Machu Picchu all day long: An unforgettable experience
There are three options when traveling to the Wonder of the World: the first is to visit the Inca Citadel in the morning. The second is to do it in the afternoon. The third, and less frequent, is to be in Machu Picchu for the whole day. Few people have dared to experience what it is like to be in the Inca site from sunrise to sunset. What is it like to stay a whole day in the Inca llaqta? For many tourists, it is simply an unforgettable experience.
- Machu Picchu and all its attractions
- How to stay all day in Machu Picchu?
- Types of Tickets
- What to do in Machu Picchu during the whole day?
- Important information
Enjoy the experience of staying in Machu Picchu for the whole day.
Machu Picchu and all its attractions
The main reason to stay all day in Machu Picchu is because it has many attractions to offer. Among the main stone constructions are the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Main Plaza, and many others. What else to see? Here are the main adventures that tourists can enjoy in the Wonder of the World:
The only way to enjoy the Wonder of the World from sunrise to sunset is by booking more than two tickets to Machu Picchu. The ticket allows a visit of 3 to 4 hours approximately. You can choose, for example: the entrance from 6 am, the entrance from 10 am and the entrance from 2 pm. The latter allows you to stay until 5 pm.
Ascent to Huayna Picchu mountain – It is a trekking route considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world. The trails are steep and on the edge of vertiginous cliffs. Once at the top, the scenery is simply spectacular.
Ascent to Machu Picchu mountain – One of the new trekking routes in the Wonder of the World. It ascends steep trails from where you can appreciate the beauty of the landscape surrounding the Inca Citadel. It is a hike to the top of the Inca llaqta.
Ascent to Huchuy Picchu Mountain – The shortest trekking route to the ‘Little Mountain’ of Machu Picchu. The hike is less than 1 kilometer uphill on stone paths. From the top, you have beautiful views of the archaeological site.
Inca Bridge Trek – The lesser-known hiking route in Machu Picchu allows you to appreciate the Inca bridge made of a large wooden trunk. The hike takes less than 30 minutes. The trail, although adjacent to scary cliffs, is suitable for visitors of all ages.
Hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) – A hike to the ancient gateway to the Inca Citadel used by the Incas. Nowadays, this is the entrance for adventurers on the Inca Trail.
Visit the Machu Picchu Site Museum – The best option to better understand the importance of Machu Picchu for the Incas. The museum houses pieces taken from the expeditions of the American explorer Hiram Bingham.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu – According to many visitors, one of the best experiences in the Inca Citadel. To be one of the first tourists to arrive at the site and be able to see the sunrise, it is necessary to get up very early.
Sunset in Machu Picchu – A spectacle full of peace. It occurs at approximately 05:30 p.m. when most visitors have already left the Inca City, the sunset rays hypnotize the tourist.
Landscape of Machu Picchu as seen from Machu Picchu mountain
How to stay all day in Machu Picchu?
The only way to be at the Inca site all day is to book a Machu Picchu Ticket for the morning shift (from 6 am) and another one for the afternoon (until 5 pm). There are different types of tickets with different experiences so the tourist must choose what to do among the many options described above. For example, one alternative is to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain in the morning and do a tour of the Inca Citadel in the afternoon. Another option is to climb Machu Picchu Mountain during the day and do a tour of the Inca llaqta in the afternoon. In all cases, the visitor must purchase two tickets at different times.
Types of Tickets
Machu Picchu Solo Ticket: This ticket allows you to see the incredible stone constructions of the Inca Citadel.
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket: This ticket allows you to see the incredible stone constructions of the Inca Citadel and climb the amazing Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket: This ticket allows you to see the incredible stone constructions of the Inca Citadel and climb the new Machu Picchu Mountain.
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket: This ticket allows you to see Machu Picchu from the side of Huayna Picchu. The Huchuy Picchu (small mountain) is a summit suitable for visitors of any age.
Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket: This ticket allows you to visit the Inca Bridge, one of the least-known Inca buildings. The route takes 20 minutes and is suitable for all visitors.
Machu Picchu + Museum Ticket: This ticket allows you to see the incredible stone constructions of the Inca Citadel and complete the visit with the Machu Picchu Site Museum.
What to do in Machu Picchu during the whole day?
During the morning, most people take a tour of the Inca Citadel. From the early hours, the sunrise is appreciated by the early risers who arrive first at the place. With the passing of the morning, the tourist traffic is intense because, in addition to visitors who chose to visit the site at that time, some make the ascent to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. The adventurers that made the Inca Trail also do their tour in the early hours of the day. The first hours in the Inca llaqta are very intense.
In the afternoon, the tourist traffic decreases considerably. Visitors return to the town of Aguas Calientes so the Inca site breathes calmer. Fewer tourists make the tour of the Inca City. It is the perfect time to meditate or simply enjoy the scenery offered by the place. The best photographs are taken at sunset. Around 5:00 p.m., the whistles begin to blow indicating that it is time to leave Machu Picchu. At that time, the sunset provides an incredible farewell frame.
Although it is possible to visit Machu Picchu only in the morning or afternoon, many tourists want to enjoy the Wonder of the World to the fullest. That is why they choose to stay all day in the Inca Citadel. The usual thing is to do the hikes or tours in the early hours of the day to have the afternoon free. The ascents of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain can only be done in the morning. The tours of the Inca Citadel are done in the morning or afternoon. The last hours of the day are perfect to keep the best memories of the Inca site. For many, it is an unforgettable experience.
Friends visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu
Important information
There are some considerations to take into account if you wish to stay all day in the Wonder of the World. These depend on the itinerary that the visitor chooses to book. For example, if you choose to climb some of the mountains: Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu. Here are some important facts to keep in mind.
The tour of the Inca Citadel with an official tour guide is mandatory. You only need to do it once. If you choose to hire a guided service in the morning, you do not need to do it in the afternoon.
It is not possible to have lunch at the Wonder of the World. You can only bring snacks, fruit, water, etc. There is a cafeteria outside the Inca site. Another option is to descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, have lunch and then return to continue the adventure.
If you choose to climb some of the mountains (Huayna Picchu, Montaña), bring a change of clothes. Don’t forget a camera to remember the incredible scenery at the top as well as water in a water bottle, a rain poncho, sunblock, mosquito repellent, and a hat or cap.
Machu Picchu tickets must be booked in advance. Especially the entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain. Do the same with the train tickets.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Luz R.“An incredible hike!“
“Machu Picchu is a magical place, full of energy that activates all the senses. Walking around the citadel is wonderful. You have to be careful to be able to see the arrows of orientation. Bring liquids, snacks, or fruit, and a bag for your waste. If you traveled without a guide you can ask someone who already has his group if you can join, they always accept and will ask 15 or 20 soles for the guide.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 15, 2024