gate 1 travel machu picchu

7 Day Peru & Machu Picchu

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• Discover the astonishing ancient citadel of Machu Picchu via The Voyager Inca Rail Train City Tour of Lima with its 2000 years of history †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

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• Round trip flights Miami-Lima, Lima-Miami Some departure dates may be offered from an alternate nearby airport. Check flight itinerary options when booking. Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices Airline taxes & fuel surcharges All intra-flights: Lima-Cuzco & Cuzco-Lima 6 nights accommodations
• 2 nights Lima 1 night Sacred Valley 1 night Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) 2 nights Cuzco Hotel taxes, fees & service charges Hotel porterage All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates† 9 meals: 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners Sightseeing per itinerary in modern motor coach Services of English-speaking tour manager Services of English-speaking local guides Entrance fees per itinerary

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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Gate 1 Travel .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Gate 1 Travel Reviews & Ratings

Other gate 1 travel reviews, gate 1 cares about money and not customer satisfaction or safety.

We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however ...

THE ABSOLUTE WORST

THE ABSOLUTE WORST. Dishonest, incompetent, fraudulent. We booked a trip to Europe with them, and it was a mess from start to finish. The flight that we paid extra...

Joyce Toler

Poor customer service

It has been about 7.5 years since I traveled with Gate 1 Travel. In the past, customer service was exceptionally great! Now I am appauded with the unprofessional and...

See all Other Gate 1 Travel reviews

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Tour operator, gate 1 travel.

Gate 1 Travel offers escorted tours, European river cruises, independent vacations and customized international vacation packages for less. Our discount travel packages and tour packages to destinations worldwide provide exceptional value, saving our customers time and money. We have taken care of all the details so you don't have to. Find your dream vacation today.

Company Background & Highlights

Mission: To deliver More of the World for Less by developing quality, affordable vacations for North Americans. To provide exemplary service to our customers and to earn their loyalty. To respect our partners. To invest in our employees, providing a safe and comfortable work environment. To know and understand our products and destinations. To constantly innovate and be a leader in technology.

Founded in 1981 with 3 employees; now with over 200 employees worldwide

Headquarters: Fort Washington, PA (Suburban Philadelphia)

Overseas Offices: Hungary, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Morocco, Argentina, Indonesia, Great Britain, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Peru, Ecuador, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

30+ years of providing travel services to clientèle

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Gate 1 Travel's target market is a traveler seeking high quality, affordable travel ranging from a superior tourist class to moderate deluxe class level of accommodations with the highest level of service.

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Gate 1 Travel is backed by the largest, most well-respected financial institutions and insurance providers, guaranteeing the greatest level of financial security to every passenger. Gate 1 welcomes your inquiries of any of those independent offices.

Gate 1 Travel's active membership in USTOA (United States Tour Operators Association), a professional organization representing the world's leading tour operators, requires that Gate 1 meet a minimum requirement of $1 million professional liability insurance (Gate 1 maintains a $5 million policy).

Additionally , Gate 1 is required to participate in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program, requiring them to post $1 million in security, held by USTOA, in the unlikely event of bankruptcy or insolvency.

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Trek Along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: A Once-in-a-lifetime Experience

If you want to feel the dizzying effects of the rising altitude leading you to one of the world’s New Seven Wonders of the World, taking a trek on the Inca Trail will fill this travel-sized hole in your heart. The country of Peru is a mystifying destination of its own, a home of influential culture, historical villages, and Inca construction, giving a much deeper meaning to the land’s storied past.

One of the best ways to truly come to know a destination and feel connected to the land is by embarking on a walking tour. The Inca Trail offers much in the field of enlightening interactions and physical activity. With up to eight hours of walking each day on our Inca Trail tour , travelers are able to experience the country on foot and embrace a slower form of tourism that breaks away from past-paced touristry and instead warrants a unique perspective on Peruvian heritage.

An Intro to Lima

Rather than saving a “big city finale” for the end of your trip, start out strong in the capital city of Lima, a buzzing metropolis contrasting the remote paths you will be engrossed in for the majority of the trip. With its historical significance taking the form of government buildings, you’ll be able to gain a sense of the city’s importance by walking to sights such as the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. In order to truly begin digging into the culture of Peru, however, seasoned visitors recommend attending a cooking demonstration to see how a traditional Peruvian meal is prepared. From ceviche to Lomo Saltado, Peruvians have proven to have a sophisticated palate that comes alive in the kitchen. Give yourself a front-row seat to this process, learning the techniques and favored recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Begin Your Trek in Sacred Valley

After arriving in the spirited city of Cuzco, you’ll be transported to the scenic hilltop ruins of Pisac to begin the walking segment of your trip. While hiking down the steep path to Pisac village, admire the far-off views of the textured streets lined with local vendors. Walk through the cobblestone streets selling colorful artisanal crafts and accessories. Continue on foot to Moray, a leveled architectural center showcasing the Incans’ intellectual grasp of high-altitude crop growing that fed their lands for centuries.

