Machu Picchu was named in 2004 as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world. It is the greatest architectural work carried out by the Incas, the largest empire in America.

These 10 travel tips will help you go on vacation to this place without having to worry about tickets, the weather, tour guides, where to eat, and much more.

1. Geographic location:

It may seem obvious and sometimes even unnecessary to mention it; however, we have come across several travelers who think that Machu Picchu is located in a very high area in the mountains or that it is close to the coast of Lima.

So let us clarify it: the wonder of the world Machu Picchu is located in Peru, in the department of Cusco, province of Urubamba, in the district that bears the same name. It is the last Inca and historical point of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

The altitude at which Machu Picchu is located is 2,450 meters above sea level, so breathing and walking are not difficult since altitude sickness begins from 2,500 meters above sea level, and the town where you will find restaurants and hotels, which is Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes, is at 2,100 meters above sea level, so it is unlikely that altitude sickness, “soroche,” will affect you.

To reach this destination, you have to take a train from the city of Cusco. Additionally, you must take a tourist bus if you want to save yourself a 2.5 km walk made up entirely of uphill sections and stairs from the train station to the very entrance of the fourth wonder of the modern world.

2. The weather:

This Inca city is located in the cloud forest of Peru, specifically in the rainforest, which is why no matter the time of year, it always looks spectacularly green.

For this same reason, there is always a chance of rain; however, there are months when it rains less and others when, especially in the early mornings, it rains quite a lot.

2.1 The best weather:

The months when Machu Picchu can be seen best are from April to December, which cover the entire dry season and part of the rainy season in the Peruvian Andes. During these months, the chances of taking photos with a super blue sky and few clouds are highly likely.

2.2 The rainy season:

As for the months from January to March, when there are higher chances of rain in Machu Picchu, the truth is that it does not rain all day, and in fact the most spectacular and artistic photos can be taken during these times; if you plan to travel during these months, do not worry, at GET IN PERU we know which are the times when there are high chances that the weather will be good so that you can take the desired cover photo.

3. Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu:

One of the most important things you should keep in mind so that your vacation does not have unexpected setbacks is to purchase the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu at least two months in advance.

While it is true that the different tourist destinations have their seasons and Machu Picchu is no exception, the truth is that this wonder of the world, due to its difficult access, requires a lot of organization.

Although the number of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu may seem quite large with 5,044 daily admissions, in reality it is not, because it receives a large influx of tourists from all countries of the world. The Peruvian government registered more than 2 million visitors in 2022.

Aside from that, this number of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu must be divided among the different circuits that the archaeological park offers, and in this way avoid the deterioration caused by the excessive number of daily visitors.

The entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are divided into 7 different circuits, which are:

1. First circuit:

The circuit known as 1, 2, 3 or 4 Llaqta Machu Picchu allows you to make a complete visit to this Inca citadel. The most relevant thing you should know about this circuit is that it allows you to take the cover photo that you surely want to take home as a souvenir.

2. Second circuit:

Circuit 1 and 2 plus Inca Bridge allows you to make the same type of visit as the first one, with the difference that special access to a place known as the Inca Bridge is added, an extra walk that will take you about 30 minutes to reach.

What you should know about this circuit is that it has the same price as the first one, but if you plan to go to this side, you definitely have to take a private tour since it is more likely that most people will buy other tickets different from this one.

3. Third circuit:

The third circuit plus Machu Picchu Mountain allows you access to Machu Picchu Mountain and also to the Inca citadel but through the lower part, which means that you sacrifice the classic cover photo; however, it does allow you to take an additional hike of about 4 to 4:30 hours on average depending on your physical condition.

What you should know about this circuit is that you need to be in good physical condition if you plan to hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, which will take you about 4 hours round trip. Additionally, this is one of the most expensive entrance tickets to access the park.

The advantage of this entrance ticket is the double entry to the wonder of the world, the first from an upper view and the second only from the lower part.

How does it work? In order to hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, you must arrive at the control point at the time shown on your ticket. After completing the hike, you can exit to the access or control point, which is why we recommend using the restrooms.

