Traveling by train to Machu Picchu is one of the most exciting experiences when visiting Peru, and choosing between the Expedition and Vistadome trains can make a big difference in your adventure. Both options, operated by PeruRail, connect the city of Cusco (or the Sacred Valley) with the Aguas Calientes station.
PeruRail's Vistadome and Expedition trains offer different experiences to Machu Picchu. The Vistadome stands out for its more complete service, including panoramic windows, onboard entertainment like music and dancing, and snacks; while the Expedition offers a more basic experience, with large windows and a snack included, at a lower price.
The Expedition is the most affordable alternative for those looking for a comfortable trip without luxury. Its interior design is functional, with face-to-face seating and large windows, allowing you to enjoy the scenery. This train is designed for practical travelers, backpackers, or those with a tighter budget. The service includes snacks and drinks, with cultural information during the journey.
It is PeruRail's most economical train that offers comfort without luxury.
The Vistadome is designed for those who want a more immersive experience. Its carriages feature panoramic windows on the ceiling and sides, offering a spectacular view of the Urubamba River, the mountains, and the cloud forests. It also includes a more complete onboard service, with traditional dance performances, a fashion show featuring alpaca products, and gourmet snacks. It's ideal for those who want to combine comfort, culture, and photography.
It has larger windows, a panoramic ceiling, and a more premium service.
The schedules for the Vistadome train from PeruRail to Machu Picchu vary depending on the departure station and the season. Below are some of the most common schedules:
The schedules for the Expedition train to Machu Picchu vary depending on the departure station and the season. These times may vary depending on the season and availability.
Return Schedules for the Vistadome Train – PeruRail
Return Schedules for the Expedition Train – PeruRail
Peru is a world-renowned travel destination, but one of the most common questions among visitors is whether the drinking water is safe.
In general, it is not recommended to drink tap water in most parts of the country, including major cities such as Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa. Although the water is usually treated, the distribution systems in many areas are old or deteriorated, which can pose a risk of bacterial or chemical contamination.
It’s also important to note that Cusco is located at 3,400 meters above sea level, so staying hydrated is essential to prevent altitude sickness. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to drink only bottled, boiled, or purified water.
Many tourist establishments use filtered or bottled water for cooking and serving food, but it’s always best to ask before consuming water or raw foods like salads.
If you start feeling unwell during your trip, watch out for common symptoms caused by unsafe water consumption: stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and mild fever. In such cases, stay hydrated, avoid heavy or undercooked foods until you recover, and consult a local doctor if symptoms persist.
Many tourist hotels and restaurants use filtered or bottled water for cooking and serving. However, it’s always best to ask before consuming water or raw foods like salads. Along the route to Machu Picchu, be cautious with water consumption. In Cusco, Aguas Calientes, and other stops along the way, drinking tap water is not recommended. Although the water is treated, the condition of pipes and possible contaminants require additional treatment.
To avoid health issues such as stomach infections, only consume bottled, purified, or previously boiled water. Many hotels and restaurants offer safe water to refill reusable bottles or canteens, which also helps reduce plastic use.
Since Machu Picchu is in a humid area and hiking can be physically demanding, staying well hydrated is essential. Carrying your own bottle of safe water is a simple yet vital step to ensure a healthy experience.
Common symptoms from drinking unsafe water: stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, mild fever.
What to do: Rehydrate with safe water (bottled or oral rehydration salts), avoid heavy or undercooked meals until you feel better, rest, and avoid physical exertion if you have fever or dizziness. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or worsen. Health centers and pharmacies are available in both Aguas Calientes and Cusco. It’s advisable to carry a travel kit with anti-diarrheal pills, rehydration salts, and paracetamol.
To ensure a safe and healthy stay, all travelers are advised to use safe water sources and follow local guidelines. Prevention is key to fully enjoying your experience in Peru.
Traveling to Cusco is an unforgettable experience, and having a credit card can greatly ease your journey. Authorized tour and transportation agencies accept various cards such as MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, and even PayPal—no need to be affiliated with Visa Secure. However, it’s always recommended to carry cash in local currency (Peruvian soles) for emergencies or minor expenses.