Located within the Sacred Valley is another prominent archaeological site with squares of terrain giving off a milky color from afar. Upon walking closer, you’ll discover these squares to be salt evaporation ponds with varying degrees of neutral colors. Explore to your heart’s content before hiking back down. Spend your evening enjoying more of Peru’s foodie culture by joining a local family for a home-cooked meal in a village near the riverside.

The Highlight of the Trip: Machu Picchu

Following a few days of adjusting to the nomadic lifestyle, you and your group will board The Expedition Train to Km 104. Upon disembarking, you will begin a gradual uphill hike to the honored Incan remains known worldwide as Machu Picchu. Allow the image of Machu Picchu  to encourage you as you trek through the sacred scenery and experience the landscape in its magic hour. Your first day on the trip will lead you past the Incan ruins of Wiñaywayna and eventually lead you to Intipunku, also known as the Sun Gate. This spot will introduce you to your first glimpse of Machu Picchu, a sight that will only grow more profound as you hike down a rocky path.

The next morning will begin early for those opting into the optional hike to Huayna Picchu, an arched mountain overlooking the archaeological site. In the late morning, embark on an Inca stone trail to gain a closer look at the ancient ruins that have made Machu Picchu a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although this influential citadel was abandoned by its former inhabitants, it has remained a protected part of history, now drawing in over a million visitors each year. Join the other travelers in admiring the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Priest, the Sacred Plaza, and a carved rock that the Incas are presumed to have used as a sundial.

Additional Incan Culture

After an immersion in the Incan ruins giving present evidence of a previous lifetime, journey to Wayllarcocha to embrace more culture by participating in a shaman ceremony. Your group will be introduced to a local “shaman” (holy man) to learn more about the prominent Andean culture and traditions. Following an educational introduction, your group will hike to yet another Incan site known as Saqsaywaman, continuing the theme of admiring ancient sites that have remained intact. The day will be finished by hiking to the cultural center of Cuzco, inviting you to journey further into the poetic San Blas neighborhood. From visiting whimsical galleries to introducing yourself to locals on their daily commute, these quarters will inspire you to sit back and admire the aesthetic atmosphere that cannot be duplicated elsewhere in the world.

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Gate 1 Travel - 10 Day Affordable Peru Tour - Machu Picchu Forum

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The Peru trip with Gate 1 Travel is our third trip with the company. We were very happy with our previous two tours (Ecuador and Morocco) and when we decided to go to Peru, Gate 1 Travel was our first choice. However we had a very disappointing tour experience with Gate 1 Travel this time for our 10 Day Affordable Peru Tour on September 2016. Our tour manager initially wasn’t helpful and we found him kind of rude at times. We often either got ignored or brushed off for our questions. After a few days just before our Machu Picchu journey and he changed to become helpful and willing to answer questions.

If you want to spend time in Machu Picchu on your own, this tour may not be for you but then again it maybe depending on the tour manager. Before our Machu Picchu journey, I asked our tour manager how long will we be in Machu Picchu and will we get our own free time. I was told that we will be in the park for about 3 hours and after the guided tour we will have some time for ourselves. In reality we entered the park on a guided tour at 10:30 am and left the park at 12:40 pm. Before we exited the park, I requested the tour manager to have some free time on our own but was told that the park is not allowed us to do so which I know that’s just his excuse. We travelled a long way there but can’t even enjoy it but just pushing us through it. It was very disappointing.

We signed up for all optional tours available from Gate 1 Travel based on our past good experiences. Unfortunately history didn’t repeat itself.

The Dinner and Show in Lima (US$55 per person) – the show was extremely amateurish and the food was terrible. Only 6 from our tour group signed up and after a while watching the show, none of us wanted to stay any longer. However our tour manager insisted for us to stay and won’t let us go till 15 minutes before the show ends. This optional tour was terrible.

Dinner with a Local Peruvian Family (US$25 per person) – My husband and I were looking forward to this initially. However that day the whole area was out of power except for the hotel. Our tour manager insisted that it was not an issue to have the dinner with the local family. The family will cook the meal by wooden stove. We went there in the total darkness and ate in the dark with a few candles. The guinea pigs were running freely in the house and by our feet as we dined. We felt totally uneasy and unclean. We both got diarrhea the very next morning which is the day that we went to the Machu Picchu site. We are very disappointed for the judgement that the tour manager had. The dinner should have cancelled.

The only optional tour is actually worth your money will be Maras & Moray Tour. It was a long drive but personally we enjoyed the scenery.

I hope this review will help others in the future to plan your trip in Peru. Good luck and have fun.

