Machu Picchu Solo Travel: A Brief Planning Guide

It's always so exciting to plan a tour in a faraway land. Do you want a solo tour? If so, how does Machu Picchu in Peru sound?

Peru is one of the most popular destinations for solo travellers because even downtown regions and tourist attractions are relatively secure. And, Machu Picchu is packed with amazing sites from the Inca civilisation. Going alone means you can spend more time exploring the Machu Picchu attractions and history!

We have some trips to Machu Picchu for you here at Skyhook if you want a guided tour. But, for now, here's more about going solo.

Machu Picchu has a high and low season like most other tourist destinations. The region is marked by a wet season (from December to April) and a dry season (from May through to September). The high season coincides with the dry season - marking the best time to hike Machu Picchu.

You can visit any time, depending on your budget and weather preferences, as the amazing archaeological complex is open all year.

However, should you choose to travel during the high season, book your ticket at least six months in advance because these sell out fast. Travelling during the low season is more hassle-free: you can book three months in advance and even bag a complimentary tour ticket.

Wet season means that the rain forests will turn an intense shade of emerald for your camera, but fogginess may impede visibility.

Every trip to Machu Picchu starts in Cusco. Once you land at the airport from the capital city of Lima, you can get there by train, bus, taxi, or a multi-day hike.

We recommend spending a few days in this city to acclimatise before heading out to Machu Picchu - here are some activities you can enjoy in Cusco.

When ready to go to go hiking, here's what the ride to Machu Picchu will be like:

You can take the train to Machu Picchu. The 45-minute ride to Aguas Calientes station, a lovely small town outside the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu, is one of the most scenic rides in the world. You'll need to take an inexpensive taxi ride to Poroy, where the Cusco train station is situated.

The Peru Rail and Inca Rail are economical options for travellers on a shoestring budget. Vistadome train is slightly more expensive and offers multiple departures to and from Machu Picchu, but you get comfy leather seats and large windows. Enjoy the dramatic view of the landscape's rugged peaks and the Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley.

If budget is not an issue and you want a touch of Peruvian luxury, book a ride on the Belmond Hiram Bingham. This train offers free gourmet meals and beverages throughout the ride and an observation car with unobstructed countryside views.

You can also travel to Aguas Calientes from Cusco through the town of Ollantaytambo via bus, minivan, or taxi.

Upon arrival to Aguas, plan your hike to the ruins the next day at 7 am or 10 am. 10 am is better because the fog will have lifted to give you a grand view. The town has a surprisingly great selection of hotels and access to any additional supplies.

Buses leave Aguas as early as 5 am to go up the windy road to the gates of Machu Picchu.

The train or bus is the fastest way to reach the Machu Picchu ruins. However, if you have the time, spirit, and urge to push your physical limits, why not hike to Machu Picchu? If you're going alone, the best trails to follow are the Inca trail and the Salkantay trail.

The 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an excellent option to truly experience the unique South American sub-tropical countryside and the archaeological marvel. Hiking the Inca Trail lets you get up close to the winding streams, sprawling farms grazing animals, and the lush cloud forests, then camp in the Andes Mountains under the stars at night.

The last day will be special as you walk to the Puerta del Sol to behold the Machu Picchu ruins for the first time! The Inca Trail is classified as a middle-difficulty hike, so you must do a little cardio prep so the high passes and steps do not hurt your knees or leave you gasping too hard for breath.

Other alternative treks to Machu Picchu offer the same scenic trekking experience, like the Salkantay trail around the massive mountain or the Lares Trek, where you will meet traditional Quechua communities.

Here are some Machu Picchu hiking tips you will find useful on your solo trip:

There's the risk of Machu Picchu altitude sickness since the complex has an elevation of 2,430m above sea level.

Acclimatise by staying in an elevated area like Cusco (3,399m) for a few days in Cusco - the city is actually higher than Machu Picchu, so you will have an easier time once you start hiking. You can also stay in Aguas for two nights to help your body adjust to the thinner air and stay alert for symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and headache.

If symptoms (even mild) do appear, you can take Coca tea (the locals use Coca to treat altitude sickness symptoms - it's a safe, affordable, and natural remedy). Also, buy some Coca candies to take with you to Machu Picchu. Avoid alcohol, hydrate, and limit physical exertion during this time.

Do not forget to share your itinerary with a trusted contact and plan your trip down to the last possible detail.

If you are going to trek, most parts of these routes have no cell service, so you may want to bring a satellite phone to stay connected in case you need to call for help.

Regardless of the season, the weather at Machu Picchu can change drastically. So, pack essentials like a heavy fleece jacket and raincoat in case it rains. Also, check that your travel insurance for Machu Picchu covers hikes at elevated altitudes.

Planning a solo trip to a place as intriguing as Machu Picchu is almost as delightful as the trip itself, and hopefully, your trip will be as memorable as the Incas were brilliant.

To be fully prepared for this hike, here are some Machu Picchu facts you should know and our thoughts on why you should visit Machu Picchu.

Remember, the best traveller is always prepared for anything, so check the weather forecast and see how your itinerary could be affected. Also, pack all essentials, including your very sense of adventure!