Guide to Machu Picchu
- How to Get to Machu Picchu: A Complete Guide
- How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets
- Planning Your Machu Picchu Visit: What to Know Before You Go
- Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu & Altitude Sickness: Symptoms, Tips, and How to Prevent It
- Our Journey to Machu Picchu: Exploring Peru’s Wonder of the World
- Paddington in Peru
- FAQ – Machu Picchu: Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get to Machu Picchu: A Complete Guide
Machu Picchu is the ultimate highlight for most people traveling to Peru (definitely for us too!) – it is the milestone around which we plan the rest of the itinerary. So how do you properly plan your Machu Picchu travel logistics to ensure everything goes smoothly and stress-free? In this post, we will show you step by step how to get there and what to look out for.
When visiting Machu Picchu, it is best to book accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) – a small town located right below the famous ruins.
Aguas Calientes has pretty good infrastructure and essentially exists because of Machu Picchu. Interestingly, you cannot get here by car or bus – this is a deliberate measure designed to limit the number of tourists reaching the famous ruins.
How to get to Aguas Calientes?
The only way to get to Aguas Calientes is by train – from Ollantaytambo or slightly further away, from Cusco.
The journey is operated by two railway companies:- Peru Rail: buy Peru Rail train tickets
- Inca Rail: buy Inca Rail train tickets
Both companies use the same tracks and arrive at exactly the same destination, so the choice mostly comes down to price, schedule, and travel class. Both providers offer various ticket options – it is worth checking which one best fits your budget.
Important – when boarding the train, you may be asked to show your passport, so make sure to keep it handy at all times.
The train ride from Ollantaytambo takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and follows a very scenic route along the Urubamba River Valley.
We traveled from Ollantaytambo ourselves, and throughout the whole journey, we breathlessly watched the changing landscapes and vegetation – it truly sets an amazing vibe.
Alternative: trekking to Aguas Calientes
An alternative way to get there, if you have more time or are up for some trekking, is traveling by road to Santa Teresa (the road ends at the hydroelectric plant – Hydroelectrica), and then walking along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
This walk takes about 3 hours and is quite popular among budget travelers.
From Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance gates, you can:
hike up on foot (about a 2-hour uphill climb)
or take a bus.
How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
If you decide to take the bus from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu entrance gates, you have a few options for buying a ticket:
- through the official website: buy Machu Picchu bus tickets
- through a travel agency or broker,
- on-site, at the ticket office.
Buying your ticket online allows you to skip the ticket office line, but not the line for the bus itself. During the peak season, when we visited Machu Picchu, we waited over an hour to board the bus. The good news is that there are plenty of buses and they run very frequently, but the number of visitors is just as high.
It is worth keeping this in mind and planning your departure accordingly, taking into account the Machu Picchu entry time indicated on your ticket.
The bus ride itself takes about 25–30 minutes.
How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets
Machu Picchu entrance ticket can be purchased through the
official website: buy Machu Picchu tickets
You can also try buying through travel agencies or brokers, but expect a higher price.
Importantly – when buying a ticket, you must immediately choose a specific tour circuit and an entry time. The routes are strictly monitored and there is no option to freely switch between them without the appropriate ticket.
Available paths to Machu Picchu
- Circuito 1 – Panorámico A highly scenic route focusing on panoramic views, with less walking through the actual ruins.
- Circuito 2 – Clásico The best and most classic circuit – offers a comprehensive tour of the citadel plus the iconic viewpoints.
- Circuito 3 – Realeza Explores the lower-level ruins, featuring fewer panoramic viewpoints.
Additional climbs: which mountain to choose?
- Huayna Picchu – our choice This is the iconic, steep mountain seen in the classic photos, towering over the ruins – in our opinion, the absolute best addition to your visit.
- Machu Picchu Mountain Higher but less steep, located on the opposite side of the citadel.
Planning Your Machu Picchu Visit: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a visit to Machu Picchu is one of the most crucial steps of your entire trip to Peru. Especially during the high season (May–September), ticket availability is very limited, and securing them is often the biggest logistical challenge.
If you are planning to visit during this time, booking Machu Picchu tickets several weeks in advance is highly recommended.
