Machu Picchu Tour ...

Altitude
Machu Picchu 2,400 masl (7,872 ft)

How to Get There
By land: The only access to the citadel is by rail from Cuzco, 110 km (68.3 miles) to the Machu Picchu Pueblo station. Travel time is between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the type of train service. The bus ride from the Machu Picchu town (formerly Aguas Calientes) up to the archaeological site takes 20 minutes.

Aguas Calientes
Aguas calientes is small town located on mountainside of Machu Picchu, the main economical activity is based around tourism, providing all the necessary services such as hotels and restaurants, as well as its fair share of souvenir shops and stalls. Of course it's Machu Picchu that people have came to visit and Aguas Calientes itself has little to offer the tourist apart from its thermal springs believed to possess curative powers.

Lodging
The town of Machu Picchu offers budget and three-star hotels. At the entrance to the sanctuary, there are rest rooms, telephone booths, a fast food restaurant and a hotel.

Activities
Archaeology, trekking, photography, mysticism, animal and plant spotting (excellent area for orchid lovers), thermal spirngs, and shopping for arts and crafts.

Minimum Length of Stay
At least one day to visit Machu Picchu and five to seven days to visit other attractions between Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. The Inca Trail requires three to four days to walk its 39 kilometers, and a total four to five days to include transport and visit to Machu Picchu.

Recommendations
An overnight stay in the area is suggested. Wear a poncho or raincoat during the rainy season, and in the dry season bring a hat, insect repellent and sunscreen. Visitors must heed the conservation regulations of the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary.

Nearby Attractions
The thermal springs at Aguas Calientes, located 800 meters (half a mile) from the town of Machu Picchu. Also interesting is the climb up to Huayna Picchu, or 'young mountain' (2,667 masl - 8,748 ft), which is the steep mountain that stands behind the citadel in the classic photographs of Machu Picchu. The ascent takes an hour along a narrow, steep path and at the top stands a set of terraces apparently built for ceremonial purposes, and the remains of a partially built temple. Visitors who wish to climb Huayna Picchu must register at the control post located in the Sacred Stone section. Visitors are recommended to use walking shoes and carry water with them.

Season / Climate
Machu Picchu can be visited all year round, although the best months are from April to October. The seasons are clearly defined: summer runs from November to March, with rains and high humidity; the winter or dry season runs from April to October.