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What is the visiting time in Machu Picchu?

One of the questions that every visitor to the Inca city asks is whether they will have enough time to experience Machu Picchu. Today the visit to the Inca citadel is organized by three circuits: Circuits 1, 2, and 3. The route that most visitors prefer is circuit 2, which allows you to take the classic photo and tour the main temples and stone constructions. That route takes approximately 2 hours. Find out how much visiting time is required in Machu Picchu in each of its circuits

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Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world

Which ticket allows you to stay longer in Machu Picchu?
The Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A) and Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) tickets offer more time, allowing you to hike to the mountains and also take a short tour of the Inca citadel (circuits 1 and 3). In total, the hike lasts 5 or 6 hours. These tickets are slightly more expensive than other tickets; however, they do not include access to the sacred temples: the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana.

What time is recommended to visit Machu Picchu?

  • A proper visit to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu lasts between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • According to the new rules in Machu Picchu, the time to visit the Inca citadel (circuit 1 or 2) is a maximum of 2 hours 30 minutes.
  • However, no one will demand that you leave the Inca citadel. In any case, it is not allowed to go back while doing the circuit. That is, 2 hours 30 minutes is an adequate time to see the Inca constructions, the beautiful landscapes and, of course, take the best photographs at the archaeological site.
  • The hiking route to Huayna Picchu mountains, Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain obviously takes longer. If you have an entrance ticket to these mountains, the visit time extends to 5 or 6 hours.
  • For example, climbing Huayna Picchu will take approximately 2 hours. The summit can take 30 minutes. The descent can take 1 hour 30 minutes. Finally, you can take Circuit 3 of the archaeological site, which takes an average of 1 hour. This means that a visit to Huayna Picchu and the Inca citadel will take approximately 5 hours.

What to do if my visit to Machu Picchu is only 1 day?

  • If you chose to do the day trip, it is best to board the first train from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
  • There is a train (Expedition) that leaves Ollantaytambo around 5 am. By taking this train, you will arrive at your destination in Aguas Calientes around 7 in the morning. Which will give you more time to make your visit.
  • That is, yes or yes you will have to leave very early from the city of Cusco (approximately 5 in the morning). Most trains depart from Ollantaytambo station. The trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo takes 1 hour 30 minutes on average.
  • The trains heading to Machu Picchu have established schedules at different stations. Please note that the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu will take you about 30 minutes.
  • Once in Machu Picchu, it is recommended to do circuit 1 or 2 around the archaeological site. Both circuits take 2 hours or 2 hours 30 minutes. There is enough time to return by bus to Aguas Calientes and have lunch in the town.
  • On the return, you will probably have to be back at the train station at 4 pm (most return trains leave at that time on average) so you will have to be on the return bus (Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes) around 2 p.m.

What to do if my visit to Machu Picchu is two days?

  • You can easily explore most of the important sites of Machu Picchu in one day, but if you want to take your time to enjoy the stone city, and try to ascend to the top of Huayna Picchu, for example; You should probably consider spending a night beforehand in the town of Aguas Calientes (2-day visit).
  • If you spend a night in the town of Aguas Calientes, you will be able to enter Machu Picchu in the early hours of the morning. This way you can hike to the Huayna Picchu mountains or Machu Picchu mountain without any rush.
  • The hiking route to the mountains of Machu Picchu can be done in 5 or 6 hours. In addition, the visitor will have enough time to return to the town of Aguas Calientes and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon (around 4 pm) we board the return train to the city of Cusco.
  • It’s worth noting that tickets to the Machu Picchu Mountains include Circuit 1 or Circuit 3 of the Inca citadel. If visitors want to see everything the Inca citadel has to offer, they can choose to visit Machu Picchu (Circuit 2) on the first day, and then hike to the mountain of their choice on day 2, such as Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A) or Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A).

Can I enjoy Machu Picchu in two hours?

