When to Go. From November to March is the rainy season and the preferred time for Latin American visitors, from April to October is the dry season and from June to September is the preferred time by European visitors.
How to Get There. The easiest and most comfortable way to get there is by train. There are 2 train companies that offer service to Aguas Calientes: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both offer daily trips from Ollantaytambo. Prices and service are similar. The main difference is the itineraries. PeruRail is the only one that offers 3 services per day from Poroy in Cusco, and 1 from Urubamba.
About the Inca Trail. If you want to go on the Inca Trail, reserve at least 5 months in advance. Only 500 people Are allowed in per day, and the trail is closed in February; see the number of the Inca Trail available spaces here.
How to Get Tickets to Machu Picchu. Those who prefer to pay for their entrance tickets with a credit card can do it through this website or that of the government (machupicchu.gob.pe).
Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu means “young mountain” in Quechua and it is 2667 meters high. From here you can have a very good view of Machu Picchu. To climb it you must be in good physical condition, and be at the entrance with your ticket at 07:00 or 10:00 am, all according to the shift you have booked your ticket for. This is the only way to assure a place in one of the 2 daily shifts (times when people can enter).
Where to Sleep. Aguas Calientes has many hotels, including luxury hotels which are more expensive as well as less expensive hotels which provide all the necessary stuff for your stay. Some hostels are not as good as far as infrastructure or services offered. You can also stay in Ollantaytambo or Cusco.
