11 Things You Need to Know About Visiting Machu Picchu

As I climbed the final hill to the lookout over the magnificent Machu Picchu, it no longer mattered that I had a 4 am wakeup call.  Or that I had drank too much wine the night before.  Or that clouds obstructed my views of Machu Picchu – a place that has gained recognition for being part of the New 7 Wonders of the World.  All that mattered was the way I felt.  Like I was in the midst of history, feeling it and witnessing it firsthand.  Chills ran down my spine as I pictured the powerful Incas living here – in the mountains – creating homes and temples out of rock.

If you’re reading this, you already know the significance of Machu Picchu (and I hope that means you’re planning a visit!).  Words don’t do this place justice, it’s somewhere that you truly need to see and experience on your own.  Here are 11 things you need to know about visiting Machu Picchu so that you can have a seamless journey.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Peru, don’t miss…

• Everything You Need to Know About Planning a Trip to Peru
• The Ultimate Peru Packing List

 

1.  History of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, an iconic symbol of the Incan Empire, sits majestically atop a mountain ridge in the Andes of Peru, 7,900+ feet (2,430 meters) above sea level.  Built in the mid-15th century during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti, this awe-inspiring citadel was a royal estate, combining agricultural terraces, plazas, residential areas, and sacred temples.  Although it was abandoned just over a century later during the Spanish conquest, Machu Picchu remained largely hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911.  This stunning archaeological site, often shrouded in mist and mystery, showcases the Incas’ masterful stone masonry and deep understanding of astronomy and agriculture.  Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, drawing visitors from all over the world to witness its ancient splendor and breathtaking natural setting.

 

2.  How to Get to Machu Picchu (by Train)

The easiest and fastest way to get to Machu Picchu is traveling by train from Cusco.  There are 2 train operators to choose from – Perurail and Inca Rail.  Both train operators have stations in Cusco (Poroy, San Pedro, Wanchaq), Ollantaytambo (in the Sacred Valley), and Aguas Calientes (the town outside of Machu Picchu).  Depending on where you leave from, the journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes takes around 3-5 hours by train.

To book tickets, you can book from 12Go or Bookaway.  I would suggest booking tickets at least a month in advance to make sure that you get a seat on the train.

Lastly, because there are different stations – it can feel overwhelming to decide which station to leave from/arrive to.  In my experience, it’s easiest to depart and arrive to Poroy, which is about 20 minutes outside of Cusco.

 

If you’re interested in taking the luxury train, it’s called Hiram Bingham, a Belmond train

 

BOOK YOUR TRAIN TICKET TO MACHU PICCHU HERE!

 

3.  Should You Trek to Machu Picchu?

An alternative way to visit Machu Picchu is the famous 4-day Inca trail hike.  During these four days you’re walking 26-miles at an elevation of 13,800+ feet (4,200+ meters) from Kilometer 82 to Machu Picchu.  (Kilometer 82 is located 82 km from Cusco).  Please note, there are other treks that are shorter (2 days), but the classic trek is 4-days.  There are also other treks that get you to Machu Picchu that aren’t on the Inca trail.  Below I’ll list a variety of tours from private to group tours!

Another thing to keep in mind is that only 500 people are allowed to access the trail daily.  This is to protect the Inca trail from overuse and erosion.  Of the 500 people, about 200 are tourists and 300 are porters.  So if you’re considering trekking to Machu Picchu, you’ll want to secure a spot well in advance and book with a reputable company.

Here are a variety of tours I recommend for trekking to Machu Picchu…

• Machu Picchu 4-Day Inca Trail Trek & Panoramic Train
• Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
• 2-Day Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Small Group)
• Private Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 1 Day
• Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Inca Quarry Trail Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Lares Valley Trek with Hot Spring 4 Days, 3 Nights
• Classic Salkantay Trek 4-Day

 

I always recommend travel insurance when traveling abroad but especially when participating in an activity such as trekking.  Read more about why you need travel insurance here!

 

BOOK A TREK TO MACHU PICCHU HERE OR HERE!

 

4.  How Much Does it Cost to Visit Machu Picchu?

A ticket to Machu Picchu alone costs around $43.  This does not include a guide, the bus to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, arriving to Aguas Calientes, etc.  Keep in mind you’ll need to pay for the train ticket (or trek) from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.  Depending on when your entrance time is and when you arrive to Aguas Calientes, you might need a hotel room.  You might want to hire a guide.  You’ll have to pay for food and drink.  When you consider all of these costs, visiting Machu Picchu ends up being quite expensive.  I would recommend budgeting at least $400 for this experience.  (I spent over $1,000 visiting Machu Picchu).

• Purchase your Machu Picchu ticket here
• Purchase your bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu here
• Combine your purchase here – entrance + bus ticket

Lastly, I highly recommend booking tickets to Machu Picchu a few months in advance.  As of 2024, 4,500 tickets are sold per day.  Once these tickets are sold, no other visitors are allowed to enter.  You need to plan well in advance to visit Machu Picchu.

