Is South America next on your travel bucket list? How about witnessing an exotic man-made creation? Don’t think too hard. Book your tickets to Machu Picchu now. And before you leave, be sure to buy Peru travel insurance or travel medical insurance in case of any unexpected accidents or incidents.
Machu Picchu is only 50 miles away from Cusco in Peru. Not dropping by the iconic hilltop site is a huge mistake.
Did you know that it is now a world heritage site? Machu Picchu is on the list of the “New Seven Wonders of The World.
The place is much more than breathtaking mountain views. Once a royal estate within the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu today is a paradise for architecture lovers. Mammoth structures are built on the hills. There’s lush greenery all around, and the Urubamba River flows right below.
The historical ruins of the Inca Empire are preserved here. Machu Picchu lies nestled in the slopes of the Andes. It is like a piece of land sitting on the clouds.
Machu Picchu Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
When you are far from home, it is always good to ensure that everything is covered. Buy travel medical insurance to cover you while you are visiting Machu Picchu, or Inca Trail travel insurance.
Emergency health conditions pop up out of the blue. Paying for hospitalization can cost you a lot when you are in a different country. So, stay safe and buy travel medical insurance for Machu Picchu.
Is it mandatory to have travel medical insurance when you are visiting Machu Picchu?
While traveling to Machu Picchu, you are not lawfully required to carry travel medical insurance. However, vacationing in a foreign land is already expensive. Do you want to spend even more on medication and the costs of hospitalization? Make a small investment in travel medical insurance instead.
Why should you invest in travel medical insurance for Machu Picchu?
The perks of buying travel medical insurance are too many. In case you fall sick, the insurance covers the expenses of medication. In unforeseen situations like emergency health care, travel medical insurance is handy. A policy with good coverage takes care of the hospital bills, and it also pays for overhead expenses like ambulances and medicines.
If there is a need for an immediate medical evacuation, your travel medical insurance plan covers that, too.
Machu Picchu Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Unforeseeable circumstances can shoot up at any moment. It is always better to be safe now than feel sorry later. So, secure your vacation and buy travel insurance.
You are all packed and ready to travel. What if you fall sick and have to cancel your trip? What if there is a cancellation from your travel operator? The potential circumstances are many, but only trip cancellation insurance can keep your money safe.
Why should you buy trip cancellation insurance while visiting Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is an exotic land of terrains and hills. Rainfall and landslides are common in the area. There could be earthquakes as well. You might have to call off your trip due to health emergencies. A trip cancellation insurance plan covers the nonrefundable payments you have already made. There’s a good chance of getting your money refunded when you have trip cancellation insurance.
Travelers are eligible for trip cancellation insurance if they have to cancel for a reason specifically listed in their policy’s certificate wording. Be sure to read the fine print of your plan in advance so you know what will and won’t be covered.
What are the perks of buying travel insurance for Machu Picchu?
Buy travel insurance to compensate for the losses you might incur for any unexpected complications along the way. Coverage differs from plan to plan, but some standard benefits include:
- Trip cancellation insurance for a covered reason
- Trip interruption insurance for a covered reason
- Lost luggage
- Flight delays or cancellation
- Emergency services for cash needs
- And more
Things to Do for Travelers in Machu Picchu
Visiting the iconic “cloud forest” is a pleasurable experience, whether for adventure or leisure. Machu Picchu promises an experience of a lifetime for travelers of all kinds.
There is so much you can do in the beautiful land of hills. Let’s narrow down your options and come up with a list of the most enticing “must-dos” in Machu Picchu.
A wonderful place for the history buffs
Machu Picchu is all about history. The place has gained popularity over the years. But, it was built long back in the 15th century. During the height of the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu was constructed as an important urban hub and a popular religious center.
The place is home to an overwhelming count of more than 150 buildings including houses, sanctuaries, bathhouses, and temples.
