Introduction to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of most iconic visitor destinations in South America. This ancient Incan settlement hidden away high in the Andes Mountains of Peru attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, many of whom trek here via the various incredible Machu Picchu trekking routes that wind their way through the mountains towards the fascinating historical site.
When visiting any UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s important to respect the rules, regulations, guidelines and local customs of the country you’re visiting to make sure you have minimal impact on these sites, ensuring their conservation for future generations.
Machu Picchu is no different. As a site at high risk of overcrowding due to its perpetually increasing popularity, the Peruvian government department of the Ministry of Culture, known as the DCC, and the Management Unit of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, known as the UGM, oversee the preservation and conservation of Machu Picchu. Visitors are strictly controlled via fixed permit numbers, allotted entry times and regulated visit duration to ensure the site is not overcrowded and at risk of damage and deterioration.
Further to these strict measures, there are rules that visitors to Machu Picchu must follow during their time at the site that are in place to further protect this important ancient world wonder for posterity. These Machu Picchu rules are enforced by the wardens onsite and via CCTA cameras which monitor the city at all times.
Let’s take a closer look at the most important Machu Picchu do’s and don’ts. Being aware of the proper Machu Picchu etiquette when you're visiting such an important site is vital for preserving its sanctity.
Important things to consider when visiting Machu Pichu
DO stay on the marked trails
Protecting the ruins for future generations should be at the top of everyone's list. This means sticking to the assigned trails throughout Machu Picchu. At over 500 years old, many of the ruins are deteriorating fast. Wandering off along random trails will not only damage the site but could also be dangerous due to falling debris. On top of this, several paths lead out onto nothing - just a long, long drop. No one wants to go this way.
DO take awesome photos
Most people take cameras to Machu Picchu. It's one of the
most photographed spots on earth in fact and, whilst your photos may not be
original, they'll still be awesome! If you want the birds eye 'poster photo'
that hangs in thousands of cafes and rooms worldwide, you'll
want to climb Huayna Picchu. You'll need to pay a bit extra and apply for a
permit in advance for this add-on trek but the view is certainly worth it!
When taking photos throughout the site try to be mindful of other visitors. You won't be the only person wanting some photo memories, so be aware of other people’s angles and standing in their shots.
DO respect locals
Remember to ask permission before photographing local people in their traditional outfits. This goes for any local Peruvian, including officers, guards and policeman. Please also respect the local religion. This is generally Catholicism or Pachamama (Mother Earth) or a combination of both. When locals celebrate on the streets or conduct worship festivals, remember to act respectfully during these times and observe moments of silence.
DO respect the llamas
We all know they're cute and cuddly looking, however, they can also be dangerous. Llamas at Machu Picchu have been known to spit, charge and bite tourists! Llamas are also not the cleanest of creatures and will often carry fleas, mites and diseases. This being said, many Machu Picchu llamas are very friendly and not adverse to a pat or two when approached with caution. Please remember not to feed them though for two reasons – one you shouldn’t have food anyway and two, you’ll be creating a dependency that is hard to break.
DON'T get naked
Being respectful isn't difficult, just observe local customs, be polite and, oh yeah, DON'T GET NAKED. It may seem obvious to many of us seasoned travellers, but showing too much flesh in certain places is disrespectful, rude and simply not allowed at Machu Picchu. Although admittedly this often makes for a good story, the sad reality is that you can get into serious trouble. The Peruvian government does not like exposed bodies and scantily dressed tourists will be detained and possibly evicted from Cusco.
DON'T underestimate the difficulty of trekking to Machu Picchu
The Inca
Trail to Machu Picchu is harder than it sounds. Whilst regular
trekkers will not find it difficult, those new to trekking may find the going
tough. There are a serious amount of stairs and you'll cross several
passes over 4,000 meters high. On the longest day you'll trek 16 km of
constant up and down slopes. Trekkers who have not properly trained will be pretty
exhausted by the time they reach the site. In addition to the amount of ascent
and descent to contend with, there is also altitude sickness to worry about.
This can affect anyone although the more prepared and experienced you are at
altitudes, the better you’ll be prepared to cope with any side effects. You can
read more about how hard the Inca Trail is in our blog.
DON'T touch the ruins
When standing next to the massive stone slabs carved by
hand, it's obviously tempting to reach out and touch the stone. However, it's
not a good idea. Sunscreen lotions, bug sprays, fake tans and other chemicals
on our skin damage the stone surfaces. Whilst you're probably thinking 'how is
that going to damage rock?', just think what would happen if 2 million people
did it ... The rock would certainly get worn and change colour from the
chemicals. Just avoid it.
DON'T litter
Machu Picchu does not allow food or beverages into the site. This means there are no rubbish bins either. If you're a rule breaking baddie and have managed to slip in some contraband nuts or fruit, then please don't chuck the packet away - just stuff it in your backpack till you get out. Whilst littering disrespects the site and the people who visit it, it's also incredibly bad for the surrounding environment and its inhabitants, this includes, llamas, birds, bears, rabbits etc.
DON'T forget to tip your guides and porters
A guidebook can only go so far. Real guides are the people that will bring your experience alive! Their story telling and wide breadth of knowledge means that you will come away with a much deeper understanding of the site than you would otherwise. Your guides work hard to make sure you have a memorable trip and tipping these guys is a great way to show your appreciation. If you trekked in with porters, then please also tip them as they work extremely hard to set up and carry all your gear.
Guides are not officially mandatory at Machu Picchu but they are highly recommended to make the most of your limited time at this intriguing site.
What NOT to bring to Machu Picchu
DON'T bring food into Machu Picchu
To help protect the site and wildlife that lives near it, there is a strictly enforced policy of no food or beverages within Machu Picchu. It is unwise to try and slip food past the gates as bags are checked by guards at the entrance to the site. Water is allowed; however each person is allowed only one bottle.
If you are planning a picnic along the trail, don't panic. All your food, drink and gear can be left outside the entrance gates for you to pick up on your return. There are also several restaurants outside the gates.
Other items prohibited from Machu Picchu include:
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Tripods and selfie sticks
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Large backpacks
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Prams and pushchairs
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High heels
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Alcohol
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Plastic
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Cigarettes and vapes
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Drones
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Weapons and sharp items
Many of the Machu Picchu guidelines mentioned above apply to visitor destinations all over the world. The general principles of respect, leave no trace and following the rules should be adhered to at all the places you visit to make sure you leave the minimum amount of impact on your destinations whilst maximising your adventure experience.
Visit Machu Picchu with Kandoo Adventures
Kandoo Adventures strive to facilitate epic trekking adventures to truly iconic destinations whilst striving to keep the impact of our trips as minimal as possible. You can read more about our sustainability values on our website. You might also like to hear about how we’re working towards a more sustainable future and trying to make changes for the better to the communities we visit in our blog about our quest for more sustainable travel.
Whether you’ve been to Machu Picchu before or its on your adventure bucket list, Kandoo offer a wide choice of trip itineraries depending on how much time you have, how much you want to see and how much trekking you want to do. There are numerous different Machu Picchu trekking routes you can try, each offering exciting routes through the beautiful Andean mountains through local villages, hidden passes and across awesome rivers.
For a truly unforgettable trekking adventure ending at an ancient wonder of the world, choose your Machu Picchu tour now with Kandoo and get in touch with our travel experts today.