Machu Picchu is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Machu Picchu is located in Cusco – Peru. In this blog we will know how to plan the trip and also some details before traveling to Machu Picchu. Likewise, we will leave several tips and recommendations so you can make this trip to the wonder of the world. Learn more about the tickets, how to buy them, how to make the tour and how to choose the schedules and tickets. Also, how to get there and the high and regular visiting seasons.

• Choose the date you will visit Machu Picchu
• Buy your Machu Picchu tickets
• Buy your train tickets
• Make sure the documents are valid
• Check prices and discounts in Machu Picchu
• Take some time to learn some Spanish
• Get someone to take care of your pets
• Bring with you these objects
• Choose the best way to get to Machu Picchu
• Choose to walk or take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
• Take advantage of your visit to Machu Picchu
• Choose one of the schedules of each entrance to Machu Picchu
• Book your entrance Machu Picchu in advance
• Frequently Asked Questions

Seated tourist observing the Inca citadel

Choose the date you will visit Machu Picchu

The most important first step to visit Machu Picchu is to choose the date of travel. For this, it will be important to keep in mind that reservations should be made at least one month in advance. This time will determine the tickets that can be reserved and how to start planning the possible date of the day of the visit.

Likewise, the climate of Machu Picchu must be taken into account. There we can find 2 seasons that mark different experiences. Here are some more details to take into account:

• There are only 2 stations in Machu Picchu: the rainy season (from November to March) where there are more chances of precipitation and the dry season (from April to October) where there is little rain.
• Choose the season in which you want to enter Machu Picchu. While coming in the dry season gives you amazing sunny days, coming in the rainy season also has its own.
• Decide well the day you enter Machu Picchu. Inquire on the internet if there are strikes or weather problems that may interfere with the development of the trip.
• Since 2024 an official high season can be found. During this season new tickets are issued.
• The official high season of Machu Picchu starts from June 1 until October 15.
• The official high season will coincide with the dry season.
• The rainy season with the regular season from October 16 to May 31.

Buy your Machu Picchu tickets

Since 2024, two seasons have been available. In both seasons you can find different tickets. Obviously, during the official high season you can find many more tickets, both in availability and ticket routes.

It is also important to know that Machu Picchu tickets are divided into three new circuits. These offer new experiences when touring them and also certain limits.

You can learn more about the Machu Picchu Circuits by following the link. Also, mention that you can find 10 tickets during the high season and 6 tickets during the regular season. Below, much more information:

• Book your Machu Picchu tickets in advance. The purchase is made online. It is recommended to do it 2 or 3 weeks before.
• If you are looking to buy a Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, book your ticket online 2 or 3 months in advance.
• You can make your purchase on the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Also through the web pages of the authorized tourism agencies.
• In the case of the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket, the reservation must be made at least 2 months in advance.
• To make a reservation for the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge ticket, it must be made 1 or 2 months in advance. This route can only be done in high season.
• The route that follows with the ticket Machu Picchu + Inti Punku, can only be done in high season. This ticket must be booked 1 or 2 months in advance.
• The Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu ticket will be valid during the high season. The reservation must be made one month in advance.
• The Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon ticket must be booked in high season and 2 or 3 months in advance.
• The ticket Machu Picchu + Royal Route, can be purchased throughout the year and the reservation must be made 2 or 3 months in advance.
• You can make the reservation of the Machu Picchu + Classic Circuit ticket with 3 or 4 months to guarantee it. It will be possible to do so throughout the year.
• Throughout the year you can book the ticket Machu Picchu + Classic Circuit 2 (lower terrace), it is recommended to make the ticket 3 or 4 months in advance.

Visitors touring Machu Picchu ruins

Buy your train tickets

• If you plan to get to Machu Picchu by train from Cusco, remember to buy your tickets online and in advance.
• Buy your train tickets immediately after knowing the date you will visit the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• There are only 2 companies: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Choose the train service that best suits you.
• The trains offered by PeruRail are:
  • Tren Expedition.
  • Tren Vistadome.
  • Tren Vistadome Observatory.
  • Tren Hiram Bingham.
• The trains offered by Inca Rail are:
  • Tren The Voyager.
  • Tren The 360
  • Tren The Voyager Premium & Lounge.
  • Tren The First Class.
  • Tren The Private.

PeruRail train bound for Aguas Calientes

Make sure the documents are valid

• Your passport or identity document must be valid at the time of entry. Otherwise, they will not let you enter the Inca Shrine.
• If you bought your Machu Picchu entrance with a discount for university students, check that your student card is updated.
• Remember that you will not need a visa if you stay in Peru less than 90 days.

