Machu Picchu is, without a doubt, Peru’s most famous tourist attraction and for good reason. This Inca citadel is a truly magical place, a lost city hidden deep in the Andes with the jungle at its feet–it’s hard to think of any place more beautiful and mysterious. After its abandonment by the Incan rulers, the location of Machu Picchu was known only to local people of the area. Outsiders were completely unaware of its existence, including the Spanish conquistadors, which is why the site was able to escape the widespread destruction inflicted by the invading armies. For that reason, Machu Picchu remains in especially good condition, a real glimpse into the past in a place of incomparable beauty.
Because Machu Picchu is so amazing, a lot of people want to visit it; in fact, more than a million people visit every year. While this is good for the local economy, too many crowds of tourists can definitely detract from an otherwise wonderful experience. Luckily, it’s easy to avoid the crowds at Machu Picchu if you know how. Just follow our advice below and you’ll be able to enjoy this incredible place relatively crowd-free!
Go Early
The easiest way to avoid the crowds at Machu Picchu is to arrive there as early as possible. Machu Picchu opens for the first shift of visitors at 5:30 a.m. and people line up as early as 3 or 4 a.m. to buy their tickets. Luckily, if you’ve got your tickets ahead of time, you don’t need to worry about this part. If you’re staying in Aguas Calientes for the night, just arrive at the site’s entrance via shuttle bus for the opening and you’ll be able to enjoy it before the large groups traveling directly from Cusco or the backpackers arriving from Aguas Calientes on foot have arrived. Not only will you have a chance to see a less-crowded Machu Picchu, you’ll also get to watch a gorgeous sunrise over the ruins.
Go Late
If you’re not much of a morning person, another option to avoid the crowds at Machu Picchu is to visit in the late afternoon. By this time, many visitors have already left for the day and you’ll be able to explore the ruins without too many large crowds around. The park officially closes at 5:30 p.m. and this is also when the last bus back to Aguas Calientes departs.
Go on a Machu Picchu Trek
There are two basic ways to visit Machu Picchu: you can do a day-trip to the ruins (sometimes with an overnight stay in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes), or you can arrive to the ruins as part of a Machu Picchu trek. While there are other factors to consider when deciding the best way to visit, one good thing to know is that visitors arriving via hiking trails are usually the first to arrive at the site in the morning. Part of the reason for this is that most treks use a separate entrance. Both the Inca Trail and the popular Salkantay Trek lead to Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku Sun Gate, while day trips to Machu Picchu usually go through the main entrance.
Visit During the Offseason
Weather in the Andes is divided into two seasons: the dry season, lasting from May until November, and the rainy season, which lasts from December until April. Far fewer tourists visit during the months of the rainy season. This is due not only to the sometimes-unpleasant weather but also to the fact that these months coincide with the North American and European winters, when fewer people from those countries have time for vacations and traveling. In February, the Inca Trail is also closed for the entire month for maintenance and cleanup. If you’re not planning to do any trekking and you want to avoid the crowds at Machu Picchu, a visit during the rainy season might be a good option as long as you don’t mind a little rain. Just make sure to pack a raincoat or a poncho! Another good idea is to visit on the cusp of the two seasons. If you visit in late April or early May, for instance, the rains should be subsiding but the tourism season will not yet be in full gear, so if you’re lucky you’ll be able to enjoy both decent weather and smaller crowds.
Soak It Up!
Visiting a place as incredible as Machu Picchu, it’s inevitable that you’re going to run into some crowds, so a good way to avoid them is to, well, not worry about it. If you spend the whole day at the site with a qualified guide, taking in the history and exploring the various areas of the park rather than rushing in for a few quick photos, you’re bound to see a lull in the crowds at some point in the day and you’ll be able to snap your perfect shot. So come with a relaxed mind, enjoy your time at Machu Picchu at a leisurely pace and soak it up!
With these useful tips for avoiding the crowds at Machu Picchu, you should be ready for your visit to this magical Lost City of the Incas. A visit to Machu Picchu is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who makes the trip. Discover for yourself why this place is a dream destination for so many people!
Header Image: Modified from Flickr / Nomadic Samuel
1st Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / Jason McCord
2nd Blog Image: Modified from Flickr / Luna y Valencia
