It is possible to tour Machu Picchu from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. That is why one of the best options for travelers is to visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon or after midday. This decision has more advantages than disadvantages when making the tour and also during the trip. Learn all the details of making this trip starting from Cusco.

• The journey to Machu Picchu
• The advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon
• The best train times to arrive in the afternoon
• Restaurants for lunch before touring Machu Picchu
• Luxury train option
• Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon

The journey to Machu Picchu

To get to Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you must take into account that you will have to take the train. Only by train can we arrive at this time so as not to miss anything. Trains cover the route from Cusco to Machu Picchu in less than 5 hours, making them the best means of transport.

On the other hand, the train trip does not require you to get up early. Normally, people who arrive at Machu Picchu make the trip from the first hours or from the early morning, which can be quite tiring, especially if you are doing previous activities.

As we mentioned, making the trip to Machu Picchu in the afternoon has more advantages than disadvantages. Starting with the comfort of the trip and also during the tour, which will be with fewer people. In addition, at certain times of the year, you will be able to appreciate beautiful sunsets.

Entry to Machu Picchu in the afternoon
As it is later in the day, there will be fewer people. Therefore, entry will be much easier and smoother. Some people choose to do the tour early to avoid problems on the way back. However, if you think that this is not an inconvenience, you can make the trip to Machu Picchu, visit it in the afternoon and also return to Cusco. However, arrival in Cusco will be in the afternoon.

Train route to get to Machu Picchu

The advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon

Enter without problems from 11:00 a.m.

• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu can be booked at 10 different times (in 4 tickets).
• So the deposit can be made every hour.
• It is recommended that you book your entry to Circuit 2 from 11:00 a.m. onwards.
• The time you can spend inside the Inca citadel is 2 hours and 30 minutes maximum.
• Entering during this time can be an alternative so that you can have access to a delicious lunch at the end.

Less people in Machu Picchu

• From 11:00 onwards, fewer people may be found.
• The number of people will decrease considerably as the hours go by.
• The main advantage of this is that the tour can be done without rushing.
• You can better understand the guide’s explanation.
• It is possible to contemplate each of the Inca structures in a more relaxed manner.
• You will also find fewer people among the narrow streets formed by the Inca walls.

Take amazing photos

• Given the small number of people, you can take beautiful photographs.
• If you follow circuit 2, you will be able to take the panoramic photo of Machu Picchu without any problems.
• Likewise, during the tour you can take more detailed photographs of the temples or Inca buildings.
• You can also take photographs of the wide esplanades of Machu Picchu.
• It is ideal for taking photos of the sunset at Machu Picchu.
• You’ll even be able to take some selfies or group photos more easily.

Find more availability and some discounts

• Afternoon tickets are less popular with tourists.
• The main advantage is that you can make your reservation with less advance notice.
• The 3:00 pm time slot has a special discount. Sometimes this discount reaches up to 50%.
• You will find discounts on train tickets.
• You may also find it much more convenient to make the trip to Machu Picchu.

Option to visit Ollantaytambo before making the trip

• Before taking the train, one option is to visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.
• The Ollantaytambo archaeological site is less than 15 minutes from the train station.
• The tour around Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours.
• This option is feasible if you spend the night in Ollantaytambo. Here you will find hotels and restaurants with great availability.

Enjoy the beautiful sunset

• Another of the best advantages of touring Machu Picchu in the afternoon is watching the sunset.
• Halfway through the tour of Machu Picchu and before finishing it, you can see parts of the mountain and how the sun slowly says goodbye.
• Likewise, it is possible to find some birds taking advantage of the opportunity to return to their nests as the sun sets.
• It is a moment of contemplation and self-discovery.
• It is important to remember that Machu Picchu was built in honor of the sun, so watching it move at the end of the day is very beautiful.

