Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel built in the mid-fifteenth century. The walls of the buildings are carved stones. Although they differ among them, you can find a space that allows a harmonious tour and for some tourists even surreal, for the views and details of the construction of the walls. Being at the top of the mountains next to stone constructions is a unique and incomparable experience. Machu Picchu is considered a sacred precinct so it is currently a sanctuary, where you can find several experiences, to various destinations. In this blog, learn more about the best way to get to Machu Picchu and have a responsible trip.

• What is responsible travel?
• How to make a responsible trip to Machu Picchu?
• Remember to raise awareness about Machu Picchu
• Respect Machu Picchu
• Photo Gallery
• Learn about Machu Picchu
• Do you want to practice responsible tourism on your trip to Machu Picchu?

Young man visiting the wonder of the world

What is responsible travel?

Responsible travel involves traveling with the goal of minimizing the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and the surroundings you visit, but also doing what you can to make a positive contribution to the people of the communities that inhabit those surroundings. Large-scale tourism often does enormous damage to the environment and ecosystems; and if you think about it, we are talking about “protecting one of the most amazing places that exist on the planet”, and which is currently considered the world’s top destination; there is no bucket list that does not contain Machu Picchu.

If you want to make a responsible trip to Machu Picchu, know that the sanctuary has all the characteristics to be a biosphere reserve, so you will have to be very responsible with the environment and culture; also, try to leave a positive footprint.

On behalf of the Ministry of Culture of Peru, new circuits were implemented for the tour of Machu Picchu. The new circuits avoid visiting places that are in danger, but can be seen from other sectors. Therefore, the number of ticket types and availability was increased, reaching 4,500 available tickets.

New official season in Machu Picchu
Now there is a new official high season in Machu Picchu. It starts from June 1st until October 15th. During this season you can find more tickets and even new routes that can be reached on foot. Also, after several changes in the tickets and circuits, new circuits that allow different activities in Machu Picchu were enabled. In this way, you can also have very different experiences between each of the present circuits.

Happy young man taking a selfie in Machu Picchu

How to make a responsible trip to Machu Picchu?

Are you one of those people who believe that everyone should see Machu Picchu sometime in their lives? Then help us to take care of it; so your children and your children’s children can enjoy this wonder. If you decided to travel to Machu Picchu in a sustainable way, we tell you how to do it.

• Carrying backpacks that are too large or exceed 40 x 35 x 20 centimeters.
• Climbing walls.
• Do the tour with footwear that may damage the terrain or some stones where the tour takes place.
• Do the tour with megaphones or loudspeakers.
• Rioting, shouting, whistling or singing.
• It is forbidden to run, make tumults or riots in the citadel.
• Backtracking or making the tour through sectors or circuits that are not included in the ticket.
• Littering or throwing garbage or any type of waste.
• Carrying drones or professional recording equipment without licenses or permits.

Remember to raise awareness about Machu Picchu

Before coming you should know that it is not only the Inca city or the mountains on which it is built, but all forms of life that inhabit the historic sanctuary. Machu Picchu is home to more than 500 types of orchids, 100 of which can only be seen in this place; it is home to around 600 types of birds and many other animals that are difficult to see, such as the spectacled bear (endangered). But that’s not all, the fabulous green environment where Machu Picchu is built is considered one of the most amazing places on the face of the earth, and it is being put at risk by people who visit it irresponsibly; but we know that there are also people who like us, think that it should be protected. If you come from European countries, you can consult institutions such as the Spanish Center for Responsible Tourism (Spain), the European Alliance for Responsible Tourism and Hospitality, in Belgium; the KATE Umwelt & Entwicklung, in Germany; the Associazzione Italiana Turismo Responsabile, in Italy; the Association pour le Tourism Equitable et Solidaire, in France or the Agir pour Tourisme Responsable, also in France.

Llamas in Machu Picchu on a cloudy day

Respect Machu Picchu

Once in Machu Picchu, do not disturb the animals or uproot the plants, nor damage the environments in which they live, especially if you enter through the Inca Trail; keep in mind that there are already 500 people who walk the trails every day. If you are going to buy souvenirs, make sure they are not made from local plants or animal skins. As for social support, find out about projects and businesses run by locals for conservation purposes. One of the conservation projects you can support in Machu Picchu that you will certainly enjoy is the butterfly house, “La casa de las mariposas de Machu Picchu” (The butterfly house of Machu Picchu).

Why is Machu Picchu considered a Historic and Natural Sanctuary?
Machu Picchu is home to more than just Inca or pre-Inca constructions. You can also find a large number of birds and some plants that are native or endemic to the region. In addition, with a lot of luck during the activities and tours through the different paths of the citadel and other places, it is possible to find the emblematic bird of Peru, the cock of the rock. Also, a large number of orchids and butterflies, thanks to its location within the cloud forest.

Photo Gallery

Learn about Machu Picchu

The consequences of “mass tourism” (savage) to Machu Picchu are obvious. This is why the Peruvian government limited the daily entrance to 2,500 people. This has made it necessary to book some Machu Picchu tickets months in advance. Like the entrance to the Huayna Picchu mountain, which has little availability of daily income. This ticket must be purchased three or four months in advance.

Do you want to practice responsible tourism on your trip to Machu Picchu?

So start by having an attitude of respect towards the places and people you come in contact with while visiting Machu Picchu in Cusco. Traveling responsibly is not only interesting, but will leave you with a sense of satisfaction. We have always supported responsible travel, it is a policy promoted within our company, as well as spreading this way of thinking to all the people who travel with us and our collaborators.

• If you will be hiking longer or multi-day routes, use reusable tools.
• It is also important to use long-lasting hiking poles.
• It is important to make reservations in advance to avoid problems in scheduling trips.
• Try to make trips in vehicles with lower CO₂ emissions.
• In case you make trips and are given food, ask for biodegradable toilets or containers.
• Use mosquito repellent, organic or natural.
• Try to generate as little waste as possible. Failing that, make a proper selection of waste to place it where it belongs.
• Do not throw waste anywhere, it is important to store it until you find the right place to throw it.
• It is important to support recycling or garbage collection campaigns.
• Share and teach the benefits and benefits for society that are generated by making a sustainable trip.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Walter T.

“Wonder of the World“

“There are no words to describe Machu Picchu. You could say that its history, architecture and mysticism, envelop you in a fantastic world, which everyone should experience before they die.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 4, 2024