Just shy of 600 years ago, a small plateau between two lushly forested peaks high in the Andes became a building site for the Inca Empire’s greatest city. This citadel in the clouds was abandoned only 100 years later, but Spanish invaders never found Machu Picchu. It was left to nature before explorer Hiram Bingham caught wind of it on an expedition in 1911 and decided to investigate. A hidden city protected by the mountains, and still wonderfully inaccessible other than by foot or train, Machu Picchu is now a New Seven Wonders of the World—one of the most recognizable sites on the planet.
Visiting Machu Picchu lives up to the hype for two key reasons: its remarkably preserved temples, palaces, and houses (untouched by the Spanish conquest), and its breathtaking setting. Out of view from the valley below, you hear the roar of the Urubamba River 500 m down, surrounded by a protective wall of mist-shrouded mountains. At 2,450 m above sea level, it feels like a well-kept secret high in the world.
This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from buying tickets and getting there without hiking the full Inca Trail, to highlights, accommodation, and practical tips. Whether you’re doing a day trip from Cusco or staying overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), these steps will help you experience the site at its best. Plan at least 9 days in Peru to include Machu Picchu, Cusco, and the Sacred Valley.
Step 1: Book Your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets (2+ Months in Advance)
Tickets are the most critical part—they sell out fast, especially in peak season (July–August). There are no tickets sold at the gate.
Official Website: Buy from the Machu Picchu official site (or equivalent government platform). You’ll need your passport details. Tickets cost ~152 PEN (~$40–45 USD) for adults; students/children get discounts (77/70 PEN). Print or download the PDF.
Choose Your Circuit (routes are one-way; no backtracking):
Circuit 2 (Classic – Recommended for First-Timers): Includes the iconic postcard views from above, Intihuatana stone, Royal Tomb, and ceremonial baths. ~3–4 hours.
Circuit 1 (Panoramic): Short (~2 hours), focuses on upper viewpoints only—good if time is limited.
Circuit 3 (Royalty): Lower levels, agricultural terraces, Templo del Sol (~90 minutes + mountain if added). Required for Montaña Machu Picchu.
Circuit 4: Urban areas, ~2.5 hours. Required for Huayna Picchu or Huchuypicchu.
Add-On Mountains (book early; limited spots):
Huayna Picchu (the “witch’s hat” peak behind the ruins): Steep, vertigo-inducing, ~2 hours round-trip. Best views; 200 PEN total. Slots: 7–8 am or 10–11 am.
Montaña Machu Picchu (opposite side): Taller but less steep, ~2–3 hours. Great bird’s-eye views; 200 PEN.
Huchuypicchu: Short, easy add-on near Huayna Picchu; 152 PEN.
Time Slots: Entry hourly from 6 am–2 pm (1-hour window to enter; stay as long as you like, but ~4 hours max for circuits without mountains). Aim for 9 am (fewer crowds, good light) or early afternoon.
Availability Tip: Check the calendar online. Huayna Picchu sells out 4+ months ahead in high season.
Pro Tip: If tickets are sold out, try reputable agencies in Cusco or bundled with train bookings (more expensive).
Step 2: Plan Your Route to Aguas Calientes (No Full Hiking Required)
Fly into Lima, then a 1h 15m domestic flight to Cusco (acclimate 1–2 days at 3,400 m to avoid altitude sickness—mild symptoms like headache are common; drink coca tea).
From Cusco to Aguas Calientes (base town):
Standard Train Route (Easiest, ~$150–200 USD Round-Trip):
Bus/colectivo from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours, ~20–30 PEN).
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5 hours). Options: Inca Rail or Peru Rail (panoramic windows); luxury Hiram Bingham for dining/entertainment.
Total: 3–3.5 hours. Book 30+ days ahead via Inca Rail or Peru Rail.
Bus/colectivo from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica (6 hours, ~60 PEN).
Walk 16 km along railway tracks to Aguas Calientes (3–4 hours; scenic, flat, follow the Urubamba River). Safe in groups; avoid tunnels with flashlight.
