Visiting Machu Picchu: A Complete Guide

Don’t get lost when you visit the Lost City of the Incas.

Every year, millions of people visit the imposing and mysterious Incan citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru. However, getting to the massive agricultural terraces, intricate stone constructions, and epic hilltop views of this UNESCO World Heritage site isn’t cheap and involves some trickier-than-usual logistics. Here’s how to expertly navigate your way to Peru’s most famous destination, plus our top tips for enjoying your visits to the nearby cities of Cusco and Aguas Calientes on your way.

Reasons to Visit

Machu Picchu is renowned as one of the world’s most dreamed-about destinations. Moreover, its mystery is at the center of its appeal, as the city holds many secrets about the ancient Incan Empire. Knowledge-seekers will find interesting tidbits about the city’s archaeological significance and the various scientific and religious practices of the Incans who built this magnificent site.

Alongside this adventure through time, visiting Machu Picchu offers an opportunity to experience Peruvian culture and gastronomy. If you stay a while, you can make trips to many of the country’s other historical wonders, like the Nazca lines in the Nazca Valley and culinary delights like tangy ceviche and renowned pisco sours that contribute to a fantastic trip in Peru, one of the most naturally beautiful countries.

Best Time to Visit

Machu Picchu is open year-round. However, the official rainy season runs from October through April, with unpredictable rainfall at any time. While peak season tends to be July and August, expect crowds at all hours. Sundays can be particularly busy as locals from the Cusco province enjoy free access to the site.

Visitors will find that mornings at Machu Picchu can often be foggy during the rainy season. Therefore, depending on your preference, fog may ruin the view or add a mysterious atmosphere. Afternoons tend to be slightly less crowded as day-trippers return to Cusco.

How to Get Acclimated to the Altitude

Travelers should take into account the high altitude when visiting Machu Picchu. The last thing you need is a case of altitude sickness. Cusco is over 11,000 feet high, while Machu Picchu is just shy of 8,000 feet. Give yourself ample time to acclimate, avoiding common symptoms like nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

If you haven’t planned an overnight stay in Cusco, it’s advisable to take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo), which is closer to the ruins. Spend a night or two at Aguas Calientes to acclimate to its relatively lower elevation of 6,700 feet before exploring Machu Picchu.

How to Get There

To reach Machu Picchu, you will have to fly into Lima and then take a connecting flight to Cusco. From Cusco, the easiest way to travel to Machu Picchu is to take a scenic train to Aguas Calientes, a trip of approximately 3.5 hours along tracks that run adjacent to the Urubamba River. Give yourself at least an hour to get from central Cusco to the train station, as traffic congestion can be considerable.

Taking the Train

There are three train companies to consider: Inca Rail, Peru Rail, and the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train. The Hiram Bingham service is particularly extravagant, offering gourmet meals, but it comes at a higher price compared to the more affordable options provided by Inca Rail and Peru Rail. Regardless of your choice, it’s best to secure your tickets as early as possible, as they tend to sell out quickly.

If train tickets from Cusco are fully booked, consider purchasing a ticket from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes instead. Taxis and minivans between these locations are readily available, and if time allows, an overnight stay in Ollantaytambo can enhance your experience, as it features many well-preserved Incan structures.

How to Get Tickets

Even when purchasing your ticket in advance, guides are required at Machu Picchu. Hire one outside the gates or make arrangements in Aguas Calientes. To manage overtourism, the Peruvian government has implemented a ticketing system divided into five distinct circuits. Tickets must be bought beforehand, costing approximately $42 for adults and $20 for students and minors. When booking online, you can view available tickets for your chosen day.

You’ll require a separate ticket to climb Huayna Picchu. Keep in mind that some sections of this strenuous trail are narrow and steep; a climb can be started any time between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., with the best visibility often around 10 a.m. Additionally, a ticket is necessary to climb to the peak of Machu Picchu (Macchupicchu Mountain) as well.

The Inca Trail and Other Treks

The alternative to the train is a multiday trek along the Inca Trail, a path that travelers have taken for centuries. Although it might seem daunting, this trek attracts thousands each year, supported by numerous tour operators that provide various durations and levels of comfort (all requiring camping). Note that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance every February.

For a more unique Peru experience, some tour operators pair visits to Machu Picchu with other activities or less-trodden routes that showcase equally impressive sights throughout the Peruvian highlands. For instance, the Inca Jungle Tour combines hiking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining, while andBeyond offers diverse itineraries tailored to your preferences.

Salkantay Mountain

For those who prefer a less crowded experience and want to explore diverse aspects of Peru on the trek to Machu Picchu, several hiking alternatives are available. The Salkantay Trek is a popular option, winding around the massive Salkantay Mountain, which rises to 20,569 feet. Various companies offer these treks, including Apus Peru which focuses on sustainable tourism and provides an express trek that shortens the typical itinerary for more adventurous hikers.

