In Machu Picchu, routes have been opened that allow you to go beyond the Inca citadel. That is why you can now choose several destinations for easy excursions that can take a few hours. In addition, they will offer new experiences and tours full of beautiful landscapes. Some of the routes also allow you to learn more about the Inca citadel and the flora and fauna offered by the geographical region in which Machu Picchu is located. Join us to learn about these excursion routes in Machu Picchu that can also help you choose an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.

• Tickets for excursions to Machu Picchu
• Machu Picchu + Mountain
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon
• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku
• Services needed to get to Machu Picchu
• Is it necessary to take the tour with a tour guide?
• Questions and answers about hiking routes in Machu Picchu

Visiting one of the wonders of the world, Machu Picchu

Tickets for excursions to Machu Picchu

After the ticket changes in Machu Picchu, you can find more options for hiking near Machu Picchu. So doing excursions during your visit to Machu Picchu is no longer a crazy idea.

Two new routes have now been opened to see Machu Picchu from another perspective, although the 4 routes can only be visited during the high season and 2 routes during the regular season. This is why you can enjoy nature and an ideal experience to do with friends. The tickets with which you can go on hikes are:

• Machu Picchu + Mountain.
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon.
• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku.

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu, with the Huayna Picchu mountain in the background

Machu Picchu + Mountain

• Route description:
  • The route begins from the entrance area to Machu Picchu and then towards the upper platform.
  • The upper platform allows you to take the classic postcard photo.
  • During the hike you can have beautiful views of Machu Picchu.
  • From the top of the mountain you can see the entire citadel and also the mountain ranges that connect to Machu Picchu.
• Difficulty of the route:
  • The route is relatively simple as there are sections that require strenuous physical effort.
  • The walk is usually done under the sun so it tends to be more tiring.
• Available times:
  • It allows entry at 6:00 am through Machu Picchu, for the first time group.
  • It allows entry at 8:00 am through Machu Picchu, for the second time group.
• Walking time:
  • The walking time is 2 hours there and 1 hour and 30 minutes back.
  • You will also have enough time to take photos and rest.
• Recommendations for the route:
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen.
  • Use mosquito repellent.
  • Take a camera.
  • Book this ticket 2 or 3 months in advance.

Full view of the Inca citadel from Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

• Route description:
  • The route starts from the entrance area near the Sacred Rock.
  • The tour of the citadel of Machu Picchu is through the lower area.
  • During the hike you can have beautiful views of Machu Picchu.
  • From the top of Huayna Picchu you can see the entire citadel and also the mountain ranges that connect to Machu Picchu.
• Difficulty of the route:
  • The climb is demanding in several sections and requires arduous physical effort.
  • The walk is usually done under the sun so it tends to be more tiring.
• Available times:
  • It allows entry at 7:00 am through Machu Picchu, for the first time group.
  • It allows entry at 9:00 am through Machu Picchu, for the second time group.
• Walking time:
  • The walking time is 2 hours there and 1 hour and 30 minutes back.
  • You will also have enough time to take photos and rest.
• Recommendations for the route:
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen.
  • Use mosquito repellent.
  • Take a camera.
  • Book this ticket 2 or 3 months in advance.

Incredible view from Huayna Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon

• Route description:
  • The route starts from the entrance area near the Sacred Rock.
  • The tour of the citadel of Machu Picchu is through the lower area.
  • During the hike you can have beautiful views of Machu Picchu.
  • The hike allows you to enter the depths of the high jungle of Cusco where you can appreciate the flora and fauna of the place.
• Difficulty of the route:
  • The route is relatively simple as there are sections that require strenuous physical effort.
  • The walk may be slippery and wet in some sections.
• Available times:
  • It allows entry at 7:00 am through Machu Picchu, for the first time group.
  • It allows entry at 9:00 am through Machu Picchu, for the second time group.
• Walking time:
  • The walking time is 2 hours there and 1 hour and 30 minutes back.
  • You will also have enough time to take photos and rest.
• Recommendations for the route:
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen.
  • Use mosquito repellent.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, preferably hiking shoes.
  • Please book this ticket 1-2 months in advance.

Temple of the Moon, also known as the Great Cavern

Machu Picchu + Inti Punku

• Route description:
  • The route begins from the entrance area to Machu Picchu and then towards the upper platform.
  • The upper platform allows you to take the classic postcard photo.
  • During the hike you can have beautiful views of Machu Picchu.
  • Along the route you can find other Inca constructions that attract everyone’s attention.
• Difficulty of the route:
  • The route is easy to follow and follows the traces of the Inca Trail until reaching Inti Punku.
  • Most of the route is paved, which makes it easy to get around.
• Available times:
  • It has 4 entry times starting at 8:00 in the morning.
  • The last group enters at 11:00 a.m. All schedules start every hour.
  • This route is only valid during high season.
• Walking time:
  • The walking time is 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the return trip takes approximately 1 hour.
  • You will also have enough time to take photos and rest.
• Recommendations for the route:
  • Wear a hat and sunscreen.
  • Use mosquito repellent.
  • Take a camera.
  • Please book this ticket 1-2 months in advance.