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu, remember to purchase your tickets in advance. You can buy them through the Ministry of Culture’s website, but keep in mind that only Visa cards affiliated with Visa Secure are accepted. If your card is not registered, the payment will be declined.
Bringing your credit card allows you to pay at hotels, restaurants, and book tours. However, make sure the establishment is safe and reliable; check for currency exchange fees or ATM withdrawal charges. When in doubt, paying in cash is your safest option.
We recommend using ATMs from trusted banks such as BCP, BBVA, Interbank, or Scotiabank, located in tourist-friendly areas like Avenida El Sol.
ATMs in Cusco are widely available, especially in central and tourist areas. For added security, use ATMs from well-known banks located in well-lit, monitored locations. Some of the most trusted banks include BCP, BBVA, Interbank, and Scotiabank.
It is an online security system that verifies your identity before authorizing a payment. The Ministry of Culture, for example, only accepts Visa cards affiliated with this system for purchasing Machu Picchu tickets. If your card is not registered, the payment will be declined. Note that authorized tour and transport agencies may accept other cards such as MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, and even PayPal, without requiring Visa Secure affiliation.
If you lose your credit card while in Cusco (or anywhere in the world), it’s crucial to act quickly to avoid fraud and protect your funds.
Call your bank’s customer service line or use their mobile app if installed. Most banks allow you to temporarily or permanently block the card from your phone.
Common emergency numbers:
(You can also find the number on your bank’s official website)
Notify your bank so they can register the incident. This helps protect you from unauthorized charges, and in many cases, you may be reimbursed if someone used your card fraudulently.
Check if your bank can send you a new card abroad or if you’ll need to pick it up in your home country. Some international banks offer express delivery. Don’t forget to check your bank app or account statements to spot any suspicious activity and report unauthorized charges immediately. That’s why it’s wise to travel with a backup card or extra emergency cash—it allows you to keep paying while the issue is resolved.
Visiting Machu Picchu during the rainy season may seem like a challenge, but it is also a unique opportunity to experience the Inca citadel in a different way. If you are planning your trip, keep in mind that the rainy season in the Cusco region and Machu Picchu runs from November to March, with January and February being the months with the highest intensity. Although heavy rain may occur, the rain is usually intermittent, with clear mornings and rain in the afternoons or evenings; therefore, it is recommended to visit the citadel in the morning.
When visiting Machu Picchu, it is important to bring the right gear for the season. During the rainy season (November-March), a raincoat, waterproof shoes, quick-dry clothing, waterproof backpack, sunscreen, warm clothing for the nights, and a trekking pole for slippery terrain are recommended. During the dry season (April-October), it is ideal to wear light and breathable clothing, a light jacket, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a small backpack for essentials, as well as water, snacks, and a pole for rocky terrain.
Machu Picchu is located over 2,400 meters above sea level, which can cause altitude sickness in some people. To prevent it, it is recommended to acclimate in Cusco before visiting, stay well hydrated, avoid heavy meals, and rest properly. Additionally, preventive medications like acetazolamide and coca leaves can be used to relieve symptoms. If you experience severe symptoms, it is essential to descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention. With these precautions, you can enjoy a safer and more comfortable experience at this iconic destination.
Frequent rain and slippery paths: During the rainy season, rainfall may be intense, making walks difficult, especially if you are doing the Inca Trail. The trails can be muddy and slippery, which is why the Inca Trail is closed in February for safety. It is recommended to bring your trekking shoes and waterproof clothing on your trip.
An important fact to know is that some activities may be canceled or delayed. Additionally, weather conditions can affect visibility of the citadel. It is recommended to bring a rain poncho, change of clothes, backpack covers, protection for your devices, anti-slip boots, and a cover for your camera or cellphone. Book in advance if you travel in January or March.
In both seasons, it is important to carry enough water and be prepared for variable weather. Additionally, it is always recommended to carry your ID or passport, park tickets, and some basic medication.
Altitude sickness is a common risk when visiting Machu Picchu, as the site is located over 2,400 meters above sea level. Acclimatizing in Cusco before traveling is important, make sure to spend at least 1 or 2 days in Cusco before going up to Machu Picchu, as Cusco is 3,400 meters above sea level, which will help you acclimatize to the altitude.
