Machu Picchu sits at 7,970 ft (2,430m), which is high enough to notice but considerably lower than Cusco. That matters, because almost every traveller comes down into Machu Picchu from Cusco, not up from sea level.
Compared with Cusco at 11,152 ft (3,399m), the citadel is a relief. Still, you’ll be climbing stone staircases and walking narrow terraces, and shortness of breath is normal if you haven’t acclimatised. Light meals, water, gradual pace. A day or two in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand usually solves most of the trouble.
For the trip itself, Peruways handles trains, Consettur shuttle and timed-entry tickets in one checkout. If you want a guide, they book that too — English, Spanish or French.
Start at Peruways.
