- PLAN YOUR TRIP!
- TIPS FOR MACHU PICCHU
- EXPERIENCES IN MACHU PICCHU
- OUR TRAIN TOURS TO MACHU PICCHU
- OUR ALL-INCLUSIVE TOUR PACKAGES
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Travel Guide to Machu Picchu
Discovering Machu Picchu is a unique experience. In this guide, you will find essential information to plan your visit: the best routes to get there, accommodation tips in Aguas Calientes, train alternatives, and the best tours available. Get ready for an amazing Inca adventure.
!Plan your trip!
Before embarking on this amazing train journey to Machu Picchu, make sure everything is in order. Follow these key tips to make the most of your trip and avoid unexpected situations during your adventure.
01. Documents
Don’t forget to carry the following documents:
- Documents
- ID card or Foreigner ID
- Passport
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Train ticket
- Bus ticket to Machu Picchu
02. What to Bring
If traveling during the rainy season
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Poncho or waterproof jacket
- Hat or cap
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Warm sweater or jacket
- Waterproof backpack
If traveling during the dry season
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Trekking shoes
- Light backpack
- Hat or cap
- Light jacket
03. The Weather
Rainy Season November – March
- Daytime temperature: 12°C – 18°C
- Nighttime temperature: 5°C – 10°C
- Frequent rain and fog
Dry Season April – October
- Daytime temperature: 15°C – 22°C
- Nighttime temperature: 3°C – 8°C
- Clear skies and higher solar radiation
04. The Altitude
Cusco: 3,399 m.a.s.l
Ollantaytambo: 2,792 m.a.s.l
Machu Picchu: 2,430 m.a.s.l
Recommendation: Acclimatize in Cusco before heading to Machu Picchu
05. Location
01 Tips for Your Arrival at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu welcomes you with its historical richness and breathtaking landscapes, offering an unparalleled adventure. Before your visit, keep in mind some key tips for a smooth trip and to make the most of every moment. Follow these recommendations for an exceptional experience.
- Where to Sleep?
- Accommodations in Aguas Calientes to rest before your visit.
- Learn more here ➔
- Where to Eat?
- Enjoy Andean gastronomy in Aguas Calientes before or after your visit.
- Learn more here ➔
- Where to Shop?
- Find souvenirs and handicrafts in the markets of Aguas Calientes.
- Learn more here ➔
02 Experiences in Machu Picchu
Here you will discover everything about Machu Picchu: the best time to visit, how to physically prepare for the altitude and hikes, its exact location, elevation, the origin of its hues, the duration of the tour, and the wildlife you will encounter along the way.
- General Information
- Discover how to get to Machu Picchu
- Learn more. ➔
- Best Season to Travel
- Enjoy Machu Picchu at its peak
- Learn more. ➔
- What You’ll See in Machu Picchu
- Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of Machu Picchu
- Learn more. ➔
- Recommendations
- Get ready to fully enjoy your adventure
- Learn more. ➔
03 Our Tour to Machu Picchu
Explore the majesty of Machu Picchu and discover other amazing destinations in Cusco with our exclusive tours, designed for an unforgettable experience.
Tour to Machu Picchu See details ➔
04 Our All-Inclusive Tour Packages
Discover Cusco with our personalized tour packages. Experience the essence of this historic city and its surroundings with options that include the impressive Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, the mystical Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the iconic Machu Picchu citadel.
Key Questions About Machu Picchu: Everything You Need to Know
What is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, between May and September. During these months, there is less rainfall and better conditions to explore the citadel. If you prefer to avoid crowds, April and October are ideal months, as the weather remains favorable and there are fewer tourists.
How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
There are two main options to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco:
1. By train: From Ollantaytambo or Poroy, traveling to Aguas Calientes and then taking a bus up to the citadel.
2. By foot: Via the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek, ideal for hiking and adventure enthusiasts.
How much does the entrance to Machu Picchu cost?
The ticket price varies depending on the type of entry:
– General admission: From 152 soles for foreign adults and 64 soles for students.
– Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: From 200 soles.
– Machu Picchu + Mountain: From 200 soles.
It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
How long does a visit to Machu Picchu last?
The average visit to Machu Picchu lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the chosen circuit. There are shorter routes that only include the citadel and longer ones that cover Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
What are the entrance hours to Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Entries are organized in shifts from **6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.** It is recommended to visit early in the morning or after noon to avoid the largest crowds.
What clothing and equipment should I bring to Machu Picchu?
For visiting Machu Picchu, it is advisable to bring:
– Lightweight and comfortable clothing (in layers, as the weather may change).
– Trekking or comfortable walking shoes.
– A hat or cap and sunscreen.
– A poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
– A small backpack with water and snacks.
Can you hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?
Yes, but the spots are limited and require prior reservation:
– Huayna Picchu: A 1 hour and 30-minute hike with breathtaking views, access restricted to 200 people per shift.
– Machu Picchu Mountain: A 2 to 3-hour hike, less steep but with an incredible panoramic view.
Both options require special tickets and tend to sell out months in advance.
Can I bring food or drinks into Machu Picchu?
Bringing large meals or plastic water bottles is not allowed, but you can bring snacks and water in reusable bottles. It is recommended not to leave trash and to respect the site’s conservation rules.
Is hiring a guide mandatory to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes, since 2019, entering with an authorized guide is mandatory on the first visit. If you wish to explore on your own on a second entry on the same day, you can do so without a guide.
