After the stress of planning a wedding and all that goes with it, you deserve a great honeymoon. The question is where to go and what to see.
The Inca city of Machu Picchu is located between the Andes Mountains. Steeped in history and breathtaking scenery, this site offers a warm culture and has long been a draw for travelers.
With the perfect setting, a honeymoon in Machu Picchu would be the ideal start to your married life together. For this reason, we and the experts from Machu Travel Peru have created a short article. It explains how to have a fantastic honeymoon.
Tips to enjoy an excellent honeymoon
- Planning your honeymoon in Machu Picchu
- When to go on your honeymoon in Machu Picchu
- How to get to Machu Picchu
- From Cusco to Machu Picchu on a luxury train
- Alternative ways to get to the Inca citadel
- Luxury accommodations to take advantage of
- What to do on your honeymoon
- Different tips to consider
- Frequently asked questions for couples
Planning your Honeymoon in Machu Picchu
What could be better than relieving stress by exploring the mysterious Machu Picchu? Its calmness, natural energy, and impressive beauty are genuinely refreshing. But what is Machu Picchu? The UNESCO World Heritage is famous for its unique Inca architecture, which has perfectly fitted stones. It has been considered one of the World’s New Seven Wonders since 2007.
Due to its hidden location, the Spaniards could not find the city, whose exact purpose remains unknown. Many chroniclers have mentioned it was a religious court, which is why it is well-preserved. It lasted almost 500 years until American archaeologist Hiran Bingham discovered it in 1911. Immerse yourself in the mysteries of Machu Picchu for your once-in-a-lifetime journey in South America.
When to go on your Honeymoon in Machu Picchu?
There are two well-marked seasons in the Andes: rainy and dry. The rainy season is mainly from December to March, peaking in January and February. There is rain and fewer tourists, making your trip quite pleasant.
While it may be foggy in the morning, it usually clears up later. The dry season is from May to October. The days are sunny and warm, and the view is excellent! However, the nights are pretty cold, and with good weather, hordes of visitors arrive.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is probably during the in-between seasons: April and November. As for the weather, you can find a mix of both rain and sun. But remember that you will enjoy a pleasant visit with much fewer people. Admission tickets are limited and sell out faster or slower, depending on the season.
How to get to Machu Picchu?
If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you must know there are numerous ways to get there. But first of all, you will have to get to Cusco.
When you arrive in Peru, you will land in Lima, the capital. The capital is excellent for a few days, especially if you love food. Lima has some of the best restaurants in the world. From Lima, you can take a plane to Cusco. The flight takes about an hour and offers spectacular views along the way.
From Cusco to Machu Picchu on a Luxury Train
Upon arrival in Cusco, you can explore the city center, where a lot keeps you busy for a few days. Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco is very easy. There are daily train services in different train styles.
If you have the budget, you should travel on the Belmond Hiram Bingham Train on your honeymoon in the Inca citadel. This is the best train to Machu Picchu, and you will be lavishly luxurious from the moment you enter the train station just outside Cusco.
The Hiram Bingham takes about 4 hours to reach Machu Picchu. During the trip, you will enjoy some of Peru’s famous dishes. You will enjoy the famous Pisco Sours from Peru. There will also be a great selection of wines and beers from South America. Enjoy the view from the viewing cart and hear fantastic local music if you like dancing.
Alternative ways to get to the Inca Citadel
If you don’t have the budget for the Hiram Bingham, other trains travel to Machu Picchu. One is the Vistadome Observatory of Peru Rail. It has glass panels on the roof. These panels let you see the Andes Mountains as you travel.
The other way to Machu Picchu is to hike on the renowned Inca Trail. This may not sound romantic, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Four days and nights of walking through the Andes, seeing ancient Inca ruins, cloud forests, and incredible Andean peaks will take your breath away.
On the fourth day, you will arrive at Machu Picchu through Puerta del Sol for the best view of the ruins. With our tips for getting to Machu Picchu, we recommend you enjoy the Inca Trail.
Luxury accommodations to take advantage of
There is a wide variety of hotels near Machu Picchu, from the most expensive to the cheapest. If you’re on your honeymoon in the Inca citadel, there are a few five-star options for you.
The most luxurious hotel is the Belmond Sanctuary at the gates of Machu Picchu. This is the only hotel on the site and offers many luxury inclusions. The restaurant serves locally sourced food prepared by Peruvian chefs. Dine on the terrace and enjoy a good meal and spectacular views.
