Going to Machu Picchu any other days of the year takes some effort, and this is especially the case if you wish to go to Peru to celebrate your holidays, whether it is Christmas or New Year's. However, this is perhaps the best place to go because what better way is there to close out your year than by going to one of the most revered places on earth? But because many others also think this same though, there are some things to keep in mind if you are hoping for your Machu Picchu travel plans to take place in the year's final month.
First of all, it is vital to book your Machu Picchu tours early. Sometimes, these can sell out months in advance, so find a dependable travel operator or agency who can surely secure your entrance tickets and transfer passes. This advice also goes for Machu Picchu hotels, which tend to max out during the holiday season. The most popular places to stay are in the ancient city of Cusco, the Sacred Valley such as in Ollantaytambo where you can enjoy the green crop terraces the Incas left behind, and closest to Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes. As well, watch out for prices because they skyrocket at this time!
Secondly, once you have all your bookings set in place, make sure to choose the proper way of getting to Cusco. Most travelers will first arrive in Lima via an international flight or overland crossing. From the capital, there are two major choices to ponder: go to Cusco by bus, or plane? A bus ride between the two destinations takes about 20 hours as the vehicle weaves through Peru's famous Andes mountain range. However, it is also cheaper. The plane option takes just 1 to 2 hours, but the prices may be quite high for the holiday season. Therefore, consider your own expectations for comfort level and whether your travel schedule will permit hours of gazing at the Peruvian countryside as you sit in a bus.
Finally, make sure you are in tip top shape in terms of health. No one wants to pass the holidays with illness! Cusco and Machu Picchu are both located at elevations of over 11,000 feet above sea level, which means that some travelers tend to experience altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water, get a good amount of rest, and perhaps find help in pill medication form if it comes to that. Otherwise, enjoy the stroke of midnight in Cusco and Machu Picchu!
This article about Cusco and Machu Picchu was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Machu Picchu hotels as part of your fully customizable Machu Picchu travel itineraries.
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