Machu Picchu is seriously one of those places that just hits different. Not many spots in the world mix mind-blowing nature with such cool history. When you see those stone buildings and endless farming steps (terraces) against the super green mountains, it’s just wow. Doesn’t matter if it’s morning, afternoon, raining, or sunny, crowded or not – the view is always incredible. People often gasp “¡Qué chévere!” (How cool!) the first time they see it.
Weather onMachu Picchu
Machu Picchu has two seasons: rainy season and a dry season
- Dry Season: April to October (Winter down here)
- Rainy Season: November to March (Summer down here)
But honestly? It can rain anytime. Locals might tell you, “You gotta pack for everything, causa!” (Causa is like saying ‘mate’ or ‘buddy’). So even in the “dry” season, maybe stick a light rain jacket in your bag.
Best Time to Go
Most folks swarm Machu Picchu in June, July, and August. This lines up with the dry season, so you have the best shot at sunny days. Because it’s peak time, expect big crowds – locals would say “está full” (it’s packed). If you come then, you absolutely have to book your entry tickets, train tickets, and hotels way, way ahead of time.
Story of Machu Picchu
Experts think the Inca started building Machu Picchu around 1450 AD, when their empire was at its peak. Most reckon it was a royal retreat for the big Inca king, Pachacutec. Others guess it might have been a super important religious or political center. Truth is, nobody’s 100% sure why they built it way up here, which adds to the mystery.
How to get Machu Picchu
To Machu Picchu there are no roads connecting Cusco or the Sacred Valley directly to Aguas Calientes; have two options take a train or hike your way there.
By Train
This is what most people do because it’s faster and more comfortable. PeruRail is the main company, offering different service levels – like the Vistadome (popular), Expedition (bit more basic), and the super fancy Hiram Bingham train. They run several times a day.
You can board the train from:
- Poroy Station (About a 20-min taxi ride from plaza)
- Ollantaytambo Station in the Sacred Valley
The train ride itself is scenic.
- From Cusco (Poroy) to Aguas Calientes tour last about 4 hours
- From Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes tour last about 2 hours
Bus Up to the Ruins
From Aguas Calientes town is about a 20-minute bus ride up a steep winding road (lots of switchbacks!) to the main entrance of Machu Picchu.
You need a separate ticket for this bus. Sometimes it’s included in tour packages, otherwise, you can buy them in Cusco beforehand or right in Aguas Calientes near the bus stop.
Buses start running at 5:30 am, getting the first people up there just before the gates open at 6:00 am. Be warned: the lines for the bus can get really long, especially between 5:30 am – 6:15 am (for sunrise seekers) and again between 9:00 am – 10:00 am when the trains from Cusco/Ollantaytambo arrive.
Popular Treks:
- Classic Inca Trail (4 days): The most famous trek in South America. You hike on original Inca paths, see other cool ruins, and enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. You MUST book permits months (sometimes 6+ months) in advance as they sell out fast.
- Short Inca Trail (2 days): A quicker version if you’re short on time or want something less intense. Still needs a permit, book ahead!
- Salkantay Trek (usually 5 days): Great alternative if Inca Trail permits are gone. Focuses more on stunning mountain scenery, passing the massive Salkantay peak. Doesn’t usually require the same type of permit, but book with a tour company well in advance.
- Lares Trek (usually 4 days): Another good alternative, focusing more on cultural experiences. You walk through remote Andean villages, see beautiful landscapes, and then visit Machu Picchu on the last day. Also doesn’t typically require a permit like the Inca Trail, book through a tour operator.
Machu Picchu Rules & Tickets
To visit Machu Picchu they limit the number of visitors per day and tickets often sell out, especially during the peak season (June to August mont).
There are different ticket types:
- General Entry: Just gets you into the main citadel area.
- Entry + Huayna Picchu hike: Includes general entry plus the permit to climb Huayna Picchu mountain (that iconic peak behind the ruins). Only 400 spots per day, sells out super fast.
- Entry + Machu Picchu Mountain hike: Includes general entry plus the permit to climb the other mountain facing the ruins. Also limited spots (400/day), sells out quickly.
Book these tickets online through the official government website or a reputable tour agency months in advance if possible.
You cannot buy tickets at the main entrance gate of Machu Picchu. If you waited till the last minute, your only hope is the official ticket office (Ministry of Culture) on the main square in Aguas Calientes, but don’t count on availability.
Your ticket will have a specific entry time (e.g., 8:00 am). You have a one-hour window starting from that time to enter (so, 8:00 am to 9:00 am for an 8:00 am ticket). Get to the bus stop in Aguas Calientes at least an hour before your entry time to be safe.
Once inside, your time is limited:
- General ticket: Max 4 hours inside.
- Ticket with Huayna Picchu: Max 6 hours total (for ruins + hike).
- Ticket with Machu Picchu Mountain: Max 7 hours total (it’s a longer hike).
There are also set walking circuits (routes) you have to follow inside to help manage the flow of people and protect the site. Maps usually show these routes (often color-coded).
Ask at the entrance if they can stamp your passport with a cool Machu Picchu stamp.
Packing list for Machu Picchu
- Passport & Ticket: Absolutely essential.
- Small Backpack: Large bags/luggage aren’t allowed into Machu Picchu.
- Water: Bring a reusable bottle
- Layers of Clothing:
- Sun Protection: Bring sunglasses with high SPF sunscreen and a hat.
- Rain Gear: Especially Nov-March but good anytime.
