It is important to take care of the details and plan well before embarking on an adventure to the Wonder of the world. That’s why we prepared a didactic summary on how to plan the trip to Machu Picchu. And, of course, we offer some tips on how to make the most of your dream vacation.

• 1. How to plan the trip to Machu Picchu?
• 2. When to go to Machu Picchu?
• 3. How to get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes?
• 4. How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
• 5. How to buy the Machu Picchu Ticket?
• 6. How is the tour of Machu Picchu?
• 7. What do I need to take to Machu Picchu?
• 8. Where to sleep in Aguas Calientes?
• 9. How much money to take to Machu Picchu?
• 10. What are the prohibitions in Machu Picchu?
• Frequently asked questions about the Machu Picchu tour

Tourist observing the Inca citadel from the Guardian’s House.

To travel to Machu Picchu with more freedom and lower budget buy the entrance ticket directly online. The other option is to hire an all-inclusive tour. Both alternatives take you to know the Inca city.

1. How to plan the trip to Machu Picchu?

• To plan the trip to Machu Picchu, first decide the season in which you will visit Cusco in Peru.
• There are 2 stations in Cusco: the dry season (from April to October) where there are not many rains and the rainy season (from November to March) where rainfall is more frequent.
• The dry season coincides with the high season of tourism. During the rainy season is when fewer tourists visit Machu Picchu.
• Once you have decided on the date you wish to visit the Wonder of the World, buy tickets to Machu Picchu in advance.
• Make the reservation of the entrance Machu Picchu with time in advance. So you can better plan tours, hotel reservations, trains, flights and more.
• If you are going to do the Inca Trail, make your tour reservation 4, 5 or 6 months in advance.
• The entry ticket to the Huayna Picchu Mountain must also be purchased up to 3 months before.
• Remember to have your passport and identity document in order: check the expiration date.

2. When to go to Machu Picchu?

• During the dry season (from April to October) it is the best time to travel to Machu Picchu. At this time it is prudent to wear a hat, cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and raincoat (in case of rain).
• It is worth mentioning that from November to March is the rainy season. During those days, it is recommended to carry an umbrella, a waterproof poncho and non-slip shoes.
• In the dry season, Machu Picchu has an imposing landscape of blue sky. In the rainy season you will have a greener landscape.

3. How to get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes?

• There are three possible ways to get to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu town.
  • The Inca Trail – 4-day trekking route (39 kilometers). It will lead you directly to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (Intipunku). You will need to contract the services with a travel agency.
  • The route by train – This route combines travel by bus and train. The first section goes from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by car. The final part is from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes by train. At the end there is a short bus ride to Machu Picchu.
  • The Hidroeléctrica route – This alternative route starts with a long drive from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica station. From there you can walk or take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. Finally you make the short bus ride to Machu Picchu.
• The most recommended way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. However, if you are looking for an adventure the Inca Trail or the route by Hidroeléctrica are good options.
• To travel by train, book your ticket online a few weeks before or after knowing the date you will visit Machu Picchu.
• If you want to do the Inca Trail, you must book your tour approximately six months in advance.

Map of the route from Cusco to Aguas Calientes by train

Aguas Calientes is a special town so it is recommended to spend at least one night in this place. This way you can visit Machu Picchu early in the morning. Aguas Calientes also has tourist options such as the Mandor waterfalls, the Putucusi mountain or the thermal baths.

4. How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

• To get from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes you have 2 options: one totally free and the other through a bus trip.
  • Go up walking – Consists of a path composed of stone stairs. The ascent lasts 2 hour on average, time that depends on the physical condition of the tourist. The difficulty of the ascent is moderate – medium.
  • Go up by bus – The buses start to go up from 5.30 am It is the option that most travelers choose. The journey is about 30 minutes.
• If you decide to get on bus, you do not need to buy the ticket online. You can do it in the same town of Aguas Calientes.
• If you are going to walk up, follow the steps that cut the mountain paths. The best time to do the walk is before the sun comes up.

Route to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes

5. How to buy the Ticket Machu Picchu?

• It is recommended to buy the Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu and the train ticket before starting your trip.
• The Ticket Machu Picchu is valid only for one day. If it is not used there is no possibility of exchange or refund.
• The purchase of any of the ticket types Machu Picchu is online. Remember that you can pay with Visa or MasterCard.
• There are tourist agencies that offer ticket sales through their web pages. However, you can also do so with the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru.
• Making the purchase is easy: you just have to register your information and make the payment by card. The most important thing is to find free availability.
• The entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu must be bought 2 or 3 months in advance. If not, it’s sure you will not find availability.
• There are 10 entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.

6. How is the tour of Machu Picchu?

• The Inca City of Machu Picchu opens its doors from 6 am
• At the entrance checkpoint, you will receive a map of Machu Picchu. There are the routes where you can make the journey.
• The tour is accompanied by a tour guide. The service lasts approximately 2 hours.
• The route is made through asymmetrical and elevated steps. You have to be calm and prudent, taking breaks.
• The physical effort made produces dehydration, so it is necessary to carry water.
• If necessary, you can carry a walking stick with a rubber tip.
• Once inside the Inca City, you will not find hygienic services so it is recommended to take the precautions of the case.
• At the entrance door there are toilets where you will also find a cloakroom.

All the circuits that can be done in Machu Picchu

During the ascent to Huayna Picchu you will find steep stone steps. The ascent takes almost 2 hours, depending on the physical endurance of the tourist. The way back is downhill and can take 1 hour and 30 minutes.

