Classic Photo of Machu Picchu

The economic route to Machu Picchu is also known as the route by Hydroelectric. This route has the particularity that the travel expenses are lower and at the same time, it allows you to have a pleasant trip through the high jungle. Many people mention that they were lucky enough to encounter some cock off the rock, while others just enjoyed the hike. The hike is simple and suitable for everyone. From children to seniors will be able to cover this 2-hour hike without any problems. While enjoying the beautiful scenery. Let’s learn more about this route below.

Route through Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu

Bridge over the Vilcanota River on the Hydroelectric route

This route is quite popular among people who have the desire to visit Machu Picchu but in an economical way. It is well known that train travel prices raise considerably the cost of travel to Machu Picchu. In an attempt to overcome this mishap, several agencies have decided to include the Hydroelectric route, calling it the “Economic route to Machu Picchu”. As for the trip and the adventure itself, we can say that it is an excellent option. It is an excellent option not only for young people but also for entire families including children and grandparents.

It is also an excellent option, because even though the trip has to be done in two days. That is, you have to spend the night in a hotel in Machu Picchu or Aguas Calientes, the total price is still considerably less than a standard trip or the classic route to Machu Picchu. In addition, spending the night in Machu Picchu Town has its advantages because you will be able to ascend to the archaeological site early. This way, you will be one of the first to enter the Inca citadel or llaqta. In this sense, you can visit the Intihuatana which only has an entrance until 10:00 in the morning.

To achieve this, you have to enter in the first hours of entry to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. In this sense, you can do the last stretch of walking or in the ecological buses that are in charge of transporting you to the access area in only 30 minutes of travel. We recommend this option and also add the return route to avoid getting tired. Normally those who choose to do the route by Hydroelectric route, return to that place, which means that they will do the 2-hour walk again, but this time in the opposite direction. The return transport in Hydroelectric usually waits up to 14 hours to return to Cusco.

One way to summarize this route is as follows. The trip will start from Cusco, where you can find direct transportation to Hydroelectric. By contacting these services or an agency, the return transport service is guaranteed. For this, you have to make the trek on foot on a schedule that allows you to get to the vehicle on time. On the other hand, the walk is usually done on your own, just follow the train tracks. It is easy to find your way around and it is unlikely to get lost since several people are doing the route.

How should I plan my itinerary?

Landscape of the road to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric

The important thing to complete this trip safely and completely is to have proper planning of the itinerary. If you are going to do this route you must take into account that you will need two full days of your time in Cusco or Peru. Doing the route in another way is complicated, possibly yes, but too strenuous that you do not get to enjoy and know Machu Picchu properly. Below, we detail part of the itinerary that usually follows the travel agencies for the route of Hydroelectric or Economic Route to Machu Picchu.

• The first day can be referred to as the travel day.
• It is a long trip of approximately 6 hours. The trip is from Cusco to Hydroelectric.
• It is advisable to leave before 8:00 am, but you can also postpone it until 9:00 am.
• In Ollantaytambo, we make a brief stop. Ideal for shopping or using the toilet.
• The trip continues through the Cusco Andes, leaving Ollantaytambo behind you can see the snowy Malaga.
• The Malaga pass is an important point to take into account. From this place, you begin to descend to reach the high jungle.
• During the trip, we pass through districts of the province of La Convención. These districts are Santa Maria and Santa Teresa.
• Arriving in Santa Teresa is a sign that we are only 30 minutes away from Hydroelectric.
• In Hydroelectric travelers can have lunch. There are some good tourist restaurants there.
• After lunch, you should start the hike. Please note that there is no guide, you will have to take your time accordingly.
• The hike connecting Hydroelectric and Machu Picchu is only 2 hours.
• Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to have dinner or stop by your hotel and then have dinner.
• You must have a hotel room reservation.
• The next day it is recommended to make the ascent by bus so that you have all the energy and spirit to visit Machu Picchu.
• If you decide to do the route on foot, keep in mind that the average time of ascent is 2 hours and 30 minutes, having sporadic breaks.
• The tour of the llaqta of Machu Picchu is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Again, we recommend that you take the ecological buses.
• In case you have decided to return to Cusco by Hydroelectric, you will have to leave in a reasonable time. The transport usually only waits until 14:00 hours.
• Another option that would include more expense is the return trip by train. In any of the trains, you can do it in bimodal service.
• The train trip can be an option to have new experiences.