After leaving, you can enter again, but this time the park rangers will send you through the lower part, which gives you access to the Inca houses, temples and palaces but without being able to take the classic cover photo.

4. Fourth circuit:

Known as circuit 4 plus Wayna Picchu Mountain, it allows you to visit the lower part of the wonder of the world plus access to the summit of the mountain that appears in the Machu Picchu cover photo. What you should know about this circuit is that you will not be able to take the cover photo; instead, you will be able to access a place that only 400 people enter daily and you will have to reserve it 3 to 6 months in advance.

5. Fifth circuit:

The fifth circuit plus Huchuy Picchu Mountain is the one that allows you to make a visit through the lower part of the Inca city and take an additional hike that will take you an extra 40 minutes. What you should know is that it does not allow you access to the circuit where you take the classic cover photo.

6. Sixth circuit:

The 2-day Inca Trail, this is an alternative for those who love hiking and adventure. With only 12 km of distance, this option is one of the best so that you can enjoy both the history and the beautiful landscapes and finally reach Machu Picchu, the wonder of the world.

What you should know about this route is that you definitely have to travel with a travel agency and you also need a train to km 104, then hike for 12 km until you reach Machu Picchu, the wonder of the world, spend one night in the town of Aguas Calientes and the next day take the guided tour as it should be so that you can enjoy the history of the place.

7. Seventh circuit:

The 4-day Inca Trail, this is the route that requires the most preparation both physically and mentally, since you will cross spectacular valleys and mountain landscapes, not to mention that you will be camping in tents for 3 nights in different places along this commercial section of the Inca Trail, which covers only 42 km and ends with the visit to the wonder of the world Machu Picchu.

What you should know about this route is that you definitely need to travel with a travel agency, due to all the government regulations that exist.

4. Tourist seasons in Machu Picchu:

As in every industry and line of work, there are high and low seasons due to various factors. Although the pattern does not always repeat or remain with the same frequency, the data helps us provide you with an approximate idea.

4.1 High season in Machu Picchu:

The months with the highest tourist influx in Machu Picchu are from April to October, since these dates coincide with the famous dry season, when the sky is perfect for taking good photos; likewise, many tourists from Europe, the United States and Asia have their vacations scheduled precisely during these same dates, given that for them it is summer and one of their favorite destinations is the jewel of America.

The months when there is a greater tourist influx are June and July, because during these same dates various festivities are celebrated in the city of Cusco and several other parts of Peru, the most famous of all being the Inti Raymi festival or Festival of the Sun, which is celebrated in the city of Cusco every June 24 of each year.

4.2. Low season in Machu Picchu:

The low season months correspond to the rainy season, which runs from November to mid-April, although the rains begin and end gradually.

As for reservation requests, they decrease a little in comparison; the truth is that even during these times, the trip still needs to be planned at least one month in advance. What we recommend is getting good advice from your travel agent so that they can provide you with the best schedules, so you can enjoy the wonder and, of course, take the best photos with you.

Speaking of photographs, during this season the most beautiful, artistic shots with a touch of mystery come out; it is undoubtedly the favorite season for photographers and filmmakers.

5. The different tourist routes to Machu Picchu:

Just as there are different types of entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, there are also different routes or ways to reach this wonder, making it one of the few destinations in Peru with a wide range of options for an inclusive public, referring to children, older adults, and people with special abilities.

5.1. The train route:

The route that will make your life easier is one of the ones you will enjoy the most, considering that you also plan to visit other tourist destinations that Cusco offers; without a doubt, the train option is the most convenient for traveling to Machu Picchu.

What you should know is that there are 7 different train stations within the department of Cusco; likewise, there are also 4 classes of train service, each with its respective price according to the service you will receive. In the same way, there are different schedules programmed according to the demand of each month, which vary in time.

Last but not least, as far as trains are concerned, the railway tracks are managed by two private companies: Peru Rail and Inca Rail, which offer their train services in different categories and schedules, as I mentioned a few lines above.

