How to Visit Machu Picchu

Are you looking for the best way to visit Machu Picchu? Visiting Machu Picchu is the highlight of every Peru Itinerary.

Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The most popular ways to reach Machu Picchu are the picturesque train ride from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and hiking on the famous Inca Trail.

Visit the Lost City of the Incas at sunrise and enjoy one of the most magical experiences of your life in Peru.

This ultimate guide to visiting Machu Picchu includes the best time to visit, how to get there, practical information, and entrance fees.

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Where is Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains, about 72 km from Cusco, in Peru, South America.

Its remote location in the mountains makes there are only a few ways to get to the ancient Inca Ruins.

As this is one of the most visited places in Peru and South America, you should plan how you will get to Machu Picchu before your travel.

Why is Machu Picchu famous?

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt or Chichen Itza in Mexico.

The Inca Citadel attracts visitors from all over the world to take the classic Machu Picchu photo, learn about its fascinating history, admire the incredible architectural works of the Incas, or trek the most famous hiking trails.

Machu Picchu was built by the Incas in the 15th century and is the best-preserved archaeological site in Peru.

During Spanish colonization, Machu Picchu was gradually abandoned by the people.

Did you know that Hiram Bingham rediscovered the Lost City of the Incas on 24 July 1911?

Machu Picchu, like Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and the Desert Oasis of Huacachina, are must-see attractions on your trip to Peru.

Read our → Ultimate Peru Itinerary

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Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Peru can be visited all year round because the weather is hot and humid. But the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season between May and October.

The busiest months are from June to August. The rainy season runs from November to April.

The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May or September to October, when the weather is pleasant for exploring, and there is little rain.

The average temperature in Machu Picchu ranges between 8-10°C and 20-22°C all year round.

You can visit Peru in the rainy season for the low prices and to avoid crowds, but we don’t recommend it!

Because Machu Picchu may be covered in fog, hiking trails (Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek) may be closed due to weather conditions, especially in February!

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In high season we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

See also → Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu Guide

How to Get to Machu Picchu from Cusco by Train

Are you looking for how to visit Machu Picchu without hiking? Cusco is the nearest city and the closest airport to Machu Picchu.

Cusco is just a 1.5-hour direct flight from Lima.

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Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Cusco.

It is good to know that you cannot travel directly from Cusco to Machu Picchu. The quickest and most comfortable way is to take the train to Aguas Calientes and then the bus to the Inca Ruins.

PeruRail and Inca Rail are the two companies that operate train services between Cusco and Machu Picchu.

The most popular train types are Vistadome (PeruRail) or The 360° (Inca Rail) with panoramic windows.

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Are you looking for an easier way to visit Machu Picchu? For the perfect experience, book the best of Cusco in 3 days or choose an epic 4-day tour.

From Cusco, trains depart directly to Machu Picchu from San Pedro and Poroy stations. Alternatively, if you run out of train tickets from Cusco, buy a ticket from Ollantaytambo, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Recommended post → Best Ways to Get to Machu Picchu

Train between Cusco and Aguas Calientes

From the Cusco city center to Poroy station takes 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic, so allow plenty of time to get there!

One-way train tickets to Machu Picchu start from around 50-60 USD per person.

As train tickets can be more expensive in high season and may sell out quickly, buy them in advance!

Get Machu Picchu Train Tickets HERE.

We recommend you take the PeruRail Vistadome train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. After that, save money and travel back to Cusco on the PeruRail Expedition.

The train journey time is between 1.5-4 hours, depending on whether you depart from Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

Be sure to choose a train that takes you directly to Aguas Calientes, as some trains are bimodal, which is a combined bus and train service.

Make the most of your visit and book a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu via Viator. This tour is one of the most reviewed, so you will not be disappointed.

Read more → Cusco Itinerary for 5 Days

How to Get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

A visit to Machu Picchu is the highlight of every Peru trip. Aguas Calientes is a town at the foot of Machu Picchu, built around the railway tracks, so there are no cars or taxis.

Therefore, there are only two ways to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, by bus or hiking.

The easiest and quickest way to get from Aguas Calientes to the Inca Citadel is by bus. The bus fare is a bit overpriced but worth it if you don’t want to walk.

