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How long to stay in Machu Picchu?

The archaeological site of Machu Picchu is the destination considered the wonder of the world. After some changes made in mid-2024. In this change, modifications were made to the circuits and to some tickets and tours. Therefore, the length of stay varies depending on the type of entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. In this blog we want to talk about the time you can stay, the circuit to follow through the citadel and the entry times so that you do not miss anything. Likewise, we want to offer options that you can do before or after visiting the wonder of the world. Let’s get started!



Llamas en la ciudad Inca de Machu Picchu
Llamas en la ciudad Inca de Machu Picchu

What will we find in Machu Picchu?

There are several attractions to be found in Machu Picchu. Some of these can only be visited with certain entrance tickets, and there are also other attractions beyond the archaeological site, which is considered a wonder of the world. Let’s take a look.

  • The City of Machu Picchu

    Also known as the Citadel of Clouds, it is a wonder of the world located in Peru. Inside the citadel you can see temples, normal buildings and a large number of terraces.

  • Short hiking trails

    Machu Picchu offers short hiking routes such as the Huayna Picchu mountain, the route to the Temple of the Moon, the hike to Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains. These routes do not exceed more than 4 hours of walking on the outbound sections.

  • Remains of the Inca Trail

    During some of the activities and routes through Machu Picchu, you can find the remains of the Inca Trail. In addition, by doing the 4- or 2-day Inca Trail you can follow the traces and routes created by the ancient inhabitants of Tawantinsuyo.

  • Visit the Site Museum

    Near the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, you can find the Machu Picchu Site Museum. There you can learn more about the importance of the strategic construction of Machu Picchu.

  • The Machu Picchu Pueblo district

    This district has grown over the years and is currently a tourist reference point due to the many services that can be found there, such as restaurants, hotels, bars and also the beautiful decoration of the place.

All of these destinations can be visited when visiting Machu Picchu. Now we would like to talk about the specific visit to the Inca citadel and the new circuits that have been appearing.

View of the town of Machu Picchu from the Putucusi mountain
View of the town of Machu Picchu from the Putucusi mountain

The new Machu Picchu circuits

Three new circuits can be found in Machu Picchu. The division of these circuits has to do with the routes and tickets that were also enabled until reaching the maximum number of 10 tickets. The three new circuits are:

  • Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route of Machu Pichu – This circuit allows you to see the first sector of Machu Picchu. In addition to having different panoramic views. One of the most recommended routes is that you can see part of the Inca Trail and the emblematic entrance through the Inti Punku or Puerta del Sol that offers beautiful views of the Inca citadel. This Circuit has 4 tickets and runs throughout the year.
  • Circuit 2 or Classic Route of Machu Picchu – Allows you to visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The route of the two entrances is very similar and allows you to see the main buildings such as the temples and sacred places up close. It is ideal for seeing every detail of Inca architecture up close.
  • Circuit 3 or the Royal Route in Machu Picchu – This tour takes you through the lower area of the Inca citadel. It also allows you to see some remains of Inca roads when hiking to the Temple of the Moon and to the top of Huayna Picchu.
The 3 circuits in Machu Picchu
The 3 circuits in Machu Picchu

