A Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu in 2020

Attention all bucket-list checkers! Visiting the ancient Incan site of Machu Picchu nestled amongst the Andes Mountains is an awe-inspiring experience that equals major travel goals for most people. Not only is the historical citadel site wildly impressive, but the surrounding landscape is breathtaking as well (and not just because of the elevation-7,970 feet!). With some new regulations in place this year to enhance the overall experience at this popular destination, it's important to know what to expect in order to make the most of your visit. From transportation, the best lodging options, rules about umbrellas (yes, really), time limits and how to deal with all those other tourists, this photo tour will have you informed and inspired within 10 images.

Inca Rail offers comfortable transport to Machu Picchu Pueblo (Machu Picchu village/Aguas Calientes), your base for visiting the world wonder. Travelers can depart from the city of Cusco (3hr 20min), Poroy (2hr 55min), or Ollantaytambo (1hr 40min) via Inca Rail. It's wise to allow yourself time to acclimate to the altitude in Cusco once you arrive in Peru, as it can sometimes make you feel sick. Drinking a lot of water definitely helps.

If you're looking to splurge on something, let it be a first-class ticket for the ride there. Food and beverage service as you roll past the Peruvian scenery, live music with demonstrations on how to make the perfect pisco sour and a lounge car with an open door viewing area to take those postcard-worthy shots are all a part of the package. Combined with the excitement of visiting Machu Picchu and the luxury experience of first-class, it may very well be a top highlight of your entire trip.

*Make sure to have your passport handy for boarding the train, as well as a smaller carry-on bag if you will be spending the night in the village.

Once in Machu Picchu Pueblo village (aka Aguas Calientes), the gateway to Machu Picchu, visitors will have to take the bus up to the citadel since no cars are allowed. This journey takes approximately 30 minutes along a windy mountain road with ridiculous views. Tickets can be purchased the day of, either in person or online, and buses leave every ten to fifteen minutes or so from a well-marked stop in the village. For those looking to stretch their legs, it's also possible to hike up along the infamous Inca trail in its entirety, or just a portion. This year, there's a new cap of 500 people a day permitted to start the Inca trail, as well as regulations on the weight that carriers are allowed to transport.

*The Inca trail will be closed during the month of February for maintenance.

...and alpacas, and guanacos, and vicuñas. There are four different kinds of these furry locals (camelids) and yes, they hang out around the Machu Picchu archeological remains. Your chances of seeing them are very high, and they make for fantastic models when photographing the site. Make sure to be respectful and don't venture off the marked pathways to chase one of these funny four-legged creatures, because that's a no-no in the rules to visiting Machu Picchu handbook. It should also be noted that these furry buddies will spit at you if they feel threatened.

Machu Pichhu is astonishing, yes. The surrounding views are mind-blowing too...also yes. It's hard not to be beautiful when the Andes mountains are involved. It's no surprise that you'll feel inclined to snap loads of photographs, but there are rules with this, too. No tripods or drones are allowed (unless you have a special permit), and although many people break the "no selfie-stick" rule, don't be that person. There are too many people for any extra photo shenanigans so these regulations are in place to help keep the flow of movement throughout the site going. Also, the ropes are there for a reason, if you step over them or dangle your legs over an edge you will get a 'talking-to' by the guards. They're not mad, just disappointed. Although, if you break too many rules or completely ignore the guards when they enforce them, it is possible to get kicked out with no refund.

When you're a wildly famous ancient site, there's bound to be throngs of tourists flocking to you. Machu Picchu is no exception. There's already a 4-hour time limit in place for visitors, and some new changes in place for this year will stagger the entrance times based on your ticket in an attempt for crowd control and preserve the grounds themselves. There are now three shifts a day for visitors and groups can't exceed sixteen people. It should also be noted that once you enter, the path through the site is one-way and you may not re-enter or go back up top. This means you should make sure to snap your shots overlooking the citadel from above when you have the chance and use the bathroom before entering as there is no toilet once you enter through the gates.

To avoid the most crowds, it's suggested to visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon as most try to make it up there for sunrise.

When visiting Machu Picchu, it's wise to plan to spend a night or two in Machu Picchu Pueblo to explore the village, browse the local handicraft market and get yourself an early ticket entrance to visit the citadel in the morning. The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a perfectly placed abode for your venture up to the Machu Picchu site, exploring the town and the markets, or strolling the cloud forest walkways on property to discover various species of flora and fauna (especially orchids!). Your eco-friendly casita is a haven to rest up for your day's activities. The hotel's knowledgeable field guides are available to take you on a specialized tour of Machu Picchu as well if you choose to book this additional service.

Another option for travelers on more of a budget, and those looking to stay smack dab in the center of town, is El Mapi, also by Inkaterra. Both have onsite restaurants and the company itself runs it's own NGO, with several projects to help the local communities and environment; a win-win.

Tickets can be purchased at an authorized office or online on the main site or other authorized providers and should be bought in advance (at least 2-3 weeks) and even longer (2-3 months) if you plan on hiking Huayna Picchu too (for more information see next slide). Oh, a guide is also now required to tour the grounds but the knowledge tidbits you'll learn while exploring the site are well worth it. You can hire a guide online, at the entrance gate, or if you're staying at one of the Inkaterra properties, you can book one of their professional field guides.

-What to bring: a small backpack, a camera, water, sunscreen and a poncho in case of rain.

-What not to bring: tripods, drones, umbrellas, strollers, hiking poles or walking sticks (unless it's for an elderly visitor and has a rubber tip.)

Travelers looking to hike up Huayna Picchu, the mountain adjacent to Machu Picchu, will need to climb a steep trail and will be rewarded with a different perspective of Machu Picchu. You can purchase the ticket for this add-on when you buy your ticket for Machu Picchu. The challenging hike takes approximately 3 hours and it is not mandatory to use a guide for this portion of your visit. Hikers must also descend at 1 pm. For a unique perspective of the Incan city, this workout is the way to do it.

*This hike is not recommended for travelers with a fear of heights.

Something not everyone knows is that you can get a fun passport stamp when leaving Machu Picchu! It's a "do-it-yourself" thing and not official or anything, but an awesome little souvenir of your time at one of the Wonders of the World in addition to the gazillion photos you took too, obviously.