You can save money by walking to the Inca Ruins instead of taking the bus. But the walk is not easy as there is a steep hill and lots of stairs leading up.

The hike from Aguas Calientes takes about 1.5-2 hours, so we don’t recommend this option.

Keep reading → Places to Visit in Peru

Machu Picchu bus from Aguas Calientes

Buses run regularly between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, with the first bus departing at 5:30 AM.

You can buy bus tickets at ticket offices in Aguas Calientes and Cusco or online.

A bus ticket costs 12 USD for one-way and 24 USD for return. The bus ticket is valid for any bus on the date of purchase.

The buses depart every 10 minutes or as soon as they fill up!

The journey takes approximately 30-35 minutes.

Buses run uphill between 5:30 AM and 3:30 PM and downhill between 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

Good to know
In previous years you had to wait hours in the queue for the bus! But nowadays, you only need to arrive at least 30 minutes before the entry time to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Opening Hours

Machu Picchu is open daily from 6 AM to 5:30 PM.

The general admission ticket allows 4 hours in Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Entry Schedule

06:00 AM-07:00 AM
07:00 AM-08:00 AM
08:00 AM-09:00 AM
09:00 AM-10:00 AM
10:00 AM-11:00 AM
11:00 AM-12:00 PM
12:00 PM-13:00 PM
13:00 PM-14:00 PM
14:00 PM-15:00 PM

Good to know
You can only use the tickets on the date and time you choose, so plan your visit in advance, such as how you will get there and whether you want to visit Machu Picchu in the morning or afternoon.

Keep reading → Best Day Trips from Cusco

Machu Picchu Entrance Fee

Currently, only 4,500 visitors per day are allowed to visit Machu Picchu!

The Machu Picchu ticket costs 152 Soles (40 USD) for adults and 70 Soles (18,5 USD) for children.

Important note
Buy your ticket to Machu Picchu at least 1 month in advance and bring your passport when you visit!

Ticket Types

Machu Picchu Ruins Only (Circuit 1, 2, 3 or 4)
Machu Picchu Ruins + Huayna Picchu with Circuit 4
Ruins + Machu Picchu Mountain with Circuit 3
Ruins + Huchuy Picchu with Circuit 4
Machu Picchu with Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge

Good to know
Only 200 people are allowed on the Huayna Picchu hike per day! Therefore, tickets must be purchased at least 3-4 months in advance!

Where Can I Buy a Ticket to Machu Picchu?

You cannot buy Machu Picchu tickets at the entrance! During the high season, tickets can sell out quickly, so buy them online in advance.

You can buy Machu Picchu tickets on the official site here.

In shoulder season, you can get tickets in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, but don’t risk it if you have limited time in Peru.

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When you book Machu Picchu tours online, they will usually include the entrance fee, so you don’t need to worry about that. Book a day trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu through Viator.

Inca Trail Hike

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world, passing through beautiful archaeological sites and Inca Ruins to the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu.

As this is one of the most popular and expensive ways to reach Machu Picchu, it should be booked at least 6 months in advance!

The Inca Trail cannot be done alone! You must have a permit, so book your tour with an official tour agency or online.

Did you know that only 500 hikers are allowed per day?

The Classic Inca Trail is difficult, 42 km long, and is therefore only recommended for those who are in good physical condition and have acclimatized in Cusco beforehand.

The Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights treks cost from 500 USD to 1000 USD per person.

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Before you start planning your Cusco Itinerary, it is good to know that the Inca Trail is closed every February!

Salkantay Trek

One of the most frequently asked questions is Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail? Save money and choose the second most popular trek in Peru, the Salkantay Trek, instead of the famous Inca Trail.

The Salkantay Trek 5 days and 4 nights tours range from around 250 USD to 600 USD per person.

Salkantay Trek is difficult, but the views along the mountains and Humantay Lake are worth it.

You should book at least 1 month in advance. For the best experience, book a 4-day Salkantay trek with a Sky Camp stay.

How to See Machu Picchu, Peru

Wondering how to visit Machu Picchu? You can visit Machu Picchu on your own or on a private tour and join a group tour.

Make the most of your trip and hire a local guide to learn more about the Incas and Machu Picchu.

