The real question is: How can my “Yes” be as emphatic as possible? Our senior citizens can definitely visit Machu Picchu. Contrary to popular belief, you can actually make it up to the Machu Picchu archeological site without having to hike at all. In fact, this is the preferred and most popular way for Peruvians to visit, so you’d be traveling like a local.
Machu Picchu tours for seniors can be catered to the travelers’ level of activity and fitness level. At its easiest, this is what a typical itinerary would look like if we plan for the least tiring and least strenuous Machu Picchu trip possible:
- On the day you’re ready to go up to Machu Picchu, we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Cusco and take you to the train station
- You’ll ride a train with fantastic views of the Andes mountains from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (a little town at the base of the mountain where Machu Picchu is found)
- You stay overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- We accompany you from your hotel in Aguas Calientes to the bus stop nearby where we’ll take the short bus ride together from Aguas Calientes up to the Machu Picchu archeological site
- Our amazing guide will take you on a complete tour of the Machu Picchu archeological site, which is relatively flat if we stay on the main circuit and involves walking time of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
- When the tour is done, you’ll retrace your steps back to Cusco via the same routes (bus, train, and transfer to your hotel in Cusco)
Can I bring my cane to Machu Picchu?
Although a walking stick or cane is generally prohibited at the Machu Picchu archeological site since it can damage the terrain, exceptions are made if we can get a doctor's note regarding the necessity of a cane and if we have extra time to make these arrangements. There are also various informal places to sit during your Machu Picchu tour, such as boulders.
Is Machu Picchu safe for seniors?
Absolutely! There are different modes of transport that can you get you right to the front step of the archeological site. At the site itself, the main circuit is relatively flat, and we can take our time walking it. That's why we focus on private or small group tours – we can go at your pace, so you don't feel rushed at all.
Can Seniors climb Machu Picchu?
Anyone can climb Machu Picchu depending on your fitness and activity level, but climbing or hiking is completely optional. We can take you on a Machu Picchu tour that requires zero hiking and minimal walking (2.5 to 3 hours) on relatively flat terrain.
