Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist attractions in South America and the most visited in Peru. So, that’s no surprise that a trip there will involve some planning and research.
Located northwest of Cusco about 2,430 metres above sea level, Machu Picchu is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient Inca city discovered in 1911 it’s one of the most spectacular and intriguing places in the world, as still today, archaeologists and historians don’t know exactly its true purpose.
If you’re thinking to join a group tour most of all will be organized for you but if you’re thinking to plan the trip by yourself you may want to consider the tips I’m about to give you. Enjoy!
CHOOSING THE BEST SEASON TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU
It’s possible to visit Machu Picchu all year round. But there are some things you have to take in consideration when planning your visit. Machu Picchu has basically two seasons: wet and dry.
The majority of the rainy season is from October to April but you may just get really sunny days. January and February are considered the rainiest months.
The dry season is from May to September but that’s also the busiest period. July and August are considered the driest months.
Overall you always have to be prepared for the crowds so it’s really up to your travel plans. I have visited late September and really enjoyed my experience.
During February it’s one of the less crowded months to visit because the Inca Trail is closed.
BUY YOUR TICKET
To visit Machu Picchu you must buy your ticket in advance, I would say as soon as you know the dates you are traveling. This is because they get sold out quickly especially during the high season. Get them, here.
Please be aware that the tickets are not sold at the entrance and are limited to 2500 per day. Also the Peruvian government introduced recently two different shifts to visit, the first between 6am – 12pm and the second between 12pm to 5:30pm.
To hike the Huayna Picchu peak and the Machu Picchu peak they require two separate tickets.
The cost of the ticket is PEN 152 which is the same of about USD 47.
BEST TIME OF THE DAY TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU
As I mentioned above with the new regulations form the Peruvian government you have two time slots to choose from: 6:00am to 12:00pm or 12:00pm to 5:30pm.
If you’re staying the day before in Aguas Calientes you may want to go straight in the morning with less people around but if you’re coming by train from Cusco you will probably enjoy more the afternoon.
Also take in consideration that during the rainy season it may be really foggy in the early hours of the day and the views may not be that good.
There is not really a perfect time to visit Machu Picchu; it will just depend on your preferred choices. I visited just before lunch and noted that during that period until about 2pm it was really crowded with people clearing out after that.
THINK ABOUT THE ALTITUDE
If you’re visiting just Peru I think it’s a good idea to spend at least two nights in Cusco.
Some of the effects of the altitude can be felt by having headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea. Walk slowly and drink plenty while adjusting to the altitude and you can even give a try on coca leaves, although I did not see much difference.
Because I was coming from La Paz (3,640 m / 11,940ft above sea level) which is higher than Cusco (3,400 metres / 11,200ft above sea level) I did not felt any particular effects but I have met a lot of people really suffering from altitude sickness during my trip.
Once you’re acclimatized you should be fine for your visit to Machu Picchu which has an altitude lower than Cusco (2,430 m /7,972 ft above sea level).
GETTING TO MACHU PICCHU
There are basically two main ways to get to Machu Picchu: hike the Inca Trail or take the train that it’s quite simple in my opinion.
🚄 BY TRAIN
Taking the train it’s a relatively easy option for someone who’s a bit tight on time or don’t want to walk for 4 days to Machu Picchu.
So, there are two companies which you can use: PeruRail and IncaRail.
[highlight]PeruRail[/highlight]
PeruRail it’s the most popular option because it has more departure cities and more times to choose from. Have a look on them here. The journey takes about 4 hours from Cusco.
Prices vary from USD 65 to USD 105 depending on the class you choose from. Be aware that the train does not depart exactly from Cusco but from Poroy station* which is a 30 minute ride by taxi.
[highlight]IncaRail[/highlight]
It’s not so used by travellers because the prices are higher if you’re departing from Cusco and not so many times available. You can check them here.
The cheapest tickets start at USD 65 but it’s from Ollantaytambo, which maybe it’s something you’re interested.
Both companies will have as final destination the town of Aguas Calientes.
[highlight]Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu[/highlight]
From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu you have two options: take a bus or walk until the ruins.
To buy the bus ticket you have to get them in the ticket office just in front of the train station after the bridge. They cost USD 24 with return and you will need your passport.