Thanks for your review. It might help others plan. I didn't use Gate 1 but I saw a group from Gate 1 at Machu Picchu when we were there and noticed that they seemed to be rushed through it by a guide who didn't seem to be very pleasant. I've heard good things about Gate 1 in the past but it made me wonder about taking a tour with them.

Thanks for this review. I have just booked a Gate 1 as it was the only tour leaving on the dates that I could get leave from work. As an older solo female traveller I am no longer as intrepid as I once was so doing it alone isn't feasible any more.

I'm sorry you had this experience and hope that you complained to Gate 1 and that they have given that particular guide a severe reprimand. While I understand more about guiding than many (my late husband was a guide at one of the major sites in Turkey) your guide also needed to understand that for many this is an expensive and a very special occasion and they make or break the experience.

Please complain (if you haven't already done so).

I complained to Gate 1 about our 'Dinner & Show' and the 'Local Dinner' that make us sick but didn't bother the rest. Gate 1 gave us a $50 good will voucher which is nothing. I recommanded Gate 1 to my friends before but I will stop doing it from now on.

I think you are right. I sent Gate 1 the link of this posting.

Thanks. Hopefully that will stop someone else having a miserable trip which doesn't meet the advertised information.

thanks for the heads up , i will give them a miss.

Since MP is a once in a life time experience i want to have as much time there as possible , even if it means spending a night in AC and going to MP the next day again.

Sucks to hear that. I was planning on taking this trip with Gate 1 but not the affordable one. My last trip to Italy with them was perfect. Idk now. I do believe that guides can make or break the trip. BTW, was it safe there? I hear that you can't flash your jewelry, phone, camera. So how are you supposed to take pictures?

Tbank you!!!

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Machu Picchu Hotels and Places to Stay

• Great tips for Machu Picchu - May 2016
• What are the hours of Machu Picchu?
• What if I buy tickets for the wrong date?
• Day trip to Machu Picchu
• Is Machu Picchu accessible to special needs visitors?
• Buying Consettur bus tickets to Machu Picchu
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• Machu Picchu Tourism
• Machu Picchu Hotels
• Machu Picchu Bed and Breakfast
• Machu Picchu Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu Restaurants
• Things to Do in Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu Travel Forum
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• Machu Picchu
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Gate 1 Travel tour to Peru - Machu Picchu Forum

• South America    
• Peru    
• Cusco Region    
• Sacred Valley    
• Machu Picchu    

Gate 1 Travel tour to Peru

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I would like to know the feedback for using Gate 1 going to Peru (8 day). If anyone also upgraded their hotels can they know me if it was worth it? Also did you opt on the optional tours?

Do a search here on this forum to see past complaints or recommendations.

Also, read back in history (or do a tour agency search on Peru forum) to see what companies get recommended over & over.

The people who used Gate1 Travel in past trips to Peru may have moved on to other country forums by now.

Gate 1 not local no Peru expertise

just a budget tour clearinghouse for world tours

subs their stuff out better to go with locals

that get GREAT reviews

http://www.kuodatours.com

http://www.pmexplorers.com

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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• Bug bites from MP Apr 16, 2024
• Another question about MP entry time Apr 16, 2024
• Machu Picchu to Cusco Recommendation Apr 15, 2024
• Machu Picchu train - departures other than Cusco Apr 14, 2024
• Confused by ticket time Inka bridge + Circuit 1,2 Apr 12, 2024
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Machu Picchu Hotels and Places to Stay

• Great tips for Machu Picchu - May 2016
• What are the hours of Machu Picchu?
• What if I buy tickets for the wrong date?
• Day trip to Machu Picchu
• Is Machu Picchu accessible to special needs visitors?
• Buying Consettur bus tickets to Machu Picchu
• Student Tickets for Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the Lost City of the Incas and inspires awe at first sight, especially if you journey there on the Inca Trail . Browse our destination guide below for essential travel details and top attractions to check out on your visit.

Only a few places in the world possess the kind of natural beauty and historic charisma that can capture the hearts and minds of visitors in an instant. Machu Picchu is one of them. Morning or afternoon, rain or shine, crowded or not - the sight of the stone temples and endless terraces set amid green-clad granite mountains never disappoints.

Forgotten after the fall of the Inca Empire and rediscovered 400 years later, Machu Picchu remains shrouded in mystery. Some questions may never be answered, but the former Inca city remains as irrefutable evidence of their highly advanced stonemasonry.

Whether by train or on your own two feet along the Inca Trail, getting to Machu Picchu is part of the adventure. Most visitors spend at least one night in Aguas Calientes, the small town at the base of the mountain from the Inca ruins. We recommend exploring the UNESCO Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and New World Wonder with an expert guide, so you don’t overlook the brilliant engineering features and asserted significance built into the design of sacred temples.

