Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a bucket-list destination for many travellers. This ancient city in the heart of Peru is one of the most important archaeological complexes in South America and a window into the world of the biggest empire the continent has ever known.
The preservation of the buildings sets it apart from other Inca sites and the spectacular mountaintop setting is enough to take your breath away. My visit to Machu Picchu was the most awe-inspiring experience of my South America travels.
In June 2024, new circuits and regulations were implemented to help preserve the site. Here’s all you need to know to plan your visit to Machu Picchu.
Contents
A Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu, Peru 🦙
Related: (opens in new tab)
- 🚂 Best Ways to Reach Machu Picchu
- 🥾 Inca Trail Trek Guide
- ⛰️ Salkantay Trek Guide
- 🇵🇪 Amazing Landmarks in Peru
When to Visit Machu Picchu 🌦️
The dry season, April to October, is the best time to visit Machu Picchu. June to mid-October is the peak season, so for the best chance of good weather and fewer crowds aim for April or May.
The wet season is from November to March. While you’re more likely to encounter rain during these months, the plus side is that the site will be quieter.
If you plan to hike the Inca Trail, note that the trail is closed every February for maintenance.
“I hiked the Salkantay Trail at the beginning of March which is the tail-end of wet season. While we did get some rain, it was worth it for a quieter trail experience!”
Sheree, Editor at South America Backpacker
How to Get to Machu Picchu 🥾
There are two ways to reach Machu Picchu: by train or trekking. The Inca Trail is the classic trek to reach the ruins and the route leads directly to the city. Other trekking routes, including the increasingly popular Salkantay Trek, end in the small nearby town of Aguas Calientes. From there, it’s another short but challenging hike or a 30-minute bus (approx. $12USD each way) to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can take a train from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
For more information on the different options to get there, read our guide on the best ways to reach Machu Picchu.
“I hiked to Machu Picchu via the Salkantay Trek. The route was a thrilling adventure that passed stunning lakes, mountains and jungle. The journey was just as exciting as the destination itself!”
Lisa, Writer at South America Backpacker
Circuits and Routes Around Machu Picchu ➡️
There are set circuits and routes that visitors must follow when visiting Machu Picchu. If you book a trek, the tour company will take care of booking your tickets, but they may ask you to choose your preferred route, so it’s helpful to understand your options.
As of 1 June 2024, the circuits were updated. There are now three circuits, which are further divided into routes. Overall, there are 10 routes to choose from, outlined below. Four routes are only available in the high season (1 June to 15 October and 30 & 31 December).
Circuits
Circuit 1: Panoramic – Best for the iconic view
- Route 1A – Machu Picchu Mountain Route (approx. 3.8 km round trip)
- Route 1B – Upper Terrace Route (approx. 1.6 km round trip)
- Route 1C – Intipunku Route (approx. 3.4 km round trip; only available in high season)
- Route 1D – Puente Inka Route (approx. 2.6 km round trip; only available in high season)
This circuit offers sweeping panoramas over Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. It provides the classic view from above the ruins but does not allow access to the city itself.
Route 1B (Upper Terrace Route) is the shortest option and allows access to the upper platforms (Plataforma Superior and Plataforma Inferior). The three other routes follow this same path but each includes additional access, either to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) or Puente Inka (the Inca Bridge).
Circuit 2: Classic Circuit – Best for views and exploring the city
- Route 2A – Classic Route (approx. 2.5 km)
- Route 2B – Lower Terrace Route (approx. 2.7 km)
Circuit 2 offers the most complete tour. It allows visitors to enjoy great views over Machu Picchu and explore the ruins up close. The route weaves through the ancient city and passes all the major archaeological points of interest. Routes 2A and 2B are almost identical, except that the views from 2A are from a slightly higher elevation than 2B. Splitting the routes like this is a crowd control measure that means the spot where everyone stops to take photos doesn’t become overly busy.
The viewpoints on each route are lower than those on Circuit 1 but still offer fantastic vistas over the ancient city.
