“Before You Can’t Go: The Complete Guide to Machu Picchu for First-Timers – How to Get There, What to Wear, Altitude Sickness, and Scary Mistakes”

Hello, I’m Tatsu, a world travel blogger.

In this article, I summarized the failures that occurred when I headed to Machu Picchu, along with measures and ways to safely reach Machu Picchu.

Let’s get started.

Reasons Why Machu Picchu is Scary | Real Experiences from a Traveler’s Perspective

Machu Picchu is famous as a “must-see scenic spot in your lifetime,” but I headed there without knowing the route or the situation, and it was quite scary.

Here, I will share my real experiences of failures and lessons learned during my trip.

Forgetting to Book from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Station is Hell

To get to Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes), it is common to first take a taxi to Ollantaytambo Station near Cusco and then take a train from there.

However, I thought, “It will work out if I just go on the day,” and carelessly did not book transportation (mainly taxi or shared bus) in advance from Cusco to Ollantaytambo Station.

Descending on Foot Puts a Lot of Strain on Your Legs

There are mainly two ways to descend from the Machu Picchu ruins to Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes).

1. Shuttle Bus: About 25 minutes
2. On Foot: About 1.5 to 2 hours

I had booked the shuttle bus, but thought, “Since I’m here, let’s walk!” and carelessly chose to walk.

However, the descent path was quite steep with stairs, and I was descending in a state of exhaustion after sightseeing, which was very dangerous.

Heading Out in Short Sleeves Despite Low Temperatures, Resulting in a High Fever

Due to its high altitude, Machu Picchu experiences extreme temperature differences between morning and evening.

The place I stayed on the way to Machu Picchu, “Machu Picchu Village,” also gets suddenly cold at night.

Unaware of this, on the morning of the day I visited the Machu Picchu ruins, I thought, “It will get hot during the day,” and headed out in a short-sleeved T-shirt.

I will summarize clothing recommendations later. Gear is very important, so please check it out.

It was really too cold to go in short sleeves. Cry

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Even Beginners Can Go! How to Get to Machu Picchu

You cannot get to Machu Picchu by plane or private car. The means of transportation mainly consists of a combination of buses and trains.

Cusco to Ollantaytambo Station

This is the main station where trains to Machu Picchu depart.

I used a shared taxi. They sold bread a few times along the way.

Means of Transportation	Travel Time	Cost (Approx.)	Notes
Shared Taxi/Van	About 1.5 to 2 hours	10 to 20 Soles	Can fill up quickly. Departs from downtown Cusco.
Private Taxi	About 1.5 hours	100 to 150 Soles	Reliable but expensive.

Ollantaytambo Station to Aguas Calientes Station (Machu Picchu Village)

From here, you will use a tourist train called PeruRail or IncaRail.

• Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Tickets: This is an important ticket that you should book as early as possible. I booked about one week in advance, but as soon as your schedule is decided, purchase from the official websites of each railway company. During the high season, tickets can sell out months in advance.
• Notes: There are size and weight restrictions for luggage on the train (usually up to about 5kg for carry-on size). Large luggage should be left at your hotel in Cusco.

I used IncaRail.

* There are size and weight restrictions for luggage on the train (usually up to about 5kg for carry-on size). Large luggage should be left at your hotel in Cusco.

Machu Picchu Village to Machu Picchu

From Machu Picchu Village (Aguas Calientes), you will further travel by bus or on foot to the entrance of the ruins.

Means of Transportation	Travel Time	Cost (Approx.)	Notes
Shuttle Bus	About 25 minutes	Round trip about 30 US dollars	Frequent and convenient. Requires presentation of the ruins ticket.
On Foot	About 1.5 to 2 hours	Free	Steep stairs can be exhausting. There is a risk of getting tired before sightseeing the ruins.

Machu Picchu

To enter Machu Picchu, you need to obtain a ticket in advance.

Access the Official Site

There is a link for ticket issuance on the Peruvian government’s site.

🎟 Go to the Official Machu Picchu Ticket Site

Online tickets – Machupicchu

www.machupicchu.gob.pe

Download the PDF and show it to the staff upon entry

Once purchased, you can download the ticket as a PDF. Show it to the staff to gain entry!

You show it quite close to the entrance. Machu Picchu is ahead.

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Learn from the Clothing Fails at Machu Picchu! Recommended Gear for Temperature Differences

In Machu Picchu, where the elevation and temperature differences are extreme, “layering” is essential.

Packable Jacket That You Can Quickly Throw On

A lightweight jacket that you can quickly throw on before your body temperature drops is ideal for chilly mornings and evenings, cloudy days, and during breaks while touring the ruins. Choose one that is thin yet windproof.

Windproof Jacket to Protect Against Mountain Winds at 2400m

There are days with strong winds in Machu Picchu. To prevent the wind from stealing your body heat, an outer layer that is windproof and water-resistant, such as Gore-Tex, is essential.
Even a thin layer with windproof functionality can significantly raise your perceived temperature.

Waterproof Pants to Protect Against Wet Surfaces

The stairs within the ruins and the hiking paths can become very slippery when it rains, and puddles can form.

Since wet feet can cause a rapid drop in body temperature, it is important to protect your feet well.

• Easy to move in, a packable jacket that you can quickly throw on when it’s chilly, a windproof jacket to block rain and wind, and waterproof pants that can withstand some moisture are the three essential items for heading to Machu Picchu. If possible, having lightweight rain pants (waterproof and breathable material) that can be worn over trekking pants for sudden rain would be perfect.
• Keeping your feet warm is a rule of thumb for hiking, so let’s make sure to prepare thoroughly to avoid regrets in Machu Picchu!

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Altitude Sickness Measures in Machu Picchu

In high-altitude Cusco and Machu Picchu, anyone can be at risk of altitude sickness.

Preparation in advance and actions on-site are key.

Training Methods That Actually Worked

To prevent altitude sickness, I did “burpees” to enhance my oxygen-carrying capacity.

• Burpees: I started doing burpees about three months before going to Machu Picchu, about three times a week. If it’s difficult, it’s okay to reduce the number of times. Do what you can!
• How to Spend Time On-Site: After arriving in Cusco, even if you don’t show symptoms of altitude sickness, avoid intense exercise and take it slow with light walking.

About Spending Time On-Site

The key to altitude sickness measures is to “slow down your ascent.” Also, please pay attention to the following on the day before and the day of your arrival.

• Hydration: Lack of hydration decreases oxygen transport efficiency. Drink mineral water and the locally famous coca tea frequently.
• Rest on the First Day: The most effective measure on the first day after arriving in Cusco (about 3,400m) is to spend it quietly in the hotel. I kept my activities to light walking.
• Meals: Using energy for digestion consumes oxygen. On the first day, avoid greasy meals and stick to lighter options.

The photo shows the breakfast and coca tea I had before departing for Machu Picchu.

Summary

Finally, I have summarized the content so far.

Preparation Items	Measures & Points
Transportation	Confirm reservation by the day before. Uber app is also essential
Train Tickets	Purchase on the official site as soon as the schedule is decided
Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket	Advance purchase from the official site is required (may be sold out on the day)
Clothing	Three essentials: hoodie + windbreaker + waterproof pants
Altitude Sickness Measures	Rest on the first day of arrival. Actively drink coca tea

For those going to Machu Picchu from now on, please prioritize your health and enjoy your trip!

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Thank you for reading this far.

See you again.