Climate & Weather

Machu Picchu is at the intersection of the Andes and the Amazon, where the mild subtropical climate has warm days and cooler nights. Humidity is also higher than in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Dry Season and Rainy Season

Weather at Machu Picchu changes quickly and is unpredictable throughout the year. Similar to other high altitude destinations in Peru, the region has a dry and rainy season, but these conditions changes in the weather aren’t as clearly defined. The dry winter season for Machu Picchu is from April to October, and the wet summer season is from November to March. Remember, the northern and southern hemispheres experience opposite seasons.

Average Temperatures

Daytime: 68°F - 80°F (20°C - 27°C) Nighttime: 50°F - 64°F (10°C - 18°C)

Best Time to Visit

• The peak season for Machu Picchu is June, July, and August. These months coincide with the region’s dry season when sunny conditions are most probable and considered by many the best time to go to Machu Picchu. Hotels, entry tickets, and other services fill up quickly, so make your reservations well in advance.
• The low season for Machu Picchu is from December to February during the rainy season. There are fewer tourists and less crowding around attractions within the citadel. Still, the tradeoff is a much higher probability for rain, so don’t forget your raingear.

Geography & Map

• Machu Picchu is located 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Cusco in the Urubamba Province of Peru, where the eastern slopes of the Andes meet the Amazon Rainforest. The Inca built their city on a high mountain ridge overlooking the lush cloud forest surroundings. Far below, Urubamba River flows along the valley floor, past Aguas Calientes.
• Elevation 7,970 ft (2,430 m)

Construction for Machu Picchu began at the height of the Inca Empire around 1450 AD. Most scholars agree the mountaintop city was the royal estate of Pachacutec, the powerful 9th king. Others speculate it was a sacred center where the great political, religious, and economic minds of the Inca Empire gathered.

Before the construction of Machu Picchu began, they surveyed the mountaintop site. They built canals to carry freshwater to different sectors of the city. Incredibly, the Inca didn’t use steel or iron tools, nor the wheel, to make the temples, living quarters, and stone steps. Instead, they utilized simple materials such as stone, wood, and bronze. Rows of terraces were also constructed along the mountainsides for support. Without them, Machu Picchu would have tumbled down, unable to withstand centuries existing in a region prone to earthquakes and annual heavy rain.

Less than one hundred years after the construction of Machu Picchu began, during the 1530s, the city was abandoned in the aftermath of the Spanish Conquest. Widespread knowledge of the city was lost to official memory over the centuries except for some locals.

In 1911, Yale history professor Hiram Bingham chanced upon Machu Picchu while looking for the legendary city of Vilcabamba where resistance rebel leader Manco Inca retreated to safety from Spanish troops. After years of silent existence, Machu Picchu had been rediscovered and was flung into the international spotlight.

Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Sanctuary and the most visited attraction in Peru. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism counted 800,200 visitors to Machu Picchu in 2007, when the attraction was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and since then that number has nearly doubled. In 2019, the famous Inca ruins were visited by 1,585,300 people from around the world.

Things to Do

Passengers can board the train in Cusco at the Poroy Station (a 20-minute taxi ride from the city plaza) or in the Sacred Valley at the train station in Ollantaytambo and then continue along the tracks to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu Station, the final leg of your journey is a 20-minute shuttle bus (ticket required) or uphill walk to the main entrance of Machu Picchu.

Routes & Travel Times:

• The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is 4 hours
• The train from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu is 2 hours
• The train from Urubamba to Machu Picchu is 3 hours (*limited weekly departures)

Train Luggage Restrictions:

You have to travel light when you take the train to Machu Picchu because storage room onboard is limited. Each passenger is only allowed one carry-on luggage that weighs no more than 11 lbs (5kg). Many hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer free luggage storage, where you can leave a separate bag filled with belongings you won’t need for this leg of your trip.

Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes town is located 5.5 mi (9 km) from the Machu Picchu archeological site and 1,310 ft (400 m) of altitude lower. From the bus stop located only 3 to 5 minutes walking from the train station in Aguas Calientes, buses ferry passengers between the town and the ruins, using a zigzagging switchback road to go up and down the steep mountainside. Most tours to Machu Picchu include the bus tickets in the total price of the package. Tickets for the bus can also be purchased in Cusco or in Aguas Calientes in front of the bus stop.

The first buses depart at 5:30 am, arriving at the entrance of Machu Picchu just before the gates open at 6:00 am. Lines are usually the longest in the morning between 5:30 am and 6:15 am and when the mid-morning trains arrive from Cusco and the Sacred Valley between 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Trekking to Machu Picchu

Adventurous travelers should trek to Machu Picchu! Trekking packages are organized so you trek to the famous archaeological site and return by train on the return leg of your journey.