You can make this train journey either in a single day or in two, everything will depend on the vacation time you have, as well as the number of destinations you wish to visit in Cusco, since this department offers a wide range of beautiful destinations.

We advise you to get good guidance from your travel agent so that the train schedules, entrance to Machu Picchu, professional guide, transfers and bus schedules are synchronized, so that you only have to get on and enjoy.

5.2. The route by car plus hiking:

Another way to access Machu Picchu is by traveling by car for a total of six and a half hours from the city of Cusco to the Hydroelectric Station, crossing a winding road known as Abra Malaga at 4,200 meters above sea level, and then walking for four more hours.

This route definitely requires that you do it in a minimum of two days, since otherwise it would be impossible for you to visit Machu Picchu. A much more relaxed and adventurous alternative is the 3-day multi-sport route to Machu Picchu.

5.3. The 2-day Inca Trail:

If you do not have much time but still want to do the Inca Trail, you can do it by booking the 2-day route, in which you will have to walk 12 km on the first day and then, on the following day, visit Machu Picchu so that you can understand its history and purpose.

This alternative route is the one that hikers on the 4-day Inca Trail route complete on the third day of their adventure before reaching the wonder of the world Machu Picchu.

5.4. The 4-day Inca Trail:

The famous 4-day Inca Trail route to Machu Picchu is another good option for reaching the wonder of the world. You should keep in mind that a certain level of physical fitness is required so that you can complete the 43 km of many ascents and descents. Likewise, keep in mind that you will camp in tents for 3 consecutive days.

Regarding food and camping equipment, you do not have to worry, since to complete this circuit you definitely need to book the tour with a travel agency. All these necessary supplies will be provided to you by the travel agency.

5.5. The 5-day Salkantay Snow-Capped Mountain route:

Another great alternative to reach Machu Picchu is the Salkantay Snow-Capped Mountain route, a 5-day trek that will take your breath away, both because of its beautiful landscapes and some uphill sections, but that are absolutely worth it.

Just like the 4-day Inca Trail route, on this route the travel agency will provide you with food, a sleeping bag, and a tent so that you only carry a personal backpack each day of the hike.

5.6. The 7-day Salkantay Snow-Capped Mountain plus Inca Trail route:

If you are a lover of long hikes and have very good endurance, this circuit can undoubtedly be one of the best options, since you will not only be able to contemplate the majestic seventh highest snow-capped mountain in Peru, but also connect with the famous Inca Trail that takes you to Machu Picchu.

Without a doubt, the perfect combination of snow-capped landscapes, history and hikes that will put your endurance to the test.

6. The town of Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu:

This article would not be complete if we did not talk about the town of Aguas Calientes; this mini city depends solely and exclusively on tourism, it is the point where all travelers from the different routes mentioned gather for lunch and/or dinner.

Likewise, if you travel by train, the most important stop is precisely Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu town, I know, it is quite a long name.

From this point is where you will take a bus to reach the wonder of the world Machu Picchu, a journey that lasts only 30 minutes along an unpaved road that goes uphill.

If you do not wish to take the bus, you will have to walk for an average of two and a half hours, covering a total of 2.5 km. Honestly, it is not something we recommend because you will arrive exhausted at the wonder of the world and will not be able to enjoy it as you should.

Aguas Calientes is a very picturesque place since there you can enter its beautiful thermal baths, walk through its beautiful and narrow streets or, if you travel with your favorite person, you can leave your love padlock attached to one of the four bridges in this place.

As it is an exclusively tourist destination with good quality standards, you should keep in mind that the costs of food, alcoholic beverages and souvenirs are higher than in other parts of the department of Cusco. It is better to have an extra budget for this place so that you will not have any surprises.

7. Traveling with a Travel Agency vs. On Your Own:

There is tourism for every budget, and at GET IN PERU we know this very well. Companies like ours exist with the purpose not only of saving you time, but also of taking care of your finances and supporting you in case any emergency occurs.

If you have made it this far, then you have probably gotten a better idea of how complex the logistics and planning required are if you want to enjoy Machu Picchu.

