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  • I've planned trips to South America for 8 years and see tourists make the same 9 mistakes in Machu Picchu, from forgetting permits to not considering altitude

I've planned trips to South America for 8 years and see tourists make the same 9 mistakes in Machu Picchu, from forgetting permits to not considering altitude

Marci Vaughn Kolt Apr 29, 2023, 16:48 IST

Machu Picchu, once a city built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Marci Vaughn Kolt

  • I've been a travel planner since 2014 specializing in South America.
  • I book many trips to Machu Picchu for my clients, and often see tourists make the same mistakes.
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I became a travel planner specializing in South America after moving to Chile from the US in 2014.

The author has been working as a personal South America travel consultant for the last eight years.Marci Vaughn Kolt

Machu Picchu, Peru, is a popular destination among my clients, and I've learned the do's and don'ts of visiting.

Machu Picchu is UNESCO World Heritage Site.Zoe Ettinger
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Not taking steps to prevent altitude sickness from the beginning of the trip is a mistake.

Drinking coca tea has been proven to relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness.Marci Vaughn Kolt

Skipping a stop in the Sacred Valley for local cuisine and outdoor adventures is another error I've seen tourists make.

The Sacred Valley is a great place to find Peruvian cuisine and adventures like kayaking or horseback riding.Marci Vaughn Kolt
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Those who assume that Machu Picchu is a one-day experience often spend more time traveling than admiring the ruins.

The author recommends visitors spend at least a week on a trip to Machu Picchu.Marci Vaughn Kolt

Some tourists mistakenly think that camping for three nights is the only way to experience the Inca Trail.

The author hiking the Inca trail (L) and Sun Gate, the original entrance to Machu Picchu.Marci Vaughn Kolt
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Forgetting to book permits in advance for the Inca Trail and shorter day hikes is a mistake.

The trails in Machu Picchu have a limited number of permits per day.Marci Vaughn Kolt

Going to the citadel and ruins early in the morning doesn't guarantee perfect sunrise views.

A birds-eye view of the ruins of Machu Picchu on a foggy day.Marci Vaughn Kolt
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I think you'll miss out on Peruvian culture and community by not staying in a boutique, locally-owned hotel.

Sol y Luna is a locally-owned hotel in Urubamba near Machu Picchu.Marci Vaughn Kolt

Automatically ruling out a visit during the wet season is a mistake in my opinion, as it can be a great time for non-hikers.

The rainy season in Peru is typically between November and March.Marci Vaughn Kolt
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Forgetting to use the bathroom before entering Machu Picchu means you'll have to hold it until you leave.

Machu Picchu doesn't have bathrooms, and once you exit the site you won't be able to re-enter.Marci Vaughn Kolt
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