Choquequirao

For archaeology enthusiasts, the Choquequirao trek, which includes an extension to Machu Picchu, features stunning yet challenging hiking through the steep Apurimac Canyon, coupled with exploration of the Choquequirao archaeological site before arriving in Aguas Calientes.

Lares

The Lares Adventure combines scenic hiking with cultural experiences in Quechua communities before reaching Aguas Calientes to explore the citadel. This tour stands out for its luxury accommodations and overall service.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Unfortunately, you won’t find ancient Incan hotels when arriving in Machu Picchu, and those who trek the Inca Trail usually do so with camping tents. However, the closest option to the site is the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, which offers convenient access but is far from the dining and shopping amenities of Aguas Calientes.

Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes

If luxury is what you’re after, your options primarily include the stylish Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, positioned near the train station, and the modern Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, a boutique property at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain. A variety of mid-range accommodations, alongside affordable hostels such as Nativus Hostel, cater to backpackers.

Where to Stay in Cusco

Cusco boasts comprehensive accommodation options including large, full-service hotels like Inkaterra La Casona, an 11-suite hotel set in a 16th-century mansion, and Belmond Hotel Monasterio within a former Jesuit seminary. For a contemporary boutique experience, consider El Mercado or Atiq Boutique Hotel.

Best Restaurants

When visiting Machu Picchu, your options are limited; there’s a casual cafe near the entrance and the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge’s buffet lunch. For a more substantial culinary experience, plan for a celebratory meal in Aguas Calientes or Cusco.

Where to Eat and Drink in Aguas Calientes

Aguas Calientes doesn’t boast many high-end dining options, but if you stroll down Av. Pachacutec, you’ll find casual eateries and bars, including spots serving Peru’s craft beers. More upscale dining options are available inside the luxury hotels, as well as local favorites like Restaurante Indio Feliz, offering French-Peruvian cuisine, and Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant, where local specialties are paired with regional craft beers.

Where to Eat and Drink in Cusco

Cusco is home to a plethora of excellent restaurants. Cicciolina serves delicious tapas in a relaxed atmosphere, while Kion from the Cusco Restaurants group specializes in Cantonese dishes. Don’t forget to visit Chicha if you’re craving haute Andean cuisine crafted by renowned chef Gaston Acurio. After dinner, explore Cholos pub for a selection of local craft beers.

Best Things to Do in Machu Picchu

During your visit to the citadel, you will need to follow the designated route outlined on your ticket. Some essential sites to look out for include the Sacred Stone, which serves as an astronomical clock, and the Temple of the Sun, an exemplary piece of Incan masonry.

It’s beneficial to carry small cash for incidental expenses at the site. Additionally, you must have your passport on hand for entry, which is required for restroom access and food purchases. You might appreciate having your ticket on you for re-entry purposes, and don’t forget to stop by the station just outside the entrance to get the special Machu Picchu stamp in your passport.

Before and after your time at Machu Picchu, you’ll discover several attractions in both Aguas Calientes and Cusco.

Things to Do in Aguas Calientes

The town is known for its thermal springs, which are open to the public for a nominal fee. In addition, you can find souvenir shops at the market near the train station. Although the primary attraction remains Machu Picchu, consider visiting the Mariposario de Machupicchu butterfly sanctuary.

Things to Do in Cusco

Cusco is rich in pre-Columbian history and boasts a UNESCO World Heritage status. Its cobbled streets, historic hotels, museums, and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for an extended stay.

Don’t miss the Coricancha, a former Incan temple turned Spanish church; the majestic Sacsayhuaman ruins; and the Cusco Cathedral. Delve into the bohemian vibe of the San Blas neighborhood and enjoy people-watching at the Plaza de Armas while shopping at the San Pedro Market.

Accessibility

Travelers using wheelchairs can visit Machu Picchu with the assistance of specialized tour companies like Wheel the World, which has designed the first-ever wheelchair-accessible tour of Machu Picchu. Contact the company for more information about their services and the custom wheelchairs that can traverse the challenging terrain of the ancient city.

Packing Tips

Regardless of whether you are planning a multi-day trek or a swift day trip, it’s essential to be prepared for the mountain conditions. Bring water and a rain jacket, even if the forecast seems promising. The altitude intensifies sun exposure, so a hat and high-SPF sunscreen are recommended. Don’t forget insect repellent.

Please note that drones, umbrellas, walking sticks, and trekking poles are prohibited at Machu Picchu. However, mobility aid sticks are allowed, provided they have protective rubber tips.