You should definitely secure your entrance ticket first, and only then plan your:
- transport to Aguas Calientes
- accommodation
- the rest of your travel logistics.
Buying a ticket on-site is practically impossible!
Machu Picchu – important information before entering
Before entering the complex, it is important to keep in mind a few key rules:
- you must have your passport with you (it is checked at the entrance)
- the details on your ticket must match your passport
- your ticket is valid for a specific time slot (e.g., 8:00–9:00 AM).
If you do not show up on time – you will not be allowed in! Therefore, plan your arrival well in advance.
Are there restrooms and food at Machu Picchu?
- use the restrooms before entering (located at the main gates),
- bring your own water,
- pack small snacks for the trail.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the dry season, which lasts from May to September. This is when you can expect the most sunny days, little rain, and truly beautiful views.
Keep in mind, however, that even during this period there can be more unpredictable days when clouds completely obscure the view of Machu Picchu. Therefore, it is worth planning your stay with some buffer time – often, waiting just a few hours is enough for the clouds to clear and the sun to come out.
It is worth remembering that entry to Machu Picchu is for a specific time indicated on your ticket. Your time inside the ruins is not as strictly limited, but you must follow a designated one-way circuit – without backtracking or switching between routes.
This has its advantages – despite the large number of tourists, the foot traffic is smooth and well-organized, so even during busy periods, you can take photos without huge crowds in the frame.
The dry season also means peak tourist traffic and higher prices. The high season at Machu Picchu runs from June to August.
If you plan your trip from October to April, you can still get good weather, but this is the rainy season – a time with more rainfall and fog, which can significantly reduce visibility.
Machu Picchu & Altitude Sickness: Symptoms, Tips, and How to Prevent It
Altitude sickness in Peru is a topic that will sooner or later come up when planning a visit to Machu Picchu and Cusco.
If Machu Picchu is one of the first stops on your trip, and you fly directly from Lima to Cusco (3,400 m a.s.l.), there is a high risk that you will experience altitude-related symptoms.
Symptoms of altitude sickness – what to watch out for?
Your body needs time to acclimate, so it is best to take it easy and avoid planning intense sightseeing immediately after arrival.
How to Deal with Altitude Sickness in Peru?
From our own experience, we know that proper and regular hydration helps a lot. Local herbal infusions are also popular in Peru – especially coca leaf tea, used since the times of the Incas as a natural support for acclimatization. It is a simple and easily accessible method that can truly make a difference.
For more severe symptoms, you can consider pharmacological support, but it is always worth approaching this sensibly and – ideally – consulting a doctor beforehand.
How to Plan Your Machu Picchu Itinerary to Avoid Altitude Sickness?
In our case, Machu Picchu was a later stage of our trip. Previously, we visited places located at much higher elevations – such as the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca – which allowed our bodies to get used to the altitude. Because of this, altitude sickness was practically unnoticeable for us.
So, if you have the flexibility to plan your own Peru itinerary and care about your comfort, it is worth considering this exact sightseeing sequence – start at higher altitudes, and leave Cusco and Machu Picchu for later. It is a minor adjustment to your plan that can significantly impact your well-being during the entire journey.
Our Journey to Machu Picchu: Exploring Peru’s Wonder of the World
Machu Picchu is the legendary Inca city that was never discovered by the Spanish during their rule in Peru. It owes its aura of mystery to its unique location – high in the Andes, far from civilization. This is exactly where travelers from all over the world head when visiting Peru. Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2,430 meters (7,972 ft) above sea level.
This place has been recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, thanks to its breathtaking location and perfectly preserved Inca architecture.
How to Get to Machu Picchu: Our Route
We reached Machu Picchu by:
- taking a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes,
- staying overnight in Aguas Calientes,
- taking a morning bus up to the ruins’ entrance gate.
We traveled with the Peru Rail train company. It was an attraction in itself – the panoramic windows and glass roof allow you to admire the spectacular views of the Andes and lush vegetation throughout the entire route.
On board, we received snacks and drinks, but the biggest highlight was the last carriage featuring an observation deck. There was a small party with local music, and even a character dressed in a traditional costume appeared, adding a unique and vibrant atmosphere to the journey.