 

If you plan to hire a guide for Machu Picchu, the entrance ticket and bus ticket might be included – make sure to check this before purchasing!

 

PURCHASE YOUR ENTRANCE TICKET TO MACHU PICCHU HERE!

 

5.  Should You Hire a Guide for Machu Picchu?

I would absolutely suggest hiring a guide to visit Machu Picchu.  For starters, a guide is trained in Inca history so you’re able to learn so much about the Incas’ and Machu Picchu that you wouldn’t otherwise learn on your own.  Secondly, a guide will help you get from your hotel to the bus, which can be a bit confusing at times.  And lastly, when you hire a guide you’re able to cut everyone in line who does not have a guide – which felt like a win in itself.

Here are some guided tours I’d recommend…

• Machu Picchu Private Guided Tour from Aguas Calientes – this is the guide I booked and I would highly recommend!
  • Bus ticket to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes included
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu included
• Machu Picchu Private Archeological and Historical Guided Tour
  • Bus ticket to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes not included
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu not included
• Private Guide for Machu Picchu
  • Bus ticket to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes not included
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu not included

 

BOOK YOUR GUIDE TO MACHU PICCHU HERE!

 

6.  Where to Stay in Machu Picchu

When you visit Machu Picchu you’ll stay in the town of Aguas Calientes.  (There is one hotel in Machu Picchu that has rooms overlooking the ruins, but it’s quite expensive).  I decided to splurge and went for the 5-star hotel – Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel – and would highly recommend it.  The property was beautiful, the rooms were comfortable, and the food was great!

Other hotels in Aguas Calientes that I would recommend include…

• Casa del Sol Machupicchu
• Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel
• Gringo Bill’s Boutique Hotel

 

BOOK YOUR HOTEL IN AGUAS CALIENTES HERE!

 

7.  How Much Time Do You Need for Machu Picchu?

You don’t need much time in Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes.  In fact, you can take the train from Cusco, visit Machu Picchu, and train back to Cusco in one day – you don’t even need to spend the night.  However, I would recommend spending the night mainly because I suggest visiting Machu Picchu as early as possible – around 6 am.

In my experience, I took a train to Aguas Calientes (arriving at 4 pm), spent the night, visited Machu Picchu at 6 am (the next day), and took the train back to Cusco at 3 pm.  This was only a one-night stay and it was plenty of time.

 

8.  What to Wear to Machu Picchu

When deciding what to pack, the main thing to keep in mind is what time are you slotted to visit Machu Picchu?  The mornings can be chilly and the afternoons warm, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.  If you’re arriving by bus, the main thing I’d bring is water, comfortable shoes, and a jacket.  If you’re trekking or doing a multi-day tour, here are some things I’d recommend bringing…

• Liquid IV to keep hydrated
• Reusable water bottle to keep water cold
• Hiking boots
• Biker shorts
• Sweat resistant top
• Light jacket

 

 

9.  Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

10.  Choosing a Circuit in Machu Picchu

Another thing you need to decide when planning your trip to Machu Picchu is what circuit you want to do.  As of 2024, there are 3 circuits and 10 routes to choose from with routes 3-10 costing extra.  (The language around this is a bit confusing – you’ll notice that there are 3 circuits but within those 3 circuits, there are 10 different routes to choose from).

The most important thing to know that the main two circuits to choose from are 1 and 2 – with 2 being much better and more involved.  In circuit 1 you’re not able to enter the “city” of Machu Picchu – only view it from above.  On circuit 2 you have great viewpoints and you’re able to walk through the historic city.

 

11.  How to Acclimate to Altitude

Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of approximately 7,970 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level.  In order to acclimate, here are a few simple tips…

First, take it slow and give your body time to adjust by spending a couple of days in Cusco before heading to the ruins.  Cusco is higher than Machu Picchu (11,000+ feet above sea level) so if you’re able to give yourself a couple of days to acclimate there, you’ll have an easier time in Machu Picchu.  Second – hydration is key, so drink plenty of water and consider sipping on coca tea, a local favorite for altitude relief.  Third, make sure to avoid heavy meals and alcohol before visiting.  And lastly, listen to your body – if you need to rest, do so.

 

Peru Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Peru

 

Machu Picchu is truly spectacular, a place that’s hard to put into words.  I hope that this guide not only helps you while visiting Machu Picchu, but inspires your travels further through Peru.  If you have any questions about Machu Picchu or Peru in general, let me know in a comment below!

 

For more on traveling through Peru, don’t miss…

• How to Spend 2 Days in Cusco
• How to Spend 1 Day in Arequipa, Peru
• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Colca Canyon in Peru
• Is Lima Worth Visiting?  A Complete Lima Travel Guide!

 

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For more information on things to see and do in Peru, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinperu” or under my highlights for “Peru”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Peru” highlight

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