Independent guide · Updated Nov 2026
Machu Picchu,
without the guesswork.
Clear, verified advice to plan your visit: tickets, trains, weather and everything nobody tells you before you arrive.
What do you need to sort out?
Tip of the day
Buy your entry ticket before your train: it sells out first.
Citadel altitude
2,430 m
Best time
Apr – Oct
- above sea level
- 2,430 m
- year built
- ≈1450
- UNESCO World Heritage
- 1983
- visiting circuits
- 3
How to plan
Your visit in 4 steps
Order matters. Follow this sequence and you avoid the most expensive mistakes.
See all guides- 1
Pick your dates
Dry or rainy season: decide by weather, crowds and availability.
- 2
Lock in your ticket
Choose a circuit and time slot. It is the first thing to sell out.
- 3
Book train and bus
From Cusco or Ollantaytambo, plus the bus up from Aguas Calientes.
- 4
Pack your bag
Documents, layers and what won't get past the gate.
Essential guides
Everything you need to know, in one place
Short, organized, up-to-date guides. No filler.
Shot by shot
Machu Picchu, corner by corner
Every spot comes with a trick. Here are ours.
-
Inca windows The earliest slots bring the softest light and fewer people in your photos. -
Farming terraces They have held the mountain together for centuries: stay on the path. -
Resident llamas They live in the citadel: do not feed or touch them. -
Huayna Picchu Spots are very limited: book it together with your ticket.
Myths vs. reality
What people say vs. what works
The most repeated advice is not always the best.
-
What people say: You can buy tickets when you get there.
What works: In-person sales are minimal. Book online weeks in advance.
-
What people say: Only June and July have clear skies.
What works: April, May and October often bring good weather and far fewer people.
-
What people say: It is easy as a day trip from Cusco.
What works: It is possible, but a night in Aguas Calientes gets you the best slots.
-
What people say: Huayna Picchu is for everyone.
What works: It is steep and exposed. The Mountain or Huchuy Picchu are great alternatives.
Checklist
Before you leave the hotel
Tick every item. It is saved on your phone for visit day.
See the full guide0/8 ready
FAQ
Quick answers
Machu Picchu rules, schedules and prices change often. Always confirm on the Ministry of Culture's official website before you buy.
Go to the official site How far ahead should I buy my ticket?
From June to August and on holidays, one to three months ahead. For Huayna Picchu, even earlier. In the rainy season a few weeks is often enough.
How many days do I need for Machu Picchu?
Two days is ideal: one to reach Aguas Calientes and sleep, one for the visit. Add at least two days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimatize.
Will the altitude affect me?
Machu Picchu sits at about 2,430 m, lower than Cusco (3,400 m). Cusco is usually the challenge: rest on day one, drink water and avoid hard exertion.
Do I need my passport?
Yes. You must show the original document you used to buy your ticket.
Can I go without a guide?
Regulations require entry with a licensed official guide. Confirm the current rule when you buy your ticket.
How long can I stay inside?
Visits are time-limited by circuit and routes are one-way. Plan on 2 to 4 hours, more if you climb a mountain.
Plan calmly. Enjoy without surprises.
Start with what sells out first: your ticket and your circuit.