Visiting Machu Picchu – first impressions
The excitement before entering Machu Picchu was huge – after all, it is a world-renowned destination. Once inside the complex, we were definitely not disappointed.
Thanks to the ticket system for specific routes (Machu Picchu circuits), the trails are very well-organized. Guided tour groups have plenty of space for peaceful sightseeing and taking photos without the crowds.
It had rained the day before, and during our entry, clouds were hovering over the ruins and mountains. Because of this, we avoided the intense heat, and the views gained an incredible, mysterious atmosphere.
Huayna Picchu – is it worth the climb?
Our ticket included:
- Circuit 3 (entry at 8:00 AM)
- the hike up Huayna Picchu.
This is the iconic mountain visible in most photos of Machu Picchu. We started our Huayna Picchu climb at 9:00 AM. Upon entering the trail, we had to show our tickets again and sign a hikers’ logbook.
There weren’t many tourists on the path yet, which allowed us to truly feel the wildness of nature. The trail is steep but well-secured – in some places, there are metal cables to assist with the climb.
Towards the end, the Inca trail becomes very narrow, and one-way traffic is strictly enforced. In some spots, you even have to climb on all fours!
The view from the summit? Absolutely spectacular. From above, Machu Picchu looks like a miniature city, and we were standing about 300 meters (1,000 ft) higher.
At the top, you will also find remnants of Inca structures and a viewpoint resembling a throne – where travelers often queue up to take that perfect, iconic photo.
Return from Machu Picchu
After descending from Huayna Picchu, we returned to the main complex. At the exit, we had to sign out of the visitors’ logbook. We had the opportunity to look at Machu Picchu from yet another perspective.
After finishing our tour, we joined the bus queue and returned to Aguas Calientes.
Paddington in Peru
In Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, you can take a picture with Paddington Bear – the beloved character known from the movie “Paddington in Peru”. Few people know that according to the original story, Peru is the actual homeland of the famous bear.
We also took advantage of this cute attraction and snapped some souvenir photos before taking the train back to Ollantaytambo. It is a fun, quick stop and a really nice touch to wrap up your visit to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
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F.A.Q.
Machu Picchu – frequently asked questions
You cannot drive directly to Machu Picchu. First, you need to reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) – usually by train from Ollantaytambo or Cusco. From Aguas Calientes, you can either hike or take a bus up to the ruins.
No – there are no roads for cars or buses leading to Aguas Calientes. This is a deliberate restriction on tourist traffic. The only standard options are taking a train or trekking.
The journey from Ollantaytambo takes about 1.5–2 hours and follows a scenic route along the Urubamba River.
Yes – you can travel to Hydroelectrica (Santa Teresa) and then walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. The walk takes about 3 hours and is popular among budget travelers.
You have two options:
hiking up (approx. 2 hours uphill)
taking a bus (approx. 25–30 minutes)
It is not mandatory, but buying it online allows you to skip the ticket office line (though not the line for the bus itself). In the high season, you should expect long waiting times.
It is best to buy them on the official Peruvian government website. You can also buy them through travel agencies, but it is usually more expensive.
Practically no – especially during the high season, tickets are sold out well in advance.
There are three main circuits available:
Circuit 1 – panoramic (views)
Circuit 2 – classic (the most comprehensive tour)
Circuit 3 – lower parts of the ruins
Yes – it is one of the most interesting attractions. The views from the top are spectacular, but the trail is steep and demanding.
The best time is during the dry season (May–September) when there is the most sun and least rain. However, you have to expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Not entirely – even in the dry season, clouds and fog can appear. It is worth planning some buffer time.
Yes – a passport is mandatory and must match the details on your ticket.
No – your ticket is valid for a specific time slot. If you are late, you will not be allowed to enter.
No – there are no food facilities or toilets inside the ruins. They are only located at the entrance.
water
snacks
documents
rain jacket
It can be – especially after flying directly into Cusco. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
give yourself time to acclimatize
drink plenty of water
consider drinking coca leaf tea
do not plan intense sightseeing immediately after arrival
In the high season, yes, but thanks to the circuit system, tourist traffic is well organized, so it doesn’t feel overwhelmingly crowded.
Usually 2–4 hours, depending on the chosen circuit and additional attractions (e.g., hiking Huayna Picchu).