The archaeological site of Rupac is located in the District of Atavillo Bajo, in the Province of Huaral, at 3500 m.a.s.l. and 145 km north of the city of Lima.

How to get to Rupac?

The route is covered in two stages. The first is by car or bus, and the second is on foot. Don’t worry, we’ll give you all the information you need and some tips on trekking if you are not used to it.

Travelling by private car

• We take the North Pan American Highway to the city of Huaral
• We take Avenida Los Naturales, which leads towards the mountains
• After an hour on the road, we reach a toll booth
• Before the “Ing. Oscar Vargas Avendaño” bridge, there is a turnoff that leads to the La Florida – Pampas tourist area
• From here, the road becomes difficult, very steep and only one-lane wide. Make sure you fill up your fuel tank before leaving Huaral, because you’ll use more fuel than you might expect during the steep climb
• After an hour and a half, we arrive at La Florida, where we need to pay the entry fee to Rupac (PEN 10 or USD 2.50)

The route by public transport

• We take the bus at the Bus Terminal of “Plaza Norte” Mall that will take us to the city of Huaral
• We then take a colectivo (shared taxi service) to Las Pampas, for which the average fare tends to be PEN 25 (USD 6) per person
• After a two-hour journey, we arrive at La Florida, where we pay the entry fee to Rupac (PEN 10 or USD 2.50)

Arrival at Las Pampas

• Ten minutes after paying the entrance fee, whether we are in a car or bus, we arrive at the “Ghost Town” of Las Pampas.

Once in Las Pampas, we can find restaurants and shops where we can stock up on supplies before beginning the trek. The origin of the name of “Ghost Town” comes from the fact that, a long time ago, the people who lived there decided to move elsewhere, leaving the houses intact.

Nowadays, the town looks more like a tourist attraction. The people who live in La Florida climb up to the town and set up their food and tourism businesses there, since the route to Rupac goes through Las Pampas and provides a win-win situation for the townspeople and visitors alike.

Now, without further ado, we come to the walk up to Rupac. You may choose to go on your own or hire a guide, as well as hire donkeys to carry your packs to the city of fire.

Trek and camping at Rupac

The trek will be strenuous, and we always recommend that you make sure you are in good health. It’s a six-kilometer trail, which can take up to three hours, depending on your physical condition, but everything has its rewards.

The route offers extraordinary landscapes and a waterfall. On arrival at Rupac, your reward will be even greater with a beautiful sunset. Remember to rest every so often on the route to keep up the pace.

Waste no time to set up your tent in the camping area, since a surprise rain shower may complicate things.

Rupac lies above the cloud line

The whispy blanket of clouds is, possibly, one of the reasons people visit the archaeological complex at Rupac. The site rises above the cloud line, giving us the sensation of being on top of the sky.

The clouds tend to form more frequently in January and February. Nevertheless, you can visit the area any time of year and equally enjoy the other attractions.

The Rupac Archaeological Complex

The Archaeological Complex at Rupac was built by the Atavillos, one of the most important pre-Inca civilizations in the Province of Lima. It was built as a defense system, above the mountain peaks that rise over 3,500 to 3,800 m.a.s.l.

To this day, so many centuries after the site was built, the buildings remain intact, which is why it has earned the title of “Lima’s Machu Picchu.” The site features kullpis (houses) and chullpas (funeral towers) in the settlement areas. You will also easily identify storage spaces, fireplaces, courtyards and other areas well preserved after so many years.\

If you are wondering why it is called the “city of fire”, the story is that the buildings were painted a bright red that, at sunset, made the citadel appear to be on fire. There are still traces of the paint that would prove the origin of the name.

Lastly, take note of these tips to help you on your journey: leave Lima early to get to Huaral, take warm clothing and mountaineering tents and sleeping bags, have tablets for altitude sickness or soroche, take an umbrella, and enough water for the full route.

And if you are in Cusco, and you like adventure and the possibility of visiting the real Machu Picchu, go for it and travel aboard our PeruRail Expedition train. Book your tickets here!”

The route to Machu Picchu has many landscapes that transform the journey in a show worth admiring. That’s why the PeruRail Vistadome train, which has panoramic windows in every wagon, is the best option for those people who love to be in touch with nature from the moment they first arrive.

