As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this famous archaeological site is a must-visit for many travelers to Peru. You must enter with an official tour guide, and group sizes are capped at 16 people. Entry is permitted in hour-specific time slots and is limited to 4 hours.
If you’re short on time, you can visit the ancient ruins on a day trip by train from Cusco. However, the 4-day trek along the legendary Inca Trail is another popular option. Some multi-day tour options also visit other regional highlights, such as Lake Titicaca and the Amazon rainforest.
Machu Picchu tickets sell out early, especially in the Peruvian winter (May to September). Book well ahead of time.
All travelers must visit with a licensed guide and organized tours make it easy to visit this popular destination.
Selfie sticks, tripods, and strollers are not allowed at Machu Picchu. Security check bags at the gate.
Hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain for fantastic views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River Valley.
Expect a full-day tour from Cusco to last upwards of 13 hours.
Machu Picchu is not wheelchair accessible.
The quickest way to Machu Picchu is by rail (train tickets are available through PeruRail or IncaRail) from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, it’s a short bus ride or steep hike to the Machu Picchu site.
For some, hiking the Inca Trail is as much a part of the Machu Picchu experience as the ruins themselves. This busy trail isn't the only trekking route. Others such as the Salkantay trek or Lares route provide off-the-beaten-path alternatives
In high season between late May and early September, the Lost City of the Inca allows a maximum of 2,500 people to visit each day. June, July, and August are the busiest and driest months at Machu Picchu. January is the wettest and February sees the closure of the Inca Trail. Spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
If your dream Machu Picchu experience includes hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley, book well ahead of time. The number of hikers is limited to 500 per day (including guides and porters), and spots do sell out.
This difficult trail requires a fair amount of physical fitness, particularly given the high altitude in the Andes mountains. Give yourself at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize, and buy some coca leaves to help with any altitude sickness. Pick up a pair of walking sticks too—you'll be glad you did.
