Do I need to book the Inca Trail in advance?

Yes, 6 months minimum. Only 500 people per day allowed, including guides and porters. Permits sell out, especially for dry season (April-October). Alternative treks like Salkantay don't require permits.

Can I visit Machu Picchu without staying overnight in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, but it's a very long day. First train from Ollantaytambo leaves around 6am, last return train around 7pm. You'll have about 4-5 hours at Machu Picchu. Staying overnight gives you more flexibility and time.

How serious is altitude sickness in Cusco?

Very real at 11,200 feet. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue. Plan 2-3 days acclimatization. Avoid alcohol, drink lots of water, consider altitude medication. If symptoms worsen, descend to lower elevation immediately.

What's the difference between train services to Aguas Calientes?

Expedition ($75): Basic service, adequate. Vistadome ($150): Larger windows, snacks, entertainment. Hiram Bingham ($500): Luxury with gourmet meals and bus transfers. Expedition is fine for most travelers.

How to plan a Cusco to Machu Picchu itinerary

Plan 4-5 days minimum: arrive in Cusco, spend 2 days acclimatizing and exploring the Sacred Valley, then do either a day trip to Machu Picchu or the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek. Book Machu Picchu tickets 2-3 months ahead, and Inca Trail permits 6 months ahead.

Book Machu Picchu tickets first. Reserve your Machu Picchu entry tickets 2-3 months in advance at machupicchu.gob.pe. Choose morning (6am-12pm) or afternoon (12pm-5:30pm) slots. If hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, book those add-ons immediately — they sell out faster.
Choose your route to Machu Picchu. Day trip: Take train from Cusco/Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, then bus up. Classic Inca Trail: 4-day trek requires permits booked 6 months ahead. Alternative treks: Salkantay (5 days) or Choquequirao (7-9 days) don't need permits. Train is easiest, trekking is most rewarding.
Plan your Cusco acclimatization. Arrive 2-3 days before any trek. Cusco sits at 11,200 feet. Spend day 1 resting, day 2 doing light Sacred Valley tour (Pisac, Ollantaytambo). Drink coca tea, avoid alcohol, eat light. Don't skip this — altitude sickness is real.
Build your 5-day itinerary. Day 1: Arrive Cusco, rest, gentle city walk. Day 2: Sacred Valley tour (Pisac market, Ollantaytambo ruins). Day 3: Start Inca Trail or travel to Aguas Calientes. Day 4: Machu Picchu visit. Day 5: Return to Cusco, fly out or continue traveling.
Book transportation and accommodation. Flights: Book Cusco flights early — limited daily capacity. Trains: Book PeruRail or Inca Rail 1-2 months ahead. Hotels: Stay in San Blas neighborhood in Cusco. For Aguas Calientes, book near the train station. Inca Trail includes camping.
Arrange permits and guides. Inca Trail requires licensed tour operator — you cannot go solo. Book through established companies like Alpaca Expeditions or G Adventures. For day trips, you can go independently or book tours in Cusco. Sacred Valley tours are easy to arrange on arrival.

Do I need to book the Inca Trail in advance?: Yes, 6 months minimum. Only 500 people per day allowed, including guides and porters. Permits sell out, especially for dry season (April-October). Alternative treks like Salkantay don't require permits.
Can I visit Machu Picchu without staying overnight in Aguas Calientes?: Yes, but it's a very long day. First train from Ollantaytambo leaves around 6am, last return train around 7pm. You'll have about 4-5 hours at Machu Picchu. Staying overnight gives you more flexibility and time.
How serious is altitude sickness in Cusco?: Very real at 11,200 feet. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue. Plan 2-3 days acclimatization. Avoid alcohol, drink lots of water, consider altitude medication. If symptoms worsen, descend to lower elevation immediately.
What's the difference between train services to Aguas Calientes?: Expedition ($75): Basic service, adequate. Vistadome ($150): Larger windows, snacks, entertainment. Hiram Bingham ($500): Luxury with gourmet meals and bus transfers. Expedition is fine for most travelers.