The trip to Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible ways to disconnect from the routine, but undoubtedly many people do not imagine the internet outside of their daily lives. For this reason, we bring you a guide on how is the internet connection in Machu Picchu – Peru. We are sure that this magical place will help you find a healthy balance between online and offline time.

• Internet connectivity options in Machu Picchu
• Internet connection speed in Machu Picchu
• Internet connection problems in Machu Picchu
• Questions and answers about internet connectivity in Machu Picchu

Prohibitions in Machu Picchu
Cell phones and tablets are allowed in Machu Picchu. However, it is not recommended, nor is it considered necessary, to bring laptops. These devices can be used in the café outside the archaeological site, but not inside the Inca citadel. It is also not allowed to carry selfie sticks, cameras for professional recordings, wired connectors, or sound equipment. The visit must be respectful of the religious and historical character of Machupicchu. It is forbidden to make uncomfortable noises, jump in the photographs, carry advertising material, damage the stone constructions, or disturb other visitors.

Internet connectivity options in Machu Picchu

Consider that, in any of the connectivity cases, speeds may vary.

• Wifi connection – Connecting to wifi (wireless internet) from your smartphone or other mobile device is one of the best ways to avoid roaming charges and stay connected during your trip. 95% of hotels in Aguas Calientes offer wifi connection. Likewise, most cafes, restaurants, and bars offer wireless connections at acceptable speeds. In Machu Picchu, there is no wifi connection.
• Internet packages – In case you have an unlocked phone and acquire a prepaid SIM card, you can contract local internet packages; these are offered by the main telephone companies, you can find packages from S/ 3 (with 50 Mb), up to unlimited packages. In the Inca city, you can connect to the internet through your mobile data. However, there are points with better internet quality than others.
• Internet booths – An alternative to using wifi on your device is the use of public internet booths. In Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), although fewer and fewer, there are still several public internet booths within walking distance of the town center, prices vary between 1 and 2 dollars; however, keep in mind that these booths are not entirely safe, so we do not recommend you to perform operations, where you have to enter important information. There are no internet booths at the archaeological site.

Internet connection speed in Machu Picchu

• Beyond whether there is internet in Machu Picchu, we know that the most important thing is the speed at which you will connect during your trip. The internet connection in most Peruvian cities is reliable, although this may vary a little in the Andes and the Amazon jungle.
• The city of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) receives a large number of visitors, so you can find stable connections, although as with anywhere in the world, sometimes there may be network outages that last a few hours.
• In general, Peru’s internet speed is slow (download speed of approximately 11.64 megabits per second).

Internet connection problems in Machu Picchu

• In most cases, you will have no problems while connecting to the internet during your trip to Machu Picchu. At some points in the Inca citadel, you will be able to check your email, Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks.
• But you might have some difficulties with pages or applications that transmit large amounts of data, or with the internet itself at peak times. If you chat with a friend back home via Skype in Machu Picchu (for example), you may need to turn off the video chat function to communicate via text.
• In the case of WhatsApp, you will not be able to send videos, have a voice chat, or make a call during peak hours (8 am, 1 pm, and 6 – 9 pm).

Questions and answers about internet connectivity in Machu Picchu

• Is there an internet connection on Huayna Picchu mountain?

  Huayna Picchu mountain (2,693 meters above sea level) is the most famous peak in Machu Picchu. At its summit and most of the route to the top there is no internet connection.

• Is there an internet connection on Machu Picchu mountain?

  Machu Picchu mountain (3,082 masl) is the highest peak in Machu Picchu. On much of its route and at the top there is no internet connection.

• Is there an internet connection on Huchuy Picchu mountain?

  Huchuy Picchu mountain (2,497 masl) is a slope of Huayna Picchu. It is the smallest summit in Machu Picchu. Its name, translated from Quechua, means ‘small mountain’. On this route and, from its summit, there is an internet connection.

• Is there an internet connection on the Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu?

  The Inca Bridge is one of the least known, but most important buildings in Machu Picchu. It was a wooden trunk bridge that could be removed in case of invasions. Along its route and in the vicinity of the bridge there is no internet connection.

• Can I bring my laptop to Machu Picchu?

  No, laptops are not allowed in Machu Picchu. In case you bring one with you, you must keep it in the luggage locker available at the entrance gate. The laptop can be used in the cafe or restaurant outside Machu Picchu.

• Is there a telephone signal in Machu Picchu?

  The telephone signal in Machu Picchu is good. However, at certain points, the signal disappears. The points with the best phone signal are in the area of the Guardian’s House and the religious sector of the Inca citadel.

• Can I download music and videos in Machu Picchu?

  If you like some Peruvian music on your trip to Machu Picchu, be aware that in many cases the internet connections in Machu Picchu are unable to support the downloading of music or videos on cell phones and tablets. To avoid frustrating loss of time, we recommend that you perform these types of downloads on a PC physically connected to the internet.

• Where is the best internet signal in Machu Picchu?

  The best internet signal in Machu Picchu is in the sector of the Guardian’s House, in the religious sector, in the lower part (agricultural area), and the Intipunku (Sun Gate).

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Stalin V.

“Machu Picchu as a family“

“Beautiful Machu Picchu, the views are beautiful, it's not the same seeing it in photos as seeing it right there in front of you. I was able to video call my mother and show her how excited I was. The Internet is available. Some places don't have it. But you have to experience it.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 26, 2024