Alternative: From Ollantaytambo, colectivo to Km 82, walk 28 km (~8 hours).
Note: Walking is free but tiring; no buses from Hidroeléctrica. Trains are active—stay alert.
Day Trip vs. Overnight:
Day Trip (Long, 12+ Hours): Early train from Ollantaytambo (~3 am start), return evening. Rushed; ~2 hours at site.
Overnight (Recommended): Afternoon train to Aguas Calientes, explore town, early visit next day. Less rush, better for photos/mist variability.
Inca Trail Alternative: If fit, book a 4-day trek (500 permits/day; 6–8 months ahead). Shorter 2-day option available. February closed for maintenance.
Step 3: From Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Morning of Visit)
Bus (Recommended, ~$12 USD One-Way): From town square, 30-minute windy ride (5:30 am–3:30 pm). Buy day before or online; included with some trains. Line up early for your slot.
Walk Up: 1.5–2 hours, 3,000+ stairs. Steep but free; start 4:30 am for 6 am entry. Follow bridge, cross, turn right to stairs.
At the Gate: Show passport + ticket. Bags >40x35x20 cm to lockers. No food/drones/selfie sticks.
Step 4: Explore the Site (3–4 Hours Minimum)
Follow your circuit (signposted). Key highlights:
Intihuatana Stone: Astronomical pillar; shadow vanishes at equinox noon.
Royal Tomb: Cave for rituals; 100+ skeletons found. Nearby ceremonial baths with aqueducts.
Huayna Picchu Climb (if booked): 1-hour steep ascent; epic overhead views. No barriers—avoid if afraid of heights.
Other Standouts: Templo del Sol, Roca Sagrada, agricultural terraces, llamas roaming.
Guide? Optional but recommended (~150–180 PEN/group at entrance; hire private for flexibility). Explains Inca engineering/history. Self-guide with app/map.
Time at Site: 4 hours for circuits; 6+ with mountain. Re-entry allowed once for mountain hikers.
Step 5: Return and Extend Your Trip
Bus/walk down to Aguas Calientes.
Train/bus back to Cusco (reverse Step 2).
Eat: Indio Feliz (Peruvian-French fusion) or Sunday chicharrones street food.
Where to Stay
Near Entrance: Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (luxury, pricey; stroll to gates).
Aguas Calientes: Wide range; e.g., Casa De Luz (budget, clean) or Sumaq (luxury with river views/meals). Store luggage in Cusco (e.g., Hilton Garden Inn).
Ollantaytambo: Tikawasi Valley for train convenience.
Crowds/Light: 9 am or 2 pm; avoid 11 am–3 pm. Dawn magical but misty.
Altitude: Machu Picchu lower than Cusco—easier. Acclimate; travel insurance for high-altitude activities.
Pack Light: Comfortable shoes, water (buy cheap in town), sunscreen, rain jacket, hat. Passport essential. No food inside; toilets at entrance only.
Fitness: Stairs/walking even without hiking. Train luggage: backpack only.
Budget Total (DIY, No Trek): ~$360–500 USD/person (tickets + train + bus + overnight).
Responsible Travel: No littering; respect llamas/one-way paths.
Machu Picchu is worth every step and penny. For more, extend to Sacred Valley ruins, Lake Titicaca, or Amazon. Safe travels!
Our Travelers Reviews
Lisseth J
2025-10-05
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“Tania hizo que nuestro viaje fuera perfecto, siempre atenta y amable. La agencia es excelente y cuida cada detalle.
“Nuestra experiencia con la agencia fue excelente de principio a fin. Tania nos brindó un servicio impecable, siempre atenta, amable y resolviendo cada detalle. Sin duda, un 10/10 tanto para ella como para la agencia; ¡los recomendamos totalmente!”