The iconic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most popular trek in South America. The journey takes you through high Andean passes, past lesser-known Inca sites, and culminates with a memorable entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. There’s also the 2-day Inca Trail if you are on a tight schedule or prefer a less demanding walk.

To hike the Inca Trail, you must reserve a permit in advance. There are wonderful alternative treks to Machu Picchu that don’t require a permit if Inca Trail permits are already sold out.

The 5-day Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative trek to Machu Picchu for travelers who appreciate nature. This Andean trail passes by the imposing snow-capped Salkantay mountain, for which the trek is named, and crosses highland pampas before dropping down into a river valley cloud forest and then onto Machu Picchu. Read more about the Salkantay Trek.

The 4-day Lares Trek is another alternative recommended for trekkers whose interest lies in cultural immersion. Follow a route through the Lares Valley, passing remote villages with rich Andean traditions, beautiful mountain scenery, and lesser-known Inca ruins before touring Machu Picchu on the final day. Read more about the Lares Trek.

Visitor Guidelines

Machu Picchu Tickets

Tickets to Machu Picchu are limited and must be purchased in advance. There are general entry tickets and ones that include the hikes for Huayna Picchu (only 400 daily available) or Machu Picchu Mountain (only 400 daily available). Demand for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain is especially high during the peak June, July, and August dates. Advanced planning - sometimes 4 months in advance - is a must. Reserve your spot at the time you book your Machu Picchu tickets.

Tickets are not sold at the main entrance. If you’ve waited until the last minute, your final opportunity is at the National Cultural Institute (INC) office on the main plaza in Aguas Calientes.

Time in Machu Picchu

The time designated for you to enter Machu Picchu is selected when you buy your tickets in advance. For whichever assigned time indicated on your ticket, you have the full hour to enter the archaeological site. We suggest you arrive at the bus stop in Aguas Calientes at least one hour before your entrance time at the Machu Picchu ruins.

• An entry ticket to Machu Picchu is valid for 4 hours.
• An entry with a Huayna Picchu ticket gives you 6 hours to go on a Machu Picchu tour and do the hike.
• An entry with Machu Picchu Mountain ticket gives you 7 hours to take a guided tour and do the hike. This hike is longer than Huayna Picchu hence why you have more time in Machu Picchu.

Walking circuits around Machu Picchu help control foot traffic. Routes 1 and 2 (indicated in green and red on the map) pass similar attractions but explore different sections of the agricultural zone near the main entrance gate. Route 3 in blue is an alternative walking route so visitors with hiking permits can do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Points of interest:

• Guardhouse.
• Agricultural Zone.
• West Agricultural Zone.
• Temple Zone.
• Temple of The Three Windows.
• Astronomical Observatory.
• Main Square.
• Sacred Rock.
• Group of the Three Doorways.
• Royal Enclosures.
• Temple of The Condor.

Walking Circuits:

• Alternative Routes (hikes)

Options for Machu Picchu hotels range from 5-star luxury resorts to budget dorms and everything in between. Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel up on the mountain next to the main entrance of the archaeological complex. All other accommodations are in Aguas Calientes and walking distance from the train station.

It’s possible to make a whirlwind Machu Picchu trip in one day. Still, we recommend enjoying this highlight of your trip at a slower pace, if possible. Staying a night or two in Aguas Calientes spaces out the legs of transport to and from Machu Picchu and helps you stay rested for an active day of touring. The following are our Top Pick Hotels for travel to Machu Picchu.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Kilometer 110 Via Ferrea, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

Av. Pachacutec 109, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

Prolongacion Imperio de Los Incas E - 34, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

Waman Hotel

Calle Wiracocha 202, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

See all Machu Picchu Hotels

Restaurants

Eating options outside the entrance to Machu Picchu are convenient, though limited. You can take a pre-made box lunch with you to Machu Picchu (available options depend on your itinerary), eat a buffet lunch at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, or grab a quick bite at the Machu Picchu Snack Bar.

Down the hill in Aguas Calientes the restaurant selection is far more varied. Enjoy a casual sitdown meal in Machu Picchu’s gateway town at one of the following restaurants:

Chullpi Machu Picchu

Chullpi serves mouth-watering Peruvian fusion dishes, including trout ceviche, perfectly grilled chicken breast, and delicious salads, and tasty appetizers. If you’ve got room for dessert, go for the Tres Leches cake. 140 Av. Imperio de Los Incas, Aguas Calientes| website

Incontri del Pueblo Viejo

Incontri del Pueblo Viejo will satisfy your craving for carbs with homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas featuring fresh toppings and real mozzarella. Wash it all down with a craft beer or an Italian or South American wine. Av. Pachacutec, block 6 (no number), Aguas Calientes| website

