7. Spend some time in Aguas Calientes and San Blas.
It’s so easy to be charmed by the art district of San Blas in Cusco and the gorgeous little town of Aguas Calientes which serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Soak up the culture in San Blas, eat trout ceviche and quinoa, check out the museums and beautiful cathedrals, and get your photos taken with the locals (llamas included). After heading to Machu Picchu, soak in the natural hot springs in Aguas Calientes, get a massage, and enjoy the atmosphere.
San Blas
Aguas Calientes
6. Come early.
Machu Picchu opens at 6 am and if you are blessed with good weather on your visit, this Incan citadel will look spectacular bathed in that morning light; but if the sun decides to stay, it can get quite hot and crowded around noon. It’s best to explore when the weather conditions are comfortable and with fewer tourists.
In our personal experience, we were cursing our guide for asking us to wake up so early the day after the long hike, but after exploring the site all morning, we were ready to head down around noon and we were quite grateful to have avoided the heat and the growing crowd.
Good Morning
5. Wear good shoes.
To be honest, I don’t know how the Incas managed to walk around Machu Picchu wearing their usutas (Incan sandals). The rocks tend to get a little slippery especially when drizzled with a little rain. If you are planning to explore the site – which you really should – wear a good pair of walking shoes with a grip.
Good shoes are important
4. Don’t forget that poncho.
The weather in Cusco and Machu Picchu is bipolar. It can get sunny one minute then all drizzly the next. Ponchos are the best way to keep dry since holding an umbrella will be limiting. Fortunately, you can buy ponchos anywhere in Cusco. Street vendors sell 5 Soles ponchos, for example. They are disposable, though, so you’ll most likely throw them away once you leave Machu Picchu or Cusco.
Stash that poncho
Read on for more!
