How to Find Hotels in Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru, often called the "Lost City of the Incas" is a tourist destination that boasts well-preserved Incan ruins sitting majestically atop a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley. Delve into the history of this fascinating destination, but first you have to find a place to stay. Read on to learn how to find accommodations in Machu Picchu, Peru.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport

Select a Place to Stay

1. Book accommodations through the Commission for the Promotion of Peru at 011 ([phone] or visit the Web site. See the Resources section below for a link.
2. Take a guided hike along the Inca trail and stay in tents at gorgeous sites along the way.
3. Book a room at one of the hostels or budget accommodations in Agua Calientes. Many are close to the train.
4. Find a room at a local lodge. Although the room rates may be expensive, these accommodations offer the best access and amenities in the area.

Travel to and From the Ruins of Machu Picchu

5. Leave from the city of Cuzco to visit Machu Picchu by taking a domestic flight from Lima or an international flight from La Paz in Bolivia.
6. Try the tourist train leaving from Cuzco, which lasts for three-and-a-half hours and ends in the Puente Ruinas Station. From there, a bus takes visitors up to the city.

Learn the History of Machu Picchu

7. Know that that city of Machu Picchu was lost for hundreds of years and only rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham.
8. Remember that the city of Machu Picchu, thought to be built in 1440, is long since deserted and was once used as a country visiting spot for Inca nobility.

Remember Tourist Tips for Machu Picchu

9. Brush up on Spanish, as it is the language spoken in Peru. However, many people will know some English.
10. Take the earliest bus at 6:30 a.m. from Aquas Calientes to Machu Picchu to get there before the large crowds. Round-trip bus tickets are available for a nominal fee.
11. Plan a visit during Peru's dry season, which is June through September.
12. Book your trip in advance with a local company to hike the trail--only 500 hikers are allowed on the trail at once.

Tips & Warnings

• If hiking into the city of Machu Picchu, it is recommended that you are physically fit.
• Book online to find last-minute travel specials.
• If experiencing altitude sickness take some cocoa tea or chewing cocoa to help alleviate the symptoms.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• When paying for accommodations or travel costs, be sure to bring plenty of cash because many places do not accept credit cards.

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