In this way, the trip can be made. The list that we present is normally the one that many agencies propose for tourists. Therefore, we try to make a replica with some comments or points to take into account. In case you want to make the trip on your own, it is possible. But it can take more time and it is always important to have a plan of action. For example, if you do this route independently, you can do some other activities along the way. Below, we present them to you.

Activities on the route

Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Santa Teresa

Many times the best choice to make about travel is to do it independently. When someone makes these trips he has and can stay longer in the places he likes, you can even improvise during the route. Here are some alternatives to take into account.

• Visit the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, Cocalmayo is one of the best destinations to take into account when making this tour. Why? Because it is one of the most beautiful thermal baths in Cusco. They have 3 large pools and the most attractive thing about this place is that the waters of the place are transparent and of a comfortable temperature. In case you make the trip on your own, take a trip to this place.
• In Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town, you can visit the local hot springs. Although the waters do not have the beauty of Cocalmayo, they are ideal for relaxing the muscles after the hike. The entrance hours are from 5:00 in the morning until 6:30 p.m. It is important to mention that the water is changed every so often.
• If you decide to stay longer in Machu Picchu Town, we leave you a free option. Well, you will have to make contact with a guide, but the adventure is really beautiful and full of adrenaline. We are talking about the ascent to the top of Putucusi Mountain. Once at the top, the view of the place is really beautiful and you have another perspective of the wonder of the world.
• Returning by train? This is an option for those who are curious or wish to experience what train travel is like. Although the travel time is not very long, the experience is usually rewarding, as there are few opportunities to travel by train in Peru.

Some recommendations on the route

Those who want to do this route, have to take into account that this route is not regulated by a public or private entity. In this sense, care should be taken when traveling this route and preferably accompanied. Here are some other important recommendations for travelers.

• The Machu Picchu ticket, even if you do the economic trip, make sure you have your entrance ticket ready to use. According to your entrance date, organize the rest and itinerary of your trip.
• A solution for those who did not investigate or investigated too late. In the district of Machu Picchu Town or Aguas Calientes, you can make reservations for the entrance ticket, but for this, you have to wait in a long line and wait for availability. Not a very pleasant thing to do.
• The best option will be to make direct trips, during the outbound leg. On the return trip, you can stay in Machu Picchu Town and Santa Teresa. In those places, you can find activities to do, which we have detailed above.
• Try to carry only what is necessary. Even if the route is short, you may have difficulties if your luggage or backpack is too heavy.
• Wear comfortable footwear, preferably hiking shoes or shoes with high soles or rubber soles.
• Don’t forget to use mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is one of the mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. This mountain has the particularity of housing constructions that are a challenge to vertigo and that unfortunately, many people fear. In this article, we want to talk about how the route is an answer if it is really dangerous. We will also learn more about this entrance ticket to Machu Picchu that allows you to do Circuit 4. We will start talking about some details of the mountain itself, and then talk about the care that must be followed and some details of how the hike to the top of the mountain. Join us.

Hiking to the summit of Huayna Picchu

Death stairs in Huayna Picchu

The hike to the top of Huayna Picchu requires a regular effort. The hike is not as demanding as it may seem. This is probably because you only follow the hike for 1 hour and 30 minutes up to 2 hours. The hiking time is always relative according to the physical conditions of the tourist. However, this does not mean that only a group of people will be able to complete the hike. The hike itself can be done by people over 60 years old. Many seniors managed to climb to the top without any problem.

Circuit 4 by the Llaqta of Machu Picchu includes a tour from the lower area of the access to Machu Picchu. That is to say, you enter from the middle of the platforms or the agricultural area. From this point, you start with the tour so you get directly to the area of the main temples and the House of the Inca. You can also see some fountains and water channels. Some of these are still working, although with a weak flow.

The tour of the Inca citadel will continue through Pisonay Square. Although the tour may seem short, you can appreciate the architectural details of the citadel, especially during the tour of the main buildings. The road will continue past the Sacred Rock. From there, the ascent to Huayna Picchu begins. It follows one of the routes created by the same urban planners of Tawantinsuyo. In other words, we will have the opportunity to follow the Inca Trail to reach the top of Huayna Picchu.

Before starting with the ascending routes, there is a small downhill route, just to exchange the passage through the mountains. When ascending, we will follow the road that will be composed of stretches of stairs formed with carved stones. The route is quite normal until you can see the first Inca constructions of the place. There also, you can find quite steep stairs that are next to the platforms. Further on is where the views and the route take on a different meaning.

