Peru

Machu Picchu Travel Guide: How to Visit the Lost City of the Incas

Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic bucket list destinations in the world, and visiting it is often the highlight of a trip to Peru. This practical Machu Picchu travel guide explains exactly how to plan your visit, how to get there from Cusco, how to buy tickets, the best time to visit, and how to structure your day so you can enjoy the ruins without stress.

Where Is Machu Picchu and How Do You Get There?

Machu Picchu sits high in the Andes mountains of Peru, above the jungle town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Most travelers start their journey in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.

Step 1: Get to Cusco

Fly into Cusco from Lima or other major Peruvian cities.
Spend at least 2–3 days acclimatizing to the altitude before visiting Machu Picchu or doing any trek.

Step 2: Travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes

By train: The most popular and comfortable option. Trains leave from Poroy, San Pedro (Cusco), or Ollantaytambo and arrive in Aguas Calientes. Book tickets in advance, especially in high season.
By trek: Multi-day hikes like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Lares Trek end near Machu Picchu and include your entrance and transport logistics. This is ideal if you want a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
By bus plus walk: Budget travelers sometimes take a combination of bus and shared taxi via Hidroeléctrica, then walk the railway track to Aguas Calientes. This takes longer but can be cheaper than the train.

Step 3: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Shuttle bus: Frequent buses run from Aguas Calientes up to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, taking about 25–30 minutes.
On foot: Fit travelers can hike up the steep trail in about 1.5–2 hours. Go early, bring water, and be prepared for many steps.

Machu Picchu Tickets and Time Slots

To protect this UNESCO World Heritage Site, entry to Machu Picchu is limited and managed by timed tickets. You must buy tickets in advance, especially during the dry high season.

Purchase tickets only through official or trusted sources, such as the government ticket portal, reputable agencies in Cusco, or licensed tour operators.
Choose your entry time slot. Morning entries are popular for sunrise-style views, while midday and afternoon entries can be slightly less crowded.
Some tickets include optional hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These sell out quickly, so book as early as possible.
Bring your passport and printed or digital ticket – both are checked at the gate.

Rules and circuits can change, so always check the latest official information before you travel and follow the marked one-way routes inside the site.

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

Dry season (May to September): Clearer skies, beautiful mountain views, and peak crowds. June to August is especially popular with international travelers.
Shoulder months (April and October): A great balance of fewer crowds and good weather. These months are ideal if you want better value and slightly quieter trails.
Rainy season (November to March): More rain but fewer visitors and greener scenery. Trails can be muddy, and some landslides or transport disruptions are possible.

For most travelers, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season or shoulder months, when hiking conditions and visibility are generally better.

How Many Days Do You Need for Machu Picchu?

1-day express visit: Travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes early in the morning, visit Machu Picchu, then return to Cusco in the evening. This is intense but possible by train.
2 days, 1 night: Take an afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, stay overnight, and visit Machu Picchu at sunrise or in the early morning the next day. This is the most popular and comfortable option.
3+ days with a trek: If you hike the Inca Trail or another trek, expect at least 3–5 days. Your final day usually includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu.

Suggested Machu Picchu Itinerary: 2 Days from Cusco

Day 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes

Morning or afternoon: Take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
Check into your hotel and explore the small town.
Walk along the river, soak in the local hot springs, or enjoy Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado and ceviche.
Go to bed early and prepare your bag for the next day (ticket, passport, snacks, rain jacket).

Day 2: Machu Picchu Visit

Wake up early and join the bus queue or start the hike up before sunrise.
Enter Machu Picchu at your scheduled time slot and follow the marked circuit through the ruins.
Consider hiring a licensed guide at the entrance or booking in advance to learn the history and hidden details.
Visit classic viewpoints for the famous postcard photo, explore temples and terraces, and take your time walking slowly.
In the afternoon, return to Aguas Calientes, have lunch, then board your train back to Cusco.

What to See Inside Machu Picchu

Classic viewpoint: The iconic panoramic view of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu in the background.
Temple of the Sun: A sacred Inca temple with fine stonework, aligned with the sun.
Intihuatana stone: Believed to be an astronomic or ceremonial stone related to the sun.
Temple of the Three Windows: A beautiful structure with three trapezoidal windows looking out onto the valley.
Agricultural terraces: The layered terraces that frame the citadel and show how the Incas farmed on steep slopes.
Residential and industrial sectors: Stone houses, storage buildings, and other functional spaces that bring daily Inca life to life.

If your ticket includes a hike, plan extra time for:

Huayna Picchu: A steep, short hike with impressive views back over Machu Picchu. Very limited permits.
Machu Picchu Mountain: A longer but less crowded hike with wide views of the entire valley.

Practical Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

Bring your passport, ticket, and some cash for small purchases.
Pack light: a small daypack, water, sunscreen, hat, and a light rain jacket are usually enough.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip; there are many uneven steps and stone paths.
Bathrooms are only available outside the main entrance, so use them before you go in.
Food is not allowed inside the ruins area; eat before or after your visit or pack discreet, simple snacks and take your trash out with you.
Respect the rules: stay on marked paths, do not climb on walls, and follow staff instructions to help protect the site.

Where to Stay for Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes: The most convenient base. You will find a mix of budget hostels, midrange hotels, and a few boutique stays within walking distance of the train station and bus stop.
Near the entrance: A couple of high-end hotels sit near the Machu Picchu gates, offering maximum convenience, early access, and premium services.
Cusco or Sacred Valley: Some travelers do a very early train from these areas, visit Machu Picchu, and return the same day, but this can be tiring.

Costs and Booking Tips

Factor in train tickets, bus tickets, entrance tickets, guides, accommodation, and food when planning your Machu Picchu budget.
Book everything early for peak months, including June, July, and August, as trains and tickets regularly sell out.
Compare guided tours that include transport and tickets with booking each element yourself to see which is better value and less stressful.

Responsible Travel at Machu Picchu

Follow Leave No Trace principles and take all trash back with you.
Support local communities by staying in locally owned hotels and eating at family-run restaurants.
Choose licensed guides and ethical tour operators that respect local regulations and the environment.
Be patient with new rules or one-way circuits; they are designed to protect Machu Picchu for future generations.

With thoughtful planning, your visit to Machu Picchu can be smooth, unforgettable, and respectful. Use this guide to organize your journey from Cusco, secure your tickets, and make the most of every moment at this legendary Inca citadel.