Cons of Machu Picchu: 10 Hidden Challenges of Your Dream Trip

Before planning a trip to Peru, it’s important to be aware of the cons of Machu Picchu. There are numerous reasons why millions of travelers visit this sacred Inca site. Not only are the ruins from one of South America’s most advanced civilizations, but they are considered one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”. In fact, Machu Picchu offers stunning panoramic views, mesmerizing architecture, and offers rich historical and cultural significance. However, despite the positives of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are several drawbacks you should consider before you book this bucket list adventure.

I recently visited Machu Picchu and spent time exploring Peru. As a travel-lover having visited over 40 countries, I will share helpful travel tips and things to know about Machu Picchu before your journey. Keep reading to learn the dark side of Machu Picchu, so you can decide if it’s worth visiting.

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10 Cons of Machu Picchu

1. Machu Picchu Is Difficult to Reach

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu is unquestionably difficult to reach. Whether you choose to brave the arduous Inca Trail or take the train to Machu Picchu, it’s no easy feat to reach the citadel.

Most travelers travel to Machu Picchu via Cusco. As I will discuss below, the altitude requires several days of acclimatization before you proceed to Machu Picchu. After adjusting to the climate, you are ready to make the train journey.

Plan for early morning departures and a train ride lasting approximately 3 hours each way. Upon reaching Aguas Calientes, you must then take a thirty minute bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu. Trust me, this is an arduous day tour!

The significant travel time to reach the ruins is one of the main challenges of Machu Picchu.

Seeking Stamps Tip: I recommend spending at least one night at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, or in Aguas Calientes, so you have a more relaxing trip.

2. Traveling to Machu Picchu Is Expensive

Without question, one of the biggest negatives of Machu Picchu is how expensive it is to visit. From expensive international flight, hotels, the train ride, entrance tickets and tour guide- it costs a LOT to reach this bucket list destination.

While there are numerous options that are more budget-friendly it can cost thousands of dollars to reach Machu Picchu!

3. Many Travelers Get Motion Sickness On the Way to Machu Picchu

If you are prone to motion sickness, let me warn you before you take the train to Machu Picchu. Unlike the smooth trains of Europe or Asia, the ride to the ruins is extremely bumpy! Motion sickness is another possible con of going to Machu Picchu.

Although we paid a high price tag for the Hiram Bingham luxury train, my family was extremely motion sick during the ride. Despite anti-nausea medications, my teenage daughter struggled on the bus ride up the mountain (and sadly threw up all over herself). Obviously, this wasn’t the trip I imagined.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Bring motion-sickness medication, a change of clothes, and some ziplock bags . . . just in case!

4. Complications of High Altitude in Peru

As I previously mentioned, the altitude at Machu Picchu is NO joke! Teetering at 7,972 feet, you are sure to feel a bit out of breath. Typically, the altitude makes you feel tired and lethargic, but for the unlucky few, high altitude sickness can be deadly. The high altitude and risk of altitude sickness is another con of visiting Machu Picchu!

5. The Weather at Machu Picchu Can Be Awful

Imagine spending hundreds, if not thousands, to finally check Machu Picchu off your bucket-list. As you look out at the ruins . . . *GASP*- all you see is clouds! What?! Yep, it can happen!

High up in the Andes cloud forest, your experience at Machu Picchu can be greatly impacted by weather conditions. The site can be completely covered by clouds, or pelted by pouring rain.

While no one can predict the weather, you can stack the odds in your favor by visiting during certain times of the year. The best time to visit Machu Picchu for favorable weather is May to September. You’ll want to avoid the rainy season, from October to April, which is the worst time to visit Machu Picchu.

Seeking Stamps Tip: I recommend visiting Machu Picchu for at least two days. That way, if you have poor weather you have another chance to see the ruins.

6. Crowds Can Make Visiting Machu Picchu Miserable

Even if you are lucky enough to have nice weather, the hordes of tourists can make visiting Machu Picchu miserable.

As you make your way through the various circuits, visitors can only move in one direction. So, you can’t backtrack to get that perfect photo.