7. What do I need to take to Machu Picchu?

• The climate in Machu Picchu varies according to the seasons. It is essential to wear good non-slip shoes with thick soles.
• If you visit during the rainy season, it is important to bring waterproof clothing, poncho or umbrella.
• If you visit during the dry season, it is important to take care of your skin, so it is necessary to wear hats, sunglasses, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
• Also, detachable pants are a good option for sunny days.
• Protect your skin. Machu Picchu has one of the highest radiation levels in the world, so protect yourself from the sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Sunburn is possible even on a cloudy day.
• Machu Picchu is located between the Andes Mountains and the jungle belt of Cusco. This location provides amazing scenery and a warm climate, which also attracts insects. So if you don’t want to descend from the citadel to put ice on your arms and legs, bring insect repellent with you.

Tourist exploring the ruins at Machu Picchu

8. Where to sleep in Aguas Calientes?

• Aguas Calientes is the place chosen by most travelers to spend the night before ascending Machu Picchu early in the morning. It is the town at the foot of the mountain and is entirely dedicated to tourism. There you will find hundreds of places to sleep, from camping areas and lodges to 5 star hotels.
• If you want to stay in Aguas Calientes, you will find a variety of accommodations of different categories.
• There is also a wide range of restaurants, pubs, bars and other places where you can spend a pleasant time.
• Machu Picchu town has thermal-medicinal baths that come from the subsoil and are distributed in several pools.

9. How much money to take to Machu Picchu?

• The official currency of Peru is the new Peruvian sol “S/.” The notes have the denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 nuevos soles.
• Inside the airports there are banks and money exchanges where you can convert your money into ‘Peruvian soles’.
• In Cusco, the US dollar has good acceptance although euros are also accepted but you should be aware of the variations in its value.
• Make sure your money is in good condition, without breaks and without any written mark. In some establishments that money is not accepted.
• You can find automatic teller machines (ATM) easily in the city of Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
• In the city of Cusco there are also plenty of money exchange houses. The most used foreign currency is the US dollar. The majority of banks and exchange rates are in the El Sol avenue, near the Plaza de Armas of Cusco.
• The most used credit cards in Cusco, Peru are: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club or PayPal.

10. What are the prohibitions in Machu Picchu?

• It is forbidden to bring food and drink into Machu Picchu. However, there will be no problem as long as you do not have a picnic at the archaeological site.
• Although they will check your backpack, they will allow you to enter with something to eat and a bottle of water (reusable).
• It is a big mistake to enter Machu Picchu with nothing to eat, as inside the archaeological site you will not find a single place to buy food and drink. An energy bar and a bottle of water in the middle of the hike will be enough.
• Umbrellas are not allowed. Raincoat are only allowed in case of rain. It is not allowed to use baby carriages, only kangaroo strollers are allowed.
• In Machu Picchu it is forbidden to take pictures with advertising material. It is also forbidden to enter with lighters, firearms, sharp objects, alcohol or drugs.
• Of course it is prohibited, and penalized, to damage the constructions of Machu Picchu.

Llamas in Machu Picchu

Frequently asked questions about the Machu Picchu tour

• 1) Are admission times respected?

  Yes, the admission times have a tolerance time. Some of the tickets have 45 minutes, while others have 60 minutes. In this sense, it is important that, at the moment you get your ticket, whatever it is, you verify the tolerance time.

  On the other hand, it is recommended to board the ecological buses in Machu Picchu Pueblo about 30 minutes before the entrance time. This is because this is the time it takes to get to the access area to Machu Picchu.

• 2) What happens if I cannot enter after the waiting time of each ticket?

  If you are not able to enter at the time of the ticket, it is likely that you will not be allowed to enter. That is why you have to plan your trip and itinerary well in advance. In some cases you will be allowed to enter, even if the time has already passed. This is only if some mishap occurred during the trip, such as accidents or unexpected events.

  Likewise, it is possible that, if there are force majeure problems, a reimbursement may be made. This process will depend solely on the Ministry of Culture of Peru. Travel agencies do not have the authority to make these changes or processes. Even so, it is recommended to make the purchase from an authorized travel agency. This is the only way to have access to this type of insurance or refunds.

• 3) Is it possible to do all the routes of the circuits with only one ticket?

  The 10 entrance tickets to Machu Picchu only allow you to do the circuit they have. It is important to point out that each of the 10 tickets has its own route. The 10 tickets are different from each other and it is important to make the tour of Machu Picchu following their respective routes. In this sense, even if you have a ticket, for example, of the Panoramic circuit. You will only be able to do the tour that corresponds.

  For example, if you have the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket, you can only do the route to the site. Although this ticket belongs to the Panoramic Circuit, you will not be able to access the Inca Bridge or hike up to Machu Picchu Mountain. Of course, there are spaces that can be shared, but you will not necessarily be able to do them. That is why it is recommended to do the tour with a guide, to make the tour and not miss anything and at the same time learn more about each of the enclosures or Inca constructions.

• 4) Are there any restrictions for entrance tickets?

  Machu Picchu tickets only have entrance restrictions on some of the routes. For example, after the 2 024 modifications, some short trekking routes have restrictions. These restrictions are for minors under 18 years of age. That is to say, they will not be able to do the route. For the time being, there are only these types of restrictions regarding entrance tickets.

• 5) Is it true that I must register my name and time of entry on some routes?

  Yes, this only applies to the routes that leave Machu Picchu. That is, those that include trekking routes. Registering the names and time of entry serves to have a security control of the people who enter the enclosures. This is absolutely necessary to do, you must also show the entrance tickets and the identity card or passport so that they can validate the ticket.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Jaime Ch.

“Excellent tour“

“We entered Machu Picchu with a guide because I wanted my children to learn more about this wonderful place. He helped us to go through each of the attractions of the Classic Route 1. We learned how they created the wonderful constructions and also the details of the construction of its temples. The guide also helped us with some pictures and also to have a good time during the 2 hours that our tour lasted.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 26, 2024