Check prices and discounts in Machu Picchu

• There are special discounts to acquire your Machu Picchu ticket: for minors (from 3 to 17 years old) as well as for undergraduate students (undergraduates, under 25 years old and who have a valid university card).
• The citizens of the Andean Community of Nations (Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Colombia). They must buy their ticket with their passport, identity card or immigration card.
• Children under 3 years old do not pay entrance fee. They must enter showing an identity document that validates their age.

Take some time to learn some Spanish

• In Peru, Spanish is spoken. Although in most tourist places you will meet bilingual people, learning some words in Spanish is not difficult.
• If you are a lover of languages, you may also want to learn something Quechua, the language of the Incas that is still valid in the Andes.

Get someone to take care of your pets

• In Machu Picchu is not allowed to enter with pets so it is recommended that you leave them at home in someone’s care.
• If you decide to bring them to Peru, know that they must have sanitary authorizations from their country of origin.
• In Cusco and Aguas Calientes there are hotels that allow pets in their facilities. There are also nurseries where you can leave them while you visit Machu Picchu.

Bring with you these objects

Machu Picchu varies between heat and cold. Its climate is subtropical, typical of jungle places. Do not forget to bring the following objects:

• Raincoat
• Waterproof clothing.
• Hat or hat
• Sunscreen.
• Sunglasses.
• Insect repellent.
• Hiking shoes or some comfortable shoes for walking.
• Photographic camera.
• Money (in card or cash).

Choose the best way to get to Machu Picchu

There are 3 possible ways to get to Machu Picchu. Train travel is the fastest and safest option. It is also the alternative that most visitors prefer. You only need to purchase your tickets weeks in advance.

If you choose the Inca Trail, buy your tour online 4 or 5 months in advance. If you come by the long Hidroeléctrica route, you can make the trip without tickets and on your own.

• Inca Trail – One of the most amazing hiking trails on the planet. There are 4 days of walking along ancient paths built by the Incas. The last day you arrive at Machu Picchu.
• By train – One of the most incredible train routes. The classic route starts in the town of Ollantaytambo. Cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a journey of almost 2 hours to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
• Hidroeléctrica long route – An alternative route. Mix the bus trip, short walks and amazing landscapes of the Sacred Valley to finally reach Machu Picchu from the Hidroeléctrica station.

Choose to walk or take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

After arriving in Aguas Calientes, you can choose to climb the hill that leads to Machu Picchu by bus or on foot. This last option is free.

• Arrive walking – The path is composed of rustic paths and stone stairways. It travels approximately 9 kilometers on uphill roads. The journey may take more than 1 hour depending on the physical condition of the visitors.
• Arrive by bus – The buses start to climb towards Machu Picchu from 5.30 am The journey is about 30 minutes maximum. Walk the Hiram Bingham road. It is recommended for people who come with children and the elderly. Likewise, it is a good option for tourists who visit the mountain Huayna Picchu.

Take advantage of your visit to Machu Picchu

• Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu in 1911. However, there are still many mysteries about the origin of the Inca City.
• Machu Picchu offers many adventures such as hiking trails to the top of Huayna Picchu or the 4-day hike along the Inca Trail. You can also choose to walk the trails of the new mountain Machu Picchu.
• Machu Picchu has hundreds of constructions made by the Incas hundreds of years ago. Most were made using huge stones that fit perfectly. How they did it? The Wonder of the World does not yet reveal all its mysteries.

Tourist taking the classic Machu Picchu photo

Choose one of the schedules of each entrance to Machu Picchu

There are 10 entrance tickets to Machu Picchu during the official high season. While, during the regular season, you can only find 6 entrance tickets. The availability of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu varies from one another.

It is recommended to be attentive to availability during the reservation, as you may run out of your ticket. Below are more details of the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Classic Route 1 and 2 / Machu Picchu Royal Route / Machu Picchu Picchu + Classic Photo

• First schedule: admission from 6:00 a.m. onwards.
• Second schedule: admission from 7:00 a.m. onwards.
• Third schedule: admission from 8:00 am.
• Fourth schedule: admission from 9:00 a.m. onwards.
• Fifth schedule: admission from 10:00 am.
• Sixth schedule: admission from 11:00 am.
• Seventh schedule: admission from noon.
• Eighth schedule: admission from 13:00 hours of the day.
• Ninth schedule: admission from 14:00 hours of the day.
• Tenth schedule: admission from 15:00 hours.

Machu Picchu + Mountain

• First schedule: entrance from 7:00 am at Machu Picchu and entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain from 8:00 am.
• Second schedule: entrance from 9:00 a.m. in the morning. On the other hand, the entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain starts at 10:00.