  • Machu Picchu will be an unforgettable experience, regardless of the length of your visit, whether it is a couple of days or just a few hours. This is about exploring one of the best destinations on the planet.
  • The sooner you enter Machu Picchu, the better. Not only will the light be better for your photos, but the city will also be relatively quiet and peaceful; At least until the hordes of tourists arrive and completely invade the place between 11 am and 1 pm.
  • The tour of the archaeological site (circuit 1 or 2) takes 2 hours. The time limit allowed is 2 hours 30 minutes. That is to say, in two hours it is possible to see the main Inca constructions, admire the beautiful landscapes and get the best photographs of the place.

Questions and answers about the time of visiting Machu Picchu

  • 1) How long is the visit limit in Machu Picchu?

    According to the Machu Picchu regulations, visiting the archaeological site (circuit 1 and 2) allows a maximum time of 2 hours 30 minutes. This circuit takes 2 hours on average.

  • 2) How long is the limit to visit the Huayna Picchu mountain?

    The visit to the Huayna Picchu mountain together with the visit to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (Route 3A) takes approximately 4 hours. The ticket allows up to 5 hours to visit.

  • 3) How long is the limit for visiting Machu Picchu mountain?

    The visit to the Machu Picchu mountain together with the visit to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (Route 1A) takes approximately 5 hours. The ticket allows up to 6 hours to visit.

  • 4) How long is the limit to visit the Huchuy Picchu mountain?

    The visit to Mount Huchuy Picchu along with the visit to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (3D Route) takes 3 hours approximately. The ticket allows up to 4 hours to perform the visit.

  • 5) How long is the visit limit to the Inca Bridge of Machu Picchu?

    The visit to the Inca Bridge along with the visit to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu (Route 1D) takes approximately 3 hours. The ticket allows up to 4 hours to visit.

  • 6) How long does it take me to tour all of Machu Picchu?

    Machu Picchu is huge. Touring the archaeological site (circuit 1 or 2) where its main constructions are located takes 2 hours 30 minutes. If you add the hike to one of its mountains (such as Huayna Picchu), you will have to add 2 hours 30 more minutes of travel. That is, an almost complete visit can take 5 hours.

  • 7) How to visit Machu Picchu throughout the day?

    Machu Picchu is open every day from 6 am to 5 pm. Visiting the entire site is complicated, but you can explore most of the Inca citadel by choosing two tickets: the Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed (Route 2A) and the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu or Wayna Picchu Mountain ticket (Route 3A). You can also vary the route by choosing the Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge (Route 1D) and the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (Route 1A).

  • 8) Are the schedules at Machu Picchu strict?

    The entry times to Machu Picchu are strict. The late limit is 30 minutes. The time spent in Machu Picchu can be flexible.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

Astrid V.By: Astrid V.

“Excellent experience“

“Excellent visit to Machu Picchu. The guide helped us choose the best circuit that included many stone constructions. He helped us take the best photos. In total it was almost 3 hours of visit. Thanks to Ticket Machu Picchu, excellent experience“

 

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, April 1, 2025

 


Everything you need to visit Machu Picchu is here!

Your ticket to Machu Picchu

This ticket is the only ticket that allows entering the Wonder of the World. Reserve your income easily and securely. Remember that there are discounts for university students, minors and citizens of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia.

Your transport to the train station

Do not you know how to approach the train station? Book the transfer to the station and forget the subject. The services leave and return punctually from the city of Cusco. Choose between shared or private options.

Your Train Ticket to Machu Picchu

The train trip is the safest, fastest and most convenient way to get to Machu Picchu. Choose between the two Expedition and Vistadome services. Pay with a discount for children and avoid the hassle of queuing in Cusco to purchase this ticket.

Your Bus Ticket to Machu Picchu

The last section to reach Machu Picchu is on a bus trip from Aguas Calientes. Choose the trip to climb, return or both. Avoid long queues the day of your visit. Take advantage of discounts for children and travel safely.

Your Official Tourist Guide

The visit to Machu Picchu with a tour guide is the best way to know the Wonder of the World. Choose between the shared or private option and in the language of your choice: English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. Here are the best guides of Peru.

Tour to Machu Picchu All Included

Forget the tickets, preparations and entrust your trip to Machu Picchu to the experts. The tours offer pick up, transfer, train ticket, bus, tour guide and entrance to Machu Picchu. There is also option to enter Huayna Picchu and lunch buffet.