If you are prone to altitude sickness, you can bring medications like acetazolamide (Diamox), which helps accelerate the acclimatization process. Consult a doctor before using any medication. Altitude sickness pills: Some people bring pills like Sorojchi Pills or Coca-Cola, which help relieve symptoms, although the effects vary from person to person.
If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, descend immediately. If you have severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, it is important to descend to a lower altitude to improve. In some cases, medical centers in Machu Picchu have oxygen available. If you have severe symptoms, do not hesitate to seek help.
This meeting was organized by the Lima Chamber of Commerce, bringing together representatives from the public and private sectors as well as civil society, with the aim of reflecting on gender equality in the workplace, business sustainability, and the importance of preventing workplace sexual harassment (WSH).
Illapa Culturas Andinas, represented by our Commercial Manager Cristian Olarte, participated in this important event where best practices, challenges, and proposals were shared to build more inclusive, ethical, and responsible workplaces, with the goal of strengthening joint commitments toward sustainable and equitable business development.
This dialogue aimed to reflect and generate proposals around three key topics in workplace environments:
This approach encourages companies to promote inclusion and respect, strengthen their organizational culture, and act responsibly toward society by complying with ethical and legal standards.
As part of the event, the book “Between Speech and Action: Unveiling the Invisible Costs of WSH in Private Companies in Peru”, written by Mg. Arístides Vara Horna, was presented. This publication analyzes the impact of workplace sexual harassment (WSH) on business profitability and reveals the hidden costs this issue generates within organizations.
Visiting the Machu Picchu citadel with children can be an unforgettable experience if planned well. If you’re planning to visit with kids, you should know there is no minimum age to do so. Children are fascinated by the ancient structures and Inca stories—guided tours and interactive activities ensure that every family member participates and enjoys a unique experience.
If you’re thinking of going with babies, keep in mind that you’ll need to bring a baby carrier or sling, since strollers are not allowed. For luggage, it is recommended to bring a small backpack with essentials: water, healthy snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, a cap or hat, sunglasses, and a rain jacket, as the weather can change quickly. It’s also very useful to include a small first aid kit with band-aids, hand sanitizer, and other basic items.
Before the trip, it’s a good idea to take your child to the pediatrician to prevent complications related to altitude sickness, commonly known as “soroche.” Also, make sure to buy entrance tickets to Machu Picchu and train tickets in advance, choosing times that don’t disrupt the child’s daily routine. Ensure kids wear comfortable footwear, preferably trekking shoes.
Machu Picchu can be visited by children of any age—you can even go with a baby. But don’t forget to bring a baby carrier, since strollers are prohibited. A great option for kids is to visit the citadel with a fun, engaging tour guide. Keep in mind that children over 3 years old and up to 17 years must pay for their entrance ticket. It’s very important to keep children away from high areas or cliffs, as many spots do not have railings. Frequent breaks are also recommended to rest and enjoy the scenery.
The best way to reach Machu Picchu with children is by taking the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo). This option is safe and comfortable. Avoid the walking route via Hidroeléctrica if traveling with small children, as it’s long and can be exhausting. Always carry canteens with water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a hat.
To buy tickets for children, follow these steps:
Children under 18 years old receive a discount on Machu Picchu entry tickets. To access the discount, parents must make the purchase by presenting the child’s ID or passport.
Remember that children under 3 years old do not pay to enter the citadel. Another important point is that minors cannot enter Machu Picchu unless accompanied by their parents or guardians.
Regarding food, you’ll find restaurants with child-friendly options in Aguas Calientes. Eating inside the archaeological site is not allowed, so make sure the children are well fed before entering. Still, it’s a good idea to bring snacks in case they get hungry during the journey. Bringing water in canteens is also recommended, and don’t forget your Machu Picchu tickets and ID or passport to avoid any issues and enjoy your family trip.
If you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu, you should know there are several things you must not do to protect the archaeological site. Keep in mind that you must not leave the designated path, and avoid creating crowds or causing disorder at the entrances. It’s important to know that you must not feed domestic or wild animals found inside the citadel. Additionally, pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs with the proper documentation. Another important note is that you cannot enter the citadel wearing high heels or hard-soled shoes, nor can you bring banners.
