Why not travel to Machu Picchu?

The truth that every tourist should know

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.

What is really happening in Machu Picchu?

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:

• Long lines to get one of the 1,000 daily tickets available in person.
• More expensive accommodations and restaurants due to high demand.
• Crowds that create discomfort and pressure on the environment.

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.

Dates with the highest capacity in Machu Picchu, if you go without tickets

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:

• Holy Week (March or April)
• Cusco Festivities (June)
• National Holidays (end of July)
• School holidays in Peru (August)
• Christmas and New Year (December)

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.

Is Aguas Calientes an expensive and overwhelming stop?

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

How to avoid problems during your visit to Machu Picchu?

To make your visit to Machu Picchu unforgettable (in the best way possible), follow these recommendations:

1. Book your ticket in advance on the official website or through authorized agencies.
2. Avoid the high season if you are looking for peace and quiet and lower prices.
3. Arrive with your ticket already purchased; avoid relying on the 1,000 tickets available on site.
4. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and take care of the environment.
5. Respect the official circuits; they help preserve the site and prevent damage.

What about heritage conservation?

Machu Picchu is a wonder of the world, and Peru works continuously to protect it. The authorities have implemented:

• Daily visitor limits (4,500 to 5,600 depending on the season).
• Mandatory routes to prevent wear and tear on the trails.
• Strict rules on waste and behavior.
• Controlled entry with guides and set schedules.

Your cooperation as a tourist is key to preserving this heritage. Traveling responsibly also means being informed beforehand.

So, is Machu Picchu worth visiting?

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.