Machu Picchu
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Yes, this is worth visiting if you plan your permits months in advance. Go between May and September for the dry weather. Allow two days to travel from Cusco and explore the ruins without rushing.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Allow two days including travel from Cusco.
Take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then the local shuttle bus.
Book your entry permit online months in advance; they are not sold at the gate.
The mandatory shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes to the ruins costs an extra $24 USD round trip.
The Daily Reality of the Ruins
You will walk along strict, single direction stone paths with hundreds of other tourists. Park rangers blow whistles if you step off the trail or linger too long in one spot. The physical ruins are impressive, but the constant crowd movement can feel controlled and rushed.
Expect plenty of steep stone steps and no shade from the midday sun. There are no toilets inside the archaeological site, so you must use the facilities at the entrance before you pass the gates.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Choosing Your Season
The dry season runs from May to September. These months offer clear skies but also bring the largest crowds of the year. June and July are particularly busy, meaning you must book everything far in advance.
The rainy season peaks from January to March. While tickets are easier to get, heavy downpours can cause mudslides that disrupt train tracks and block your views with thick fog.
Common Planning Mistakes
Many travelers assume they can buy entry tickets on arrival. In reality, tickets sell out weeks or months in advance. You must book your specific entry time slot online long before you arrive in Peru.
People also underestimate the travel time. You cannot easily do a day trip from Cusco without spending hours on trains and buses. Staying overnight in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes makes the morning visit much easier.
These search Amazon. If you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It changes nothing about which places are on this site or what is said about them.
Hotel and flight search by Trip.com. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The mandatory shuttle bus from Aguas Calientes costs $24 USD round trip.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on a mountain ridge at 2,430 meters (7,970 ft). It is situated in the Machupicchu District of Urubamba Province about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Cusco, above the Sacred Valley and along the Urubamba River, which forms a deep canyon with a subtropical mountain climate. Often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas", Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic symbols of the Inca civilization and a major archaeological site in the Americas. Estimated to be built around 1450, it is believed to have served as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, though no contemporary written records exist to confirm this. The site was abandoned roughly a century later, likely during the Spanish conquest. Modern radiocarbon dating places its occupation between c. 1420 and 1530. Machu Picchu was constructed in the classical Inca style, featuring finely crafted dry-stone walls. Notable structures include the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana ritual stone. Although the site was known locally and reached in the early 20th century by the Peruvian explorer Agustín
More of Machu Picchu
Guides that include Machu Picchu
Questions people ask
How much does a day at Machu Picchu cost?
A normal day costs about 800 PEN. This budget covers your train ticket, entry permit, bus ride, and basic meals.
Can I walk up to the ruins instead of taking the bus?
Yes, you can hike up a steep stone staircase from the valley floor. It takes about 90 minutes of strenuous climbing, so most visitors pay for the shuttle bus instead.
Are there bathrooms inside the site?
No, there are no toilets past the main entrance gates. You must pay a small fee in local coins to use the bathrooms outside before you enter.
Do I need a guide to enter?
Official rules state you must have a licensed guide, though enforcement varies on the ground. Hiring a guide at the entrance is highly recommended to understand the layout of the stone structures.
What happens if it rains during my visit?
The site remains open in the rain, but the stone paths become very slippery. Bring a rain poncho, as umbrellas are not allowed inside the archaeological zone.
Can I bring a backpack inside?
Large bags are not permitted inside the gates. You must check any bag larger than 40 centimeters at the luggage storage lockers near the entrance.