Circuit 3: Machu Picchu Royalty – Best for sacred sites
- Route 3A – Wayna Picchu Mountain Route (approx. 2.4 km)
- Route 3B – Royalty Route (approx. 1.3 km)
- Route 3C – Great Cavern Route (approx. 3 km; only available in high season)
- Route 3D – Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (approx. 1.7km; only available in high season)
Circuit 3 focuses on the most sacred sites within the city, including the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. The routes are concentrated on the lower section of the archaeological site and, as such, don’t offer the classic image of Machu Picchu from above, although the views are still impressive.
Route 3B is the shortest on Circuit 3. The other three routes follow the same path as 3B but allow additional access to either Wayna Picchu or Huchuy Picchu Mountain, or the Great Cavern (also known as the Temple of the Moon).
Climbing one of the mountains is a great alternative to capture panoramic views of Machu Picchu as they offer different vantage points from the classic viewpoints accessible on Circuit 1.
Mountains
There are three mountains visitors can climb at Machu Picchu. If you decide to hike up one of these, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the complex and the Andean mountains.
Montaña Machu Picchu is the highest, reaching 3,082 m.a.s.l. and is the peak after which the archaeological site is named. (Machu Picchu means Old Mountain in Quechua.) The trail is gradual but challenging and requires a good general level of fitness. Machu Picchu Mountain is only accessible from Circuit 1.
Montaña Wayna Picchu (also spelled Huayna Picchu) is the sugarloaf peak that can be seen in the background of the classic image of Machu Picchu. It is the most popular but most challenging of the mountain climbs with a steep and exposed trail that reaches 2,693 m.a.s.l. Wayna Picchu Mountain is only accessible from Circuit 3.
Montaña Huchuy Picchu is a much smaller peak to the left of Wayna Picchu when viewed from the city. Reaching 2,479 m.a.s.l., this is the easiest and shortest of the three mountain trails. Huchuy Picchu Mountain is only accessible from Circuit 3.
Practical Information for Visiting Machu Picchu 🎫
Opening Hours
The site is open every day of the year from 6 am to 5.30 pm. Visitors have 30 minutes from the time stated on their ticket to enter the site. This entry period rises to 45 minutes during the busiest months (1 June to 15 October).
Tickets for Machu Picchu
Cost of Tickets
Tickets for Routes 1A (Machu Picchu Mountain Route), 3A (Wayna Picchu Mountain Route) and 3C (Great Cavern Route) are 200PEN (approx. $53USD). Tickets for all other routes are 152PEN (approx. $40USD).
Where and How to Buy Tickets
If you are doing an organised trek or tour, your tour company will purchase your tickets on your behalf. If you decide to trek independently or take the train you will need to arrange tickets yourself.
The easiest option is to purchase tickets online via the official ticket site. This will take some planning as tickets can sell out weeks or even months in advance, particularly during peak season.
If, like me, you’re more of a ‘last-minute’ type of traveller, fear not! It is possible to purchase tickets at the last moment – 1,000 Machu Picchu tickets are released daily for the following day. The catch is that these can only be bought in person at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes. The ticket office (Ministerio de Cultura) opens at 6 am but only starts selling Machu Picchu tickets after 3 pm. The process to purchase tickets is as follows:
- Collect a numbered ticket from the ticket office after 6 am (make sure to take your passport with you).
- You will be told what time to return to purchase your ticket (from 3 pm onwards).
- Return at the designated time and wait for your number to be called.
- You can then join the queue to purchase your Machu Picchu ticket.
For the best chance of getting the circuit you want, it’s advisable to stay in Aguas Calientes the night before so you can get to the office when it opens.
“I hadn’t planned ahead and booked my trek last minute, which meant there were no more Machu Picchu tickets available to pre-book. I decided to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes to get to the ticket office early. It was well worth the effort as I was able to get my preferred route and a 6 am slot.”
Lisa, Writer at South America Backpacker
Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu ✅
1. Research the Routes Before Your Visit
The three available circuits each offer a very different experience. To avoid disappointment, make sure you are aware which areas of the site and/or mountains the routes allow access to so you can book the best one for you. For the most comprehensive visit, Circuit 2 is best as this offers panoramic views of Machu Picchu and access to the city itself.