Once you pass the first sidewalks and buildings, you will reach a sector known as the “stairs of death”. These stairs are characterized by having steps that are quite close together, which means that you have to ascend using your hands. This place is short but beautiful. From this ascent, you can see beautiful views that are a delight for lovers of heights. Although the route may seem dangerous, it is quite safe. It will always be important to do it carefully and without haste. Here are some more tips.

Care and recommendations during the hike

Tourist Climbing to the summit of Huayna Picchu

• The route is quite safe, although at times the nerves may produce some fear, there is nothing to worry about. Above we mentioned that the route can be done by people over 70 years old without any problem. However, it is necessary to make the ascent with total care and as far as possible to have your hands free, especially during the last stretches of the ascent.
• In the case of using trekking poles, they can be an excellent option, but make sure that you are allowed to have permission and use them carefully and without the intention of damaging the enclosure or some constructions of the place. On the other hand, it is advisable to use it only until you reach the Inca constructions. In this place, you will need your hands free to hold on to the support points or the stairs themselves.
• It will also be important to wear good friction or non-slip shoes. Remember that you will have a total hike of approximately 5 hours doing the tour of Machu Picchu and the ascent to Huayna Picchu. Footwear is essential to avoid problems or accidents. Some people do the tour with the wrong shoes and end up with injuries or similar.
• Have a good breakfast. It is important to eat well, especially knowing that you will have a long and strenuous ride. Good nutrition is the basis for safe and enjoyable treks. No one wants to arrive at Machu Picchu and think about their next meal or breakfast. So make sure you have an excellent breakfast.
• In case, you visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season, you have to be careful when hiking. The wet stones are sometimes slippery. On the other hand, the rains will likely continue to fall without warning. If you make the trip between January and March, it is best to have a waterproof poncho and walk carefully among the stones.
• Don’t think too much about time or worry if you are running late. The time we mentioned of 5 hours is the necessary time for most people. In all that time tourists can make the ascent with the respective rests. Also, have enough time for contemplation and touring the Llaqta of Machu Picchu. Try to make the ascent at your own pace will be essential to avoid accidents.
• Something that many agencies leave out is the protection you will need. The activities during the visit and ascent of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are entirely under the sun. We could also call them outdoor activities. In this sense, it is recommended to bring and use sunscreen and mosquito repellent regularly. Sweat sometimes removes the protective layer.

How to make the ascent safely?

Climbing Huayna Picchu in an orderly fashion

To have a safe ascent it is important to be attentive to the route. On the other hand, you should follow the recommendations we gave in the previous section. Something we did not mention is related to the belongings you will carry. It is advisable not to carry large backpacks or similar. A small backpack where you can store the necessary things will be enough for one day’s activity. In case you plan to have more adventures in Machu Picchu Town, take only the necessary for your tours.

Another recommendation that can be followed as an option is that the interested tourist should have sporadic workouts. This is to have good physical shape and to be able to do the walk enjoying it and not as a punishment. In case you do not exercise regularly, the advice would be to start doing it. This is for the above-mentioned purpose. The exercises that you can do are the essential ones such as running, cycling routes, or others in which you can improve your physical condition.

As for acclimatization, we believe that it is not necessary to do so. This, although Machu Picchu is over 2 430 meters above sea level and the summit of Huayna Picchu at 2 720 meters altitude. This may cause some discomfort, but no such cases were recorded. This is because many people, without realizing it when they arrive in Cusco and do some activities there, are already acclimatizing. In case you do the Inca Trail, we suggest that you strictly have two days of acclimatization.

Is Huayna Picchu a dangerous route?

Finally, and as a form of conclusion, we can say that the route and ascent to Huayna Picchu is not dangerous. Many people consider that the route is dangerous because you have to climb vertiginous scenarios. However, these scenarios are what make this route beautiful and surprising. In case you have the opportunity to do this ascent route, do not be afraid of heights and dare to do it. It is likely that during the hike you will have some fears, but the important thing is to remain calm and understand that it is part of the route.

To have a comfortable hike we recommend that you have a regular-size backpack. In it you should have a few snacks if possible fruit and some hydrating drinks or just water. The heat of the place during the ascent makes the hike seem strenuous but the truth is that you only sweat a lot. Product of the hike and the heat. In case the tourist thinks that he/she sweats too much, it would not be superfluous to bring a towel and a change of clothes.

The safest time to do this tour is during the months between April and October. These months are the dry season, so rainfall is scarce. However, there is always the possibility of light rain in the afternoon. These rains will be a product of the climatic conditions. The whole area of Machu Picchu is located in a semi-tropical zone.

