The Machu Picchu Sanctuary is home to more than 32,000 hectares of nature, archaeological sites, and incredible landscapes. With one entrance ticket, each tourist can stay for a maximum of four hours. However, the visit can last two, three, or even four days. So, how long should a vacation in Machu Picchu last?

• What to see in Machu Picchu?
• These are the schedules and the time you can stay in Machu Picchu
• How long does the tour of Machu Picchu last?
• How much vacation time should I have in Machu Picchu?
• If you only have one day in Machu Picchu
• If you have 2 days in Machu Picchu
• If you have 3 days in Machu Picchu
• If you have 4 days in Machu Picchu
• If you are thinking of buying a ticket to Machu Picchu, this is what you should know
• Frequently Asked Questions

Observing the Inca City of Machu Picchu

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Below is a list of the most visited places within Machu Picchu National Park:

• The llaqta or Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• Huayna Picchu mountain.
• The mountain of Machu Picchu.
• The Classic Inca Trail.
• The Short Inca Trail.
• The gardens and waterfalls of Mándor.
• Treks to Salkantay and Lares.
• Visit to the town of Aguas Calientes and its surroundings.

Machu Picchu is a place with many things to do and see. Review the options described and decide how long to stay in this fascinating place.

Inca constructions of Machu Picchu

These are the schedules in Machu Picchu

The new opening hours at the Inca City of Machu Picchu allow for limited visiting time . Entry must be at the time indicated on your ticket.

Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)

The entrance to Machu Picchu Mountain is similar to Huayna Picchu. This hike is moderately difficult, but offers spectacular views of the Inca city at an altitude of 600 meters.

• Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 6 am to 6:30 am while entrance to Machu Picchu mountain is until 8 am
• Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 8 am to 8:30 am while entrance to Machu Picchu mountain is until 10 am

Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B)

With this ticket, you can choose to enter Machu Picchu at 10 different times (all available shifts). The shifts and times are as follows:

• Group 1: Admission is from 6 am to 7 am
• Group 2: Admission is from 7 am to 8 am
• Group 3: Admission is from 8 am to 9 am
• Group 4: Admission is from 9 am to 10 am
• Group 5: Admission is from 10 am to 11 am
• Group 6: Admission is from 11 am to 12 pm
• Group 7: Admission is from 12 pm to 1 pm
• Group 8: Admission is from 1 pm to 2 pm
• Group 9: Admission is from 2 pm to 3 pm
• Group 10: Admission is from 3 pm to 4 pm

Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)

This ticket is available for 200 visitors per day. Admission is available at four different times, including entry to Machu Picchu and the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) hiking trail.

• Group 1: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 8 am to 9 am
• Group 2: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 9 am to 10 am
• Group 3: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 10 am to 11 am
• Group 4: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 11 am to 12 am

Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D)

This ticket is available for 200 visitors per day. Admission is available at four different times, including entry to Machu Picchu and the little-known route to the Inca Bridge.

• Group 1: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 8 am to 9 am
• Group 2: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 9 am to 10 am
• Group 3: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 10 am to 11 am
• Group 4: Entry to Machu Picchu is from 11 am to 12 am

Machu Picchu Classic or Classic Designed Circuit (Route 2A)

With this ticket, you can choose to enter Machu Picchu at 10 different times (all available shifts). The shifts and times are as follows:

• Group 1: Admission is from 6 am to 7 am
• Group 2: Admission is from 7 am to 8 am
• Group 3: Admission is from 8 am to 9 am
• Group 4: Admission is from 9 am to 10 am
• Group 5: Admission is from 10 am to 11 am
• Group 6: Admission is from 11 am to 12 am
• Group 7: Admission is from 12 pm to 1 pm
• Group 8: Admission is from 1 pm to 2 pm
• Group 9: Admission is from 2 pm to 3 pm
• Group 10: Admission is from 3 pm to 4 pm

Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B)

With this ticket, you can choose to enter Machu Picchu at 10 different times (all available shifts). The shifts and times are as follows:

• Group 1: Admission is from 6 am to 7 am
• Group 2: Admission is from 7 am to 8 am
• Group 3: Admission is from 8 am to 9 am
• Group 4: Admission is from 9 am to 10 am
• Group 5: Admission is from 10 am to 11 am
• Group 6: Admission is from 11 am to 12 am
• Group 7: Admission is from 12 pm to 1 pm
• Group 8: Admission is from 1 pm to 2 pm
• Group 9: Admission is from 2 pm to 3 pm
• Group 10: Admission is from 3 pm to 4 pm

Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (Route 3A)

This ticket has a maximum daily availability of 200 visitors. It includes two entry groups or times for Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Mountain.

• Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 6 am to 6:30 am while entrance to Huayna Picchu is until 8 am
• Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 9 am to 9:30 am while entrance to Huayna Picchu is until 11 am

Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B)

With this ticket, you can choose to enter Machu Picchu at 10 different times (all available shifts). The shifts and times to choose from are as follows:

• Group 1: Admission is from 6 am to 7 am
• Group 2: Admission is from 7 am to 8 am
• Group 3: Admission is from 8 am to 9 am
• Group 4: Admission is from 9 am to 10 am
• Group 5: Admission is from 10 am to 11 am
• Group 6: Admission is from 11 am to 12 am
• Group 7: Admission is from 12 pm to 1 pm
• Group 8: Admission is from 1 pm to 2 pm
• Group 9: Admission is from 2 pm to 3 pm
• Group 10: Admission is from 3 pm to 4 pm

Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C)

This ticket is available for 100 visitors per day. Admission is available at four different times, including entry to Machu Picchu and the hiking trail to the Temple of the Moon (Great Cave).

• Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 6 am to 6:30 am while entrance to the Temple of the Moon is until 8 am
• Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 9 am to 9:30 am while entrance to the Temple of the Moon is until 11 am

Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)

This ticket is available for a maximum of 200 visitors per day. Admission is available at two different times, including entry to Machu Picchu and the new hiking trail to Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

• Group 1: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 11 am to 11:30 am while entrance to Huchuy Picchu is until 12 am
• Group 2: Entrance to Machu Picchu is from 1 pm to 1:30 pm while entrance to Huchuy Picchu is until 2 pm

Entry times to Machu Picchu

To visit the Machu Picchu Site Museum, you must plan and schedule your visit to Machu Picchu and the museum within the established visiting hours.

These are the times you can stay in Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A)

  • The tourist has 6 hours to visit Machu Picchu Mountain.
  • Tourists are allowed to remain at the top of the mountain until 1 p.m. at the latest. At that time, they must return to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.

• Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B)

  • Tourists have 4 hours to visit the upper terrace.
  • If the tourist enters at the last time (2 pm), he or she can stay in Machu Picchu until 5 pm.

• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C)

  • Visitors have up to 5 hours to visit Inti Punku.

• Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D)

  • Visitors have up to 4 hours to visit the Inka Bridge.

• Machu Picchu Classic or Classic Designed Circuit (Route 2A)

  • Tourists have 4 hours to complete their visit along the classic route.
  • If the tourist enters at the last time (2 pm), he or she can stay in Machu Picchu until 5 pm.

• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B)

  • Tourists have 4 hours to visit the lower terrace.
  • If the tourist enters at the last time (2 pm), he or she can stay in Machu Picchu until 5 pm.

• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain or Waynapicchu (Route 3A)

  • Visitors have up to 6 hours to visit Huayna Picchu.

• Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B)

  • Tourists have 4 hours to explore the royal route.
  • If the tourist enters at the last time (2 pm), he or she can stay in Machu Picchu until 5 pm.

• Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C)

  • If the visitor visits the Temple of the Moon, he or she has up to 6 hours for his or her visit.

• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (3D Route)

  • Visitors have up to 6 hours to complete their tour of Huchuy Picchu.

How long does the tour of Machu Picchu last?

• The best way to visit the streets, squares, temples and Inca buildings is in the company of a tour guide .
• The guided tour of Machu Picchu lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes on average.
• You can then take photos or walk around Machu Picchu on your own. This takes an average of one hour.
• In total, an ideal visit to Machu Picchu can last 3 hours and 30 minutes. Each tourist has up to 4 hours to complete their visit.

How much vacation time should I have in Machu Picchu?

You can visit Machu Picchu if you have one day. However, to fully enjoy everything this place has to offer, you should set aside two or four days of your vacation.

Touring Machu Picchu with a professional guide

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 take the train that departs at 7 a.m. from Ollantaytambo. Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll need to board the bus that will take you to the gate of Machu Picchu .
• For a 1-day visit, you can purchase the ticket ‘Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Designed Royalty (Route 3B)’ from 11 a.m. or at the following times.
• The return to Cusco must be on the train that departs in the afternoon from Aguas Calientes.

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 things you can add to your visit while in Aguas Calientes:
  • Short Inca Trail (2 days).
  • Hike to the Mandor waterfalls.
  • Hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
  • Visit to the Machu Picchu Site Museum ‘Manuel Chávez Ballón’.

If you have 3 days in Machu Picchu

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

View of Huayna Picchu mountain

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 Sun Gate, an ancient access route used by the Incas.
• To enter Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, you must reserve your tickets six 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.

If you are thinking of buying a ticket to Machu Picchu, this is what you should know.

• Buy tickets in advance. For Huayna Picchu, you must purchase them three months in advance.
• You will not be able to enter Machu Picchu without a tour guide.
• Book train tickets immediately after knowing the time you will enter Machu Picchu.
• You can purchase bus tickets in the town of Aguas Calientes on the day of your visit.
• You will not be allowed to bring selfie sticks, food, drinks, umbrellas, parasols, animals, high-heeled shoes, musical instruments, or strollers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the most recommended time to climb Machu Picchu Mountain?

  The best time to enter Machu Picchu Mountain is at 8 a.m., since at this time you will not experience sunlight and upon reaching the summit you will enjoy the splendor of Machu Picchu in all its color.

• 2) What time is the most recommended to climb Huchuy Picchu Mountain?

  The best time to enter Machu Picchu Mountain is at 8 a.m., since this time you won’t be exposed to sunlight and when you reach the summit you’ll be able to enjoy the splendor of Machu Picchu in all its color.

• 3) What is the most recommended time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain?

  The best time to enter Huayna Picchu is at 8 a.m., since this time you won’t be exposed to sunlight and when you reach the summit you’ll be able to enjoy the splendor of Machu Picchu in all its color.

• 4) What is the most recommended time to tour the Inca Bridge?

  The best time to visit the Inca Bridge is at 11 a.m. Since it’s a less-crowded route, you’ll be able to visit at a more convenient time.

• 5) What is the most recommended time to do the Inti Punku tour?

  The best time to visit Inti Punku is at 11 a.m. Since it’s not as crowded, you’ll be able to visit at a more convenient time.

• 6) What is the most recommended time to tour the Temple of the Moon?

  The best time to visit the Temple of the Moon is at 8 a.m., to enjoy the best views without seeing the citadel so crowded.

• 7) What is the most recommended time to do the classic routes?

  The 9 a.m. time is one of the most recommended, as it allows for a less crowded and less hot visit.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Lorean T.

“Unique“

“It is the most special place I have ever seen, its stone constructions are perfect, the views are incredible, the sundial and the entrance of the sun through the Puerta del Sol on the equinoxes. It is incredible; I recommend going very early in the morning.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 3, 2025