Indio Feliz Restaurant Bistro

Indio Feliz is a perennial favorite among travelers for its menu of Peruvian classics with a French twist. Try the river trout or the grilled chicken, each prepared with seasonal Andean ingredients. Check out the quirky Captain’s Bar before or after dinner. Calle Lloque Yupanqui 103, Aguas Calientes | website

The Tree House Restaurant

The Tree House is a few steps above the rest, in both the culinary and the literal sense. Located up a steep alleyway on the edge of town, this excellent restaurant serves a menu of Peruvian fusion cuisine shaped by Andean, Italian, Asian, and Latin American influences. Try the mushroom and goat cheese ravioli, pork ribs in sweet elderberry sauce, or alpaca tenderloin topped with blue cheese. Calle Huanacaure 105, Aguas Calientes | website

Toto’s House

Toto's House is ideal for large groups, serving an all-you-can-eat buffet as well as an extensive a la carte menu. A convenient location close to the train station, views over the river, and live music in the evenings round out Toto’s offer. Av. Imperio de Los Incas 600, Aguas Calientes | website

Tour Packages

Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley 4 Days / from $989

My 4 Hiking Options at Machu Picchu

Decide what Machu Picchu hiking option is the best for you. Take the Sun Gate or Inca Bridge trails. Other options are the climbs up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Read more »

20 Machu Picchu Facts to Know Before Your Trip!

Have a trip to Peru coming up? Well, it’s time to brush up on your Machu Picchu facts! Machu Picchu

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Inca Trail 2-Day Machu Picchu with Panoramic Train

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Explore the Short Inca Trail hike 2 days and visit Chachabamba, Wiñaywayna, Sun Gate (Intipunku), and Machu Picchu. Enjoy the sunset in Machu Picchu on the first day with few people around, and arrive early on the second day to witness the amazing sunrise. The Short Inca trail is available every day with Panoramic Vistadome trains included. Highlights: • Travel with an authentic Local Tour Operator • Hike the Classic Inca Trail in 1 day to Machu Picchu • Arrive at Machu Picchu twice at exclusive hours • Return on the Panoramic trains (Vistadome or 360 train)

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• All transportation during the duration of the trek
• Panoramic trains to return (Vistadome or 360°)
• 1 night 3-star hotel in Agua Calientes; Qoya Palace or similar
• Professional highly trained mountain tour guides
• Bus up and down from Machu Picchu
• Safety briefing the day before the tour at 6:00 pm in our Office
• Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the tour
• Entrance ticket to Inca Trail and Machu Picchu

What's not Included

• Trekking poles (can be rent from us)
• First breakfast, last day lunch.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain (need to be booked in advance)
• Montaña (need to be booked in advance)

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

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Experiences on Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru!

O ver the years, whenever discussion of best hikes to do around the world: Machu Picchu name always came up! Having been used to hike wherever we like in US, deferred Machu Picchu hike due to requirement of having to go through travel agencies who in turn required permits through Peru government. After noticing many friends are in similar situation, finally brought together team of friends who committed to go and hike Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Following are my experiences/opinions/notes and may not resonate with every one requirements/experiences..etc.

Went through Alpaca Expeditions to hike Classic Inca Trail over 4 day/3 night option.

Overview of Classic Inca Trail, 4 day/3 night option from Alpaca Expeditions

Why should  one hike through Classic Inca Trail?

• Views of mountains, valleys, canyons are magnificent, spectacular, amazing! Clouds, Fog keeps rolling through all day giving many different views and photo opportunities. Cameras won’t capture beautiful views as good as one experiences live though.
• Given Inca Trail access controlled through permits and travel agencies: package includes access to porters, night time tents, food.. all of this lightens up your load to carry and provides more pleasant experience!
• 80% of Classic Inca Trail still seems intact and usable.. Essentially hiker walking through history and living through life of people in 1400s for few days.
• While Machu Picchu site very grand, spectacular: many mini Inca sites are built along Classic Inca Trail. Some accessible/visible only to hikers on day 1, day 2, day 3. By the time, we reach Machu Picchu on day 4, hiker gets feel for Inca site architecture, design, … and what to expect!
• Classic Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu comes up and listed in best hikes in world, hikes of life time type lists!

Highlights of four day hike  on Classic Inca Trail!

Day-1 : starts with lot of pick ups from different hotels @Cusco starting as early as 4 AM. Hiking started around 9 AM. Best part of day-1 hike was river stream (soothing and pleasant) all day along the trail!

Day-2 : Toughest part of 4 days comes on day-2 with almost 3000 ft elevation gain for the day. Altitude sickness likely to show up on day-2. Weather in mountains and canyons so different and changes constantly, any photos best be taken as and when opportunities present themselves!

Day-3 : Lighter day among all 4 days where hike wraps up by lunch time and rest of time goes easy!