Good to know
Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level. Therefore the weather is often unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly (especially when hiking).

Some people may experience mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, or heavy breathing in Peru.

We recommend spending 1-2 days in Cusco (3,400 meters) before visiting Machu Picchu to acclimatize to the altitude.

Machu Picchu Circuits

There are 4 circuits to choose from, and they are all fixed routes!

So you can’t go back to places you’ve already visited or leave the marked path. For this reason, go slowly, enjoy the beautiful tour, and take enough photos.

Circuit 1 is a short hike of about 2 hours and includes the upper and lower parts of the Inca archaeological site.

You can reach the iconic Machu Picchu photo spot on the first and second circuits.

Circuit 2 is the best option (which we have chosen)! It includes the upper and lower parts of Machu Picchu, the main structures, and the terraces. However, this tour is longer and takes about 2.5-3 hours.

After the main entrance, turn left and head up the stairs to the Guardian House! If you are unsure which way to go, ask the guards which path leads to the longer loop.

Circuits 3 and 4 are not recommended, as there are too few places to visit on the route, and the tours only take 1.5 hours.

Are you spending limited time in Peru but want to make the most of your visit? Book the best 6-day Peru Tour, including a visit to Machu Picchu.

Tips for Visiting

Buy your Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets months in advance!
Bring your passport with you!
You should take photos of your train, bus, and entry tickets or print them out and take them with you.
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and visit Machu Picchu at sunrise.
Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are prohibited at Machu Picchu!
You cannot leave or re-enter Machu Picchu, so use the toilet near the entrance before you start your visit!
Spend at least 2.5-3 hours at Machu Picchu and explore the magical Inca archaeological site.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

Walking sticks are not allowed unless someone (elderly or disabled people) really needs them!
The Inca Citadel is quite large, so wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes.
Use sunscreen and wear a hat because there is little shade.
Have something to eat before your visit! Because food is not allowed in the archaeological site!
The weather is usually colder in the mornings, so bring some warmer clothes!
Large backpacks and luggage are not allowed in Machu Picchu! But you can leave your luggage for free at most hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes or drop them in the lockers at the entrance.

Huayna Picchu Hike

Huayna Picchu (Wayna Picchu) is a steep mountain higher than Machu Picchu, where you can see magnificent Inca Ruins and enjoy the beautiful landscape.

The hike is not easy and takes about 45-60 minutes to hike to the top of the mountain. It is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights.

Only 200 hikers are allowed per day! So buy your tickets a few months in advance!

These entry times are available for the climb:

07:00-08:00 AM
08:00-09:00 AM
09:00-10:00 AM
10:00-11:00 AM

The ticket for Huayna Picchu costs 200 Soles (53 USD) for adults and 118 Soles (31 USD) for children.

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Plan at least 2-3 hours for the trek, plus an additional 2-3 hours to explore Inca Ruins.

Keep reading → Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain Hike

Machu Picchu Mountain Hike

Another popular trek is the climb up Machu Picchu Mountain, which is less steep than Huayna Picchu, but the hike is longer.

It takes about 1.5-2 hours to reach the summit.

Only 400 hikers are allowed per day, and two entry times are available 07:00-08:00 AM and 08:00-09:00 AM.

The entrance fee is 200 Soles (53 USD) for adults and 118 Soles (31 USD) for children.

Where Can I Get a Machu Picchu Stamp?

During our visit, no stamps were available at the entrance.

But you can get a free Machu Picchu stamp in your passport or on a postcard in Aguas Calientes. Find the location here.

Where to Stay in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is the closest town to the Inca Citadel.

There’s not much to do in Aguas Calientes! You can stroll around the town, buy beautiful souvenirs and Peruvian clothes, and eat local food in restaurants.

Although Aguas Calientes is a small town, the accommodation options are available for all budgets.

Best hotels in Aguas Calientes, Peru

Luxury: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Mid-Range: Hatun Inti Boutique
Budget: Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu

more hotels in machu picchu

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If you are only planning a day trip to the Inca Ruins, you should choose accommodation in Ollantaytambo or Cusco.

We hope our complete guide to visiting Machu Picchu will help you plan your visit to Peru. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

How to Visit Machu Picchu