Visit the wonder of the world Machu Picchu: the best tips to make your visit unforgettable!
A visit to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru is the absolute highlight for many travelers! No wonder the tickets are in great demand. Over 1.5 million visit Machu Picchu every year! This means an average of around 2,500 tourists per day.
In the past, there were even more! For this reason, the Peruvian government had to limit the number in order to protect and preserve the site for future generations. And that's good.
Therefore, there are many new rules that you should read carefully here!
Unfortunately, there are still far too many tourists at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Worse still, many don't follow the rules. So I very much welcome the changes made by the Peruvian government to limit and regulate the flow even further.
Now you will know exactly what you have to consider.
If you want to visit the modern wonder of the world and you don't want to be disappointed, read on. Because I know from experience that everyone has high expectations of special places like Machu Picchu.
We'll tell you a few tips & tricks for the visit so that your visit will be terrific.
Were you disappointed? No way, if you read on you will find that the best time to visit is NOT at sunrise. Then there are long queues and the Inca site is hidden under a thick layer of clouds.
After reading the article you will know:
- What's waiting for you
- When is the best time of day to visit (and which months are ideal)
- Where you buy tickets and most importantly: For what time and what options are there
- How much a ticket costs
- Where to stay in Aguas Calientes
- What tours are there?
- What treks other than the Inca Trail and here and much more
Corona update 2020 - Information and innovations for tickets and visits
Since the protection of Machu Picchu is finally being recognized by the Peruvian authorities, regulations and time windows are constantly changing. Today, two-time windows were introduced, a third in 2019. Since March 2020 and Corona, you have to specify an even more precise time (hourly) when booking online.
Since it's getting confusing, here are all the changes and updates in brief:
Visiting Machu Picchu on your own is no longer possible*. A guide will be assigned to you at the entrance if you are not booking Machu Picchu as part of a tour. If you are doing the alternative hike or the Inca Trail tours, your guide will present all documents and tickets, don´t worry. Without a guide you can only climb the Huayna Picchu, you don't need a guide for this.
You have to follow a fixed route. Unfortunately, you can no longer walk around the ruins on your own.
You have to follow a fixed route as part of the tour.
The fixed time window of 4 hours. No matter which time slot you choose.
Important since 2019: Always carry your passport with you, because your ticket contains your passport number. Without him > no comparison > no access.
During the coronavirus, the Peruvian government created safety protocols for Machu Picchu. With the Machu Picchu tickets, the number of visitors is reduced to 1000 per day (the information per ticket category below is therefore currently not correct).
For Machu Picchu tours, the size of the groups has been minimized to 4 travelers + 1 guide. You can't get in without a guide anyway.
*There is one exception: you no longer need to book a tour guide if you have already done the guided tour the day before. To do this, you must show the ticket from the previous day and state the name of the tour guide.
Machu Picchu Tickets 2022
There are 4 circuits for the Machu Picchu tickets 2022, below are the 4 that are currently available for booking.
Machu Picchu Ticket circuit # 1 - 2
Price: S/152
Available: 3000 tickets
What is included?
Visit to Machu Picchu.
House of the guardian.
Temple of the moon.
Inti Watana.
Not included
Intipunku.
Bridge of the Inka.
House of the Inca.
Huayna Picchu.
Machu Picchu Mountain.
Huchuy Picchu.
Schedules
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Huayna Picchu Ticket + Circuit # 4
Price: S/200
Available: 200 tickets
What is included?
Visit to Huayna Picchu.
Passing through the middle of Machu Picchu square.
Return through the lower part of Machu Picchu.
Not included
Huchuy Picchu.
Visit to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Mountain.
Schedules
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
12:00 PM – 13:00 PM
Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit # 3
Price: S/200
Available: 400 tickets
What is included?
Visit to Machu Picchu Mountain.
Re-enter to Machu Picchu
Not included
Inti Punku.
Inca Bridge.
Visit to Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu.
Huchuy Picchu.
Schedules
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Huchuy Picchu Mountain + Circuit # 3
Price: S/152
Available: 200 tickets
What is included?
Visit to Huchuy Picchu Mountain (which is the small mountain in front of Huayna Picchu).
Return through the lower part of Machu Picchu.
Not included
Inti Punku.
Inca Bridge.
Visit to Machu Picchu.
Huayna Picchu.
Machu Picchu Mountain.
