Dark Blue

I am planning to stay in Cusco for one week and visit Machu Picchu during in one full day. I am also looking to go to Lake Titicaca. Peru is very interesting!

Section 107

While most people do MP in one visit (remember regulations limit each visitor to 4 hours per visit) that can make for a very "rushed" feeling visit.

Tip: break up the visit over 2 half-days rather than one day.

Although it is ticketed (and therefore limited) entry - everyone tries to go early in the day so the mornings tend to be very crowded - reducing leisurely enjoyment along the narrow walkways, etc. But after 1pm crowds are significantly smaller making for a more relaxed visit. Do the main areas of the citadel in the afternoon on the first day (when you also get the golden light of sunset for photos) and then the further reaches in the morning on the 2nd day (the hikes up to Huayna Picchu, Inca Bridge, Machu Picchu or to Intipunku) where most folks don't go.

Remember that there are no bathrooms in the citadel and no places to purchase water or food.... there is the hotel and the pay bathrooms/snackshop outside the gates. So, breaking it up also lets one get a leisurely dinner and lunch outside the park without having to pack everything in and out (no trash receptacles inside the gates, either!).

Visitors must also have a licensed guide.....

Dark Blue

Wow, thank you for these tips! I will keep these things in mind!

stan1162

We did the 2 day split. I would HIGHLY recommend it. Getting up early on day 2 for the hike up was worth it. Every hotel will hold your luggage. Just pick it up on your way to the train station back.

TWA884

I highly recommend doing the short Inca Trail, 15km/9miles, which ends with walking through the Sun Gate - in the late afternoon with a spectacular view of Machu Picchu from above - and spending about an hour at the upper level of Machu Picchu. Then get back and tour the rest of the site the next morning.

Dark Blue

Great! Thank you! I am looking to visit there again late August/early Sept, I know it's the winter down there, do you think it's OK or I should choose another season...?

TWA884

Winter is the dry season, so it's the best time for the hike and visiting the citadel.

an_asker

I have a Peru trip report ongoing in the Trip Reports forum with lots of photos and videos. Please feel free to read up.

You should get similar weather to what we got first week of June. Or maybe a bit colder. But if we - from (Indian origin) Florida - can do it, you from UK shouldn't have any issues with the cold lol.

an_asker

I absolutely loved this area (and the good weather we got).

But we didn't do this short Inca Trail. Not only did we not know about it, but I also probably was not in shape for it :-(

Dark Blue

Beautiful! Yeah, it's been sub 20 degrees here, lows are sub 10 sometimes... The winter in Machu Picchu could be warmer than here. I actually look to book my trip in late Aug/early Sept.

an_asker

You are in Oxford, right? It surely isn't sub 20 degree, Fahrenheit or Celsius, there right now, is it?

But yes, you should love August/September. :-)