The crowds in Machu Picchu appear as a difficult detail to avoid. However, here we will present some strategies to avoid crowds of people in Machu Picchu. For this we will prioritize the information according to the data recorded during the high season, which is also the dry season and therefore, it is ideal to visit the wonder of the world. Below, we present a series of strategies so that people, agglomerations or crowds are not a problem when visiting Machu Picchu.

• How many people can enter Machu Picchu?
• Crowds in the high season at Machu Picchu
• Why doesn’t anyone talk about the high season in Machu Picchu?
• How to avoid the crowds in Machu Picchu?
• Important – How to get to Machu Picchu?
• Frequently Asked Questions

In high season the entrance to Machu Picchu is usually saturated

How many people can enter Machu Picchu?

During 2024, changes were made in relation to visitors, circuits and entrance tickets to visit Machu Picchu. This change, although somewhat controversial, allowed the number of tickets available on a daily basis to increase considerably. But, also, there were some changes in the circuits and in the routes that allow the entrance tickets.

Before answering the question of this section, we also have to detail the main changes in tickets and availability. The main changes we will see are detailed below:

• There is an official high season, which starts on June 1 and lasts until October 15.
• In the high season you can find 10 admission tickets.
• The regular season is the rest of the year from October 16 to May 30.
• Regular season.
• Some dates of the regular season, some routes of the high season are enabled.
• Only 3 circuits were enabled to learn more about Machu Picchu.
• These routes are thought in the experience that can be lived at the time of knowing the wonder of the world.

Among other changes, the number of admission hours has been increased, now starting at 6:00 am. The last time allowed to enter is at 3:00 pm. However, the waiting time is 45 minutes. Now let’s see, how many people can enter Machu Picchu daily?

Crowds in the high season at Machu Picchu

The number of people entering Machu Picchu will depend only on the number of entrance tickets. That is why the circuits must be respected and done in the scheduled time. On the other hand, it is important to take into account the entrance schedules. Being the most requested the ones that have the entrance hours between 6:00 and 11:00 in the morning. This is because these are the most recommended schedules for those who wish to make the trip in only 1 day.

People who visit Machu Picchu, often do not take into account this detail. This is because the photographs, videos and related content do not usually project this part of the experience of visiting the wonder of the world.

During the trip from Cusco you can appreciate the large number of people who want to visit Machu Picchu. Therefore, it will be important to make the trip with the intention of arriving well before the entrance time to Machu Picchu.

In this sense, you should take into account that the train travel services and the ecological buses may be saturated. That is why it is best to make a reservation in advance and virtually for both services. Also, it will be important to take into account the schedules and delay time it may take. Let’s see:

• The train trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu Town can take approximately 5 hours. The first part of the trip to Ollantaytambo by train or bus; this option is the bimodal service.
• The trip by bus or train to Ollantaytambo has an approximate average of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The rest of the trip, or second leg of the journey, is by train and takes about 2 hours.
• Sometimes unforeseen events occur, so it will be important to start the trip 7 hours before the entrance time to Machu Picchu. Especially if you do the tour without a travel agency.

View of Machu Picchu from circuit 1

Is it really necessary to make the trip with a travel agency?
Many people choose to make the trip to Machu Picchu on their own. They take into account and plan all the details and must also cover the necessary services to get to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. That is why, and we must say it, it is not complicated to make the trip to Machu Picchu on your own; so a travel agency is not essential. However, you will have to take into account that the necessary services can start even from the departure of your hotel in Cusco.

Why doesn’t anyone talk about the high season in Machu Picchu?

For many of the people who visit Machu Picchu, there is nothing new or worrisome about this type of scenario. People who visit Machu Picchu also know that the mere fact that it is known as a Wonder of the Modern World puts it in the eyes of the world and thousands of people want to visit it.

Little is said about this because it may seem more like an obstacle than information that should be given. In addition, during the tours that take place among the abundant people one does not always encounter a crowd that does not even allow one to keep up. This is thanks to the distribution of the schedules.

Although Machu Picchu is visited by 4,500 people during the regular season and 5,600 during the high season. It is possible to make an adequate displacement by the attractions of Machu Picchu, thanks to the Circuits and variety of entrance tickets that allow to direct all this amount of people in an orderly manner.

