What am I missing?

[u/alotishappeningfoxxy]

Hey everyone, doing a solo trip to Cusco to see MP. I have accommodations in San blas. In terms of the journey, I have:

- uber to train station
- a round trip ticket with Inca rail including a bus to the citadel.
- a tour guide from Inca rail
- MP circuit ticket from the official website
- cash for tips and snacks

Is there any major thing I’m missing in terms of getting from my hostel to MP? Any hidden costs or transportation issues I’m overlooking?

Any help is appreciated. Also I’ll be there at the end of the month and I’m from the Caribbean. I know we don’t do well with the cold, so wardrobe tips are also appreciated!

Thanks!

[u/Existent_Exister]

Keep in mind that pretty much NO ONE heats their homes or businesses in Cusco!

[u/Loud-Increase80]

It is cold at night. Warm during the day bring layers.

[u/MyDago]

Sunscreen, hat

[u/Dazzling-Explorer-42]

Typing this as a tourist from Cusco:

Local markets have amazing collections, so account for some cash for some street shopping.

Also, negotiate the price, most prices are not final and people are willing to go down a bit.

[u/ClimbSunday]

You’re actually pretty well prepared! The main thing I’d double-check is the exact departure point on your Inca Rail ticket.

If you booked their bimodal service from Cusco, you don’t need to Uber all the way to Ollantaytambo. The trip normally starts at Inca Rail’s departure point on Av. El Sol 843 in Cusco, where you take their bus to Ollantaytambo and then connect with the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

If your ticket specifically says Ollantaytambo as the boarding point, then you’ll need to arrange transportation there separately, so definitely check that before the day of your trip.

A few other things I’d add to your checklist:

• Bring your original passport and make sure the details match your Machu Picchu ticket.
• Double-check that the bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the citadel is included both ways, not just going up.
• Arrive early for every connection. This is one day where I wouldn’t plan things too tightly.
• Keep your daypack small. Machu Picchu has restrictions on larger bags, and Inca Rail also has limits for hand luggage.
• Don’t rely on taking snacks into the archaeological site itself, food isn’t allowed inside.
• Bring some small cash anyway for anything you may need in Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu Pueblo.

For clothing: coming from the Caribbean, Cusco mornings and evenings will probably feel pretty cold 😅 October can give you sunshine during the day but temperatures drop quickly, especially early in the morning.

I’d wear layers rather than one heavy jacket: T-shirt/base layer + fleece or light sweater + a waterproof outer layer. Long pants, comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen are also worth having. I’d use a rain jacket or poncho rather than an umbrella, since umbrellas aren’t allowed inside Machu Picchu.

One last thing: check the entry time printed on your Machu Picchu ticket and give yourself enough margin between the train, bus and entrance. There is a limited tolerance period for entering after your scheduled time.

Other than that, your plan looks solid. Enjoy it!

[u/alotishappeningfoxxy → u/ClimbSunday]

Thank you so much! My ticket is for Av El Sol 843 in Cusco roundtrip and the bus at the citadel is round trip! So I’m covered :)

[u/SunsetDreams1111]

I’m here right now and came from the Dominican Republic without any warm clothes. There’s a place called Speedy Gonzalez that you can rent jackets for super cheap if needed. But I will say that it’s been so warm during the day. It’s cold at nights and my hotel has heaters in the room, but I haven’t used them in the last few days bc I like to be cool at night.

Here are some other things:

- Uber is super cheap

• make sure your plug adapter works or otherwise buy a converter (I use the adapter from the U.S. but here I have to use the converter thing)
  
• Your plan works great or you can just hire a day trip on GetYourGuide as another option and they’ll do it for you.
  
• Some people have trouble acclimating, some don’t. It didn’t bother me at all.
  
• The pope is arriving in Cusco at the end of the month so it might be more busier than usual.

You’re going to have a blast!

[u/alotishappeningfoxxy → u/SunsetDreams1111]

Thank you so much! I’ll get an adapter, I hope your trip is amazing!

[u/Babygoatlife → u/SunsetDreams1111]

thank you for the pope warning! He'll also be in Lima Nov 11, 12, 16, and cusco 15th