Cuidado! Be Careful of the Steep Drops and other Machu Picchu, Peru Warning Or Danger Tips

Aside from the clearing away of thick jungle and the reinforcement of some masonry, Machu Picchu is pretty much in the same state as it was when it was abandoned by the Incas in 1532. Since the Incas had few lawyers or lawsuits, they didn't worry about putting up safety rails anywhere someone could possibly fall and sue. And the Peruvian government hasn't done much to change that (thankfully!). Therefore, there are several edges from which a fall would be long, hard and possibly lethal. Be careful walking near the edge!

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Warning: Llamas can and will spit at you. According to a Chilean couple that we met at Machu Picchu, it's a pretty nasty experience. Luckily, it didn't happen to us, even though we got close enough to kiss a llama (as you can see in the photo). I guess the way to avoid getting spit on is to give the llamas some space when they're nervous. It appears that they hum when they are anxious, though neither of us are llama experts so if any reader can correct us, we'd appreciate it.

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Always remember that the Llamas at Machu Picchu are wild animals. And, although the park whistle blowers around will do what they can to keep you away from the llamas, they roam where they want and can kick you or bite you if you annoy them. When you see the llamas taking the stairs or coming at you, please give way.
Generally, they will walk right past you. Despite the aggressive appearance of the llamas in this picture, they did not surround Sarah, pin her to the ground, carve off her limbs and ingest them in a wild ceremony involving fire and heavy doses of llama intoxicants. No, they just calmly walked by. Mostly, they are used to people and you can touch them as they meander close to you. Just don't pull, poke, jostle, mount or otherwise pester the llamas. They are wild.

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