Machu Picchu is a dream destination for many. Just seeing a picture of the Inca city is a real impression. Imagine being able to see it with your own eyes, it is an experience that will change your life forever. But since Machu Picchu is a remote destination, many people have doubts and these can prevent them from visiting one of the greatest works made by man in all of history. Below we will clear up many of your doubts, so that you can leave them behind once and for all and be encouraged to visit the jewel of the Inca empire.

• Is it difficult to get the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?
• Is Machu Picchu in a very remote location? Is it difficult to get there?
• Is it very expensive to go to Machu Picchu?
• Is it dangerous to go to Machu Picchu? Are there constant natural disasters?
• Is Machu Picchu in Cusco? Is Cusco a safe place?
• Will the altitude affect me too much in Machu Picchu?
• Can I go to Machu Picchu with children or seniors?
• Is it worth going to Machu Picchu?
• What are the three ways to get to Machu Picchu?
• Is Machu Picchu always open?

View of the ruins of Machu Picchu

How much does it cost to enter Machu Picchu in Peru?
The price of entry to Machu Picchu is the most frequently asked question among visitors. There are seven types of tickets that have a regular cost of 152 soles for foreign adults and 77 soles for university students. Children also have discounts although some tickets, which include hiking, have restricted entry for tourists under 18 years of age. Tickets that include entry to hiking trails to Huayna Picchu Mountain, Machu Picchu Mountain and the Great Cave cost 200 soles for foreign adults and 125 soles for university students. All tickets can be purchased online through the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru.

Is it difficult to get the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu?

• More and more visitors want to visit Machu Picchu, so demand has increased substantially. In addition, there is a limit on the number of people who can visit the Inca city daily (2,500).
• These factors make getting an entrance ticket somewhat difficult. The recommendation in this regard is that you should not wait to be in the city of Cusco to buy your ticket, you should do so several weeks in advance, and even more so if you want to get the entrance ticket to the Huayna Picchu mountain.
• By booking your ticket in advance, you will be able to choose the date and type of ticket you want. It should also be noted that the high tourist season in Cusco and Machu Picchu is between April and October, so you should purchase your ticket well in advance. During the low tourist season (November to March) it is possible to purchase your ticket a few days in advance, but you should consider that the entrance ticket for the Huayna Picchu mountain is always in high demand.

Is Machu Picchu in a very remote location? Is it difficult to get there?

• Machu Picchu is definitely located in a difficult-to-access place, which is why the Spanish conquerors never found it and it was only shown to the world by the explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
• But, today the Inca city is known throughout the world and getting to Machu Picchu from the city of Cusco will take you on average about 4 hours, going first by bus to Ollantaytambo and from here by train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
• The communication routes are in good condition and there are many companies that provide transportation services that will take you there, so getting to the Inca city is not a problem.

Visitor observing Machu Picchu

Is it very expensive to go to Machu Picchu?

• High cost is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of any major destination on the planet.
• And, as in any tourist destination, the costs depend on the quality of the services. In Cusco and Machu Picchu you can find tourist services of the highest quality and exclusivity, but there are also services for smaller budgets, you just have to find out and ask for a quote.
• Sleeping will not be a problem, as there are accommodations ranging from community accommodations that will cost you very few dollars per night, to five-star hotels with prices in the 4-figure range per night.
• As for food, Peruvian food is well known for its fame, and it doesn’t matter if you eat in a traditional market or in an exclusive restaurant, you will enjoy it equally.
• For the costs of visiting the main tourist attractions, you must purchase tourist tickets to visit them. In Cusco there are a variety of tours and with different costs that will take you to them, you can also visit them on your own.
• Regarding visiting the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you can do so on an organized tour or on your own. If you go on your own, you have two options: the first is to take the train to Machu Picchu, for which there are different types of service. Traveling by train to the Inca city is quite expensive, but if you book in advance, you can access promotions that will reduce the cost.
• The second and cheapest way to get to Machu Picchu is by taking the alternative route via Santa Maria. This route will take more time and effort, but doing it is a great adventure.
• During the low tourist season, which coincides with the rainy season (from November to March), prices for various services drop considerably, making it a good time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu, as you can get good services at reduced costs.

Is it dangerous to go to Machu Picchu? Are there constant natural disasters?

• We must clarify that Machu Picchu is located in the middle of the jungle and the path to it crosses the mountain and jungle regions.
• Due to the characteristics of the geographical location of Machu Picchu, there are certain periods, especially during the rainy season, in which some weather anomalies may occur.
• The last time these weather anomalies affected the communication routes to Machu Picchu was in 2011, but these were reopened shortly after and had minimal impact on tourism.
• The rainy season is usually intense in Machu Picchu between January and February, but this will not prevent you from enjoying your visit to the Inca city.
• If there is a disaster, you will be duly informed by the authorities and you can also take precautions by following the news.
• In short, natural disasters only occasionally affect Machu Picchu, so it is safe to visit all year round.