The time you can stay in Machu Picchu according to each entrance

Entrance to Machu PicchuCircuitTravel time along the routeCheck-in times
Machu Picchu + Classic Photo PostcardCircuit 1 or Panoramic Route2 hours and 30 minutes.There are 10 schedules. They all start every hour. Starting at 6:00 a.m.
Machu Picchu + MountainCircuit 1 or Panoramic Route7 hours for the entire tour.There are two entry times: the first at 7:00 a.m. and the second at 9:00 a.m.
Machu Picchu + Inti Punku
(High season only)
Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route4 hours to complete the entire route.There are 4 schedules. They all start every hour. Starting from 8:00 to 11:00 hours.
Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge
(High Season Only)
Circuit 1 or Panoramic Route4 hours to complete the entire route.There are 4 schedules. They all start every hour. Starting from 8:00 to 11:00 hours.
Machu Picchu Classic RouteCircuit 2 or Classic Route2 hours and 30 minutes.There are 10 schedules. They all start every hour. Starting at 6:00 a.m.
Machu Picchu Classic route
lower terrace
Circuit 2 or Classic Route2 hours and 30 minutes.There are 10 schedules. They all start every hour. Starting at 6:00 a.m.
Machu Picchu + Royal RouteCircuit 3 or Royal Route2 hours and 30 minutes.There are 10 schedules. They all start every hour. Starting at 6:00 a.m.
Machu Picchu + Small Picchu
(High season only)
Circuit 3 or Royal Route6 hours to complete the entire route.There are two entry times: the first at 10:00 and the second at 12:00.
Machu Picchu + Huayna PicchuCircuit 3 or Royal Route7 hours to complete the entire route.There are two entry times: the first at 7:00 a.m. and the second at 9:00 a.m.
Machu Picchu +Temple of the Moon
(High Season Only)
Circuit 3 or Royal Route7 hours to complete the entire route.There are two entry times: the first at 7:00 a.m. and the second at 9:00 a.m.

What is each experience like?

Tickets or routes for Machu PicchuThe experience of the tour
Machu Picchu + Classic Photo PostcardIt allows you to climb up to the upper platform. From there you can take the classic postcard photo and also have enough time to contemplate the entire Inca citadel.
Machu Picchu + MountainThis ticket allows you to climb up to Machu Picchu Mountain, which surrounds the entire archaeological site and part of the area being visited. The passage continues along the upper terrace.
Machu Picchu + Inti PunkuIt allows you to see more Inca buildings and follow the traces of the Inca Trail. The Inti Punku seems to be the main access point to Machu Picchu. This route offers beautiful views of the place.
Machu Peak + Inca BridgeTake an easy route near the main platforms of Machu Picchu, follow the path until you reach the bridge along the Inca trail. Like the other routes on this circuit, it offers beautiful views.
Machu Picchu Classic RouteThe tour begins on the terraces or agricultural area and continues through the main temples of Machu Picchu. It is possible to appreciate the different constructions where the main temples and other sacred buildings stand out. It also allows you to take beautiful photographs of the Inca site.
Machu Picchu Classic Route lower terraceThis ticket allows you to take a tour near the upper platform of Machu Picchu. After that and having the classic postcard photo, continue the tour to the main temples and learn in depth the architectural details of Machu Picchu and the Inca culture.
Machu Picchu + Royal RouteIt offers one of the easiest routes to do, both in terms of difficulty and length. The route goes through the agricultural area and continues along the wide esplanades. Then you will visit the lower temples of Machu Picchu.
Old Picchu + Small PicchuFollow the Royal Route through the lower part of Machu Picchu and then take the 1-hour hike to the top of Huchuy Picchu, a mountain that has some relationship with the pyramid where the Intihuatana is located.
Machu Picchu + Huayna PicchuFollow the easiest entrance to the Inca citadel and continue through the Sacred Rock and continue until you reach the Inca Trail route that will connect with the beautiful mountain of Huayna Picchu where you can also find Inca constructions.
Machu Picchu +Temple of the MoonThe tour of the Inca citadel is simple and begins in the agricultural area. When you reach the Sacred Rock, continue along the path that connects to the lower area of the Huayna Picchu mountain and near the Urubamba River you can find the incredible Temple of the Moon that lies beneath a gigantic stone.

How much time do I need to visit Machu Picchu?

  • It is possible to do Machu Picchu in just one day.
  • To do this, you have to start your activities early and with the first trains leaving.
  • To do this, it is important to reserve your entrance tickets after 9:00 a.m.
  • It is also possible to visit in a single day and tour the Inca citadel in the afternoon.
  • However, it must be taken into account that the trip will end late upon arrival in Cusco.
  • On the other hand, reservations must also be made with the required advance notice.
Official guide explaining Machu Picchu to visitors
Official guide explaining Machu Picchu to visitors

Options to learn more about Machu Picchu

If you only have one day in Machu Picchu

  • If you only have one day to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend taking the first train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
  • You can board the train that leaves at 7 am from Ollantaytambo. Once in Aguas Calientes you will have to board the bus that will take you to the gate of Machu Picchu .
  • For a 1-day visit you can purchase the ‘Machu Picchu Solo’ ticket from 11 am or the times that follow.
  • The return to Cusco must be by train in the afternoon.