Likewise, it is important to mention that there will be some days when several groups will join together on the same circuit or route. This will be mainly due to delays during the trip, as a result of a natural disaster or something similar. Only in those cases will people with past entry schedules be allowed to enter.

Is there anything to worry about? The short answer is no. However, you should be punctual with the activities detailed by your travel agency or the one you have planned your trip with. This is the only way to have an excellent trip, even if there are crowds along the way.

Crowds of visitors at Machu Picchu

How to avoid the crowds in Machu Picchu?

• When booking admission tickets, try to take those that start after 11:00 am.
• The majority of visitors and also the schedules coincide until 11:00 and 12:00 hours of the day.
• An excellent option is to make the trip in the afternoon. There are few tickets that offer this alternative. In this sense, the tour without crowds is guaranteed.
• An advantage is that the last entrance group is from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm.
• Be the first to enter. This option is not recommended, but it usually works. It requires spending the night and starting the activities from 5:00 in the morning to be among the first to enter Machu Picchu.
• Another option with an excellent option is to do the tour in the afternoon and also appreciate the sunset in Machu Picchu, a magical experience.
• The tickets that can let you enter in the afternoon are those of Circuit 2 or Classic Route.
• Do the tour with a tour guide. They know the route of the circuit you choose and also the details to further enrich the experience of visiting Machu Picchu.
• Be patient during the tour. Of course, you will see a lot of people at the start of the tour or at the citadel. However, during the tours, everyone will disperse on their own route.
• If you visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon, an ideal option is to have lunch at the Tinkuy restaurant (we have special offers).
• In case you have any doubts about the route or circuit you can approach the park rangers or other local staff.
• Take a reasonable amount of time to take pictures, you don’t want another group to catch up with you during the tour.
• Finally, go through the tour with optimism and open to new experiences.

View of the terraces of Machu Picchu

Important – How to get to Machu Picchu?

Now that you know how many people arrive and visit Machu Picchu on a daily basis, it remains to give you some tips. These will help you to plan, book and even make the trip with the tour of Machu Picchu. Take note!

• The normal option is to make the trip by train. There are a variety of options, schedules and operators (Inca Rail and PeruRail).
• The trip can be bimodal, that is, the departure from Cusco stations is done by bus. Arriving at the train station in Ollantaytambo you board the train.
• Another option is to take a trip by minivan or other transportation to Hidroeléctrica. Once there, you must hike an average of 2 hours to Machu Picchu Town.
• The aforementioned option requires two days of activities. That is, the first day you spend the night and the second, you can visit Machu Picchu from 6:00 in the morning.
• You can also do the Salkantay trekking route. In this case you will have to book your entrance to Machu Picchu privately or through a travel agency.
• When you arrive at Machu Picchu, it is recommended to make the ascent to the archaeological site in the ecological buses.
• Also, do not forget your identity documents or passport. It is also advisable to carry cash for any eventuality.

Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Are there any restrictions to visit Machu Picchu?

  The entrance restrictions to Machu Picchu are to avoid damage to the citadel, so professional recording equipment, spiked equipment or sharp weapons are prohibited.

• 2) During which months can I find less people?

  During the rainy season you will find fewer people, in theory. However, it is possible that you can find a large number of people. This is because even in the rainy season the availability of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu is sold out for months.

• 3) Can I get lost in Machu Picchu?

  It is unlikely to get lost inside the Inca citadel. This is because there are personnel in charge of guarding the Inca walls and constructions. They are also in charge of guiding tourists on the routes they should follow. On the other hand, in the hiking routes, it is recommended to do it with a guide or following only the traced routes.

• 4) Are there exclusive routes for seniors and children?

  Yes, there are two options that are comfortable to do. The first entrance ticket would be the Machu Picchu + Classic Photo ticket. The second option would be the entrance ticket Machu Picchu + lower temples.

• 5) What is the best time to avoid crowds at Machu Picchu?

  If you want to avoid the displeasure, we recommend doing the tour from 14:00 hours. Of course, you will have to have lunch beforehand to have all the energy you need for the activity.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Jimena D.

“The best of the best“

“In Machu Picchu you can enjoy one of the most beautiful “faces” on earth, literally; the mountains of Machu Picchu look like a human face looking at the sky. You encounter one of the most spectacular natural environments on the planet, which inspires you to make the necessary effort to preserve it and, of course, to reach it.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 13, 2024