Sayri R
2025-10-04
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✨ Una experiencia inolvidable en Perú
Mi viaje a Perú fue una experiencia increíble, ¡superó todas mis expectativas! ✨ Fueron cinco días llenos de aventuras y paisajes que parecen sacados de un sueño: Machu Picchu, la laguna, la montaña de colores… cada lugar fue simplemente espectacular 😍. Pero lo que realmente hizo la diferencia fue Tania, una persona súper atenta, pendiente de cada detalle y de todas nuestras necesidades. Gracias a ella, todo fue perfecto, sin preocupaciones y con una atención de primera. 🌄💖 Sin duda, un tour 1000% recomendado — una experiencia que jamás olvidaré. 🙌🇵🇪
Shoba K
2025-09-24
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Most unforgettable trip ever
Spent the most amazing 8 days of my life in Peru . Tania is the best travel agent. She has been very accommodative and responsive to our needs . I recommend her to get the best deals and services.
Natalia K
2025-09-23
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Incredible experience!!!
I recommend Machu Picchu Peru Travel with all my heart! I've found them via TripAdvisor, the positive reviews have convinced me that it is going to be a good choice and it definitelly was!We have done 2-day Sacred Valley Tour and Rainbow Mountain. Everything went according to the plan, the price for the trips was very reasonable. The owner, Tania, was super helpful, always there for us. Our guide Willie had incredible knowledge, was taking great care of us and generally is a great companion. It's an excellent tour operator, do not hesitate and choose them for your experience in Peru!
Alba R
2025-09-21
Verified
Very good experience with full 7-day tour
A pleasant experience, we hired the full tour with the agency from Lima, with tour to the Ballestas and Huacachina islands, then Cusco tour to the Sacred Valley, Machu Pichu, Humantay lagoon and colorful mountain, everything was super good, and Tania's attention at all times very good. We had a great time and recommend the agency 100%
Seema M
2025-09-19
Verified
An amazing and memorable experience
An amazing experience. I did the trip with my friends and Willie the guide and Celestine the driver were amazing companions throughout the trip. Tanya was very responsive- she responded with a solution anytime we called her . Willie has lots of of information and took great pictures for us . At no point did we feel rushed
Shalini G
2025-09-19
Verified
Great experience and exceptional guide Willie!
Our travel plans were well laid out and our guide Willie was exceptional in attending to our requests. He was knowledgeable and well versed in English. He even helped us by carrying our backpacks for a part of the way. Cannot recommend this company and guide enough! Five stars from me
dbeta83
2025-09-07
Verified
Unforgettable Trip to Peru
We recently returned from an incredible trip to Peru, and we owe it all to Tania from Machu Picchu Peru Travels. From start to finish, she was professional, attentive, and deeply knowledgeable about the destination. Every detail from our accommodations and guided tours to transportation and local experiences was perfectly planned.Tania took the time to understand our travel style and preferences, and she created Spotting Sea Lions in Islas de Ballestas in Paracas, dune bashing and sand surfing at the Oasis de Huancachina, hiking Machu Picchu, exploring the Sacred Valley, and riding on ATVs to the Rainbow Mountain.What stood out most was her responsiveness and care, even during the trip. When we had a minor questions while abroad, she replied immediately and ensured everything went smoothly.We couldn’t have asked for a better travel experience and would absolutely recommend Tania and Machu Picchu to anyone planning a trip to Peru!
Raul G
2025-09-05
Verified
Machu Picchu Greatest Experience
Our Machu Picchu tour with Tania was absolutely incredible! From the very beginning, she was professional, knowledgeable, and so passionate about sharing the history and culture of this magical place. Her explanations brought the ancient ruins to life, weaving together fascinating stories and insights that made the whole experience unforgettable.Tania was also patient, kind, and attentive to everyone in the group, making sure we felt comfortable and had plenty of time to explore, take photos, and truly soak in the beauty of Machu Picchu. She went above and beyond to make the day special, and her positive energy made the journey even more enjoyable.I couldn’t have asked for a better guide—thank you, Tania, for an amazing experience that I will remember forever! If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu, I highly recommend booking a tour with her.
Marcela N
2025-09-01
Verified
Very nice experience
My family and I had a great time, the experience, very beautiful and the guides very nice.I liked everything.
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