Machu Picchu: 5 Things You Shouldn't Do

1. Don't Get Ripped Off

Beware, as prices for tourists can often be slightly higher.

Every day up to 2,500 people explore these ancient ruins. It's understandable that many locals want to profit from this endless source of income - but not all sales tactics are well-intentioned. At every corner of Machu Picchu or even in the surrounding towns, someone is trying to sell you something - a guide, tickets, travel, souvenirs.

It's best to plan how you'll get to Aguas Calientes - the town below Machu Picchu mountain - and book your entry ticket for Machu Picchu in advance via the official site. Many ticket sellers usually add their commission to the ticket price.

From every major city in the area, minibuses or taxis run several times a day. The bus ride from Cusco usually costs around 10 euros, while taxis can be up to twice as expensive depending on your negotiation skills. You can book bus tickets in advance at many hostels or travel agencies - just ask around.

The luxury option, however, is a train ride with Incarail from Cusco to Aguas Calientes: With the train, you're not only much faster but you can also travel directly to the Machu Picchu mountain.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, numerous locals will likely be offering accommodations or themselves as guides for Machu Picchu. As you might expect, you probably won't get the best deals right at the entrance. So, take a look around the picturesque village and decide on your accommodation there.

2. Don't Be Late

If you look closely, you recognize how tourists climb the ancient steps packed close together.

Since 2011, ticket sales have been limited to 2,500 per day, also timed, to protect the environment and the ruins. However, the demand for tickets is significantly higher, so last-minute travelers might miss out.

So, it's best to book your ticket as early as possible - two weeks in advance is advisable - and plan your journey afterward. While you're lucky if you can be spontaneous with a bus to Hidroelectrica, train tickets can often sell out quickly.

The next morning, punctuality is key: Depending on the time your ticket is valid, your day will start quite early. Buses begin running at 5:30 AM - if you want to climb the steps to the entrance yourself, you'll need to get up even earlier. But it's worth it.

3. Don't Misbehave

In short: Machu Picchu holds great historical significance for Peruvians - behave respectfully.

The hospitality shown by most Peruvians can be easily reciprocated with a smile, openness, and a few nice conversations. Unfortunately, many tourists don't show their best side, leaving empty plastic bottles by the wayside and ignoring any guidance or prohibition signs - you can do better!

Oh, and don't be rude to the llamas. These four-legged creatures roam freely among the ruins and are especially notorious for one thing: spitting! So, keep a safe distance.

Don't touch what isn't meant to be touched.
Stay on the designated paths. (Really, do!)
Respect the locals and staff and follow their instructions.
Dispose of your trash properly.
Public nudity is strictly forbidden. (And yes, there have been streakers more than once...)

4. Don't Overestimate Yourself

With the train, you can travel directly to Machu Picchu mountain. But plan early, as tickets sell out quickly.

Do you walk on four legs, have fluffy fur, and oddly protruding teeth? Well, if you identify as a llama, feel free to skip this part. For everyone else: If you're not from the Andes, don't overestimate yourself.

Machu Picchu is 7,970 feet above sea level. Altitude sickness is not a myth, but a harsh reality that unprepared travelers in the Andean highlands often experience firsthand.

Additionally, the path up to the ancient Inca city is tough and challenging. Depending on how you're traveling, you might already have to walk about 8.7 miles from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, where the climb to the ruins begins. To the peak of Machu Picchu mountain, there are hundreds more stone steps, carved cynically and unevenly into the steep mountainside. Weak knees are almost guaranteed.

And yes, many ambitious climbers abandon this mission prematurely. However, the view of the cloud-covered ruins and mountains is well worth the arduous climb.

If you're unsure if your lungs and knees can handle it, take the early morning bus for about 10 euros to the entrance - especially if your ticket also includes Waynapicchu mountain. Because: You can always take the stairs back down.

5. Don't Be Stingy

With tourists comes money to the impoverished region around Machu Picchu.

Entrance ticket, round trip, accommodation, and meals together can really add up - but that's no reason to skimp at the wrong place: Food in Aguas Calientes is slightly more expensive than elsewhere in Peru. And that's no surprise. Everything is delivered only by train.

Tourists do bring a lot of money to the region, and the locals want a small slice of that pie. And you should let them have it.

A little tip for the guide, the overpriced soda - in the end, you won't regret the few extra euros. For Peruvians, they're worth a lot, especially considering an average monthly salary of around 450 euros.

Therefore: While you shouldn't let yourself be ripped off, as mentioned earlier, be as generous to the locals as your budget and conscience allow.