From Poroy Station, located near Cusco city, or Urubamba and Ollantaytambo Stations, both located in the Sacred Valley; begin an adventure full of magic to Machu Picchu on board the PeruRail Vistadome. Sit comfortably and feel the connection with nature. Beautiful landscapes will make the trip an unforgettable experience.

From a full dry pampas panorama, typical peruvian andes, to an intense green view of the jungle. Diverse sensations, a mixture of relaxation and wonder, will take you to a state of tranquility while the trip goes deep into the Inca territory.

While you enjoy a light snack prepared with unique local andean ingredients accompanied by traditional background music, the Vilcanota River, also called by the Incas “Wilkanayu” that means “Sacred driver’’, accompanies the train during much of the tour.

Finally, the adventure to Machu Picchu turns unforgettable when the magic takes in the PeruRail Vistadome train on the outbound journey. Dancers of Saqra, traditional dance of Puaucartambo, Cusco, get on the wagons to spread the typical euphoria of the Andean customs with their joy and dancing steps.

The journey continues with an elegant Fashion show that display on board an exclusive collection of Baby Alpaca, which have been worked in a collaborative way with the andean communities, to promulgate their art and textiles. Then you can buy them at the end of the presentation.

So, if you enjoy nature, landscapes and new experiences, your best alternative to get around the sacred Inca city, Machu Picchu, is on board of the magic experience found in PeruRail’s PeruRail Vistadome train.

There is something that is always in the plan of every traveler who embarks on the journey to Cusco, it is more noticeable when they are aboard our trains, the feeling of magical moment begins to invade their bodies. All this happens because the unforgettable experience of this great trip deserves a souvenir just as unforgettable; a great picture at Machu Picchu. Here are ten tips that will make help you to get an amazing picture.

First, it is important to schedule a nice day to visit the Inca citadel. The dry weather season, between May and October, guarantees a blue sky; while during the rainy season you can appreciate the greenest landscape of the year and have a larger clear area to take any type of pictures. The second important point is to keep your camera and/or phone set, Machu Picchu is a natural sanctuary and it is necessary to be aware at all time to capture the moment where flora and fauna perfectly combine.

The third tip you should keep in mind is that from an aerial view the majesty will be appreciated better; therefore, we suggest to go up the Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu to get a better angle to capture the citadel. Do not forget the tickets to go up this mountain are limited, so you should purchase them anticipatedly. If you prefer to take a classic postal picture of this World Wonder it is not necessary to put that much effort, you can do this just walking a flat path to arrive to the “Casa del Guardian”. For the record, did you know that when you turn the trademark Machu Picchu picture to the side, you can see the side face of a person?” Here is an example:

Our fourth recommendation is that at the time of taking your picture, you let your creativity flow. Many pictures have been taken, it is up to you to make yours unique. You may want to try posing in a new way or sharing the spot with friends, family or making a fun composition with determined items. There is always a way to get an original shot!

Always remember, you should be patient and wait for the right time. You should be prepared and have everything ready for the perfect picture; nevertheless, is necessary to keep calm. Machu Picchu is always packed with visitors who will be walking, learning, admiring, exploring and also trying to take that special picture like you.

The sixth tip is that despite you want to take astonishing pictures of the citadel and pose in every spot you can, is always important to wear comfortable clothing in order to explore each space and, in that way, take home not just a good picture but also a good memory of your experience.

As our eighth tip, you must know that it might be considerable to carry a selfie stick to document every second of your trip and keep the memory of being all together in this experience.

Even though it might be enough to take pictures with a smartphone, if you have a professional camera do not hesitate in taking it with you. Machu Picchu is totally worth to take a picture with the best possible definition.

Last but not least, our tenth advice is that you stay patient, after having read these recommendations you are now one step closer to take the best picture in one of the best Wonders of the World.

All visitors must show their ticket when entering the Inca citadel. This ticket indicates our entry time slot and the route to which we will have access. Remember that you need to buy your ticket beforehand on the website of the National Institute of Culture (INC) https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/ or at the agency’s offices at Calle Maruri 340 and/or Garcilaso S/N in the city of Cusco.

Machu Picchu Ticket Types

There are three types of tickets. Depending on your ticket type, you will have access to one of four famous routes:

• The “Llaqta de Machu Picchu” ticket allows you to choose any one of the four routes. 
• The ticket that includes the mountains of Huchuy Picchu and Huayna Picchu only allows you to take Route 4.
• The ticket that includes Machu Picchu mountain only allows you to take Route 3.

