Is Machu Picchu Wheelchair Accessible? What You Need to Know Before Visiting
Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for a while but as I started losing more and more of my mobility I didn’t know if I’d ever achieve this goal. Then I came across a news article and it made me wonder is Machu Picchu wheelchair accessible? Could I really visit this iconic sight?
Well, I can say that while I did successfully visit Machu Picchu, there are some things that you should know before planning your own visit there. I want to give you the good, bad, and ugly of my experience so you can decide for yourself if this would be a good fit for your needs.
Is Machu Picchu Wheelchair Accessible?
Unfortunately, this isn’t a clear-cut answer, but it depends on your abilities. Yes, it is possible for someone in a wheelchair to go to Machu Picchu (in fact I did it myself) but this trip may not be a good fit for those who need to recline most of the time or need to stay in their own wheelchair.
There are several obstacles that I encountered while venturing to this iconic sight. I will discuss them here and provide photos to help you decide whether this would be accessible for your individual needs. My hope is to provide you with the details you need to know before visiting so you can choose whether this trip is right for you.
Accessible Hotels Near Machu Picchu
The closest town to Machu Picchu is Aguas Calientes, however, it’s quite small and really doesn’t have accessible facilities. In the short time I wandered around it, I found there to be very few curb cuts and the hotels didn’t appear accessible.
As a result, I stayed in Cusco and did a day trip to Machu Picchu from there. While it was a long day, it was absolutely worth it in my opinion. The hotel that I made my base was a chain hotel called Xima Exclusive Cusco.
Xima Exclusive Cusco Review
Located near the city center, this hotel had accessible rooms available that may work for some people. While there was space to maneuver within the room, the accessible bathroom was small and laid out in a way that would make transfers difficult.
Additionally, the toilet was very low and grab bars were present but not placed in locations that were functional or user friendly. The shower had a free-standing and removable shower chair with a slight lip that ramped down into the shower.
There was an accessible onsite restaurant that had included breakfast and offered dinner as well (for an additional fee). The food was very good and it made for a convenient option after a long day of sightseeing.
Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
There is about a 45-minute drive to get to the train station from Cusco and public transportation is not accessible. Luckily, I was using an accessible travel company that organized my whole trip so we had a van that used portable ramps and room for wheelchairs to travel this distance.
Once at the train station, there is large and dense gravel in the parking area and then a steep ramp to the ticket area. The staff at the station was helpful and provided assistance.
From there, you roll a short distance past outdoor markets to the waiting area and train. Accessible bathrooms are available in the indoor waiting area.
Unfortunately, the train itself is not accessible with a narrow door and no lift to allow you to avoid the steep stairs. Accessible Travel Peru (the company I used) made it accessible by lifting me onto the train.
The ride is approximately 1 hr 40 minutes but this can change if the train needs to stop to let another one pass. There are large windows so you can enjoy the view and a short sketch or play that actors perform.
Pro Tip: For the best views, make sure to sit on the left side of the train (looking forward in the direction the train is moving).
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
The train ends in Aguas Calientes and you will need to be lifted off the train again, as there is no accessible way to get you off here either. Then you will traverse your way through an indoor market to get to the street where the buses meet to take you up the road to the site of Machu Picchu.
Unfortunately, these buses are also not accessible and will require you to climb stairs to board or be lifted onboard and to a seat. Additionally, be aware that the road to Machu Picchu is very curvy (sometimes with hairpin turns) and the buses don’t always slow down too much for the corners. Hold on for the ride!
Wheelchair Accessibility at Machu Picchu
While you undoubtedly faced accessibility challenges just getting to the mountain, here is where the real adventure begins. There are stairs to the area where they check reservations, and then a stone and uneven ramp to enter the site. However, this is where the ramps currently end.
Since you are literally on the side of a mountain, there are stairs along the trail to navigate the area. Furthermore, there is a very narrow and uneven passage you must pass through to get to the iconic view.
Accessible Travel Peru used specially adapted wheelchairs with one wheel and used two people (one in front and one in back) to help me overcome these challenges to accessibility. There is no way for someone to be able to stay in their power wheelchair to see Machu Picchu.
Unfortunately, Huayna Picchu, which is known for the “stairs of death” and the Temple of the Moon is not wheelchair accessible. The very fact that they have something called the “stairs of death” should give you a good idea as to why this area is not accessible.
Likewise, the hike to Machu Picchu Mountain is also not accessible to wheelchair users due to winding and very narrow paths.
What Can I See as a Wheelchair User at Machu Picchu?
During my visit to Machu Picchu, I was able to experience incredible mountain views, see the iconic overlook of the site, and even travel along one of the terraces to get inside one of the buildings. I’ve used the main photo and circled the building where we ended up to give you an idea and some perspective.
And, since pictures can speak volumes, I’ve also added some of the photos I took while I was there so you can get an idea of what my experience was like and what I was able to see.
