Machu Picchu Fails: 21 Things NOT to Do

Machu Picchu is one of those places that feels impossible to mess up.

You buy the ticket, take the train, walk around, snap the postcard photo, and go home… right?

Not exactly.

After visiting Machu Picchu myself, I realized there are a surprising number of mistakes that can turn one of the world’s greatest bucket-list destinations into an unnecessarily expensive, exhausting, or disappointing experience.

Some mistakes cost money. Some cost time. Some cost energy. And some leave you lying in the dirt at 7:00 AM waiting for fog to clear (ask me how I know).

Here are 21 Machu Picchu fails to avoid.

1. Booking an All-In-One Tour Package

Package tours sound convenient until you realize they often lock you into schedules, routes, and decisions you didn’t actually want.

Booking trains and tickets separately gave me more flexibility and saved money.

2. Treating Cusco Like a Stopover

Cusco deserves more than one night.

Even a single day lets you experience local food, Incan history, and markets that feel completely different from tourist-heavy areas.

The Central Market alone made the stop worthwhile.

3. Not Bringing Enough Water

One of the easiest mistakes.

Once you enter Machu Picchu, there are no refill stations.

Bring more water than you think you need.

4. Forgetting the Bathroom

Small mistake.

Big consequences.

Bathrooms are outside the entrance only — and you’ll appreciate that knowledge later.

5. Not Asking People to Take Photos

Solo travelers: stop overthinking.

People are usually happy to help.

Take multiple shots and spend two minutes learning basic posing beforehand.

6. Waiting Too Long to Book Tickets

Machu Picchu tickets disappear fast.

Circuits disappear.

Train times disappear.

Hotels? Usually fine.

Tickets? Book early.

7. Booking the Cheapest Hotel

Aguas Calientes is hillier than people expect.

Saving a few dollars may turn into carrying luggage uphill after a long day.

Stay central.

8. Expecting Too Much From Aguas Calientes

Think base camp.

Not destination.

Restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops — then rest for Machu Picchu.

9. Buying Souvenirs There

Everything costs more.

Buy in Cusco instead.

10. Only Doing One Circuit

One route means one experience.

If possible, stack two circuits.

You’ll see more and hedge against weather.

11. Booking Super Early Entry

I booked 7:00 AM.

I spent nearly two hours waiting for fog.

Meanwhile later arrivals walked into sunshine.

Earlier isn’t always better.

12. Not Bringing Snacks

Food options inside are limited.

Pack snacks.

Future you will be grateful.

13. Carrying Too Much

Heavy backpacks make the visit worse.

Use baggage storage.

Bring only essentials.

14. Hiking Instead of Taking the Shuttle

I get wanting to save money.

But the shuttle preserves energy for where it matters.

15. Skipping Machu Picchu Mountain

One of my favorite parts of the trip.

Hard hike.

Huge payoff.

16. Trusting the Weather App

Machu Picchu weather changes constantly.

Sun.

Rain.

Sun again.

Bring a rain jacket.

Always.

17. Sitting on the Wrong Side of the Train

Going toward Aguas Calientes?

Sit on the left.

Simple change.

Way better views.

18. Trying to Sneak Into Another Route

Don’t.

Routes are controlled and one-way.

19. Thinking You Need a Guide

I did Circuit 1 and Circuit 3 solo.

Clear routes.

Easy navigation.

Freedom to move at my own pace.

20. Expecting Perfect English From Guides

Many guides speak English, but communication can vary.

Especially outdoors.

Do your own prep too.

21. Skipping Acclimatization

Cusco sits over 11,000 feet.

Altitude hits differently.

Give yourself time.

Bonus: The Circuit Secret Nobody Explains

Every ticket locks you into a specific route.

Personally:

Circuit 1 + Machu Picchu Mountain → Morning
Circuit 3 → Later in the day

Most travelers recommend Circuit 2 overall, but it sells out quickly.

If possible, combine routes and give yourself two chances at clear weather.

Google Maps

📍 Machu Picchu — Peru
📍 Cusco Central Market — Cusco, Peru
📍 Aguas Calientes — Peru

Watch the full video on YouTube for all 21 fails, real footage, and the mistakes I made so you don’t have to.

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