Confusing? Maybe, but things will become clearer once we get into the details of the routes themselves. 

Machu Picchu Entrances and Routes

There are four routes available at Machu Picchu: four different options for visiting the citadel, each offering a different perspective. To help you make your choice, let’s take a look at the details for each one of them. 

Llaqta Machu Picchu Ticket (Citadel)

Also known as the Machu Picchu Solo (“Just Machu Picchu”) ticket, this is the first ticket option mentioned above. While you can choose to take any route with this ticket, it is the only one that allows you to take Routes 1 or 2. This option is recommended for first-time visitors to Machu Picchu.

• Route 1: This route will take you through the upper and lower parts of the archaeological site. You will have a chance to view constructions such as the dry moat, the Temple of the Sun Lookout, the granite blockfield, the reflecting pools, Pisonay Square, and the archaeological reserve. This route takes about two hours. Take a look here: https://bit.ly/3AKLbtV
• Route 2: This is like an extended version of the previous route, but with lots more to see. In addition to the sites mentioned in Route 1, you will see the Temple Square, the Sacred Stone, the Twelve Niches, the Eastern Qolcas, the Intiwatana Pyramid (from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.), and the Temple of the Condor (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). You will also be able to take the optional Inca Bridge path. Take a look here:  https://bit.ly/3ThehYQ

On both routes, you will have the option to hike up to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), but you may want to confirm this beforehand with your travel agency. Of course, both of these routes will give you a chance to take photos from the famous angle often seen in pictures of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu with Mountain Ticket 

This ticket is recommended for people who like to walk, because you’ll be entering Machu Picchu twice. 

• Route 3: On the first leg, you will climb up the mountain of Machu Picchu, which takes about two hours. There, you’ll have a chance to take photos. On the way down, you’ll be able to take the classic photo you’ve probably seen everywhere. To finish off the route, you will have to leave and then re-enter below. The attractions on this route include the Qolcas, the agricultural area, the canal, the dry moat, the Temple of the Sun Complex, the House of the Inka Complex, the water fountains, the reflecting pools, Pisonay Square, and the archaeological reserve. Take a look here: https://bit.ly/3QOtIpY

Machu Picchu – Huayna Picchu Ticket

This ticket, designed for the most adventurous visitors, is the one that sells out fastest. You will take Route 4, which consists of a hike to the top of the mountain of Huayna Picchu.

• Route 4: You will begin the route in the lower part of the complex, known as the “urban sector.” There, you’ll have a chance to visit the attractions from Route 3, as well as the Eastern Qolcas, the Sacred Stone, the Twelve Niches, and the Temple of the Condor (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Take a look here: https://bit.ly/3pKVpnL

By the way, PeruRail offers a popular service for those in search of adventure: the PeruRail Expedition train, which provides the comfort and experience you’re looking for at an affordable price. Get your tickets here!

Machu Picchu – Huchuy Picchu Ticket

On this route, you’ll start at the lower part of the site before climbing up to the top of Huchuy Picchu, located next to Huayna Picchu. This is a new route that was just recently opened by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture, designed for those who love to hike. 

Like the Huayna Pichu ticket, the Huchuy Picchu ticket includes the same route and checkpoint. The trip takes about two and a half hours. Remember that neither of these routes includes the famous angle from which the classic photo of the citadel can be taken, although you’ll be able to get shots of the two mountains. 

Machu Picchu Entry Times

The Machu Picchu entry time slots are set by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, in coordination with the National Service for State-Protected Natural Areas and the Ministry of Culture, to ensure more orderly visits and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Keep in mind that in PeruRail we have the best and variety of schedules of trains to Machu Picchu. Travel aboard the PeruRail Vistadome or PeruRail Expedition trains to arrive at the inca citadel and take advantage of a fullday, a sunset or spend the night in Machu Picchu Town. Get your tickets right here!

“Just Machu Picchu” Time Slots

• Slot 1: Entry starting at 6 to 7 a.m.
• Slot 2: Entry starting at 7 to 8 a.m.
• Slot 3: Entry starting at 8 to 9 a.m.
• Slot 4: Entry starting at 9 to 10 a.m.
• Slot 5: Entry starting at 10 to 11 a.m.
• Slot 6: Entry starting at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Slot 7: Entry starting at 12 to 1 p.m.
• Slot 8: Entry starting at 1 to 2 p.m.
• Slot 9: Entry starting at 2 to 3 p.m.