From there it’s a 30 minute ride to the entrance of Machu Picchu. There will be a queue to go back in the bus so leave with plenty of time to get the train in time.
Walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes about 1-2 hours and it goes through a similar route like the bus.
[highlight]HIKING THE INCA TRAIL[/highlight]
The Inca Trail it’s one of the most famous hikes in the world. It’s also one of the hardest. The usual hike it’s four days of hiking, climbing, sometimes with extreme weather and sleeping in tents. Be sure to be fit for the journey.
If you’re thinking to go for this option you should be aware that the passes sell fast, especially for the high season. Book it months in advance or as soon as you can. Have a look here. Also, remember that you can only do the trek with and authorized agency and there is a 500 person limit per day for the hiking passes.
BASIC RULES TO RESPECT WHILE VISITING
There has been some changes introduced to some of the rules to follow while in Machu Picchu but I will enlighten the most important ones.
You are not allowed to bring food inside or disposable plastic water bottles but no one really checks this and you may just want to keep a snack or two.
Umbrellas, tripods, drones or any musical instrument are prohibited. You have to take your passport with you as each ticket is personalized with your name and you may want to stamp it with the Machu Picchu stamp.
Only soft soles shoes are permitted. Walking sticks are not allowed but if you really depend on them they must have a rubber tip.
Small backpacks are allowed (maximum 40x35x20 cm). All big bags must be stored at the entrance where there is a luggage storage area mostly used by people doing the Inca Trail.
There are no toilets after the gates so make sure to use them before you enter. They cost 1 PEN.
A lot of llamas live inside the gates area and it’s fine to pet them but you’re not allowed to feed them.
Remember that you may not notice but there a lot of people making sure this rules are followed. For further information check it here.
VISITING WITH A GUIDE OR NOT?
In my opinion it’s not necessary. If you have a good guidebook you can just see the places and read about the history as you go along. I did this and don’t regret as I was able to see everything at my own pace and stop for a rest whenever I wanted to.
If you do feel like you want a guide you can just negotiate a private tour or join a group tour at the entrance. There are always a lot of guides there ready to do a tour.
ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR MACHU PICCHU
This is a list for what you probably need inside the gates of Machu Picchu. If you’re doing the Inca Trail you will need more than this.
So for you visit to go smoothly you will need comfortable walking shoes. Take a light rain jacket even if it’s dry season as you can never predict light showers. It started to rain heavily as I was leaving the site and it was September.
Because of the altitude, sun can be really strong so apply sunscreen before and during your visit and take a hat with you. Insect repellent is also a good idea!
Wear comfortable clothes as there are a lot of stairs to go up and down and a small backpack.
Although taking food and plastic water bottles is not allowed, they are not strict with this, so I took some energy bars, fruit and a reusable water bottle. You can also get some snacks from the restaurant in the entrance but they are overpriced.
Don’t forget your passport and your camera to capture those magical moments inside the Inca ruins.
STAYING OVERNIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?
A lot of people sleep the night before in Aguas Calientes in order to get inside the gates of Machu Picchu early and others choose it because they want to explore a bit of the town or even for just a night rest after the Inca Trail.
It’s up to you what you prefer but for me it was just fine leaving and coming back to Cusco on the same day. I managed to enjoy my day and really see the ruins without rushing.
All the information that I gathered here should be able to provide you with an idea of how to book your trip. If you follow my tips and links you should be able to book your trip super easy!
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Have you visited Machu Picchu? How was your experience? Is there anything that I’m missing in this list?
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Shocks! Thanks for this one. Definitely will read this again, I want to visit Machu Picchu and your post will definitely help me to plan our trip ‘Cause we plan during Summer, but yeah it is the busiest time of the year, so yeah, still planning.
Author
I went during the summer too but managed to escape the crowds, there are certain hours that is less crowded but you can never predict, good luck! Let me know if you need more information, X
Superb article. Everything under one blog. Quick question: hoe much time does it take from Poroy Station to Machu Picchu by train?
Author
Thank you Ridima! It takes about 4 hours but with the new combined train + bus i’m not sure! Check out the link for PeruRail, X
Great tips, very informative and I’m sure those travelling to Peru will find this info very helpful indeed. You’ve got some lovely photos too, it looks incredible.
Very informative and beautiful photos. I will definitely keep this article handy for when we visit.
