How to visit Machu Picchu: everything you need to know
Updated: 15 hours ago
Visiting Machu Picchu is one of the absolute highlights of any trip to Peru. This incredible ancient Inca city is hidden high in the Andes Mountains and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. However, planning a visit to Machu Picchu takes a little more preparation than you might expect. You'll need to book your tickets in advance, choose the right circuit, and figure out how to get there.
Machu Picchu had been at the very top of our bucket list for years, so it's safe to say we had incredibly high expectations. Luckily, it turned out to be just as amazing as we'd hoped! We visited Machu Picchu on two different days, exploring different circuits in both the early morning and afternoon.
Planning to visit Machu Picchu yourself? In this complete travel guide, we'll share everything you need to know about tickets, costs, circuits, transportation, and the best time to visit. Plus, we'll share our personal experiences and tips to help you plan an unforgettable visit!
Visiting Machu Picchu: essential tips
Short on time? Here are our most important tips for visiting Machu Picchu:
Tickets: Book your entrance tickets several months in advance through the official website, especially during peak season.
Best circuit: We recommend Circuit 2 if you want to enjoy the famous panoramic views while also exploring the ancient Inca city.
Where to stay: Spend at least one night in Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu without feeling rushed.
Best time of day: Early morning is magical when the mist rolls over the mountains, while afternoons often offer a better chance of clear views.
Best time of year: May to October is generally the best time to visit, during Peru's dry season.
Getting there: Most travelers take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a shuttle bus to the entrance.
Where is Machu Picchu located?
Machu Picchu is located approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The ancient city is around 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Cusco and 500 kilometers (310 miles) from Lima.
Built during the 15th century, Machu Picchu is believed to have served as a royal estate associated with the Inca emperor Pachacuti. The city was abandoned during the 16th century and was brought to international attention in 1911.
Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. In 2007, it was officially named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Getting to Machu Picchu requires a little planning because you can't simply drive all the way to the ancient city. Most travelers start their journey in Cusco, one of the most popular destinations in Peru. From here, you can travel by train towards Aguas Calientes, the small town located at the foot of Machu Picchu.
We decided to travel to Ollantaytambo first and catch the train to Aguas Calientes from there. The train journey itself is absolutely beautiful, taking you through the spectacular scenery of the Sacred Valley, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.
Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you have two options for reaching the entrance to Machu Picchu:
Shuttle bus: The easiest and most comfortable option, taking approximately 25–30 minutes.
Hiking: You can also hike up to the entrance, which takes around 1.5 hours and involves a fairly steep climb.
We chose the shuttle bus and found the entire journey surprisingly well organized. Even though getting to Machu Picchu involves several different forms of transportation, it's actually pretty straightforward.
How to buy Machu Picchu tickets
One of the most important things to arrange before visiting Machu Picchu is your entrance ticket. We highly recommend booking your Machu Picchu tickets several months in advance, especially if you're traveling during the high season. Popular circuits and entrance times can sell out well before your visit. The best place to buy your tickets is through the official website of Peru's Ministry of Culture.
Unlike many other famous attractions, Machu Picchu has a ticketing system with three different circuits, several routes, and specific entrance times. When booking your ticket, you'll need to select your preferred circuit, route, date, and entrance time. Your ticket is only valid for the specific route and time you've booked.
It's also possible to purchase a limited number of tickets in person in Aguas Calientes. However, availability is limited, and there's no guarantee that your preferred circuit or time slot will still be available.
That's why we strongly recommend booking online in advance. The last thing you want is to travel all the way to Machu Picchu only to discover that your preferred route is sold out!
How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu?
Visiting Machu Picchu isn't particularly cheap, especially when you add up all the transportation costs. Besides your entrance ticket, you'll also need to budget for the train, shuttle bus, and potentially a night in Aguas Calientes.
During our visit, we paid approximately €45 per person for each entrance ticket. We decided to book two different circuits, but this definitely isn't necessary to enjoy Machu Picchu.
Here are some additional costs to consider when planning your visit:
Train to Aguas Calientes: We found tickets ranging from approximately €80 to €160 per person, one way, depending on the train class and departure time.
Accommodation in Aguas Calientes: Expect to pay around €40 to €150 per night, depending on your hotel.
Shuttle bus to Machu Picchu: We paid approximately €25 per person for a round-trip ticket.
Which Machu Picchu circuit should you choose?
Choosing the right circuit is one of the most important parts of planning your visit to Machu Picchu.There are three main circuits, divided into ten different routes. Some routes are only available during the high season, and each circuit offers a different experience.
Circuit 1 – Panoramic Circuit
Circuit 1 focuses mainly on the famous panoramic views of Machu Picchu. It's a great choice if your priority is enjoying the incredible scenery and taking those iconic photos overlooking the ancient city. However, this circuit doesn't take you through the main archaeological urban area.
Circuit 2 – Classic Circuit
Circuit 2 is the most popular option and, in our opinion, the best choice for most first-time visitors. This circuit combines beautiful views of Machu Picchu with the opportunity to explore a large part of the ancient Inca city. If you're only planning to book one circuit, this would be our recommendation!
