How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu tickets?

3-4 months minimum, especially for peak season (June-August). Popular circuits sell out daily during high season. Book immediately after confirming travel dates.

Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?

Yes. Cusco sits at 11,200 feet. Most people feel some effects - headache, fatigue, nausea. Arrive 2-3 days early, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol first day. Consider altitude medication if you're sensitive.

Is it worth staying overnight in Aguas Calientes?

Only if you want a more relaxed Machu Picchu experience or plan to hike Huayna Picchu. Otherwise, day trip from Cusco works fine and saves money on overpriced Aguas Calientes hotels.

What's the best way to get from Lima to Cusco?

Fly. It's 1.5 hours versus 20+ hours by bus through mountains. LATAM and Sky Airline have multiple daily flights. Book domestic flights after international arrival - prices fluctuate less than international routes.

How to Plan a Peru Itinerary Including Machu Picchu and Lima

Plan 7-10 days minimum with 3-4 days in Lima, 3-4 days in Cusco for acclimatization, and 2 days for Machu Picchu. Book Machu Picchu tickets 3-4 months ahead, fly into Lima first, then connect to Cusco. Budget $80-120 per day including accommodations.

Book Machu Picchu tickets first. Reserve entry tickets 3-4 months in advance at machupicchu.gob.pe. Choose Circuit 2 (classic postcard view) or Circuit 1 (upper terraces). Limit 2,500 visitors per day. Peak season (June-August) sells out fastest.
Plan your Lima portion. Allocate 3-4 days minimum. Stay in Miraflores or Barranco. Hit Mercado de Surquillo, tour historic center, visit Pachacamac ruins, and book a pisco tasting. Lima deserves more time than most people give it.
Schedule Cusco acclimatization. Arrive in Cusco 2-3 days before Machu Picchu. City sits at 11,200 feet. Take it easy first day - drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, eat light. Book Sacred Valley day trip for day 2 to ease into altitude.
Choose your Machu Picchu route. Day trip from Cusco (12 hours total) or overnight in Aguas Calientes (more relaxed). Train from Ollantaytambo takes 1.5 hours. PeruRail and IncaRail both run multiple daily departures. Book train tickets after securing Machu Picchu entry.
Build in buffer time. Weather delays are common. Don't book tight international connections from Cusco. Plan one extra day in case trains get cancelled - happens during rainy season (November-March) especially.
Book accommodations strategically. Lima: Miraflores for safety and restaurants. Cusco: San Blas neighborhood for character, near main square for convenience. Aguas Calientes: only if doing overnight Machu Picchu trip. All fill up during peak season.

How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu tickets?: 3-4 months minimum, especially for peak season (June-August). Popular circuits sell out daily during high season. Book immediately after confirming travel dates.
Do I need to worry about altitude sickness?: Yes. Cusco sits at 11,200 feet. Most people feel some effects - headache, fatigue, nausea. Arrive 2-3 days early, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol first day. Consider altitude medication if you're sensitive.
Is it worth staying overnight in Aguas Calientes?: Only if you want a more relaxed Machu Picchu experience or plan to hike Huayna Picchu. Otherwise, day trip from Cusco works fine and saves money on overpriced Aguas Calientes hotels.
What's the best way to get from Lima to Cusco?: Fly. It's 1.5 hours versus 20+ hours by bus through mountains. LATAM and Sky Airline have multiple daily flights. Book domestic flights after international arrival - prices fluctuate less than international routes.