Day-4 : Starts at 3 AM getting ready to pack up, get ready to start hiking 5 ish when gates open up to hike towards South Gate entrance of Machu Picchu! By 9 AM, hiking group tour will reach entrance of Machu Picchu which is used by people who come by train. All four days experience up to 9 AM on day-4 not experienced/shared by anyone who visits Machu Picchu by train only!

Suggestions  for anyone going to take up Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu:

• Expect to start planning 3–6 months ahead in terms of getting permits, flights reservations, perform practice hikes
• Expect to have at least 3 flight segments: one flight segment from somewhere in US to southern most city inside US such as LAX, DFW, MIA… Second flight segment from border US hub to Lima, Peru & Third flight segment from Lima, Peru to Cusco, Peru which is base point for Classic Inca Trail hikers.
• Cusco, Peru city at 11,152 feet elevation: Expect altitude sickness symptoms and plan ahead for acclimatization time.

Challenges  experienced over 4 days:

• Classic Inca Trail involves dealing with lot of steps (10 to 20 inches height) going up or going down! Most of hikers not used to passing through thousands of steps in a day!! Steps combined with higher altitude + going up/down + backpack weight + live weather (humidity, wind, wetness) issues poses challenge to most hikers! Practice helps!!
• Get ready for early morning starts: some days expect to wake up 3 or 4 or 5 AM and start hiking within an hour.
• Bathroom/Restroom/Toilets: 2 out of 4 days at least usable, dependable. Remaining two days, expect facilities to be poor, unmaintained, bugs
• Expect to go without bath using water for 3 days! Even at the end of third day, expect to take bath using water from melting snow or river stream which is cold!
• Expect to operate without proper sleep on 1–2 days out of 4 days: Source of poor sleep could be possibilities of night time rain, wet floor, bugs, cold, windy, uneven surface in tent, smell in the area, worst case stomach upset keeping one awake all night, altitude sickness!
• Lot of Classic Inca Trail tour companies use same route, same campgrounds. Even 50 hikers in single file trail feels crowded and tough to take good photos without random people involved in pictures. I took up on either up front by 500 ft or be last person by 500 ft. Either approach gave challenges of walking fast when needed (which is not so fun at higher altitude when exhausted for day already)

What could have been better?

• Peru government checks passports to match with permits. Carrying passport all along hike in mountains, when rain can show up anytime, is not so comfortable to most!
• Passport/Permit matching is manual and time taking! Could be faster!!
• Inca sites do not have any descriptions/photos usually found in museums. Experience could have been better with illustrations.

Overall, memorable experience considering views of mountains, canyons, valleys, architecture and history of Inca sites, challenges of steps in hike, higher altitude, different country!! Of course, at a cost of minimum $3000 per person though!

Seen from hiking trail on day-1

5–6 AM view from day-2 campsite!

View of Salcantay mountain .. from early morning hike on day-3

One of Inca site on the way (during day-3 hike)

Mini Machu Picchu type site seen on day-3.. near Machu Picchu location…

Example of how steepness and crowds can challenge you/hiker?!

Windy road between Machu Picchu and city Aguas Calientes (for people who come by train)

Machu Picchu site (seen by 8 AM on day-4 of hike)

View of Aguas Calientes City area from Huayna Picchu mountain hike

View of Machu Picchu from mountain peak of Huayna Picchu (separate permit & hike required, steep hike with help of cables, some areas tough for people with fear of heights)

Final good feel to wrap up! View from Huayna Picchu mountain peak!

Overall not seen much litter on city streets, tourist spots: Well maintained!

Sun Gate at Machu Picchu

The Sun Gate at Machu Picchu is one of the five options for additional trekking in Machu Picchu, the others are Huayna Picchu , Machu Picchu Mountain , Inca Bridge, and Huchuy Picchu (from 2022).

In this post we are going to give you all the information you need about the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu, from how to get there, availability, what tickets to buy, what to bring, recommendations, and the best time to visit.

What is the Sun Gate?

The Sun Gate at Machu Picchu is located about 2,720 meters above sea level, also known as Inti Punku (in Quechua), is a viewpoint of Machu Picchu on one side of the Mountain Machu Picchu, is the gateway for adventurers who make the Inca Trail 4 days and 2 days.

It is worth remembering that the Sun Gate is not exclusive to Machu Picchu, we can find another place of the same name very close to Ollantaytambo.

Details of the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu

• Age restrictions : No age limit.
• Height : 2,720 m / 8,924 ft.
• Height Elevation : 290 m (951 ft).
• Location : Located at the top, southeast of Machu Picchu in Cusco, Peru.
• Trail Description : The Sun Gate follows a more gradual trail at no more than a 35-degree angle. As you get closer to the Sun Gate, the path becomes steeper and a bit more complex (the last 15 minutes).
• Archaeological attractions : The terraces, Inca constructions, and the unparalleled Sun Gate,
• Pros : You experience part of the original Inca trail and a wider view of Machu Picchu.
• Cons : Elderly people will have more difficulties getting there.
• Hiking time : Approximately 2 hours (round trip).
• Difficulty : Moderate
• Hiking distance : 4 km/ 2.48 miles (round trip).

