Since Cusco (just above 11,000 feet) sits at a higher altitude than Machu Picchu (nearly 8,000 feet), it's recommended to travel down into the Sacred Valley (around 9,000 feet) after landing to ...

Altitude mistakes Most people who want to visit Machu Picchu fly into Cusco from the sea-level city of Lima. Many take a day or two in Cusco first to adjust to the altitude. This is a mistake.

Now that Peru's Machu Picchu is open again, you'll want these trip planning tips for avoiding altitude sickness and for finding the area's best hotels.

Not adjusting to altitude before heading to Machu Picchu can leave you down for the count. Consider these locales for adjusting to altitude and soaking up local culture.

Machu Picchu is at 7,874 feet, so the best plan to mitigate altitude sickness is to arrive at Cuzco in the morning (the first flight from Lima departs at 6 a.m.) and then immediately grab the ...

During my recent trip to Peru, I visited Machu Picchu via a $170 luxury train ride. The glass-roofed train offered panoramic views of the Peruvian highlands, snacks, and comfy seats.

After tackling Machu Picchu and adjusting to the higher altitude, head back up to Cusco. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is full of ancient history, vibrant colors, and excellent markets.