Just to note, pictures don’t do this place justice. I’ve done my best to give you a sample of what it’s like, but seeing it in person is a whole new level of “wow”.
There is also a museum that is accessible and houses artifacts from the site but unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to visit it as it was late in the day and everything was closing.
What Ticket Do I Get and is Anything Else Needed?
Recently, the Peruvian government has made changes to when and how people can visit Machu Picchu. Reservations are required as visitors to the site have been limited to around 4,000 per day across 5 different circuits (each with its own limited number of tickets available). A guide is also required to escort you during your visit
These rules were put in place to help protect this historic site and to prevent damage from the thousands of visitors each day, it was seeing. Passport numbers are tied to the reservations to prevent re-selling, so make sure to bring your passport with you when you visit (they are checked).
Machu Picchu Ticket Type
If you are using an accessible travel company, they will take care of all the ticket reservations and submit your medical documentation (more on that below). This makes the process super easy and worry-free.
However, if you are traveling on your own, you will want to purchase the solo Machu Picchu ticket which gives you access to Circuit 3 (the most manageable for the adapted wheelchairs). If you would also like to visit the museum, you should also purchase the museum ticket.
Please note, if you are organizing this trip on your own, you will need to purchase tickets months in advance as they sell out quickly, especially during high season (May to October). Additionally, you should also purchase your train tickets far in advance as these will also quickly fill up and sell out.
Medical Documentation
In addition to your passport, wheelchair users will need a letter from your doctor stating that you have mobility problems and that the use of a wheelchair is necessary. This letter does not need to state your specific disability or medical condition.
This documentation allows you to stay in your wheelchair or use an adapted one provided by whichever accessible tour company you are using. Machu Picchu itself does not provide adapted wheelchairs at this time.
Machu Picchu Discounts
People with liabilities who wish to visit Machu Picchu can receive a 50% discount on admission. This will require a note from your doctor.
Your tour provider can assist in obtaining this discount and special permission for you if you provide them with the required medical documentation.
For Peruvian citizens, there is also free admission to Machu Picchu on the first Sunday of each month.
Machu Picchu Tours for the Disabled
While depending on your abilities, you may be able to make it to Machu Picchu on your own, I HIGHLY recommend using an accessible travel company to make your journey easier and smoother. Listed below are the two tour providers that I’m aware of that provide this service.
Accessible Travel Peru
This is the company that I used for my trip. I even organized a wheelchair-accessible small group tour so that some of my readers could join me on this adventure.
We all agreed that we had a fantastic experience and this company is top-notch. They genuinely cared for us, took note of our struggles and our abilities, and made sure our needs were met.
Accessible Travel Peru is an excellent option if you choose to travel to Peru and want to see Machu Picchu. Francisco is wonderful to work with and always answers your questions and emails promptly.
➡️ Visit Accessible Travel Peru’s website to see itineraries and pricing and start planning your trip with them today.
Wheel the World
Wheel the World offers a slightly different travel experience than Accessible Travel Peru by offering adapted bikes for you to use for part of your trip, which is a little more active and adventurous.
I have not personally used Wheel the World yet but they come highly recommended by other accessible travelers. I have no doubt that you will enjoy your trip with them as well.
Did I Enjoy Machu Picchu as a Wheelchair User?
I 100% enjoyed Machu Picchu as a wheelchair user! While there were some challenges in terms of accessibility, it was absolutely incredible to visit a place I had dreamed of and seen on TV so many times. Pictures honestly don’t do it justice.
While the whole site isn’t accessible, I truly was in awe at what I did see, including that iconic view you’ve probably seen in magazines and in documentaries. That moment where you get to see the overall view of Machu Picchu left almost the whole group in tears (happy ones of course).
I won’t speak for the group, but for me, it was a symbolic moment of how you can overcome obstacles, face challenges, and still achieve some of the goals you have worked so hard for and dared to believe are possible. It’s a moment and trip I will never forget.
My 5 Tips on How to Enjoy an Accessible Trip in Machu Picchu
Are you inspired to travel to Machu Picchu yet? After my own trip there, I have come up with 5 tips on how to prepare for a trip to Peru as well as to enjoy an accessible trip in Machu Picchu to help you get the most out of your experience.
1. Have Realistic Expectations
While it will be possible for some wheelchair users to visit Machu Picchu, it’s important to know that your experience will be a little different from an able-bodied person. Acknowledge and prepare for the accessibility challenges I’ve mentioned in this post and understand that you will see a small (although wonderful) portion of the large ruins at this iconic site.
Related to this, really reflect on your abilities as well as the obstacles you will face to decide if this trip will be a good fit for you. Machu Picchu will be accessible to some, but certainly not everyone.
I find that having clear and realistic expectations will allow you to enjoy your trip more and help to avoid disappointment.