Sun Gate Machu Picchu Map

How to get to Sun Gate at Machu Picchu?

First, you will have to get a special ticket for this place, find more info at Tickets for Machu Picchu .

When you enter Machu Picchu, just follow the regular path where all the people go to the classic viewpoint of Machu Picchu (circuit 1) until you have that first initial view of the ruins of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

You should then turn left and follow the trail away from Machu Picchu past the agricultural terraces.

Look for the wooden signs that read “Inti Punku”. As mentioned above, the hike is quite long, so a good level of fitness is required. A 2-3 hour hike (round trip) doesn’t seem too bad, I agree, but don’t forget that you are hiking at over 2500m.

This route you are going to follow is part of the 4 and 2-day Inca trails, so beyond Inti Punku, you won’t be able to go as guards are guarding the archaeological site.

And what is beyond Inti Punku? There are several archaeological sites and the Inca Trail itself, but these require a special ticket that you can only buy from an authorized agency.

What kind of ticket do I need for the Sun Gate?

As of 2022, the route to Machu Picchu was modified, to go up to the Sun Gate, you need a permit exclusively for this place and another one for Machu Picchu.

You must visit first the Inti Punku and then the citadel of Machu Picchu, although this order is not strict, it is a good idea.

Being located in Machu Picchu, this has similar behavior, during the dry season, which runs from April to September, you can expect a dry climate and lots of sunshine.

The average annual temperature is about 16°C, but it can reach 25°C at this time of the year. Due to the altitude, it feels even warmer, so be sure to protect yourself with the proper use of sunscreen.

Although it may seem strange, in the mornings it can be very cold (even down to -2°C), so it is essential to wear several layers of clothing.

During the rainy season, from October/November to March, the trails can be a bit slippery and you should watch your step twice.

Best time to Hike to Sun Gate at Machu Picchu

The best time to visit Puerta del Sol and Machu Picchu is shortly before or after the high season (May, June, or September, respectively).

For more information, we recommend that you consult our post on the Best time to visit Machu Picchu .

Recommendations

To be very well prepared for this trek, we recommend that you are in good physical shape and already acclimatized to the altitude.

Many people suffer from altitude sickness because they have not acclimatized properly after arriving in Cusco.

Although the hike to the Inti Punku Sun Gate is not as steep and narrow as the hike to Huayna Picchu, do not forget that you are walking at a high altitude level.

Symptoms of altitude sickness can be headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, etc., something you do not want to experience during your vacation.

Having the right clothing is crucial to make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu. We recommend that you wear several layers (heavy duty t-shirt, a light fleece, zippered hiking pants), carry a small backpack, wear hiking shoes, bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a rain poncho (for the rainy season).

Hire a guide to do it, you will have a more pleasant experience and you will know what you are seeing, what you are stepping on, and what things were built for.

Read our guide to the Best hiking shoes for the Inca trail.

Sun Gate at Machu Picchu – Is it worth it?

Absolutely, yes it is! The view you get from Machu Picchu is breathtaking and the hike is beautiful, you just need stamina and take your time.

You will have an expeditionary view from this point.

If you have time to hike to the Sun Gate, you should do it.

Few tourists visit this place, only those who hike the Inca Trail, as it is the only entrance for them.

What to bring for the hike?

• Water bottle, at least 2 liters of water.
• Insect repellent.
• Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses
• Trekking poles with rubber tips, others are not allowed.
• Entrance fee.

In ancient times, in the full operation of Machu Picchu, the Incas used it as a control gate for people entering and leaving the sacred city of the Incas. Due to its strategic location, it also served as a point to see the entire valley and control that only authorized people could enter the citadel, which is why many historians believe that Machu Picchu only received people from the elite of the empire.

The construction of Inti Punku and the citadel of Machu Picchu is attributed to Inca Pachacutec.

The construction of the Sun Gate is dedicated to the sun. During the summer solstice, the rising sun passed through the Sun Gate every year. People returning after seeing the sacred city were treated with special respect by the people on their way to Machu Picchu.

The altitude of Sun Gate in Machu Picchu is 2,720 m / 8,924 ft. The elevation gain is 290 m (951 ft) from the citadel of Machu Picchu.

The Sun Gate of Machu Picchu is currently closed (2022), the opening date is not yet known.

Yes, you can hike, the hike is not strenuous, it is easy to medium level.

The distance from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to Sun Gate is 1.8 km (1 mile), it takes about 1 hour to 2 hours round trip.

Of course, you will have a different view of Machu Picchu and a unique view that only few have such an opportunity.

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