When tourists first lay their eyes on Machu Picchu, it's no surprise that it takes their breath away with its incredible beauty. Machu Picchu existed in the high Andes Mountains of Peru. It stayed hidden until Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911.
The area still remains a mystery among historians. It is believed to have been a royal retreat or used for religious worship. Your exploration of Machu Picchu will bring you into contact with its historical stories and ancient cultural traditions from pre-modern times. When visiting Machu Picchu, you'll be left with a lasting impression that you'll continue to talk about for years to come!
When to Consider Visiting Machu Picchu
Traveling to Machu Picchu requires careful planning because the right timing could make all the difference in having a great or poor experience. Many travelers typically find that the dry period from May through September offers the best conditions for visiting.
During the dry season, there will be clear skies, amazing views, and the lowest chance of rain when you visit the ruins. June through August are known as the busiest and most expensive time to visit Machu Picchu.
The rainy season occurs from November to March. January and February are the months with the most precipitation. During the wet season, this is an excellent opportunity if you're a traveler who doesn't mind occasional rain. It also suits those who prefer fewer crowds. However, if you plan to travel during this time, you should know that the Inca Trail undergoes maintenance each February. You may run into setbacks.
Additionally, April and October are the best months to visit Machu Picchu because they provide decent weather and less crowds. While you may experience some rain, you shouldn't run into any heavy downpours.
How to Get to Machu Picchu
The beginning of your journey when visiting Machu Picchu will start with a flight to Lima, the capital city of Peru. After landing in Lima, you'll take a one-hour domestic flight to Cusco, which is the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.
Once arriving in Cusco, you can choose from different ways to get to Aguas Calientes. Aguas Calientes acts as the entry point to Machu Picchu. When traveling, the train proves to be a top choice if you're looking for both comfort and popularity.
When traveling by train to Aguas Calientes, you can book through two companies: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both companies offer transportation options from basic to luxurious seating. During your train ride, you'll get to see spectacular mountain scenery and jungle vegetation along the Urubamba River's winding path.
If you're a traveler on a budget, you can travel by bus or shared van from Cusco to Hydroelectric Station. However, this option is less comfortable and takes the most time. With this alternative, you'll take a lengthy 6 to 8-hour winding route. Then, you'll hike 2–3 hours along train tracks to reach Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets & Regulations
Types of Tickets
Machu Picchu Only: This pass allows you to enter the main citadel during your pre-selected time slot.
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: This ticket permits entry to the citadel and an ascent of Huayna Picchu Mountain where beautiful vistas await. You can take the hike up Huayna Picchu Mountain, but there may be limited space available.
Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain: The Machu Picchu Mountain ticket allows entry to both the citadel and the trail leading up Machu Picchu. From here you'll get to take in the best views that are excellent for taking photos.
Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu: This ticket options combines a citadel tour with the shorter Huchuy Picchu hike.
Booking Tickets
To secure tickets during the peak season between May and September, you should book at least 2-3 months beforehand. You can purchase tickets through the official Ministry of Culture website, as well as authorized travel agencies. You should always choose third-party platforms that have strong reputations to avoid any possible scams.
Visitor Limits and Time Slots
Machu Picchu maintains a daily visitor cap to preserve the integrity of its archaeological site. It posts a limit of 5,600 people during peak season and 4,500 during off-peak season. Visits are organized into timed entry shifts. The earliest entry is at 6:00 AM and the final entry shift is at 2:00 PM.
Passport Requirements
When visiting Machu Picchu, your original passport is required because you'll need to match it with your ticket purchase. Your passport should remain valid throughout your visit. Residents of Peru should present their original DNI (National Identity Document) when entering Machu Picchu.
Additional Regulations
Prohibited Items: All large backpacks exceeding 40x35x20 cm dimensions and professional photography equipment including tripods and drones are forbidden from entering the site. Only walking sticks with rubber tips are allowed for visitors who need mobility assistance.
Guides: While there is no requirement for a certified guide, you will learn more about the site's historical significance when opting for a guided tour.
Accommodations When Visiting Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes sits at the foot of the mountain. This location offers direct access to the archaeological area when staying there. The majority of visitors stay overnight here to make sure they can take the first bus to the ruins in the morning.
If you're traveling on a budget, you'll discover numerous hostels and economical guest houses available. Basic accommodations like Supertramp Hostel and Eco Machu Picchu are excellent for backpackers and solo travelers. These places provide clean facilities and excellent social opportunities.
For travelers looking for mid-range accommodations, both Tierra Viva Machu Picchu and Casa del Sol are excellent options for comfort level and affordability.
As a traveler, you'll also have access to the most luxurious accommodations at the highest level of luxury.
If you're looking for accommodations with spa treatments and gourmet dining, you will find great options at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel or Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. Cusco also serves as an excellent location. This area is rich in culture, diverse food options, and lively nightlife.
Many travelers visiting Machu Picchu choose the Sacred Valley as their lodging because it provides close proximity to Machu Picchu. It also has a laid-back atmosphere. The towns of Ollantaytambo and Urubamba are filled with unique charm. They also display abundant Incan historical elements.
Hiking Options When Visiting Machu Picchu
When visiting Machu Picchu, several amazing trails will lead you through the Andes mountains. These trails allow for exploration of the core of Incan heritage. You can find a hiking option that meets your preference for either a multi-day expedition or a shorter walk at every skill level.
The Classic Inca Trail is known as the most popular trekking path. This trek takes four days. You'll spend three nights of hiking along ancient Incan trails and mountain passes to reach the Sun Gate.
The trail's extreme popularity requires permits that sell out several months before the season. You should book a guided tour for this trail because it has steep climbs and high-altitude challenges.
The Short Inca Trail is a two-day condensed version of the original trek with one full day dedicated to hiking. The short route omits difficult sections, but still leads to the iconic Sun Gate entrance at Machu Picchu.
The Salkantay Trek extends over 5 days and will take you through snow-covered peaks, high mountain passes, and jungle areas. While the Inca Trail trek requires less effort overall, it needs a permit which this trail does not need. To access Machu Picchu from its trails, you will first stop in Aguas Calientes.
Lares Trek is more about cultural immersion. The trail guides you through secluded Andean settlements where traditional lifestyles continue and the landscape displays pastoral characteristics. This trek shows fewer tourists but features more manageable altitude climbs.
When considering difficulty and preparation for these treks, the altitude is one of the most important factors. Most routes extend beyond 13,000 feet. Those who are unaccustomed to high altitudes should stay in Cusco or the Sacred Valley for several days before beginning their trek to get acclimated.
Visiting Machu Picchu: FAQs
1. Where is Machu Picchu located?
Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains in Peru, South America, near the town of Aguas Calientes.
2. How do you get to Machu Picchu?
The most common way is to take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and then take a bus up to the area. Alternatively, you may choose to hike one of the several trekking routes, such as the Inca Trail, to reach Machu Picchu.
3. When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. The rainy season is from November to March, which can make hiking more challenging and increase the chances of rain.
4. Do I need a ticket to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, you must buy a ticket in advance to visit Machu Picchu. Tickets are limited, so it's best to book several weeks (or even months) in advance, especially during the busy season.
5. What are the opening hours of Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is typically open from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day, but these hours can vary depending on the season or special circumstances.