Buses in front of the hotel Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

Buses in Machu Picchu are the perfect option to reach the archaeological site with all possible energy. Of course, you can also get there walking, but that requires an effort that you can save. This takes into account that the tour of Machu Picchu has a minimum duration of at least 2 hours on foot. During these two hours, of course, you can rest, but only for a short time. The best thing to do is to have enough energy available to have a comfortable tour with a good attitude. All this, we will detail in this blog, we will also learn more about the ecological buses that operate daily for the service of domestic and foreign tourists.

What is the company in charge of bus transportation to Machu Picchu?

Consettur bus on its way to Machu Picchu archaeological site

The company in charge of regulating the correct operation of the buses to Machu Picchu is Consettur Machu Picchu SAC. They have been performing this function since August 23, 1995. Each year they have been improving the buses and increasing the number of buses. That is why you can visit with total comfort in any of its 24 buses that operate with almost immediate frequency.

This consortium is the entity in charge of directing, organizing, and managing the operations of all the buses. In addition, it has more workers, not only bus drivers, but also office workers, sales, logistics, and many other tasks. In the field area we must point out the presence of drivers, personnel in charge of maintenance of the Hiram Bingham highway, and also security personnel, ready for any unforeseen event.

The way they work, as mentioned above, is through associations that are integrated into Consettur’s regulations. According to them, they prioritize contact or partnership with Cusquenian businessmen. In addition to having quality control, thus is a special service for all tourists who want the service. The service is not divided into foreign and domestic tourists. Some discounts can be found for national tourists and especially for the cusqueños as we will see later on.

The buses that are associated with these services must have LPG installations. This is so that like the rest of the buses, they comply with the lowest possible carbon emission. Machu Picchu Town and the Llaqta of Machu Picchu (archaeological site) are the only destinations in the world that managed to have a carbon-neutral emission certification. For this, the entire community prepared and educated themselves for a long time. As time goes by, it is expected that the rest of the Wonders of the World will achieve this highly valued certification. All the above mentioned helps enormously to maintain the beautiful biodiversity of the place and the entire Machu Picchu Natural Sanctuary in general.

How are the buses to Machu Picchu?

The buses to Machu Picchu are very comfortable in general terms. In addition, the travel time is only 30 minutes on average. During the trip, a route of 10 kilometers is covered. The buses have panoramic windows which makes it possible to enjoy the views and the trip. For some sections of the road, you can see part of the ruins and archaeological remains of the Llaqta of Machu Picchu.

Likewise, bus tickets only have several seats. All those who have purchased a ticket have the right to travel seated. In addition, standing passengers are strictly forbidden. In case your group of friends exceeds the capacity, it is advisable to wait for the next bus and give your turn to other passengers. There is a short queue to board the buses so that the boarding is done in order. Reservations that are made do not have a fixed or determined seat, but rather the seats are occupied randomly. Here are some other characteristics of these buses to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu.

• Reservations can be made for both roundtrips.
• The buses have a capacity of 29 seats. All of them are comfortable and spacious.
• The buses have a dedicated space for backpacks.
• They are environmentally friendly and run on LPG.
• This trip as well as the hike allows you to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the high jungle.
• Reservations for the buses can be made digitally.
• Tickets can also be purchased right at the bus stations.
• The trip is safe, all seats are equipped with safety belts.
• Departures are almost immediate. The wait is usually about 10 minutes at the most.
• There are days when the queues stretch for blocks, but everyone will be able to access the services, there are no limits.
• The stretch along the Hiram Bingham road is only 10 kilometers long.
• It is an option to arrive with all the energy to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu.
• If you make a virtual reservation, it is advisable to bring your printed ticket.
• The attention of these buses is from 5:30 in the morning until 18:00 hours at the most.
• The availability is according to the number of tickets that exist to visit the Llaqta of Machu Picchu.
• Tickets can also be purchased in Cusco. The address is Av. Infancia 433 – Cusco.
• Children under 5 years old have the option to travel for free.
• The bus station is located in front of the handicrafts market and near the Abastos market.
• By taking this trip you will be able to arrive at Machu Picchu with all the energy available.

Why travel by bus?

View of the mountains that surround Machu Picchu

Traveling by bus will allow you to reach the access area of the archaeological site of Machu Picchu without any problems. The bus trip is recommended for people with some ailments or discomforts. Also for minors and even for the elderly. The comfort of the trip guarantees that this short trip, of only 30 minutes, can be made without any kind of problem. It is unlikely to affect people who suffer from motion sickness or the like. The important thing is to remain calm during the trip.