“Machu Picchu with Mountain” Time Slots

• Slot 1: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6 to 7 a.m. Then to the mountain from 7 to 8 a.m.
• Slot 2: Entry to Machu Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m. Then to the mountain from 8 to 9 a.m.

“Machu Picchu – Huchuy Picchu” Time Slots

• Slot 1: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6 to 7 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m.
• Slot 2: Entry to Machu Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 8 to 9 a.m.
• Slot 3: Entry to Machu Picchu from 8 to 9 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 9 to 10 a.m.
• Slot 4: Entry to Machu Picchu from 9 to 10 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Slot 5: Entry to Machu Picchu from 10 to 11 a.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 11 to 12 p.m.
• Slot 6: Entry to Machu Picchu from 11 to 12 p.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 12 to 1 p.m.
• Slot 7: Entry to Machu Picchu from 12 to 1 p.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 1 to 2 p.m.
• Slot 8: Entry to Machu Picchu from 1 to 2 p.m. Then to Huchuy Picchu from 2 to 3 p.m.

“Machu Picchu – Huayna Picchu” Time Slots

• Slot 1: Entry to Machu Picchu from 6 to 7 a.m. Then to Huayna Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m.
• Slot 2: Entry to Machu Picchu from 7 to 8 a.m. Then to Huayna Picchu from 8 to 9 a.m.
• Slot 3: Entry to Machu Picchu from 8 to 9 a.m. Then to Huayna Picchu from 9 to 10 a.m.
• Slot 4: Entry to Machu Picchu from 9 to 10 a.m. Then to Huayna Picchu from 10 to 11 a.m.

As you can see, it’s important to pay attention to which sites and activities are included in each route. Remember to check your ticket carefully. We recommend visiting with a tour guide if this is your first time at the citadel. 

Now you know everything you need to about your ticket to Machu Picchu. How about a recommendation for your train trip? PeruRail offers unbeatable immersive experiences on its PeruRail Vistadome train, which includes traditional local music and dances onboard and a gorgeous panoramic view. Get your tickets right here!

Machu Picchu, the Inca Citadel

After more than 8 long months without receiving visitors, Machu Picchu reopened its doors to international tourism. The rates to enter this historic sanctuary can be purchased through its website.

The Safety and Health against Covid-19 for tourists visiting the Inca city, approved by the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco (DDCC) and the Ministry of Culture, indicates the sanitary measures that the authorities have determined for the entrance to Machu Picchu:

• Use of double surgical mask or a KN95.
• Social distancing of 1 meter.
• Hand disinfection with the supplies provided at the time of entry.
• It is forbidden to consume food during the visit.

In addition to this, remember that the Inca citadel has a capacity of over 4,000 tourists a day at up to nine different times that go from 06:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Machu Picchu Sanitary contingency plan

Prohibitions during your visit to the citadel of Machu Picchu

During your visit to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the following is prohibited, among other things:

• Carry backpacks, bags or purses larger than 40x35x20 cm (16x14x8 inches).
• Enter with food or kitchenware, i.e. plates, cutlery, thermoses, etc.
• Enter with umbrellas, walking sticks, portable chairs, tripods, monopods, selfie sticks or other photography/film stabilization accessories. 
• Enter with animals, except guide dogs. 
• Make loud or disturbing noises (scream, whistle, clap, sing, etc).
• Generate turmoil, undress, lie down, run and/or jump.
• Climb or lean on walls and/or structures. Touch, extract or move lithic elements such as rocks and stonework.
• Disturb, collect or remove flora or fauna.
• Smoke or vape, or start a fire of any kind.
• Litter.

Performing acts or entering with objects prohibited in this list will generate the immediate expulsion of the visitor without reimbursement and the start of legal actions if necessary. The park guards of the Ministry of Culture and the agents of the National Police are the authority within the monument premises.