Schedules
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Best travel time to Visit Machu Picchu
You can visit this highlight in Peru all year round. However, the dry season (Peruvian winter) between May and September is ideal. From October to April is the rainy season. It rains the most in February when the Inca Trail is also closed.
Note, however, that the weather in the Andes can change at any time. Always take a poncho or a rain jacket with you to literally not stand in the rain.
Our favorite months are in the low season
If you had to decide, we recommend choosing September, October, April, or May. All of these four months are off-season. June, July, and August are high tourist seasons.
Usually, you will have snow in the Rainbow Mountains and briefly on the Lares Trek or Salkantay Trek at over 3,000 meters.
The weather in the high Andes is always difficult to predict. The location at 2,430 m between high peaks, deep valleys, and mountain rainforest, you have to reckon with everything. Within a day - even a few minutes - the weather can change.
Best time of day to visit Machu Picchu
We don't know why, but there is a rumor that persists: sunrise is the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Honestly, that's the biggest bullshit.
Because more than 90% of all days of the year, you have fog at sunrise. You don't see anything at all. Of course, the sunrise is the most beautiful for photos. But you get these photos with sun, fog, and ruins from around 10 a.m. (empirical values).
we recommend your time slot is the last option of the day: the last 4 hours when many are sitting on the train back to Ollantaytambo or relaxing in the hotel.
However, you can only get to the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountains in the morning.
What was even better:
Note Corona update: Since Corona, you have to specify your time window even more precisely. In order to avoid a traffic jam at the entrance, there are hourly appointments for a certain contingent.
How to buy tickets for Machu Picchu 2022
There are several options for tickets to Machu Picchu. Depending on how much time you have to visit, you can choose additional options. We had the Machu Picchu or Montaña ticket for the visit (9 - 10 a.m.) and the day before the normal ticket without the additional mountains extension (only available in the morning) for the 2nd time window from 1 p.m.
Don't forget that there is always an up and down. It takes far more time than you think.
The most important thing about the tickets:
All tickets have limited availability. Reserve them well in advance of your trip because of course everyone wants to visit this World Heritage Site. Especially the ticket Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are very popular. It is advisable to get this ticket 3 or 4 months in advance
For Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets, each tourist must register their entry and exit at the checkpoint. Once at the top, the latest time to descend is 1pm. If you want to visit the Temple of the Moon on Huayna Picchu, you should start your descent no later than 11:30 am.
The average time for ascent (about 45 minutes), descent and time at Mount Huayna Picchu is 3 hours. If you also visit the Great Cave and the Temple of the Moon, allow 4 hours. You would only have 1 hour for the rest of the system. Therefore: Buy a second ticket.
The average time for ascent (1 hour 30 minutes), descent (1 hour) and time at the top of Machu Picchu is 4 hours.
How to Book Machu Picchu tickets online
1. Visit the Ministry of Culture website https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe
The website should currently look like this. You can change the language to English at the top right.
2. Select the type of ticket you want to buy
"General" means a general ticket for foreign visitors. Have your passport ready as you will need to enter the number. You must present this at the entrance.
You can reserve a maximum of 5 tickets.
(The other options are for Cusqueõs or Peruvian/Colombian, Ecuadorian or Bolivian)
3. Choose your date & number of people
After choosing your ticket type, you can select the date of your visit and the number of tickets.
Adultos = number of adults
Estudiantes = number of students
Menores = number of children
4. Choose your time slot
You can see how many tickets are still available for each time window. Choose your option and click on "Continuar con la reserva".
5. Enter your data and complete your order
Check your information, which must be correct. Remember that entering incorrect information will result in the loss of the full ticket price. If the information is correct, click on the blue "Siguiente" box.
6. Confirm the accuracy of your information
Check your previously entered data and agree. The translation is something like "I declare under oath that the information entered by visitors to this reservation is true."
Enter a valid email address. The tickets will be sent to them.
7. Pay for your tickets
In the reservation information, you will find the reservation code and the total amount to be paid.
Print out the reservation and also save it as a PDF on your computer and mobile phone. It's never good to only have a paper copy of important documents (I store everything on Dropbox).
Next, you have to pay for the tickets. Keep in mind that if you don't use a travel credit card, which I recommend, you may pay up to 5% additional fees (foreign currency). You have 3 hours to pay for this reservation. Otherwise, your reservation will be canceled automatically.
Click on Mastercard or Visa to pay and be redirected to the payment page.
Note: You can only make the payment in PEN, the currency in Peru.
Note: Re-entry is no longer possible!