Plus, with lots of people, it’s difficult to enjoy the beauty and tranquility at the ruins. During our visit to Peru, we were extremely fortunate the site was uncrowded. I was awestruck hearing the breeze and birds chirping while soaking up the scenery.

Additionally, millions of visitors have a huge environmental impact on the condition of the ruins. Not to mention over tourism in Machu Picchu affects wildlife and local communities. While you are there, be mindful to protect the site from the negative impacts of tourism in Machu Picchu.

Seeking Stamps Tip: The summer months can be especially crowded- especially peak season during June-August.

7. The Ruins Can Be Extremely Dangerous

Another drawback of Machu Picchu is that it is dangerous. From uneven terrain, steep steps, and sheer drop-offs, you need to pay attention to your surroundings. In fact, the climb up Huayna Picchu is called the “stairs of death”. Most travelers will not have difficulty navigating the site, but anyone with mobility issues, or small children and elderly individuals should be extra cautious.

During our visit, we saw many areas with large cliff drop-offs that were merely partitioned with a thin rail or rope. Yikes!

Seeking Stamps Tip: As with all international travel, I suggest getting travel insurance just in case!

8. The Bugs at Machu Picchu Are Nasty

Another negative of Machu Picchu are the biting insects. As you can see in the image below, I suffered from sand fly bites in Machu Picchu. Locals also call these biting insects “midges”. You will also find swarms of mosquitoes at Machu Picchu.

The worst part is you might not realize you are being bitten! I wore leggings with an inch of my repellant-covered ankle exposed, and I still suffered from nasty bites. Over the course of a few days, these bites grew in size and made my entire foot and ankle swell.

Heed my advice, and wear long pants and socks when you visit Machu Picchu!

9. There Is Dangerous Wildlife at Machu Picchu

In addition to insects that can spread disease, there are also dangerous animals at Machu Picchu. Although it is rare to encounter them, venomous snakes, bears, and pumas can be found nearby. If you trek along the Inca Trail, you are more likely to have animal encounters. Stay on the trails, and pay attention to your surrounding to be safe.

10. Your Machu Picchu Trip Can Be Ruined By Unexpected Circumstances

Last, but not least you can have your trip to Machu Picchu ruined by unexpected circumstances. For example, recent civil unrest with locals dismantling the railways prevented tourists from visiting the site. Can you imagine how devastated you would feel if you couldn’t explore Machu Picchu during your Peru trip?

During our Peru vacation, Peru Rail switched the day of our train departure at the last minute. Check the fine print and you will see they have the right to do so. Fortunately, we had some flexibility in our itinerary, or we would have missed out.

Seeking Stamps Tip: I suggest giving yourself space in your itinerary to visit machu Picchu another day, in case unforeseeable circumstances arise. Also, consider a travel insurance policy that covers your train transportation if you book the expensive luxury train.

Other Fun Places to Explore in Peru

If you have additional time in Peru consider some of these tours:

• Try a Lares trek or Salkantay Trek through the glaciers to reach Machu Picchu.
• For a less rugged experience- try the Short Inca Trail hike.
• Visit colorful Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, on a day trip from Cusco.
• Hike up Palccoyo Mountain– this is the closer and smaller version of the Rainbow Mountains day hike.
• Book a Humantay Lake tour to see one of Peru’s top natural tourist attractions.
• Cross the 118 foot handwoven Inca Bridge of Q’eswachaka.
• Explore Chincero, Pisac or Ollantaytambo.

Is Machu Picchu Worth Visiting?

Without question, Machu Picchu is worth visiting. Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world. Located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this ancient Incan citadel captivates visitors with its pristine beauty, fascinating history, and rich culture. Whether you’re a history lover, an adventurer, or someone who appreciates nature, Machu Picchu has something for everyone. Despite this article focusing on the cons of Machu Picchu, visiting Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed.

Cons of Machu Picchu: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are many pros and cons of Machu Picchu. Yet, if you pay attention to the time you visit, give yourself a flexible itinerary, and monitor dangerous conditions, you can ensure an enjoyable visit. I hope these insights help you plan a memorable visit to the Machu Picchu Ruins. As you can see with a little preparation and planning, Machu Picchu is completely worth visiting.