MileHacker Logo
Machu Picchu Travel Tips

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

Machu Picchu Peru Travel Guide

Local SIM cards and mobile providers

Staying connected in Peru is straightforward with local SIM cards.

Details

  • Providers: Peru has three major mobile providers: Claro, Movistar, and Entel. Claro and Movistar generally the widest coverage, especially outside major cities.
  • Purchase: One purchases a local SIM card (chip) upon arrival at airports, official provider stores in Cusco or Lima, or some convenience stores. Your passport is necessary to register the SIM card, as Peruvian law states.
  • Cost: Local SIM cards and data packages are relatively inexpensive, good value for internet access and local calls.
  • Coverage: Mobile coverage is good in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. It can be spotty or non-existent in more remote Sacred Valley areas or during treks (like the Inca Trail), where satellite phones are sometimes used by tour operators.

Internet access and Wi-Fi availability

Connectivity is widely available in tourist areas.

Access Points

  • Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is widely available and generally reliable in hotels, hostels, restaurants, and cafes in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Most accommodations free Wi-Fi for guests.
  • Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi hotspots are limited.
  • Internet Cafes: Internet cafes (cabinas de internet) are available in most towns, offering affordable computer access.
  • Postal services: While major cities have postal services, they less commonly used by tourists. Serpost, Peru's national postal service, for sending postcards. It can be slow, but it is reliable.

Language barriers and translation resources

Spanish and Quechua are official languages.

Language Tips

  • Official Languages: Spanish and Quechua are the official languages of Peru.
  • English: English widely spoken in tourist-focused hotels, restaurants, tour agencies, and by professional guides in Cusco and Aguas Calientes. Outside these tourist areas, English is less common.
  • Translation Resources: Google Translate App: Download the offline Spanish language pack before your trip. This translate phrases without an internet connection. Airalo eSIMs and Solis Wi-Fi devices enhance connectivity for translation apps.
  • Phrasebook: A small Spanish phrasebook proves helpful for quick reference.

Important phrases with pronunciation guides

A few basic phrases go a long way.

Essential Spanish

  • Hello: Hola (OH-lah)
  • Goodbye: Adiós (ah-dee-OHS)
  • Please: Por favor (por fah-VOR)
  • Thank you: Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs)
  • Yes/No: Sí/No (see/noh)
  • Excuse me/Sorry: Disculpe (dees-KOOL-peh)
  • How much?: ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWES-tah?)
  • Water: Agua (AH-gwah)
  • Delicious: Delicioso (deh-lee-see-OH-so)
  • Can you help me?: ¿Me puede ayudar? (meh PWEH-deh ah-yoo-DAHR?)
  • Where is...?: ¿Dónde está...? (DOHN-deh es-TAH...?)

Language Learning

Pre-trip preparation

  • Learning Basic Phrases: Learning a few basic Spanish phrases significantly your interactions with locals.
  • Digital Tools: Utilize language learning apps for structured practice.
  • Cultural Context: Familiarize yourself with common Peruvian expressions.
  • Consider a platform like Rosetta Stone for comprehensive language learning before your journey.

On-the-ground practice

  • Engage Locals: Practice with vendors, taxi drivers, and hotel staff.
  • Order Food: Use Spanish when ordering meals.
  • Ask Directions: Navigate by asking for directions in Spanish.
  • Listen: Pay attention to conversations around you.

Stay Connected

For seamless communication, consider purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival. Many hotels and cafes provide reliable Wi-Fi.

Business & Hours

Knowing typical operating hours for businesses and services can assist your planning.

Typical operating hours for different businesses

Business hours vary, especially between tourist areas and local establishments.

Banking hours and ATM locations

Accessing funds is straightforward in major urban centers.

Religious and public holidays affecting services

National holidays can alter regular schedules.

Religious and public holidays affecting services

National holidays can alter regular schedules.

Holiday Impact

  • Major Holidays: New Year's Day (January 1), Holy Week (Semana Santa): Dates vary (March/April). Many businesses close, and religious processions occur. Labour Day (May 1), Independence Days (Fiestas Patrias): July 28-29. This a major national celebration with parades and festivities; many services are affected. All Saints' Day (November 1), Christmas Day (December 25).
  • Cusco-Specific Festivals: Festivals like Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) on June 24th in Cusco lead to widespread closures and celebrations. The city very crowded.
  • Impact: Expect bank and government office closures, reduced public transport, and potentially crowded tourist sites or special event schedules during these times.

Seasonal closures and limited schedules

Some attractions observe seasonal breaks.

Seasonal Notes

  • Inca Trail: The Classic Inca Trail closes annually for maintenance during the entire month of February. No permits are issued for this month.
  • Machu Picchu: The citadel open year-round. However, during the wet season (January-March), heavy rains sometimes cause temporary disruptions to train services or bus routes to Machu Picchu. Always check current conditions.
  • Airport Services: Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access, especially during busy seasons. If flights are delayed, Compensair can claims for compensation.

Transportation Considerations

Public Transport

  • Buses and colectivos are widely used.
  • They are generally not wheelchair-accessible.
  • Service can be less frequent on holidays.

Private Transport

  • Hiring a private taxi for convenience is an option.
  • Negotiate fares before beginning your journey.
  • Private transport with an accessible vehicle is the most viable option for getting around Cusco and the Sacred Valley for those with mobility challenges.

Plan Ahead

Check for public holidays and festivals when planning your trip, as they may alter business hours and service availability. Book train and Machu Picchu tickets in advance.

Etiquette & Culture

Greeting customs

Polite greetings create positive interactions.

