To make the most of your trip, come wearing confortable clothing, a waterproof jacket, non-slip footwear, one bottle of water, sunglases, sun-protective headwear, and sun and insect repellent. If you plan to ascend Huayna Picchu or to go trekking in general, a climbing pole will be of great help, especially in the rainy season.

Don't forget to bring money in cash. In order to get to the Inca citadel, you will need to buy bus tickets and entry-passes for the archaeological park. If you wish to buy tickets in advance (recommended), you may do so at INC's Cusco offices, our Plaza de Armas branch, or directly through INC's website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe.

Important note: Bear in mind that to purchase tickets at INC Ticket Office and for enter to the citadel you will need to present an identity document: ID card or passport. In addition, that large baggage is not permitted on the train service. We recommend that you take the necessary precautions and carry equipment baggage not exceeding 8 kg (17.6 pounds), and of the same dimensions as permitted airline hand luggage.

The famous Inca citadel is situated in the high part of the Machu Picchu mountain, from which it takes its name To arrive there, you should take the bus which departs around 200 metres from the train station.

Buses leave from 05:30 am. every 15 minutes. The journey to the summit takes approximately 15 minutes. It is possible to arrive on foot. We recommend doing so only if you are in a good physical condition and you have allowed the necessary time. The ascent by foot takes around one hour and follows a very steep route. The last bus descends at 17:30. For more information about bus times and fares you can enter to www.consettur.com.

Remember that you will also need entry-tickets for the citadel, which can be obtained at the INC offices in Machu Picchu village and in Cusco, or through INC's website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe. Special rates for Peruvian citizens, students, and children under 12 apply.

Machu Picchu citadel has many paths to follow, depending on the amount of time you have allowed for your visit.

We recommend leaving from the high part, heading first for the viewpoint from where impressive panoramic shots of the citadel can be taken. If you have enough time, you may continue ascending until arrival at Intipunko. This is the arrival point of the Inca Trail from Cusco, and commands stunning views of the area.

Then, going downwards, head for the central courtyard: site of the unmissable Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana (sun dial). Finally, continue on to the lowest part, where the Temple of the Condor and the small houses making up the ancient city are located.

Early-risers and the intrepid will be keen to climb the Huayna Picchu, the mountain alongside Machu Picchu whose characteristic silhouette looms in postcards.

An Inca Trail may be taken to the summit of this mountain. The trek is very demanding and is flanked by precipices. Recommended only for those in good physical condition. Not recommended for children under the age of 12.

Access is limited to two groups per day, the first turn is between 07:00 am and 08:00 am, the second one is between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. The maximum amount allowed for each turn is for only 200 visitors. Note that it requires a special ticket to visit the Huayna Picchu, these are only obtainable on the website or at the offices www.machupicchu.gob.pe or at INC Tickets Office in Cusco, are not available at the box office of the Citadel itself.

One of the top vantage points for panoramic shots of Machu Picchu is the high part of the citadel, facing the path to the Inca Bridge. Before arriving at this point, you will find a series of terraced steps to the right of the path that offer views of the entire Inca citadel.

Machu Picchu village has hotels and restaurants for all tastes and budgets. You will also find a great variety of shops selling local handicrafts. You will find more information at www.turismoperu.info.

Machu Picchu offers numerous attractions that are not to be missed out on. The area is home to 370 varieties of orchids. For admirers of flowers, the botanic gardens of the Inkaterra hotel are a must-see. We recommend a walk through the area surrounding the Inca citadel; among other delights, the variety of exotic flowers hosted by the mountain impresses.

For budding ornithologists, Machu Picchu is a birdwatcher's paradise. We recommend that all excursions be led by specialized guides.