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku (The Gate of the Sun)

Can I get tickets to Machu Picchu in the town of Aguas Calientes?
Tickets to Machu Picchu are sold online. Due to the high demand for tickets, they sell out 2 or 3 months in advance. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase them in advance. In light of this, tickets are available for sale in the town of Aguas Calientes. However, tickets sell out quickly, so it is recommended to purchase them one day before visiting Machu Picchu.

Services needed to get to Machu Picchu

To get to Machu Picchu, some services may be required, which must be booked in advance. The services required are:

Private transport

• You can hire a private transportation service for your arrival in Cusco and be transported to your hotel.
• You can also hire this service to be picked up upon arrival in Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu.
• There are some agencies that offer this service to ensure the safety of tourists.
• The cost will depend on the route or section you wish to book. You can even request transportation to the Sacred Valley and Ollantaytambo.
• You can also make the contract with a travel agency that will offer you this service even in your package.

Public transport

• In Cusco you can find public transportation to get to Ollantaytambo.
• You can also find taxi services.
• To access by public transport it is recommended to have experience of having made the trip previously.

Train transport

• The train service can be taken from the Cusco and Ollantaytambo train stations, the latter being the most used.
• The total travel time from Cusco to Machu Picchu can take up to 5 hours.
• Reservations can be made virtually or in person.
• The price of tickets will depend on the type of train you wish to travel on.
• You can book both round-trip and return tickets in one purchase.

Transportation to Machu Picchu

• The bus ticket to Machu Picchu covers the route Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu. The town of Aguas Calientes is reached after a train ride from Cusco.
• The route is optional since you can also walk the 10 kilometers that cover the route from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. However, due to the difficulty of this walk (1 hour 30 minutes or 2 hours on stone steps); it is best to take the bus.
• The bus ticket can be purchased online. However, availability is wide so tourists can purchase their bus ticket in the town of Aguas Calientes with complete peace of mind.
• The bus ticket costs approximately 12 dollars.
• You can reserve your ticket on the official website of the Consettur Machu Picchu company.

Train service to Machu Picchu

Is it necessary to take the tour with a tour guide?

• The tour guide service in Machu Picchu is not mandatory. However, it is highly recommended as it allows you to better understand the historical importance of the Inca citadel.
• The tour guide service in Machu Picchu can be hired online through a travel agency or at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.
• There are two types of services: the group service route or the private service route. The first is with different tourists up to 10 people maximum. The second is only for the tourist and his personal group of friends, partner, family, etc.
• The tour guide service in Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Guide explaining in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Questions and answers about hiking routes in Machu Picchu

• 1) How to do the excursion to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

  To take the excursion to Machu Picchu from Cusco, you must buy the entrance to Machu Picchu and the train ticket. Then you can make other recommended purchases such as: the bus ticket, the tour guide service or the hotel service.

• 2) How to do the excursion to Machu Picchu via the Hydroelectric Route?

  To take the excursion to Machu Picchu from Hidroeléctrica, you must also purchase the entrance to Machu Picchu. Instead of the train ride, an alternative route is made through the Cusco jungle (5-hour bus ride and 2-hour walk). You can hire a bus that makes this route in the city of Cusco itself.

• 3) How to do the excursion to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail?

  The Inca Trail excursion (4-day, 3-night hiking route) must be booked online through a travel agency 4 or 5 months in advance. Availability of this excursion is limited.

• 4) How to book the train ticket to Machu Picchu?

  You can book your train ticket to Machu Picchu through the official Peru Rail or Inca Rail website. Another option is to do it through a travel agency. It is also possible (although not recommended due to limited availability) to do it in the city of Cusco itself.

• 5) How to book the bus ticket to Machu Picchu?

  You can book the bus ticket to Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes route) in the town of Aguas Calientes. This ticket is widely available.

• 6) How to get a guide in Machu Picchu?

  You can get a guide in Machu Picchu in two ways: through a travel agency (or with an all-inclusive tour) or by hiring one at the entrance gate of Machu Picchu.

• 7) How to buy tickets for Huayna Picchu mountain?

  The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket can be purchased in person in Cusco or through the official online sales site. The latter option is the most recommended since availability is limited. It is recommended to do so 2 or 3 months in advance.

• 8) What is the excursion to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay trek like?

  The excursion to Machu Picchu on the Salkantay trek (a 5-day, 4-night hiking route) is highly recommended due to the tourist attractions it includes: Humantay lagoon, Salkantay pass, Cusco jungle, Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu. Although it can also be done on your own, it is recommended to book an all-inclusive tour through a travel agency.

• 9) How to get tickets to Machu Picchu at the last minute?

  No, the entrance to Machu Picchu must be purchased online in advance. Otherwise, you will not be able to make your visit. The other option is to buy a ticket at the last minute in the town of Aguas Calientes. However, this option always carries the risk of not finding tickets available.

• 10) What is the excursion to Machu Picchu from Urubamba like?

  To make the excursion from Urubamba to Machu Picchu you must buy a train ticket that leaves from the Ollantaytambo station. On the day of the visit you must take public or private transport from Urubamba to Ollantaytambo (19 kilometers). The train journey continues to Aguas Calientes and, from there, finally a short bus ride to Machu Picchu.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Lisbeth G.

“Simply wonderful“

“If you have an opportunity to be in Machu Picchu, you can not miss Machu Picchu is simply beautiful, it is truly a great wonder Machu Picchu.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 27, 2025