One of the most important changes in the "Ordinance on Sustainable Use and Tourist Visits for the Conservation of the "Llaqta of Machu Picchu" is that it is not allowed to exit and re-enter the facility. You need to know this because there are NO TOILETS are located in front of the entrance.
By bus to the entrance
That all probably sounds wilder than it is. In general, I advise you to book the ticket through an agency. Then you can book the bus ticket from Aguas Calientes with the bus to the top.
Because: The hike up on foot leads over serpentines, over which the shuttle buses race. It's far from spectacular and not worth the hike (in my opinion). If your budget is tight, it may make sense for you to save on tickets.
Visit the Machu Picchu Inca site
As already mentioned, you can only visit the Inca site with a guide. With a ticket, you can stay on the facility for a maximum of four hours. Once inside, you can choose between three circular routes, all of which meet at the Plaza de los Templos (Temple Square in the center).
Check out this map of the new paths you are not allowed to leave.
Circular route 1 (red) is the most popular and takes you past all the important vantage points that you know from pictures. It begins with a short but steep climb up a flight of stairs. This ends at the Guard House. Here you get the classic view of the ruins and the Huayna Picchu. It's often crowded here in the mornings and you have to queue to take a picture. On our first visit in the late afternoon, however, it was very pleasant.
If you continue to the left towards the Inka Bridge, the mass of people decreases. You also get a wonderful view from here and there are far fewer people here.
You will also pass the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Intihuatana Stone and other famous postcard views.
Attention to the architecture
Already in Cusco Peru, we were fascinated by the architecture of the Incas. The stones are worked so precisely that they fit together with millimeter precision (without using mortar or sand). It's almost like Tetris, unbelievable.
We probably owe it to this technique that the walls are so well preserved to this day and have even survived earthquakes. The walls can move, but don't break apart. I'm sure your guide will show you impressive local examples.
Machu Picchu is considered a highlight and masterpiece of Inca architecture and construction.
The Sun Gate
Make sure to go to the Sun Gate as well if you have time. You have to calculate about an hour's walk upwards. Don't underestimate the altitude, because it's a lot more strenuous in the Andes. You arrive at this gate when you walk the classic Inca Trail.
In the morning, you often have no view of the ruins from up here, as it is very foggy on most days. The distance is also slightly greater. If you're short on time, skip the Sun Gate and focus on the other highlights of the ruins.
How to Getting there
The best starting point for visiting Machu Picchu is from Cusco. The airport is also located here. We flew from Lima to Cusco.
Of course, you can also travel by bus. This is the cheaper option, but it takes a lot more time. Unfortunately, I have no tip for that, because we flew.
With organizer and tour
I've honestly never been a fan of multi-person tours. But for the visit it is really good to look for a local organizer who organizes everything for you. Because just buying the tickets is becoming more and more complicated for foreigners.
Ideally, you will get to Machu Picchu as part of a tour. Since you are no longer allowed to visit the Inca site on your own, this is the most stress-free option.
You can book a tour in Cusco with one of the many tour operators. They then take care of the train ticket, accommodation and also after the entrance fees. I advise you to stay at least 1 night in Aguas Calientes.
If you do one of the Inca Trail treks, you will arrive at the Sun Gate on foot. But if you will do the Salkantay Trek, Inca Jungle Trek, or Vilcambamba trek, you will arrive at Aguas Calientes and the next day, you can visit Machu Picchu. In case you will do the hike to Lares Trek, Inca Quarry and, like many, you will take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
By train
The train route runs from Cusco to Machu Picchu. There are two companies that have tickets and trains:
Peru Rail
Inca Rail
The ticket price is $82 ticket was for "Executive Class" on Inca Rail. With both providers, you are only allowed to take a limited amount of luggage with you.
We boarded in Ollantaytambo. If you want to start from Cusco, you should use the shuttle service from the hotel to the train station in Poroy.
The drive to Aguas Calientes takes about 1.2 hours. The train slowly jerks through the landscape. If you have the opportunity, you should try to get a seat on the left side (in the direction of travel) on the outward journey and on the right side on the return journey. The places are fixed.
By the way, there are no roads to the top. There is no place for that in the high cloud forest of the Andes.
Walk to Machu Picchu
With a (multi-day) hike Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Most (younger) tourists say that the journey is the goal and book the 4 day Inca Trail. The hike to Machu Picchu is by far the most popular. You can only do this as part of a booked tour.