The route that covers starts from the district or town of Machu Picchu Town. In this place, you can also find the train station, craft markets, and supplies, restaurants of different offers, and also the presence of some banks. Some of them with banks as such and others are only agencies or ATMs for obtaining cash. Some people also decide to go to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town to have a day of recreation. For them, it is recommended to visit the baths, hot springs, and other activities that can be done in this district. They can stay as long as they wish because of the activities.

One of the best reasons to travel on the buses, before we digress, is that you can make round-trip reservations. That is, by making a single reservation you will be able to purchase both tickets. So you will not have to worry about returning. On the other hand, it is important to take into account that at the moment of making the reservation you will not be able to choose the time of departure or return. In this sense, a way to generate control and certain order is that, at the time of showing the bus reservation ticket, the ticket and time of entry to Machu Picchu are also shown. This action is also done because it is a way to maintain the flow of people ascending and not have congestion of people in the access area. In this sense, make sure to go up at a time close to the entrance time to Machu Picchu.

The option of walking to Machu Picchu

Return on foot after Visiting Machu Picchu

In case you want to avoid the bus trip because it does not suit your adventurous spirit. The foot option would be the only option left. The hike to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is done following the buses. Once you cross the bridge, you will find an exclusive route for those who decide to do this hike. The average walking time is 2 hours. If you plan to do the hike, it is recommended that you choose to enter Machu Picchu after 8:00 in the morning. Some people got overconfident and did not manage to arrive on time or according to the schedule indicated on their tickets and unfortunately lost the right to enter.

You should also keep in mind that the hike is done on completely ascending trails. Some parts of the section have stairs that can be exhausting for many people. Therefore, it is recommended to make the hike to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu without rushing and taking adequate breaks to avoid accidents or overloading the muscles. It is important to do this hike with adequate time.

Schedules and price table for the buses to Machu Picchu

The buses that cover the route from Machu Picchu Town or Aguas Calientes to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu, do not have a specific schedule of departure of the buses. However, you can access these services from 5:30 in the morning and for an average of 12 hours, that is, until 17:30 hours of the day. It is also important to mention, again, that you will have to show your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu to enter the buses and avoid congestion. Next, let’s get to know the price table.

Friends visiting Machu Picchu

The visit to Machu Picchu for some people can be complicated, due to the altitude at which it is located. Although in general, they will not present an acute discomfort, as in other destinations in Cusco or in Cusco itself. Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level. This altitude can cause some, but slight problems. Therefore, to avoid the discomfort of altitude sickness we want to talk, throughout this article, about some symptoms of altitude sickness, how to solve it, and what measures to take. This is because we know of the multiple options to reach Machu Picchu, and taking advantage of the fact that you will be in Cusco, it is possible to visit other destinations.

The main symptoms of altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is characterized by different symptoms. The main reason for this discomfort is the change in altitude suffered by the tourist or traveler. Few regions in the world have populations above 2000 meters above sea level. The great majority of cities are located near the coasts, therefore, they have low altitudes. In places near the sea or coastal areas, more oxygen can be found. In short, oxygen is abundant, while in towns or cities at higher altitudes, the opposite is true.

In cities above 2,000 meters above sea level, a lower oxygen density can be found compared to cities close to sea level. This scale is gradual, as you move away from sea level there is less oxygen. In this sense, the bodies of these people will experience some changes due to the lower amount of oxygenation. This will end up altering their whole body in different ways, especially at the moment of distributing oxygen to the whole body. It is from this lack of oxygen that the symptoms or discomforts of altitude sickness or soroche begin to be felt. The main discomforts that can be found or to identify altitude sickness are:

• Headache, the headache begins in a latent form, that is to say, it is felt at times and at times not. It is as if it were a warning for the future. As the body is exposed to the low amount of oxygen the pain becomes more acute, mainly because it does not have or does not get much oxygen to the brain.
• Tiredness, this discomfort is often associated with irritability. The tourist, not understanding exactly his or her sorrows, generates some uncomfortable and even aggressive responses to his or her peers. Fatigue can also be confused with certain muscular pains and a lack of desire to continue an activity or similar.
• Nausea. Nausea appears precisely because of the decompensation that the body is experiencing. In addition to this discomfort, there is also a lack of appetite. This is a normal reaction to so much discomfort.
• When the problem worsens, cases rarely seen in Cusco, symptoms such as respiratory difficulty, confusion, and even total disorientation of the patient begin to be experienced and expressed.
• More extreme cases already lead to frothy and pink vomiting. These cases should be treated immediately. Many of these cases even provoke coma in the patient. However, there are no records of these cases in Cusco and much less in Machu Picchu which is at a lower altitude.