2. Bring a Transfer Sling
If you have painful areas, are easily bruised, or just don’t like the idea of someone physically touching you to lift, then I highly recommend bringing some sort of transfer sling with you. This would allow you to be lifted without someone directly placing their hands on you.
Not only will the sling be helpful at the airports when using an aisle chair, but it will come in handy during the tour as well.
3. Consider Using a Harness
One of the things that I wish I had brought was a harness. Since I have very poor core and upper body strength, it would have helped me feel more secure in the adapted wheelchairs. While they did have a seatbelt, when going down a steep incline, I really braced myself with my arms and leaned back as far as I could to feel more comfortable.
A harness would have helped me not feel like I had to brace myself and allowed me to have a more enjoyable experience.
4. Prepare for a Busy Day
Since I visited Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco, that meant that travel time alone was around 6 hours for the day. This didn’t include the time we spent at the site or meals.
As a result, make sure you get a lot of rest the night before, bring snacks with you (there wasn’t a lot of time to stop for meals), and pace yourself. Likewise, mentally preparing yourself for a long journey can also help you get the most out of this incredible day trip.
5. Enjoy the View!
Lastly, don’t forget to take a moment and soak up the amazing views. When you have such a busy day it can be easy to get wrapped up in what to do next, trying to squeeze everything in, and, as a result, not being fully present in the moment.
As you finally arrive at Machu Picchu, take a moment, breathe in the air, notice the gorgeous view, take note of the smells, and how it feels to be there. By engaging as many senses as possible, it allows you to embed that feeling and experience more in your memory.
You’ve worked hard after all to get here, so why not take time to enjoy the view and all that Machu Picchu has to offer.
Machu Picchu FAQs
How Long Should I Spend at Machu Picchu?
With new rules and regulations, your time at Machu Picchu will be limited. However, you can certainly get reservations for more than one day if you’d like.
As a wheelchair user who had limited access, one day was enough for me to enjoy what I could. However, if you have more abilities and want to do some hiking or see other areas, then you may want to spend 2 days at Machu Picchu.
When is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu and Peru?
If you want to avoid rain, then the dry season (May to October) is the time to visit, However, this time of year will also bring the most crowds. I decided to visit at the end of March/beginning of May which is just as it is transitioning from rainy season to dry season.
The weather was comfortable and we really didn’t have much rain. As a bonus, there were fewer crowds and the scenery was still lush and green. The clouds even held off on the day we visited Machu Picchu.
What Should I Pack for a Trip to Peru and Machu Picchu?
Choosing what to pack for a trip to Peru will depend on the time of year you choose to visit as well as what activities you have planned during your trip. In general, though, I suggest packing layers, sunscreen (altitude makes the sun more intense), bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
Obviously, if you have more mobility and plan to do some hiking, bring the appropriate hiking poles, backpack, and other gear you may need.
Can You Visit Machu Picchu on a Day Tour from Cusco?
Absolutely, yes. As I mentioned, this is how I visited Machu Picchu. Just be prepared for a long day and plan accordingly.
Since Aguas Calientes doesn’t offer many accessible services, this was the best option for me as a wheelchair user. Staying in Cusco and doing a day tour of Machu Picchu allowed me to have an accessible hotel room and check off this wonderful place from my bucket list.
However, if you have more mobility, then staying a night or two in Aguas Calientes will shorten your travel time and may be more convenient for you.
Is Machu Picchu Easy to Get to?
It depends on your definition of easy. If you mean that there are options for transportation, then yes, it’s fairly straightforward, especially if you’re staying in Aguas Calientes.
As a wheelchair user, I don’t know that I would use the word “easy” but it’s definitely possible with a lot of assistance. Despite any challenges there were for me in getting to the site, I still believe that Machu Picchu is worth visiting.
Is Peru Wheelchair Accessible?
While the country of Peru still has a long way to go to become more accessible for travelers with disabilities, some wheelchair users can visit and have a wonderful trip. With the current state of accessibility, however, I would definitely recommend using an accessible travel company to make the most out of your trip and to help with navigating current challenges.
While bigger cities have curb cuts, and some limited options for accessible hotels and restaurants, smaller areas and towns will not have these services. Furthermore, many popular sights have uneven terrain, steep ramps, and other challenges that limit how much you would be able to see on your own.
Luckily, people like Francisco from Accessible Travel Peru are working hard to advocate for better accessibility and offering guidance on the best ways to accomplish this goal. Recently, the people at Machu Picchu have begun to consult with him about where ramps could be added and how they can make the site more inclusive.
➡️ Make sure to read my other blog post to see my full 8-day Peru itinerary!
Final Thoughts on Whether Machu Picchu is Wheelchair Accessible
I hope that this post has helped you decide whether Machu Picchu is wheelchair accessible for you. Since everyone has different needs and abilities, it is extremely hard to find a destination or attraction that is accessible for everyone, so I wanted to provide you with my first-hand experience to help you decide the answer to this question for yourself.