Remember that ignoring these restrictions may result in immediate expulsion without the right to a refund and the initiation of legal proceedings.
To enter the citadel, do not bring large backpacks—only small backpacks are allowed. You cannot bring food into the citadel, as eating inside the site is not permitted. It's advisable to bring water for the hike, but only in reusable bottles (not disposable plastic). Another important point is that selfie sticks or tripods are not allowed, nor is flying drones—drone use is completely prohibited throughout the sanctuary. It’s also important to avoid loud noises or disturbances, as these are considered disrespectful to the sacred environment. Shouting, running, or playing musical instruments is not allowed. Likewise, carrying banners, large flags, or flashy traditional costumes for promotional purposes, as well as any commercial or advertising activity without authorization, is prohibited. Also, pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs with documentation. If you encounter animals like llamas, do not feed them—they may react unpredictably and cause accidents.
Enjoying and connecting with nature can make your long-awaited trip more pleasant. However, there are behaviors that can negatively impact the experience. For this reason, certain actions are not allowed inside the citadel.
Engaging in obscene acts in public places that go against morality and good customs—such as undressing, wearing costumes, lying down, running, smoking, vaping, lighting fires, or throwing any kind of waste—is prohibited. Likewise, disturbing, collecting, or removing flora or fauna is forbidden.
A series of restrictions has been implemented, including the prohibition of high heels or hard-soled shoes, to protect the ground and structures of Machu Picchu. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, sturdy footwear with rubber soles to avoid damage and ensure a safe, comfortable visit. The weight and hardness of high-heeled soles can exert pressure on the ground, causing it to deteriorate over time. This is especially concerning in Machu Picchu, where the ground is already impacted by the high number of visitors.
Remember that ignoring these restrictions may result in immediate expulsion without the right to a refund and the initiation of legal proceedings.
Any actions that go against morality, good customs, or the integrity of others may lead to a lifetime ban from entering the citadel.
Always make sure you bring your ID and your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu—only with these documents will you be allowed to enter the citadel.
If you're planning to visit Machu Picchu, you should know there are several things you must not do in order to protect the archaeological site. Keep in mind that you must not leave the established path, and avoid causing crowds or disorder at the entrances. It’s important to know that you are not allowed to feed domestic or wild animals found within the citadel. Also, it is essential to note that pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs with proper documentation. Another point to consider is that you cannot enter the citadel wearing high heels or hard-soled shoes, nor bring banners.
Remember that failing to comply with these restrictions may result in the immediate expulsion of the visitor without refund, and the initiation of corresponding legal actions.
To enter the citadel, you must not bring large backpacks, as only small ones are allowed. You cannot bring food into the citadel, as eating is not permitted on the site. It is advisable to bring water for the hike, but only reusable bottles (not disposable plastic ones) are allowed. Another point to consider is that selfie sticks or tripods are not allowed, nor are drones—drone use is completely prohibited throughout the sanctuary. It’s also important to know that loud noises or disturbances are not allowed, as they are considered disrespectful to the sacred environment. Shouting, running, or playing musical instruments is not allowed. Banners, large flags, or colorful traditional costumes for promotional purposes are also prohibited, as are any commercial or advertising activities without authorization. Another important point is that pets are not allowed, except for guide dogs with documentation. If you encounter animals like llamas, do not feed them—they may react unpredictably and cause accidents.
Being able to enjoy and connect with nature makes a long-awaited trip more pleasant; however, some behaviors can ruin that experience. That’s why there are certain actions that are not allowed inside the citadel.
Engaging in obscene acts in public places that go against morals and good customs—such as undressing, wearing costumes, lying down, running, smoking, vaping, lighting fires, or throwing any kind of waste—is prohibited. Also, disturbing, collecting, or extracting flora or fauna is not allowed.
A series of restrictions has been implemented, including the prohibition of entering with high heels or hard-soled shoes, in order to protect the ground and structures of Machu Picchu. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with rubber soles to avoid damage and ensure a safe, comfortable visit. The weight and hardness of high-heeled soles can exert pressure on the ground, causing it to deteriorate over time. This is especially concerning in Machu Picchu, where the ground is already affected by the large number of visitors.