Is Machu Picchu in Cusco? Is Cusco a safe place?

• Cusco is a fairly safe city and the attractions throughout its tourist circuit are also safe, not to mention Machu Picchu, all of which are protected by the Cusco – Machu Picchu Preferential Tourist Corridor security plan.
• You can safely travel through all the sites and towns in the corridor, but it is always advisable, as in any place in the world, not to venture into places that look unreliable.

Route to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Will the altitude affect me too much in Machu Picchu?

• If you come from a low-lying area, it is very likely that altitude sickness will affect you. Cusco is located at 3,399 meters above sea level and it is very common for visitors to suffer from altitude sickness.
• But this is not a big problem, as it is a temporary discomfort that usually goes away with a rest and drinking a delicious coca tea, which is offered in all the hotels and restaurants in the city. If you need it, you can also take a pill to counteract altitude sickness.
• When you go to Machu Picchu you will not have any problems with the altitude, since the Inca city is located at a lower altitude (2450 meters above sea level).
• Only if you suffer from any serious illness should you consult your family doctor to determine whether it is advisable to travel to a high altitude area, or to help you take appropriate measures to ensure a safe trip.

Can I go to Machu Picchu with children or seniors?

• Machu Picchu is a place that everyone can enjoy, even children.
• Although it may seem like a difficult place to access, the truth is that the different means of transport used to reach the Inca city will take you from the door of your hotel to the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
• Therefore, if you go to Machu Picchu with children or if you are accompanied by older adults, you will have no problem getting there.
• Touring the Inca city will not require any complications, as everything is clearly signposted. However, for older adults with physical problems, circuit 3 offers a more accessible and easier route.
• There is also a first aid station at the entrance in case of any mishap. Even people with physical disabilities can visit Machu Picchu.

Explaining to the girl about Machu Picchu

Is it worth going to Machu Picchu?

• Many fascinating places in the world such as the Pyramids of Egypt or the Taj Mahal are unquestionable tourist destinations and represent humanity’s great legacy to the world.
• And, within this great legacy, there is, without a doubt, Machu Picchu. The great work of the Incas, it is a perfect balance between man-made and nature, a unique city without equal in the world.
• Machu Picchu will leave you surprised and astonished when you see it for the first time, and not only because of its magnificent stone constructions, but also because of its beautiful and impressive natural surroundings that will make you feel like you are in another world.
• So don’t hesitate any longer, pack your bags and plan your visit to the jewel of the Inca Empire. Machu Picchu is a place worth visiting, even if it’s just once in a lifetime.

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu

What are the three ways to get to Machu Picchu?

• There are three ways to get to Machu Picchu from the city of Cusco.
• The first is the train route that passes through the town of Ollantaytambo. This is the way most visitors get to the Inca city. It allows for a safer, faster and more comfortable trip. The train ride takes 4 hours from Cusco to Machu Picchu. There are different types of trains, some are luxury services that include a show on board and gourmet food.
• The second is the alternative route to Machu Picchu via Hidroeléctrica, also known as the Amazon route. This option is done in two sections: a first trip in a tourist minivan from Cusco, which takes between 5 to 6 hours. And a second section on foot from the Hidroeléctrica station to Aguas Calientes. Finally, you must take the bus to reach the gate of Machu Picchu.
• The third is the 4-day Inca Trail route, also known as the Classic Inca Trail. This hike is done along the historic qhapac ñan, for 39 kilometers over 4 days and 3 nights of camping. At the end, you arrive at Machu Picchu in a similar way to how the Incas did, through the Intipunku (Sun Gate). This hiking route is considered the best hiking route in the world.

Is Machu Picchu always open?

• Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including non-working holidays such as Christmas or New Year.
• Visiting hours are from six in the morning until five in the afternoon.
• Only the Inca Trail hiking route remains closed throughout February due to heavy rains. However, Machu Picchu is open during that month.
• The only exceptional cases in which Machu Picchu closes its doors are in the event of natural disasters or protests with roadblocks. In such cases, the Peruvian authorities may decide to close the doors of the archaeological site to safeguard the physical integrity of the visitor.
• Night visits to Machu Picchu are not permitted. Each hiking route within the archaeological site has strict schedules that must be followed.
• Finally, the time limit for visiting Machu Picchu varies between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the type of ticket you choose. No visitor can stay all day in Machu Picchu.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Sebastian C.

“Simply Magical“

“Everything they say about Machu Picchu is true, it is a magical and fantastic place, you can feel a positive energy in the air, really seeing this city from the top of the Machu Picchu mountain was something truly incredible, we were able to see an impressive view that I will never forget.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 28, 2024