Another great example is located in the town of Aguas Calientes. Here is the Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel. This hotel is the best place to stay in the city and has a wonderful garden full of beautiful flowers. With cabin-style rooms, the hotel has all the luxury you need on your honeymoon.
If your budget doesn’t extend to five-star options, try Casa del Sol in Aguas Calientes. The hotel has a warm atmosphere and an excellent restaurant for dinner. Ask for rooms with a river view, as they will give you a more romantic experience.
What to do on your Honeymoon
- Take a guided tour of the ruins during your Machu Picchu honeymoon. On the tour, you will learn about the history and legends of the ruins.
- Take one of the many hikes offered around Machu Picchu. One of them is the Machu Picchu mountain. The view from Machu Picchu mountain is breathtaking. You can see the Inca site and its surroundings from a bird’s eye view. You can also enjoy the calm and peaceful energy.
- People call the mountain in front of Machu Picchu Huayna Picchu. There are treks available to Huayna Picchu that take around three hours round trip. The hike is steep, but the views of Machu Picchu are incredible. If you have time to hike to Puerta del Sol, the original entrance to Machu Picchu, the views from here are also great.
There are many things to do in Machu Picchu, especially if you are on your honeymoon.
Different tips to consider
You can also get much Peru travel advice from travel books and friends. It’s good to research and find the places you want to experience in Peru on your honeymoon.
Apart from your Machu Picchu tours, it would be best to spend some time in Cusco, which is full of romantic hotels and beautiful restaurants. The city was the heart of the Inca Empire and had many ancient sites to visit.
You will need to consider the cost of travel during your Peru vacation. Despite the significant increase in tourism, Peru remains inexpensive. For example, it still does not reach or match the cost of a European tour. When starting your life together, the most important thing to remember is to enjoy your first married vacation, and Peru is the ideal place to visit.
Frequently asked questions as a couple
Why spend a honeymoon in Machupicchu?
Because of the impressive mountains and Inca architecture. Explore one of the jewels of ancient Peru through famous hikes and history and connect with the mountains and nature. They will witness the love and celebration of the newlywed couple.
What is the best time to visit Machupicchu?
The best time to visit Machupicchu is in the high season. It means between April and October.
Is it necessary to reserve tickets in advance?
Yes, especially in high season. You should book at least two months to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. If you plan to trek to the Inca citadel’s mountains, check ticket availability at least three months ahead.
What romantic activities are there for married couples in Machupicchu?
You can choose a romantic dinner in a boutique hotel with great views, walk in the Machupicchu ruins, visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, explore the local market, or hike through the jungle.
What to bring for Machupicchu?
It is essential to pack light and comfortable clothes. Also, bring suitable hiking shoes and a waterproof jacket if it rains.
Is it safe to go on a honeymoon to Machupicchu?
Yes, it is generally safe, but following your guide’s instructions and knowing your belongings is essential.
What extra activities can you do in the area?
You can visit the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, explore the local market, or hike through the jungle.
What types of dinners are offered for honeymoon in Machupicchu?
After visiting the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, you must stop for dinner in Aguas Calientes. Here are some options:
- Candlelight dinner (dinner accompanied by candles and objects accompanying the romance).
- Peruvian gourmet dinner (classic dinner where you can taste Peruvian cuisine and typical dishes).
- Enjoy dinner with a view of Machu Picchu. The meal features Cusquenian or fusion cuisine. You will dine at the best hotel, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. The stunning view of the Inca citadel makes it unique.
What destinations can you visit besides Machupicchu?
Cusco has many natural and archaeological sites. We recommend starting with a walking tour in the city of Cusco, which includes the main streets and the famous Plaza de Armas.
Next, you can visit the Sacred Valley. Explore Maras salt, Moray, and Chinchero. You will see agricultural terraces, Inca sites, textiles, and salt pans here. Let yourself be carried away by the energy and mystery of the ancient Valley of the Incas.
What hikes can you do in Machu Picchu?
You can choose from four types of treks. These are Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain, Inti Punku, and the classic hike around Machu Picchu. All these treks are done within the perimeter of Machu Picchu.
“REMEMBER THAT HAPPINESS IS A WAY OF TRAVEL, NOT A DESTINATION.”
We hope, together with the experts from Machu Travel Peru, to have helped you. Remember that a honeymoon in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the best ways to enjoy Peru.
Enjoy the mystery, the breathtaking views, and the old buildings with the love of your life. Form memories as strong as the celebration of your love made. If you want to know more about our tours of the Inca citadel, you can consult with our qualified advisers.