Machu Picchu + Inti Punku

• First schedule: entrance to Machu Picchu from 8:00 am. The entrance to walk to Inti Punku begins at 9:00 am.
• Second schedule: entrance to Machu Picchu from 9:00 am. The entrance to walk to Inti Punku begins at 10:00 hours.
• Third schedule: entrance to Machu Picchu from 10:00 am. The entrance to walk to Inti Punku begins at 11:00 hours.
• Fourth schedule: entrance to Machu Picchu from 11:00 hours. Entrance to walk to Inti Punku begins at 12:00 hours.

Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge

• First schedule: entrance to Machu Picchu from 8:00 am. The entrance to walk to the Inca Bridge begins at 9:00 am.
• Second schedule: entrance to Machu Picchu from 9:00 am. The entrance to walk to the Inca Bridge begins at 10:00 hours.
• Third schedule: entrance to Machu Picchu from 10:00 am. The entrance to walk to the Inca Bridge begins at 11:00 hours.
• Fourth schedule: entrance to Machu Picchu from 11:00 am. The entrance to walk to the Inca Bridge begins at 12:00 hours.

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

• First schedule: entrance from 7:00 am in Machu Picchu and entrance to climb Huayna Picchu from 8:00 am.
• Second schedule: entrance from 9:00 a.m. in the morning. On the other hand, the entrance to climb Huayna Picchu starts at 10:00.

Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon

• First schedule: entrance from 7:00 am at Machu Picchu and the hike to reach the Temple of the Moon from 8:00 am.
• Second schedule: entrance from 9:00 a.m. in the morning. On the other hand, the entrance to get to the Temple of the Moon starts at 10:00.

Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu

• First schedule: entrance from 10:00 am at Machu Picchu and entrance to Huchuy Picchu from 11:00 am.
• Second schedule: entrance from 12:00 hours in the morning. On the other hand, the entrance to Huchuy Picchu starts at 13:00.

Book your entrance Machu Picchu in advance

If you want to travel to Machu Picchu without a tour, remember that the most important thing is to buy your ticket in advance. The purchase is made online with these estimated terms:

• Machu Picchu Classic Route 1 and 2 / Machu Picchu Royal Route / Machu Picchu Picchu + Classic Picture

  • If you purchase during the official high season: 2 to 3 months in advance.
  • If you purchase during regular season: 2 months in advance.

• Machu Picchu + Mountain

  • If you purchase during the official high season: 2 months in advance.
  • If you purchase during the regular season: 1 month in advance.

• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku

  • If you purchase during the official high season: 2 months in advance.
  • If you purchase during the regular season: No reservations can be made.

• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge

  • If you purchase during the official high season: 2 months in advance.
  • If you purchase during regular season: No reservations can be made.

• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu

  • If you purchase during the official high season: 3 to 4 months in advance.
  • If you buy during the regular season: 2 to 3 months in advance.

• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon

  • If you purchase during the official high season: 2 to 3 months in advance.
  • If you purchase during the regular season: Reservations cannot be made.

• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu

  • If you purchase during the official high season: 1 to 2 months in advance.
  • If you purchase during regular season: Reservations cannot be made.

All the circuits that can be done in Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Can I visit Machu Picchu all year round?

  Yes, the gates of Machu Picchu are open all year round. In addition, reservations can be made in advance. In this sense, the visit to Machu Picchu can be planned well in advance. Remember that now the tickets to visit the wonder of the world, has two seasons in which you can have different tickets.

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

  Yes, among the most important restrictions are the tickets for children under 18 years old. Some of the tickets, especially those that allow the tour to the outskirts of Machu Picchu, are only available for people over 18 years old. This requirement will be verified with identity documents at the time of booking and payment.

• 3) Can I enter Machu Picchu with a pet?

  The entrance to Machu Picchu does not allow the entrance of pets. This restriction was implemented in order to protect the facilities of the place and avoid some accidents or incidents during the tour. In this sense, if you thought of visiting Machu Picchu with your pet, it will not be possible. This is also because Machu Picchu is considered a sacred place. In some cases you can see some dogs, these, unfortunately, are animals that do not have a home or are strays. In that case, some park rangers are in charge of removing them.

• 4) Can reservations for the high season be made before and in advance?

  Yes, reservations for entrance tickets to Machu Picchu can be made throughout the year. In this sense, you can book tickets for the high season, for example, months before it starts. That is, from February, March, April or May. Even as early as January. General admission tickets are validated at the beginning of each year.

• 5) Where can I buy tickets for the ecological buses to Machu Picchu?

  Tickets for the ecological buses can be reserved at the bus station. They can also be booked online or through an authorized travel agency. These tickets can only be reserved one week in advance. It is recommended to have the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and the tickets to make the trip by train.

Advice from people who have been there

Huayna Picchu

By: Julián P.

“A true experience“

“Every step was a challenge for me, as I am not physically well, but once up there you connect with the mountains and feel Machu Picchu inside you. A true experience. Thanks to Machupicchu Terra.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 14, 2024