Do I need to acclimatize to go to Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is located at 2 430 meters above sea level. It has a lower altitude compared to Cusco which is over 3 399 meters above sea level. In this sense, it is likely to have the first symptoms that we detailed in the previous section. This, of course, on arrival in Cusco. It is normal for those arriving in Cusco to have some of the discomforts we have mentioned. However, in none of the cases we experienced a negative evolution.

In addition, many of these cases can be solved or disappear with the passing of the hours. Now, we want to explain in which cases you would need to acclimatize your intention to visit Machu Picchu. The first reason is if, in the activities to follow, you are planning to do the trekking routes such as the Inca Trail 4 days, Salkantay Trek, and the Choquequirao Trek. These routes, for some stretches and even days, cross altitudes of more than 4,000 meters above sea level. In case you are thinking of doing this route it is necessary to acclimatize at least a couple of days in Cusco.

Suppose the intention is only to visit Machu Picchu for one day and then start the return trip. It is not necessary to make an acclimatization, on the contrary, even making the journey to Machu Picchu with some discomfort, will be relieved during the trip. This is because the lower the altitude, the higher the oxygenation. To make the trip to Machu Picchu is not necessary to acclimatize as such unless you are thinking of doing the trekking routes. On the other hand, if you are planning to do other routes or visit other destinations that have higher altitudes than Cusco, you must have an acclimatization plan.

In Cusco, you can make several activities of simple tours for different attractions within Cusco and after making a short trip. For example, you can visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the South Valley, and visit the churches. You can even do the City Tour. All the activities that we mentioned will take you to archaeological sites without the need to make strong or long walks. That is to say, they are ideal to get to know, distract, and acclimatize. Now let’s know some important measures to have a good acclimatization.

Main alternatives or ways to avoid altitude sickness

Coca leaf – Machu Picchu Mountain

Drink plenty of fluids. One way to avoid decompensation due to altitude sickness is to hydrate adequately. Drinking water will help you relax your muscles and internal organs since they will be hydrated and the discomfort will not feel too heavy.

Coca leaf. Coca-leaf is highly recommended for all those who begin to feel some discomfort. The way to consume the coca leaf is direct or as an infusion. When we say direct, we mean chewing it until it forms a ball. In the case of infusions, put a good handful of leaves in a cup and pour hot water directly over the leaves, let stand for a moment, and drink it. The coca leaves must be previously dried. They usually offer this product in hotels. Another option is to consume coca candies.

Take short walks. Short walks will help you relax. In the previous section, we mentioned some alternatives that can be perfectly suited to this advice. You can also do night walks in Cusco visit the museums or just walk the streets and the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.

Keep calm. We know that the discomforts are terrible. However, it is important to be calm and not fall into despair or anguish that the symptoms may worsen. It is necessary to recognize why our body is experiencing all these physiological changes. If the person recognizes these discomforts and identifies the causes, he or she will feel better more quickly. He or she will also avoid unnecessary alerts.

Do not overdo physical exercise. There have been cases in which people felt good and began to climb mountains with great speed. When they became agitated, they required more oxygen and caused some discomfort, and even doing this can cause more discomfort. That is why it is recommended to take it easy and do simple routes to acclimatize.

Visit the doctor. The visit to the doctor is only to have permission or medical consultation so that older adults can make the trip without problems and with the necessary medication, in case they need it. On the other hand, you can make these consultations with your doctor to feel more confident when making the trip.

Other recommendations

Visits to Machu Picchu are usually quite crowded. In addition, the daily admission capacity has a limit. In this sense, it is important to make the ticket reservations in advance. This will also help you to avoid falling into scams. On the other hand, having a ticket to Machu Picchu on a certain date will help you to better plan all the activities you can do before or after visiting Machu Picchu.

Although Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level, it has a semi-tropical climate so you will find a large presence of mosquitoes, a temperature above 14°C, and the likelihood of sudden rains. In the case of December to March, the probability of rain increases considerably. That is why it is recommended to bring a waterproof poncho.

In the case of mosquitoes, it is always recommended to have a repellent. These small insects have the right climate to live in the entire geographical area of Machu Picchu. However, a good repellent is enough to avoid their bites. Mosquitoes will be present throughout the year. On the other hand, during the trekking routes to Machu Picchu, mosquito repellent should be used in addition to a good sunscreen for skin care.