All You Need to Know About Visiting Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” is one of the most iconic and breathtaking archaeological sites in the world. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this ancient citadel attracts travelers from all corners of the globe. In this travel guide, we’ll explore how to get to Machu Picchu, where to get tickets, what to do once you’re there, and where to eat and stay for an unforgettable experience.

How to get to Machu Picchu

By Train

The most popular way to reach Machu Picchu is by train. You’ll first need to travel to the town of Aguas Calientes, which is the gateway to the site. There are two main train companies that operate between Cusco (Poroy station) or Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Be sure to book your tickets securely through 12GO well in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

We opted for the Vistadrome train from Poroy (Cusco) to Machu Picchu. The panaromic windows gave us the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Andean landscape and appreciate the ride. The journey takes around 90 minutes and we would definitely choose this option again!

On Foot

For adventure seekers and hiking enthusiasts, several trekking options lead to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail, a four-day trek through stunning scenery, is the most famous. Other treks, like the Salkantay Trek and the Lares Trek, offer alternative routes with varying degrees of difficulty.

By Bus

You can take a bus to Hidroeléctrica, followed by a scenic trek along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. While this is a more budget-friendly option, it requires a longer journey and additional walking.

Buy your Machu Picchu tickets

To visit Machu Picchu, you’ll need to obtain tickets. Here are a few essential tips:

📅 Buy Tickets in Advance: Tickets are limited, and it’s highly recommended to purchase them well ahead of your visit, especially during peak season.
⏰ Choose Entry Times: Tickets are available for either a morning or afternoon entry. Be sure to choose a time that suits your schedule.
🎓 Student Discounts: If you’re a student, be sure to bring your valid student ID, as you may be eligible for a discount.
🌐 Official Website: The official website for purchasing tickets to Machu Picchu is https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/. You can also purchase tickets in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.

Tickets are sold with entry times. Our recommendation is to get the earliest available one (preferrably the earliest one at 6 am). Lines for the buses heading to Machu Picchu are starting early, so we advise you to get to the bus station an hour before your actual entry time. The site is truly magical in the early morning, with the mist slowly disappearing and the ancient city of Machu Picchu appearing from behind the mist.

What to do in Machu Picchu

Walking around Machu Picchu is pretty straight forward. The Guardhouse is a popular place to wait for the sunrise. Afterwards you can choose to go walk up to the Sun Gate, or to skip the gate and visit the citadel straight away. Please note, once entering the citadel you will not be able to go back to either the Guardhouse or the Sun Gate. There is a strict one-way policy there. Limited tickets are available each day to hike either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu is the recommendation for the best views.

Note that there are no bathrooms once you enter the site. So make sure you do a stop before entering.

Watch the sunrise at the Guardhouse

Watching the sunrise at the Guardhouse of Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. The first light of day bathes the ancient citadel in a soft, golden glow, bringing the surrounding peaks and lush landscape to life. The tranquil atmosphere and the view of Machu Picchu’s terraces, temples, and majestic structures make this moment serene and magical.

Witness the Sun Gate

If you’re trekking the Inca Trail, be sure to pass through the Sun Gate, also known as Inti Punku. It’s the traditional entrance to Machu Picchu and offers a stunning first view of the citadel as the sun rises.

Explore the Citadel

Upon reaching Machu Picchu, take your time to explore the well-preserved ruins. Marvel at the intricate stone structures, terraces, and temples that tell the story of the Inca civilization. Don’t miss iconic spots like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone.

Hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

For panoramic views of the site, consider hiking either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These hikes offer breathtaking vistas of the citadel and surrounding mountains. Note that access is limited, so purchase tickets in advance.

Enjoy the llamas

There are numerous llamas around Machu Picchu, and they roam freely. We loved seeing them in their natural habitat, enjoying the historic site as much as we did.

Visit the Museum

Machu Picchu has a museum located near the entrance where you can learn more about the history and significance of this archaeological wonder. It’s a great place to gain a deeper understanding of the site before or after your visit.

Get your stamp at the entrance/exit

You can get a stamp free of charge at the entry/exit of Machu Picchu. Officially, your passport becomes invalid if you stamp it with an unauthorized stamp. However, many people still do it.

A little tip: save a 10 nuevos soles note with Machu Picchu in the background and stamp this as a unique souvenir!

Where to eat in Machu Picchu Pueblo

Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu, offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every palate. There are a lot of high-rated restaurants, these were our favorites:

• Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine: Enjoy a wide selection of craft beers and delicious Peruvian dishes with a stunning view of the river.
• Sumaq Restaurant: Located in the Sumaq Hotel, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience with exquisite Peruvian dishes and exceptional service.
• Chullos Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and variety of craft beers, Chullos offers delicious Peruvian dishes and is a great spot to unwind.

Where to stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From hostels to luxury hotels, you’ll find plenty of choices for a comfortable stay. Staying in Aguas Calientes allows for easy access to the site and ensures you can get there early to beat the crowds.

Luxury suites are found at the Jaya Machu Picchu Boutique Hotel, centrally located in Aguas Calientes. The staff are very helpful to help you plan your trip around Machu Picchu or transportation back to Cusco. Luxury double rooms start at ~€140 per night.

A bit further from town, at the edge of the jungle, you will find the Rupa Rupa High Jungle Eco B&B. The only downside is the many steps to the property. Double rooms start at ~€70 per night.

Another more budget-friendly option is the Tree House Lodge with double rooms starting at ~€40 per night. A wooden eco house with beautiful views and its own restaurant and bar.