Circuit 3 – Royalty Circuit
Circuit 3 mainly takes you through the lower part of Machu Picchu, allowing you to get closer to several archaeological structures. Some routes within this circuit also include additional hikes, such as the famous Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Which circuit is best for you depends on what you'd most like to see during your visit.
Keep in mind that visitors must follow their designated route. You generally can't walk backwards, switch circuits, or re-enter Machu Picchu using the same ticket after leaving.
So make sure to take your time and enjoy those incredible views!
How much time do you need at Machu Picchu?
It's possible to visit Machu Picchu on a day trip from Cusco, but it will be a very long day. You'll need to leave Cusco early in the morning, travel to Ollantaytambo, take the train to Aguas Calientes, and then catch the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you'll need to make the entire journey back to Cusco.
Although this is definitely possible, we'd recommend spending at least one night in Aguas Calientes. We decided to stay overnight, which allowed us to visit one circuit in the afternoon and another early the following morning. After our second visit, we traveled back to Ollantaytambo later that day. For us, this was the perfect option. We didn't have to rush and got to experience Machu Picchu at two completely different times of day.
You could also spend two nights in Aguas Calientes, but we think one night is usually enough for a relaxed visit.
What is the best time of day to visit Machu Picchu?
We visited Machu Picchu at two different times: once at 3:00 PM and again at 6:00 AM the following morning. Both experiences were incredible, but they were also very different.
If you love watching the sunrise and seeing the morning mist rolling over the mountains, we'd recommend booking an early morning entrance. There's something truly magical about seeing Machu Picchu surrounded by clouds as the sun slowly rises. However, keep in mind that the mist can sometimes linger for hours, meaning you might not immediately get those famous panoramic views.
In the afternoon, the sunlight is usually stronger, and depending on where you're standing, you might experience some backlighting when taking photos. On the other hand, there's often a better chance of the low clouds clearing later in the day.
We decided to spread our chances by booking two different time slots on separate days. Looking back, we're so glad we did! Both visits were amazing, and we'd happily do it all over again.
What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is generally during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, there's usually less rainfall and a better chance of clear skies, making it a great time for enjoying the views and taking photos. However, temperatures can drop quite a bit in the early morning, so make sure to bring some warm layers.
The rainy season typically runs from November to April. During this period, heavy rainfall can make walking trails slippery and muddy.
Of course, mountain weather is unpredictable, and you can experience rain or mist even during the dry season.
Where to stay near Machu Picchu
If you're planning to spend the night near Machu Picchu, we'd recommend staying in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. This small town is located at the foot of the mountain and has plenty of hotels, souvenir shops, and lovely restaurants. It's also where the shuttle buses to Machu Picchu depart, making it the perfect base for an early morning visit.
We really enjoyed our time in Aguas Calientes and thought it was a great place to spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
What to pack for Machu Picchu
If you're traveling to Aguas Calientes by train, keep in mind that luggage restrictions apply.
Large suitcases and backpacks are generally not allowed on standard tourist train services, so it's best to leave your main luggage at your hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Always check the luggage allowance of your train operator before traveling.
There are also strict rules about what you can bring into Machu Picchu itself.
Bags and backpacks must not exceed 40 × 35 × 20 centimeters.
Here's what we'd recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
Layers of clothing, especially for early morning visits.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat.
A lightweight rain jacket or poncho.
Water in a reusable bottle.
Your entrance ticket and passport or accepted identification.
Food is not allowed inside Machu Picchu, and certain items, including umbrellas, tripods, and selfie sticks, are prohibited. We'd recommend packing as lightly as possible, especially if you're planning to spend several hours exploring the site.
Do you need a guide for Machu Picchu?
You can visit Machu Picchu independently, and hiring a guide isn't mandatory. However, a guide can be a great addition if you'd like to learn more about the history of the Incas and the different archaeological structures. You'll often find guides offering their services near the entrance to Machu Picchu.
We personally loved exploring independently and being able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings at our own pace.
Whether you choose to hire a guide really depends on your interests and how much historical information you'd like during your visit.
Are there toilets at Machu Picchu?
Yes and no! There are toilets near the entrance to Machu Picchu, and you'll need to pay a small fee to use them. However, once you've entered the archaeological site, there are no toilets available along the circuits.Make sure to use the facilities before entering, especially if you're planning a longer visit. There are also toilets in Aguas Calientes near the shuttle bus departure area.
Our experience visiting Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu had been at the very top of our bucket list for years, so we couldn't wait to finally see it in person. And even with our incredibly high expectations, this place completely blew us away! The surroundings are absolutely breathtaking, and even the journey to get there is an experience in itself. From the scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley to that unforgettable moment when you first look out over the ancient Inca city, everything about visiting Machu Picchu feels special.We also found the transportation from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then up to Machu Picchu surprisingly well organized.
Yes, visiting Machu Picchu takes some planning, time, and money. But in our opinion, it's absolutely worth it!