Common Greetings

  • General: A simple 'Hola' (hello) or 'Buenos días/tardes/noches' (good morning/afternoon/evening) is polite and appropriate.
  • Handshakes: Handshakes are common for both men and women when meeting someone for the first time or in formal settings.
  • Cheek Kiss: Women often greet each other with a light kiss on one cheek (usually the right cheek), and sometimes men greet women this way.

Appropriate attire for different settings

Dress respectfully, especially when visiting sacred sites.

Dress Code

  • General: Casual and comfortable clothing fine for most tourist activities.
  • Religious Sites: When entering churches, cathedrals, or other religious sites, modest dress respectful. This generally means covering your shoulders and knees. This applies to both men and women. While not strictly enforced for tourists, it shows respect.
  • Outdoor Activities: Comfortable layers and sturdy footwear are advisable for treks and outdoor exploration.

Dining and tipping practices

Understand mealtime norms and gratuity expectations.

Meal Customs

  • Meal Times: Lunch (almuerzo) is the main meal. Dinner (cena) is later.
  • Table Manners: Wait until everyone is served before beginning to eat. Using cutlery is standard.
  • Tipping: A tip of 5-10% appreciated in sit-down restaurants. Tipping for other services like taxis less common but rounding up is fine. Tipping trek staff customary and organized collectively.

Photography permissions and restrictions

Always seek permission before taking photos of people.

Photo Guidelines

  • People: Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in rural areas. A polite "¿Puedo sacar una foto?" (May I take a photo?) is appreciated. Some individuals may ask for a small fee if posing for tourists. Respect a 'no' if given.
  • No Photography Signs: Inside museums, churches, or certain archaeological sites, check for 'no photography' signs. Flash photography generally prohibited in museums and historical sites.
  • Drones: Drones generally prohibited at Machu Picchu and other major archaeological sites.

Taboos and sensitive topics

Avoid These Topics

  • Politics: Avoid discussing Peruvian politics unless invited by a local.
  • Ancestral Sites: Show deep respect for ancestral sites, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs. Avoid making light of or disrespecting these aspects of Peruvian culture.
  • Bargaining: Bargain politely and respectfully in local markets, but do not aggressively haggle. It devalues artisans' work.

Gender & LGBTQ+

  • Gender: Peru is generally a conservative country. Public displays of affection are common for heterosexual couples.
  • LGBTQ+: While Peru has laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation, public acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals varies. It generally more open in tourist areas like Cusco than in rural settings. Exercise discretion, especially in more conservative areas. Cusco increasingly a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
  • Openness: Public acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals varies.

Religious Site Etiquette

Entering Sites

  • Enter Quietly: Enter churches, temples, and other religious sites quietly.
  • Remove Hats: Remove hats upon entering (unless for religious reasons).
  • Avoid Loud Conversations: Keep your voice low and avoid loud conversations.

During Visits

  • Do Not Touch: Do not touch altars, religious artifacts, or historical structures unless explicitly permitted.
  • Observe Services: If a religious service is taking place, observe respectfully from the back or choose another time to visit.
  • Photography: Respect any 'no photography' signs at sacred sites or inside churches and museums.

Cultural Respect

Engage with locals politely, dress modestly at religious sites, and always ask permission before taking photographs of individuals.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges encounter unique considerations in the Machu Picchu region.

Infrastructure for travelers with mobility challenges

The region has various challenges for those with mobility impairments.

Challenges Noted

  • Significant Challenges: Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley pose significant challenges for travelers with mobility impairments.
  • Cusco: Features uneven cobblestone streets, steep inclines, and numerous stairs. Many historic buildings lack ramps or elevators.
  • Machu Picchu: The citadel itself has many steps, uneven paths, and steep slopes. Circuits are defined paths, but they are not fully accessible.
  • Public Transport: Buses and colectivos are generally not wheelchair-accessible.

Accessible attractions and transportation

Limited but available options exist with careful planning.

Options

  • Hotels: Some newer or luxury hotels may have elevators and accessible rooms. Always confirm specific accessibility features directly with the hotel before booking.
  • Train Services: Some luxury train services (e.g., Hiram Bingham) may offer better accessibility with wider aisles and assistance, but this pre-arrangement.
  • Private Transport: Hiring private transport with an accessible vehicle the most viable option for getting around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
  • Machu Picchu: While challenging, some individuals with mobility impairments visit Machu Picchu with significant assistance (e.g., specialized wheelchairs or carriers hired from tour operators). The main circuit remains difficult.

Services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments

Specific services are not widely available but can be arranged.

Support for Impairments

  • Limited Specific Services: Specific services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are not widely or readily available across the board.
  • Inform in Advance: Inform your tour operators and hotels in advance of any specific needs. They may provide basic assistance or recommend resources.
  • Guided Tours: For visual impairments, a private guide who detailed verbal descriptions the experience.

Resources and organizations providing accessibility information

Specialized resources can greatly assist planning.

Planning Assistance

  • Specialized Travel Agencies: Consult specialized accessible travel agencies. These agencies experience arranging tours for travelers with disabilities in Peru and provide up-to-date advice, practical solutions, and customized itineraries.
  • Online Forums: Online communities and forums dedicated to accessible travel valuable insights and tips from other travelers who have visited Peru.
  • Local Organizations: Research local organizations in Peru that advocate for or provide services to people with disabilities. They might specific guidance.

Accessibility Planning

For travelers with mobility challenges, planning and pre-arrangement are essential. Research accessible hotels and consider private transport for easier navigation.

← Previous
Day Trips from Machu Picchu
← Back to Machu Picchu
Next →
Sustainable Travel in Machu Picchu

Next Up: Sustainable Travel in Machu Picchu. Eco-Friendly, Responsible Tourism, Conservation

Continue to Sustainable Travel in Machu Picchu