If you have 2 days in Machu Picchu

  • People who have two days usually decide to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
  • This town is entirely dedicated to tourism. You can find hotels, restaurants and a well-stocked craft market.
  • In addition to visiting Machu Picchu, here are some of the things you can add to your visit during your stay in Aguas Calientes:
  • Short Inca Trail (2 days).
  • Hike to Mándor waterfalls.
  • Aguas Calientes hot springs.
  • Visit to the Machu Picchu Site Museum ‘Manuel Chávez Ballón’.

If you have 3 days in Machu Picchu

  • People who have 3 days can visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas on their way to Machu Picchu.
  • Many tourists prefer to use two different days to visit Machu Picchu: on one day they visit the Inca City and on the other the Huayna Picchu mountain.
  • In Aguas Calientes you can also take advantage of the time to visit the thermal baths, the Mándor waterfalls or the Machu Picchu Site Museum.
  • During a 3-day visit, tourists can take advantage of exploring the famous town of Aguas Calientes.

If you have 4 days in Machu Picchu

  • If you have 4 days available in Machu Picchu, we definitely recommend doing the Inca Trail (4 days and 3 nights) .
  • The Inca Trail is a hiking route that crosses 39 kilometers of ancient Inca roads and archaeological sites.
  • This route includes 3 nights of camping. On the morning of day 4, tourists will arrive at Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol, an ancient access road used by the Incas.
  • To enter Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail you must reserve access tickets 6 months in advance.

In addition to Machu Picchu, Cusco has several tourist attractions such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the South Valley of Cusco and the city of Cusco itself.

Pisac archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Pisac archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas

More information about Machu Picchu

  • Buy your tickets in advance. In the case of the Huayna Picchu ticket, you must purchase it 3 months in advance.
  • Book train tickets immediately after knowing the time you will enter Machu Picchu.
  • On the same day of your visit you can purchase bus tickets in the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • You will not be allowed to bring selfie sticks, food, drinks, umbrellas, parasols, animals, high heels, musical instruments, baby strollers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 1) Who can enter Machu Picchu?

    There are different tickets that allow entry to Machu Picchu for all ages, so this is not a problem as such. On the other hand, it is important for older adults to consult with their doctors so that they have the go-ahead to visit Machu Picchu.

  • 2) Is it possible to enter Machu Picchu every day of the year?

    Yes, Machu Picchu can be visited every day of the year. However, it may close its doors due to political issues such as demonstrations or questions related to the health and safety of tourists. Such is the case of the Inca Trail route, which closes during the entire month of February due to rain and to ensure that the roads are properly maintained.

  • 3) Can I do the Inca Trail and stay more days in Machu Picchu?

    Of course, to make this possible you will need to book the return train for another date. This way you will be able to learn more about the town of Aguas Calientes and even the geography of Machu Picchu by visiting the on-site museum and other attractions.

  • 4) Can everyone do the 4-day Inca Trail?

    Yes, but it is recommended that it be done by people over 12 years old so that they can enjoy the walk. It is also recommended that all those interested in doing the route do prior training, such as going for a run so that they do not have problems or injuries during the walk.

  • 5) From which month do the rains begin?

    The rains start in November and last until March. During this season, you can visit Machu Picchu, but you should take this into account so as not to have a bad experience. Also, try to bring a waterproof poncho.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

Maricielo W.By: Maricielo W.

“Wordless“

“There are no words to describe the trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu. You have to come here and experience the Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu for yourself, places that you will never forget, I assure you.“

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 7, 2025