Machu Picchu Citadel Timetable:

The authorities have also established the schedules in which Machu Picchu will operate for the visit of tourists. The citadel will be available for tourist visits daily from 6:00 a.m., closing at 5:00 p.m. There are 9 time ranges for the entry of visitors, the first being from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and the last from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Currently, the doors are already open to also visit Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu, and in what corresponds to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, there are four circuits divided into short, long, low and high. You can find the details of each one in the following links:

• Circuit 1: It includes the upper part near the Machu Picchu Mountain, followed by the Main Portal, the area of granite chaos, Room of Mirrors and Ceremonial Fountains. Map of this route: https://bit.ly/3AKLbtV
• Circuit 2: It includes the upper part near the Machu Picchu Mountain, followed by the Main Portal, the granite chaos area, the Sacred Main Square, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock, the Room of Mirrors and the Temple of the Condor. Map of this route: https://bit.ly/3ThehYQ
• Circuit 3: It includes the entrance to the Guardian’s House, a walk through the area of the platforms, walk near the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains and the Room of Mirrors. Map of this route: https://bit.ly/3QOtIpY
• Circuit 4: It includes the walk through the area of the platforms, walk near the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains, walk behind the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Sacred Rock, the Room of Mirrors and the Temple of the Condor. Map of this route: https://bit.ly/3pKVpnL
• Circuit 4: It includes the Qolqas, the Agricultural Zone, the Water Canal, the Dry Moat, the complex of the Temple of the Sun, the complex of the House of the Inka, the Water Fountains, the complex of the Three Windows, the Pisonay Main Square and the Archaeological Reserve. Map of this route: https://bit.ly/3KiTobO

Finally, keep in mind that during the tour, the consumption of food or beverages will not be allowed under any circumstances while you are inside the citadel of Machu Picchu.

What foreign tourists will be able to step on Peruvian lands ?

If you are Peruvian, a resident foreigner, or a nonresident foreigner 12 years of age or older, regardless of the country you come from, you must present the COVID-19 vaccination certificate with the full doses, or present a negative molecular test taken no more than 48 hours before your flight in the country of origin. Similarly, consider the mandatory use of a double mask or a KN95 mask at all times during the flight and within the airport facilities. Finally, within 72 hours prior to the trip, you must register in the online form “Affidavit of Health and Geolocation Authorization“.

Machu Picchu awaits for you! Trust us to take you to this magical place.

At PERURAIL, we are Ready:

For PeruRail it is vitally important to provide our passengers with a first-rate experience and service, ensuring the well-being for those who choose us. This is why we implement protocols that keep the safety and health among passengers, our staff and the train services.

Some of the measures we have worked on are:

• We take care of our staff. Our collaborators are trained through a comprehensive training plan and under constant control through symptomatic surveys and regular medical supervision.
• All our collaborators will permanently use adequate protection material with the highest standards of service and attention.
• Our offices and workspaces are now suitable according to the appropriate social distance, in addition to having informative and audiovisual pieces.
• Ticket and on-board service personnel comply with cleaning and disinfection through proper hand washing for 20 seconds and use of hand gel.
• Constant cleaning and disinfection of our trains with highly trained and specialized personnel.
• Our main concern is everyone’s safety. For this reason, we have implemented preventive and informative signage to comply with health and safety protocols throughout the travel experience.
• To contribute to social distancing, we have launched a Mobile Application: PeruRail e-Ticket that will provide greater ease at the time of boarding using the digital ticket.

More information about our Protocolos.

What sanitary measures should you take in Machu Picchu?

The measures delivered by the authorities and PeruRail also depend on the active role you take when making your trip. For this reason, PeruRail will request all passengers to permanently wear a double mask from their arrival at the stations until the end of their trip, to respect the lines and the minimum distance of one meter suggested by the health authorities, and to show their ticket or digital ticket.

For a comfortable and safe trip on our PeruRail Vistadome or PeruRail Expedition trains to Machu Picchu, please remember to follow these protocols and to pay attention to the instructions of our staff in order to take care of your health and those around you.

These measures will allow tourists and our staff members to walk around safely in sanitized spaces that prevent the spread of any type of virus or disease.

If you are thinking about making a magical trip to Machu Picchu after its reopening, keep in mind these health measures provided by the authorities and PeruRail. Thereby, you will make your adventure a safe and unforgettable experience. Check the trains service schedules that PeruRail delivers on your way to the Inca Citadel.

May your new first destination be Machu Picchu. Buy Your Tickets Here!