Recently, TRAVEL AND TOUR WORLD magazine included Machu Picchu in a list of destinations that are supposedly “no longer worth visiting,” along with other tourist spots such as Venice, Bali, Santorini, and others.
The article mentions problems such as trail erosion, trash, infrastructure saturation, and high prices in the town of Aguas Calientes. But... is this a fair assessment? Has Machu Picchu really ceased to be a worthwhile destination?
As responsible travelers, it is important to understand the real context before jumping to conclusions.
It is true that at certain times of the year, Machu Picchu can seem overwhelmed. However, this does not mean that it is a bad destination, but rather that many visitors do not plan their trip in advance. This causes:
But all these problems can be avoided if tourists take simple measures, such as booking their tickets to Machu Picchu in advance or planning their trip months in advance.
During the high season (May to October), it is recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance, while in the low season (November to April), you can book at least 1 month in advance; this is usually sufficient.
With this one measure, you can avoid long lines, uncertainty, and stress when trying to get one of the 1,000 tickets available each day.
Although Cusco has its own tourist season, there are specific dates throughout the year when demand to enter Machu Picchu skyrockets, especially from tourists who decide to travel at the last minute and buy their tickets in person. These dates usually coincide with national holidays or vacations:
During these days, the lines get long, the 1,000 daily tickets sell out early, and Aguas Calientes fills up with travelers. If you don't book your ticket in advance, your visit can turn into a real odyssey: uncertainty, more expensive accommodations, and long waits.
Another recurring criticism is that Aguas Calientes is an expensive and overwhelming stop. This also responds to the same phenomenon: improvisation. When visitors cannot get immediate tickets, they must extend their stay by one or two nights, and that generates temporary excess demand, which, logically, causes prices to rise
To make your visit to Machu Picchu unforgettable (in the best way possible), follow these recommendations:
Machu Picchu is a wonder of the world, and Peru works continuously to protect it. The authorities have implemented:
Your cooperation as a tourist is key to preserving this heritage. Traveling responsibly also means being informed beforehand.
Machu Picchu remains a must-see destination. The key is to plan your trip well to avoid crowds, high prices, and complications.
The article in the international magazine is not entirely wrong, but its analysis lacks context: what appears to be a problem with the destination is often due to a lack of information and improvisation on the part of the travelers themselves.
If you take precautions, Machu Picchu will give you one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
We are a Peruvian Agency with Cusco roots, committed to providing you with unique tourism experiences. With our own transportation and a team of dedicated professionals, we aim to show you the best of Peru.
Striving to provide freedom in your travels, through specialized and quality service that ensures a worry-free experience. We take care of every aspect of your journey organization so you can fully enjoy.
We focus on creating unforgettable experiences through an expert team and carefully selected providers. We keep small groups to ensure exceptional service and that you make the most of each tour.
Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 20:00
Saturdays: 8:00 - 13:00
Sundays: Cerrado
