reach the ruins. Tours can be arranged from Cusco to Machu Picchu in advance or on a walk-up basis if you are not planning to hike the Inca Trail.

The town located at the base of the Lost City is called Aguas Calientes. There are many restaurants, markets for crafts and souvenirs and hotels for visitors wanting to spend the night.

Some choose to simply see Machu Picchu as a long day trip from Cusco, however,we would recommend spending at least one night in Aguas Calientes to give yourself more time to properly explore the ruins, the Sun Gate and Huayna Picchu, which is the second highest peak with ruins and views of the main site. The flavor of this small city is a bit more touristy than Cusco because it primarily exists as a lodging haven for visitors to the archeological site. However, it’s not without its charms, like a rushing river and many lodge-inspired restaurants and small hotels.

From town, you’re only a bus ride away from Machu Picchu via a hair-raising set of switchbacks.

• There are only 500 permits issued for the Inca Trail every day—that’s about 200 for hikers and 300 for their guides, porters and cooks
• You CANNOT just show up in Cusco and hike the Inca Trail; you need to book your hike about six months in advance.
• Many guides will require you to be in Cusco three days prior to you hike so that you have time to adjust to the altitude.
• The hike takes three days; on the final morning of the hike you’ll descend onto the Machu Picchu site.
• You can hire porters to carry some of your equipment for a fixed fee.
• Hiking the trail is a camping trip with very basic facilities at the sites.

It’s best to start planning your Inca trail hike about six months in advance (June, July and August are high season) to ensure you’ll get a spot. You can use a web search and check reviews to find a reputable Inca Trail guide and start the planning process. This is also best done prior to booking flights to ensure your dates are available for the trail. You will also need to factor in enough time in Cusco to meet your guides and acclimate to the altitude. Some guides will not take you if they don’t meet you three days prior to your trek. This is done to ensure your body has adjusted and ready for the hike—ultimately, it’s for your safety.

One great option is the one-day partial Inca Trail hike where you hike the final day of the three-day hike and then spend the night in Aguas Calientes. This lets you enjoy the following day at the Machu Picchu site, as well.

The Inca Trail is only one of many hikes that will lead you to the site. Alternative trails without permit limitations can be hiked, as well.

The biggest problem for most visitors to Machu Picchu—especially those hiking the Inca Trail or spending time in Cusco—is the altitude. Peruvians battle the thin air by chewing the leaf of a local plant you may have heard of: the coca leaf. While there are some proven natural benefits to this, your travel doctor can also prescribe medicine to combat the effects of the altitude. Take it easy when physically exerting yourself in Cusco: It’s a city full of steps, which at 11,000 feet can be taxing on the body.

Besides the altitude, petty theft exists at similar levels to the rest of the region. Use common sense and avoid carrying large amounts of money and valuables, especially at night. In popular tourist cities, crimes against visitors are rare.