You can rather try an alternative. If you don't go for crowds, especially when camping and hiking in nature.
Because the Inca Trail is so popular, you need to book about 6 months in advance. I guarantee you one thing: You are never alone on the Inca Trail.
So take a look at the alternatives:
The alternative trails are worthwhile because the landscape is magnificent everywhere. Also, check out the Choquequirao Trek. Barely excavated and a much larger Inca site, unlike Machu Picchu!
Advantages of the trails: You don't have to worry about the entrance ticket for Machu Picchu (+ bus ticket) or the train tickets. Your provider organizes and books everything!
Visit Machu Picchu virtually
Check out the site on Google Maps and navigate through the Inca City. Pretty good, so you can get an idea of what to expect:
History
Machu Picchu in Quechua (Machu Pikchu) means old peak. The well-preserved ruined city in the Andes was built by the Incas in the 15th century at an altitude of 2340 m between the peaks of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Montaña. The city once comprised 216 stone buildings, which were built in terraces on around 3000 steps.
It is now believed that the city could accommodate 1000 people at its peak. There is no tradition about the meaning and purpose of the city and only assumptions prevail. In any case, the site was not discovered by the Spanish conquerors.
The local population found out about its existence in 1874 when the surveyor Herman Göhring drew an exact map for the first time. The village was officially rediscovered in 1911 by American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. In fact, some other researchers before that. Everything was said to have been looted, but by whom and when is still unknown to this day.
There is a lot of documentation on the Internet, a really exciting topic!
Why was Machu Picchu built?
To be honest, we still don't know what the actual use of the system was. Every Peruvian has his own theory. But it is and remains a great mystery.
One of the theories suggests that it should have been a sacred convent, since initially only women's skeletons were excavated. It has since been found that half of these were male. As a result, this theory may have been discarded.
Another says it may have been the royal seat of Inca Pachacutec. However, if Machu Picchu had served multiple purposes, it would have been very unusual for the Incas.
Maybe we'll see how the riddle of the holy mountain will be solved!
More information: Who built Machu Picchu
Further information & tips for the visit
This is not allowed on the premises
- No selfie stick or tripod
- High heels (makes no sense anyway, there are too many steps)
- alcohol
- stroller
- Larger backpacks (no larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm)
- Plastic in any form (bottles, bags, straws). You are allowed to bring your own drinking bottles that are not made of plastic
- You can pack food and drink, but this is currently prohibited (Covid-19 restrictions).
- In addition, it is forbidden
- Hiking sticks (only allowed for older people, but then they must have a rubber cap on them. Pointed tips are prohibited)
- Smoking
- drones
- Sharp Knives & Weapons
- Leaving the given routes
- Feeding the animals (especially the llamas)
- Animals not allowed (dogs)
Machu Picchu hotel tip: Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel
Anyone who wants to climb the sacred mountain of the Incas has to stay somewhere in Aguas Calientes. That's what this village is for. No wonder everything here is geared toward tourism. Don't expect bargains. It is what it is: expensive but unique.
Machu Picchu Facts and figures
The number of visitors amounts to more than 1.7 million tourists per year, more than 6000 people per day. That is why access has now been strictly limited. Mass tourism burdens the substance of the ruined city. The World Heritage is under threat, especially in the mornings when most tourists flock to the top.
There are always big discussions about an airport that should bring even more tourists to the Sacred Valley. An absolute disaster for conservationists and researchers. In 2020, hopefully, construction will be put on hold forever.
Questions and answers about Machu Picchu
Where is Machu Picchu located?
Machu Picchu is located in the middle of the Peruvian Andes above the Urubamba River valley. It is about 2360 meters above sea level. The Inca City is 130 kilometers northwest of the Inca City of Cusco. You can get there on foot during a multi-day hike or by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo).
More information, visit: Where is Machu Picchu located
Is there an alternative to Machu Picchu?
A great alternative to Machu Picchu is Choquequirao. The ruins are often called the "little sister" because of their similarity to Machu Picchu. However, this Inca site is much larger
Can I take my drone with me?
No, drones are prohibited. There are high-resolution cameras and security everywhere. You will be kicked out immediately if you do or carry something forbidden (have experienced it live).
How much does a visit to Machu Picchu cost?
Machu Picchu only ticket: 152 Soles
Huayna Picchu: 200 soles
Machu Picchu Montaña: 200 Soles
In addition, there is the hotel in Aguas Calientes and the ticket for the bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance and back (not expensive, the walk is not worth it).