- Comfortable Shoes
- Camera
- Hiking Poles: Allowed ONLY if they have rubber tips on the bottom
- Cash (Soles): For the bathroom
What to Leave Behind
Don’t bring these things inside the ruins:
- Camera tripods, selfie sticks, or drones (big no-no!).
- Large backpacks or luggage (over 40x35x20 cm). There are storage lockers near the entrance if needed (for a fee).
- Alcohol.
- Food (snacks are generally okay, but not full meals/picnics).
- Baby strollers (not practical with all the stairs; use a baby carrier backpack instead).
- Hiking poles with sharp metal tips.
Staying Safe
Machu Picchu pueblo is generally safe and crime inside Machu Picchu itself is almost unheard of. However be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing can happen, especially in busy areas like the train station or bus lines.
Money Matters
The prices in Aguas Calientes to be higher than elsewhere in Peru (for food, water, souvenirs, etc.). It’s a tourist town, and everything has to be shipped in by train. Budget accordingly.
There are NO ATMs up at the Machu Picchu ruins. Get cash in Aguas Calientes or before you arrive.
Language
In Aguas Calientes you’ll find plenty of people who speak English, especially those working in tourism. Guides offer tours in many languages. However, knowing a few basic Spanish phrases is always appreciated!
- Hola (Hello)
- Gracias (Thank you)
- Por favor (Please)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)
- Baño (Bathroom)
What to See Inside
Machu Picchu is huge! Over 170 buildings, 600+ terraces, thousands of steps… Here are some highlights:
- Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The original main entrance for those arriving via the Inca Trail.
- Huayna Picchu: That dramatic pointy peak you see in most photos behind the main ruins (summit approx. 8,920 ft / 2,720 m).
- Machu Picchu Mountain: The other, larger mountain that rises opposite Huayna Picchu (summit approx. 10,100 ft / 3,080 m).
- Temple of the Sun: The only round building in Machu Picchu.
- Intihuatana Stone: A large, carved ritual stone perched high up. Its name means “hitching post of the sun” in Quechua.
- Sacred Rock: A massive, flat stone carved to mimic the shape of the mountain behind it (Yanantin).
Where to Stay in Machu Picchu
There’s only one hotel right next to the Machu Picchu entrance; the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. It’s super convenient but also very expensive.
Almost everyone else stays down in Aguas Calientes town, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation, from budget hostels (hostel and lodges) and guesthouses to mid-range and more upscale hotels. Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes is highly recommended. It allows you to visit Machu Picchu early before the main crowds arrive from Cusco, or even visit on two consecutive days (if you buy tickets for both days), making the whole experience less rushed and more enjoyable.
Where to Eat
Options for eating right at the Machu Picchu entrance are limited and pricey:
- Machu Picchu Snack Bar: Just outside the gate for drinks, sandwiches, etc.
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Buffet: Offers a buffet lunch, also outside the main gate (expensive).
- Bring Your Own: You can take a pre-made box lunch (often provided by hotels if arranged) or snacks.
Down in Aguas Calientes, you have way more restaurant choices, ranging from cheap local eats (menús) to pizzerias and nicer restaurants serving Peruvian and international food. It’s a good place to try classics like Lomo Saltado
FAQs About Machu Picchu
Where is Machu Picchu?
Southern Peru, high in the Andes where they meet the Amazon jungle, northwest of Cusco.
Best time to go?
Depends! June-Aug = dry, sunny, but crowded (book way ahead). Dec-Feb = rainy, fewer crowds. Shoulder seasons (Apr-May, Sep-Oct) can be a good mix.
How is the altitude in Machu Picchu?
- The main ruins Machu Picchuare at 7,970 ft (2,430 masl).
- Huayna Picchu summit is 8,920 ft (2,720 masl)
- Machu Picchu Mountain summit is 10,100 ft (3,080 masl).
Can I get altitude sickness?
Yes it’s possible, take it easy your first day, drink lots of water, avoid heavy meals/alcohol. Many people feel fine or just have mild symptoms (headache, shortness of breath).
How much time do I need?
You can do it as a long day trip from Cusco/Ollantaytambo (maybe 4 hours inside). But staying overnight in Aguas Calientes is better. It lets you visit more relaxed, maybe do a hike, or go early/late to avoid peak crowds. Two days is great, especially in rainy season just in case one day has bad weather.
Do I need a guide?
Officially, rules sometimes say yes, but in practice, you can often enter and walk around on your own. However, having a guide makes the visit WAY better! They explain the history, point out details you’d miss, and bring the place to life. Highly recommended, even for just a couple of hours. You can hire official guides near the entrance.
When was it ‘discovered’?
While locals always knew, American Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911.
How many tourists visit?
Before 2020, it was over 1.5 million per year. Now, daily entry is capped (around 4,000-5,000 depending on current rules, including hike permits) to protect the site. Book tickets early!
Where are the bathrooms?
ONLY outside the main entrance gate. Costs about 2 Soles to use (usually includes toilet paper). There are NO bathrooms inside the ruins, so go before you enter!
Can I stay overnight AT Machu Picchu?
Only at the very expensive Belmond Sanctuary Lodge right by the gate. Everyone else stays down in Aguas Calientes town.
What else is there to do in Aguas Calientes?
Besides being the base for Machu Picchu, you can: soak in the town’s hot springs (aguas calientes means hot waters), visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón museum (about Machu Picchu history), shop at the artisan market near the train station, or just relax with a Pisco Sour and soak in the atmosphere. There are also some short walks nearby, like to the Mandor waterfalls.