Photograph of a llama in Machu Picchu

The best train times to arrive in the afternoon

Restaurants for lunch before touring Machu Picchu

If you are making your trip to Machu Picchu in the afternoon, it is sometimes advisable to have lunch before the tour and other times after. Therefore, we leave you with some options of the best restaurants.

• Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant Sanctuary Lodge

  • Location: Hiram Bingham Highway km 7.5, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. Near the entrance area to Machu Picchu.
  • Prices from: 45 USD.
  • They offer: Buffet lunch, variety of drinks.

• The Happy Indian

  • Location: Pje. Lloque Yupanqui 103, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town.
  • Prices from: 30 USD.
  • They offer: A menu of dishes inspired by Peruvian and French cuisine.

• Pueblo Viejo Machu Picchu Restaurant

  • Location: Avenida Pachacutec S/N, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • Prices from: 15 USD.
  • They offer: Breakfast, menu and variety of preparations.

• Chullos Restaurant

  • Location: 612 Inca Empire Avenue, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town.
  • Prices from: 40 USD.
  • They offer: Buffet lunch.

• Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant

  • Location: Av. Imperio de los Incas 614, Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.
  • Prices from: 30 USD.
  • They offer: Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks.

• Munaycha Restaurant

  • Location: Av. Imperio de los Incas 526, Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.
  • Prices from: 25 USD.
  • They offer: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a variety of à la carte products.

View of Huayna Picchu mountain from Tinkuy restaurant

Luxury train option

The best travel options if you are looking for a completely new experience is to do so on the luxury trains to Machu Picchu. Let’s learn more about these trains below:

• The Hiram Bingham luxury train

  • Includes:

    • Comfortable seats.
    • If you book in advance you can get the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
    • Panoramic windows with beautiful views and UV protection.
    • Onboard service.
    • 3-course menu: starter, main course and dessert.
    • Observatory car and Lounge bar.
    • Alpaca clothing parade.
    • Live music and dance show.
    • Sanitary services.
    • VIP waiting room.
    • Welcome show with dances and live music.

• The First Class luxury train

  • Includes:

    • Premium, super comfortable seats.
    • Reservations made 2 months in advance can access entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
    • Excellently decorated carriages.
    • Wine and other alcoholic beverage tasting.
    • 3-course menu: starter, main course and dessert.
    • Live music.
    • The service from Cusco will be bimodal.
    • VIP waiting room at train stations.
    • Exclusive car: Observatory Lounge, features a balcony.
    • If you purchase the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, you will have a professional tour guide.

Bar inside the Hiram Bingham train

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu every day?

  Yes, you can visit Machu Picchu every day of the year. You just have to take into account the high season and the regular season. During the season you will be able to find a greater number of tickets and also new routes. All the information in Types of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.

• 2) At what times can I stay longer inside the citadel?

  The maximum time to spend in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, there are some routes that allow a much longer journey, such as hiking to the Machu Picchu mountain, which takes a total of approximately 7 hours.

• 3) How far in advance should I make the reservation?

  It is recommended to book tickets 1 or 2 months in advance. Fortunately, there is more availability in the afternoon hours. However, it is not advisable to be overconfident, especially if you plan to visit during the high season or the months of June, July, August and September.

• 4) Is it possible to do the tour at night?

  To date, the option of taking a tour at night has not been enabled. The last entry time is at 3:00 p.m. with a stay period until 5:30 p.m.

• 5) Can I take the tour in the afternoon with children or older adults?

  Of course, and it can also be one of the best options because during the trip you have a much more comfortable experience than getting up early. Therefore, the best alternative would be to do the tour in the afternoon, with fewer people and more tranquility.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Yadira J.

“Excellent experience“

“We were unable to book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, so we were told that we had the option of booking the Machu Picchu afternoon ticket instead of the morning one, and that we would have a better time. We have been to Machu Picchu before, but it is true that this was the first time we saw Machu Picchu “so alone”; although there were hundreds of them, they were still few, and only people who have been to Machu Picchu in the morning in June or July know what I am talking about. Excellent experience.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, January 23, 2025