2. Take Only a Small Day Bag
Only bags 40x35x20 cm or smaller are allowed inside the site. Anything larger will need to be stored in the lockers at the entrance (for a small charge). If you are hiking the Inca Trail, make sure you take a small day pack that will allow you to carry your essentials inside.
3. Be Aware of Prohibited Items
New rules implemented in 2024 prohibit the use of tripods and selfie sticks at Machu Picchu, among other things. Hiking poles are also banned and drones are not allowed. For the full list of prohibited items and behaviours, see the Rules of Conduct on the Ministerio de Cultura website.
4. Go Early For the Fewest Crowds
To enjoy Machu Picchu with the fewest crowds, aim to visit as early as possible. The site opens at 6 am. This time slot allows ticket holders to experience the site at the quietest time of day, ahead of Inca Trail hikers (who arrive from around 7 am) and day-trippers arriving by train.
5. Take a Clean Shirt
If you decide to tackle the short but challenging hike from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu, make sure to leave plenty of time and take a change of shirt. The hike is hard work and you will sweat! A lot! If you don’t want your Machu Picchu photos to look like you’ve swum there (trust me, it’s not a good look), you will very much appreciate a clean, dry shirt for your visit.
6. Leave Enough Time to Catch Your Return Train
Most people, including those on organised treks, will return to Cusco in the afternoon or evening following their visit to Machu Picchu. Keep an eye on the time and make sure you leave in plenty of time to catch your train. The return to Aguas Calientes takes 30 minutes by bus or 45 minutes to an hour to hike.
7. Carry Water and Sun Protection
The Machu Picchu archaeological site is open and exposed to the elements. There is very little in the way of shade and the sun can be fierce at altitude. Ensure you carry water, wear a sun hat and plaster yourself in sunscreen.
8. Make Sure to Take Your Passport
You will need to take your passport on your visit as each ticket is allocated to a specific passport number. You’ll need to present it along with your ticket at the entrance. If you plan to buy your ticket in Aguas Calientes the day before, you’ll need your passport to make the purchase. (You can also get your passport stamped with a Machu Picchu stamp at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes!)
FAQs ❓
Do I need a guide to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, officially you need a guide to enter the site. If you are doing an organised trek, a guided tour will be included as part of the experience. If you decide to visit independently, guides can be hired at the entrance.
How long can I spend at Machu Picchu?
Since the updated rules came into force in June 2024, visitors with general entry tickets are permitted to spend up to 2.5 hours on-site. However, it is unclear how or if this will be enforced.
This timeframe is extended for tickets that include a mountain hike. Note that re-entry is prohibited.
How tough is the hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
The hike up from the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu is challenging. The first section is an easy walk from the town to a bridge that crosses the Urubamba River (around 20 minutes). Note, there is a checkpoint here where you will have to show your tickets and passport. The checkpoint and bridge open at 5 am.
After crossing the bridge you can pick up the start of the trail, which is a series of steep switchback steps. It’s a tough climb; allow around an hour to reach the top.
How far in advance do I need to book tickets?
Tickets can often be booked up months in advance, particularly for the most popular routes (Circuit 2). It’s best to book as far ahead as possible and at least a couple of months, especially if you plan to visit during high season (1 June to 15 October and 30 & 31 December). Some tickets are often available at shorter notice, but the choice of routes and entrance times will be limited.
A visit to Machu Picchu is a magical experience, whichever circuit you take around the site. And the journey to get there is half the adventure! Whether you choose to hike or take the train, the route is sure to be as memorable as the city itself. Machu Picchu offers a glimpse into the world of the Incas and its stunning setting provides an extra layer of wonder. No trip to Peru should miss this delightful destination.
Have you visited this World Wonder? Share your experience in the comments below.
Lisa Barham
Lisa is a writer and traveller who left her nine-to-five in London for life on the road. Today, she spends her time solo backpacking, navigating through life and unfamiliar streets. After eating, hiking and surfing her way through Southeast Asia, she headed for a new adventure in South America, to travel through the continent learning Spanish, and a few other valuable lessons along the way!
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