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Machu Picchu: The Lost City in the Clouds
Machu Picchu is South America’s most awe-inspiring ancient ruin — this 15th-century Inca Empire “Lost City” sits at 2,430 m above sea level on a saddle between two mountain peaks, surrounded by cloud forest and tropical rainforest. Rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, it attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
From China, the most common routing is through the US (Delta/United) or Europe (Lufthansa/Air France) to Lima, then connecting to Cusco. Cusco sits at approximately 3,400 m and is the highest point of the entire journey — allow at least 2 days in Cusco to acclimatise before proceeding to Machu Picchu.
Cusco Acclimatisation Strategy
Cusco is the essential gateway to Machu Picchu and the highest-risk area for altitude sickness (AMS). Upon arrival in Cusco (3,400 m), approximately 30–40% of visitors experience some degree of symptoms: headaches, chest tightness, shortness of breath, insomnia.
The core principle is “gradual acclimatisation:” on arrival day — no shower, no alcohol, no strenuous activity. Drink plenty of coca tea (a local traditional drink with mild stimulant effects), plenty of hot water, and stay warm. Altitude sickness medication (Plateau An or Rhodiola rosea supplements) purchased before departure and taken 2 days in advance has some effect.
Recommended Cusco schedule — 3 days: Day 1: rest in the city centre; visit Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun) and the San Blas neighbourhood. Day 2: half-day trip to Sacsayhuamán ruins. Day 3: take the Vistadome scenic train to Aguas Calientes (base town for Machu Picchu).
Purchase Airalo’s Peru eSIM to maintain connectivity in the highland region for emergency contact and navigation. Phone signals at ancient Inca sites are generally poor — downloading offline maps in advance is wise.
Inca Trail Trek: The Ultimate 4-Day, 3-Night Challenge
The Inca Trail is the most classic and popular route to Machu Picchu — with only 25,000 annual permits (restored to pre-pandemic levels in 2026), booking through licensed travel agencies 3–6 months ahead is essential. The full route is approximately 43 km; the highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, is at 4,200 m; daily hiking averages 6–8 hours.
Day 1 (26 km): From Cusco by vehicle to Ollantaytambo (approximately 2 hours), then to the Km82 trailhead. Relatively flat terrain; passes Chachabamba ruins; camp near Wayllabamba.
Day 2 (11 km — the hardest day): Wake at 3 am; depart at 5 am to cross Dead Woman’s Pass (4,200 m). The steepest climb of the entire route; altitude makes every step heavy. Descend to Pacaymayo Valley to camp.
Day 3 (16 km): Pass through Runkurakay (4,000 m) and Sayacmarca ruins; scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Camp at Phuyupatamarca (3,600 m) — from here you can see Machu Picchu through the clouds.
Day 4 (5 km): Depart at 4 am; hike 1.5 hours to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) — the best viewing point for Machu Picchu. The moment the first rays of sunlight fall on the ancient city above is guaranteed to bring tears.
Book the Inca Trail permit and guide package on Klook — includes permit, guide, cook, pack horses, and camping equipment; approximately US$1,200–1,800 per person. Note: the Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance; April–October is the best trekking season.
Best Photography Spots and Visiting Tips
Machu Picchu allows 4,000 visitors per day in two time slots (6:00–12:00 and 12:00–17:30); tickets must be reserved in advance on the official website. Tripods and drones are not permitted; plan 3–4 hours to visit.
Best photography positions:
- Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The first viewpoint reached on the trek — full panorama of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu mountain reflected in the clouds
- Huayna Picchu summit: Requires separate reservation (400 daily slots); approximately 1 hour to summit; the classic bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu from above
- Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña): Higher and steeper than Huayna Picchu; wider viewpoint; at least 2 hours return
Practical Information and Important Notes
Peru uses Soles (S/); 1 sol approximately equals ¥1.8 CNY. USD is widely accepted in tourist areas but change is usually given in soles. Visa or Mastercard credit cards work at most places in Peru; UnionPay acceptance is limited.
ATMs in Cusco and Aguas Calientes frequently run out of cash — bring adequate USD cash to exchange locally. No ATMs on the trail; limited machines in Aguas Calientes that are frequently emptied during peak season.
High-altitude UV radiation is intense — reapply SPF50+ sunscreen every 2 hours; sun hat and sunglasses are essential. Coca leaf tea is a legal traditional beverage in Peru that can alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms, but bringing it back to China is illegal.
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