Architecture in Machu Picchu is incredibly solid. This explains how the coherence of structures in the hilltop is untarnished to date. “Ashlar” is a technique that the Incas picked up centuries ago. The process involves cutting blocks of stones and fixing them together. There’s zero use of mortar. The stones are perfectly laid out and firmly fitted together.
Perfect spot for trekking and trails
If you love to hike and trek, there’s no better place than Machu Picchu. Just pick the right trail route and get moving.
The duration of your trek varies. For instance, you can ramble up the rocky mountain slope in two days. Then there’s a classic trail route that takes around four days.
If hiking is your thing, go for the five-day Salkantay Trek. It will be the most magnificent march of your life. You can witness more scenery and the ruins of the Incas on your way up. As an added bonus, you can spot a couple of rare wildlife species.
A trip to the Pisac market
One of the best bits of your travel itinerary in Machu Picchu would be a tour around the Sunday market in Pisac.
Explore the diversity in communities here. Several communities from the neighboring highlands come together. They showcase their produce and stocks in a truly unique and happy experience for all travelers.
Pottery, textiles, souvenirs, accessories for home décor, handwoven clothes too—you are spoiled for choice here. The Pisac market is most famous for an exhaustive selection of silver jewelry.
Gorge on native organic produce like rocoto (spicy peppers), corn, potatoes, and pacay.
The Pisac market is more like a fair, a paradise for shoppers. You can haggle and bargain, too!
Be a part of the flourishing culture
Machu Picchu is an epitome of a thriving culture. Beautifully tucked away in the slopes of Andes, the place is a mix of the Andean traditions and the culture of the Peruvians.
Each community in the region is distinct. From their language to their attire, each group is unique.
Locals in the area mostly speak Spanish or Quechua. Take pleasure in the beautiful musical melodies of the Peruvians. They play the harps, guitar, and lutes.
Don’t miss feasting upon delicious Peruvian cuisine. It does have a Spanish influence, though, and includes some mouth-watering seafood dishes.
From the churches and colonial houses to the markets, every nook and corner of Machu Picchu reflects culture.
Witness the charm of the rocky place first hand
There’s a reason why Machu Picchu is one of the seven new wonders of the world. The slopes, the hills, the valleys, the river, and every corner of the city is picturesque.
A visit to the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon will leave you in a trance. Some of the sights you must visit are:
- The Sacred Rock
- The Temple of Condor
- Main Square
- Hall of Mirrors
- Intipunku, or the “Sun Gate”
- Ladder of the Fountains
- The Temple of Three Windows
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Machu Picchu
Tourism to the magical lands of Machu Picchu has seen a boost in recent years. Unfortunately, there are stories of petty thefts and experiences of getting mugged. So, is Machu Picchu safe for international tourists?
It is safe to visit Machu Picchu. Of course, you need to be vigilant of your surroundings, but that holds true for any new environment.
Don’t worry about the country’s rebel elements, as they are largely demobilized. Petty crimes like purse-snatching or pick-pocketing are common, however.
A problem you must keep an eye on is credit card crimes. Do not withdraw money from ATMs in dodgy areas. Go to banks to exchange money.
If you have swiped your credit card for shopping, be careful. Credit-card skimming happens often. Keep an eye on your transactions.
The city is safe for women. Of course, it is not advisable to travel alone. Do not visit the isolated areas, and don’t hitchhike all by yourself.
Diseases like malaria, cholera, mumps, African tick bite fever, and a few others are common in the area. So be sure to get all necessary vaccinations and immunizations.
Before You Travel to Machu Pichu - Do These
The rocky hills of Machu Picchu are a sight to die for. Unfortunately, Machu Picchu is infamous for a few diseases like measles, mumps, typhoid, hepatitis A, and others.
- Get vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, measles, mumps, and rubella before you leave.
- A little knowledge of Spanish can come handy during your trip.
- Have your paperwork in place, including your passport, visa, and other essential documents.
- Keep a check on your accounts and card limits. You must be aware of your financial situation when traveling to a foreign land.
- Buy travel insurance before you land in the country. Compare plans side by side, and pick the one that best fits your needs.