Remember that failing to comply with these restrictions may result in the immediate expulsion of the visitor without refund, and the initiation of corresponding legal actions.
Engaging in actions that go against morality, good customs, or the integrity of other people may lead to a permanent ban from entering the citadel.
Always make sure you bring your identification document and your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu; only with these will you be allowed to enter the citadel.
Machu Picchu has an average temperature between 12 and 24 °C. Due to its location, it is characterized by warm days, so it is always advisable to bring sunscreen, light clothing, and a hat to protect yourself from the heat, as well as cool nights and an average humidity of 86%. Additionally, it has two well-defined seasons: the dry season, when there is a higher influx of tourists—it is necessary to bring plenty of water—and the rainy season, when it is essential to carry a rain poncho, long-sleeved shirts, and mosquito repellent. Keep in mind that tripods, drones, alcoholic beverages or being under their effects, high heels with hard soles, and trekking poles with metal tips are prohibited. Don't forget to carry your entrance ticket and your ID or passport.
The dry season runs from May to October and is the most recommended time to visit the citadel, as the weather is stable and the skies are usually clear.
Between July and August, Machu Picchu typically receives a large number of visitors due to holidays in many countries. These months are considered the high season, with sunny and dry weather. If you want to get the best photos of Machu Picchu, these dates are ideal.
What to bring:
From November to March, rains are frequent, making this not the best time to visit Machu Picchu. Between March and April, rainfall decreases, but humidity can reach up to 91%, causing fog and reducing visibility of the citadel. However, this season also offers many advantages such as greater freedom to walk around, shorter waiting times to see the main attractions, and the opportunity to take photos without crowds—sometimes even enjoying a moment alone to connect with nature.
What to bring:
To visit Machu Picchu, it's essential to wear comfortable clothing suited to the weather, sturdy footwear for walking, sunscreen, insect repellent, a small backpack, and a reusable water bottle. Energy snacks are also recommended.
Other important items:
To reach Machu Picchu, you can consider one of these options, which will help you have a more comfortable stay. The main ones include traveling by train, which is used by most tourists. You can also arrive by hiking, either via the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, or through alternative routes like Hidroelectrica. All three routes arrive at Machu Picchu town, where you can purchase bus tickets that will take you to the entrance of the citadel. There, you must present your previously purchased entrance ticket and enjoy the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu.
It is one of the fastest and most common ways to reach Machu Picchu. Departures can be from the San Pedro station, located in the city of Cusco. The Poroy station, located 11 kilometers from the Historic Center, is approximately a 25-minute car ride away. The Ollantaytambo station can be reached by bus, taxi, or private service from downtown Cusco, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes. For any of these three options, you will need to have your previously booked train tickets. It is important not to forget your passport or ID.
Among the trekking options is the Inca Trail, which lasts 4 days, 3 nights and covers approximately 39 kilometers. You also have the option of 2 days and one night. It is considered o
ne of the best hiking trails in the world; along the Inca Trail, you will have the opportunity to explore several archaeological sites that provide insight into the region’s history and culture. Salkantay lasts 5 days, 4 nights and covers approximately 65 kilometers. On the last day, you reach Machu Picchu by bus from the town of Aguas Calientes.
The alternative routes combine bus and hiking, including the route through Hidroelectrica. This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reach Machu Picchu, involving a bus or car ride to Hidroelectrica and then a 3 to 4-hour walk. This trip is ideal for those who don’t want to spend too much or want to experience an adventure through the high jungle of Cusco.
From Aguas Calientes, you have two options to reach Machu Picchu: take a bus (25 min)—tickets can be purchased via their website or in the town itself (note that buying them in town may take longer, so it is recommended to purchase them online)—or walk (1.5 to 2 hours) to the entrance of the citadel.
Once at Machu Picchu, you must present your previously purchased and printed entrance ticket. You must enter Machu Picchu at the time stated on your ticket. It is important to know that from the moment of entry, each tourist may remain for approximately 2.5 hours in the Inca City. It is mandatory to be accompanied by a tour guide during the visit.