These are all very helpful tips! I would love to visit Peru and your gorgeous photos have convinced me even more.
I’ve been sooooo interested in visiting Peru ever since I learned what a pyramid was. Peru’s always been on my bucket-list. It just moved even higher up the chart!
Author
I know it was like me! I was super excited that morning before arriving there and it was worth it!
Hi Amalia.I was looking for a good and detailed blog post about Machu-Picchu and I am so glad I found yours. The imagery is so stunning and the advice you give are so helpful.
Such a detailed guide for visiting Machu Picchu! It will be very useful for anyone who wishes to visit this place, it looks beautiful in pictures.
I always wanted to travel to Peru but could never plan it. Your visit and details would be quite useful when I plan my trip. Bookmarked it.
Wow Machu Pichu looks amazing and It looks like you enjoyed it a lot too! It’s been on my list for a couple years now and I think it’s time to finally go.
I have heard about Machu Picchu so much, but this read was a great guide once I plan a trip to Peru. The images are beautiful of those Llamas as well.
Author
Thank you Jhilmil! The llamas were everywhere and really friendly!
Wow. What a stunning location. I’ve had plenty of friends who’ve said that Machu Picchu is a definite must see. Perhaps one day I’ll get there.
Machu Pitchu is one of my dream destinations, and this guide is so useful mainly because it’s another continent and a very diverse culture!
What an amazing “step by step” guide. I think a lot of people will be grateful for your tips and recommendations.
It looks like an incredible place to visit and you’ve provided so much info. It’s really detailed and I’m sure people travelling here in the future will find this super helpful. Good to know about the fog and crowds, people will be pleased to learn this and plan accordingly
Author
Yes, when I went I did not knew about the different times of the day can affect visibility but it’s really important!
This is great info! Machu Pichu is my number one destination that me and my husband want to go for hiking/backpacking trip. I heard it is pretty challenging trail! Thanks for great detail info now we know which month will be great to visit!
Great photos and a really useful guide. I’m planning to go to Peru in the next few years and Machu Picchu is top of my list! Thanks
Machu Picchu is definitely a sight!No wonder the ancient Inca city is recognized as a world historical site. I’m a fan of historical sites and it is great to see you had much fun and learning as well…I’d want to visit Peru someday now…beautiful photos you got.
I can think of a million reasons why my husband and I would love to go to Machu Picchu. The first being the train ride. He worked for the railroad for 25 years is thrilled for any chance he gets to ride again. Another being the Inca Trail. While I wouldn’t want to hike the entire thing, I’d sure like to say I’ve done part of it. I was really surprised at some of the rules, like only soft soled shoes being permitted and walking sticks (only if they have a rubber tip). ps: I just love reading your blog, always makes me want to go on a new adventure! x
Author
Thank you so much Alison, your words fill my heart with joy and motivation! Some of the rules are really just on paper, most of them people just go around like the food and water. It’s possible to do half trail if you ever planning to go!
Sounds like a fantastic place. Would love to visit one day with the rest of the family.
i love the fact that you stressed out what is the best time to visit Machu Picchu through out the year and also during the day. I love to take photos of every place I go and I do not like many people photo bombing it
Author
Yes me too!! I pointed out because it does make a lot of difference, there are parts of the day as I mentioned that are really crowded over there, X
Now this is a place that would be great to take my kids- they could learn so much about history and the world coming here!
Author
It’s a great place to take kids! They can learn so much just in one single day, even for us!
This is one useful guide! Definitely saving it for later when I decide to finally visit!
It looks like such an amazing trip. I definitely want to make the trip out there to Machu Pichu at some point. Definitely during the summer, but I will definitely be taking note of all the great information here when I go.
A couple of my friends have gone and they all agree, Machu Picchu is nothing short of breathtaking. I’ve been wanting to go and this guide is so in-depth that it makes planning that much easier. Thank you for this and I’m glad you had such a wonderful time!
This looks like such an amazing trip! I love how detailed and thorough this post is, down to the type of clothing and shoes one should wear! Bucket list!
This is a very informative post and looks like a great place to visit one day. The pictures are great and makes it look like a trip worth experiencing.
I have never been to Machu Picchu as it is located at totally another side of the world for me. Your post is detailed and very helpful to first time visitors. Thanks to your post now i can put Machu Picchu on my list shall we visit South America one day!