Our purpose is to take that stress off your shoulders and provide you with an experience that you and your loved ones will never forget; after all, a place as magnificent and iconic as Machu Picchu cannot be taken lightly.

8. Type of clothing needed to take to Machu Picchu:

Being located at 2,450 meters above sea level in the cloud forest of Peru, the weather is generally warm throughout the year and, consequently, going very bundled up, with a lot of clothing, does not make sense.

However, we do not recommend underestimating the rainy season, when, with the sun hidden in the mornings, you can be sure that you will feel cold even while inside the ruins.

A very important point that you should keep in mind, whatever tourist route you choose to enter Machu Picchu, is that you always depart from the city of Cusco, where it is indeed cold. Likewise, once your visit to the wonder of the world is over, you will have to return using the most popular option, the train, which means that you should bundle up when getting off, since all tours end in the city of Cusco, where it is indeed cold.

9. The most important recommendations you absolutely must keep in mind:

There are things that are absolutely essential if you do not want to have a very bad time in Machu Picchu.

9.1. Bring your passport:

At the top of the list is the passport, which must not be expired on the date you are scheduled to enter Machu Picchu, because if it is, you must obtain one that is valid.

What happens if your passport is valid on the date you purchase the tour but expires days before your entrance to Machu Picchu?

At the top of the list is the passport, which must not be expired on the date you are scheduled to enter Machu Picchu, because if it is, you must obtain one that is valid.

It is worth highlighting that it is necessary for you to process your new passport as soon as possible so that you do not experience any setbacks when entering or leaving Peru.

9.2. Can Machu Picchu tickets be transferred to another person?

NO, the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu cannot be transferred to any other person, even if they are a close relative of yours. Since 2022, this policy has been implemented in the park and although we as travel agents are against it, the truth is that the government is the one in charge and sadly this is to the detriment of many tourists.

So that you do not have inconveniences or pay unnecessary extra amounts, we recommend being 100% sure that the travel date you choose is a fixed and unchangeable date.

9.3. Can the entrance date to Machu Picchu be modified?

NO, the entrance date to Machu Picchu cannot be modified. According to a decree law issued in July 2022, every tourist who has a specific entrance date to Machu Picchu must enter on the day they said they would or lose all the money paid for the entrance ticket.

Although this policy is quite draconian, the truth is that the government in office in 2022 caused many setbacks in different industries, implementing measures that solved problems of the moment but there was never a real policy.

Sadly, dear reader, as long as this policy remains in place, it will have to be respected. For this reason, once again we recommend that you be 100% sure of your travel date at the time of your purchase.

9.4. Before entering Machu Picchu:

Use the restrooms, I know that perhaps it is not the answer you expected, the truth is that inside the ruins of Machu Picchu there are no restrooms and if for one reason or another you wish to use them, you will be able to leave, but there is no way for you to enter the archaeological park again.

The guided visit to Machu Picchu is designed as a circuit, regardless of the type of entrance you have chosen; that is, you enter through one point and as you move forward you will not be able to return through where you have already passed.

Before entering this wonder of Inca engineering, below the control point, where the tickets and passports are checked, there are some restrooms that cost 2 soles, which we definitely recommend that you use even if you do not feel the need to do so, since the tourist visit usually lasts three to three and a half hours.

9.5. Keep the different tickets for the Machu Picchu tour in a safe place:

Since the COVID pandemic, many businesses have become digitalized, and of course we have not been left behind; however, some of the tickets needed for Machu Picchu are delivered to you by us in printed form in case your cell phone runs out of battery.

With that in mind, we recommend carrying a small backpack so that you can keep these important documents together with your passport in a safe place.

10. Final conclusions:

If you want to spend a memorable time at the wonder of the world Machu Picchu, we recommend booking your trip at least two months in advance, regardless of the month in which you plan to do it.

Having your passport up to date will save you many unnecessary problems, as well as taking a legible photo of it, which could save you in case you lose this document.

Regardless of the circuit you choose to enter Machu Picchu, it is crucial that you carry a small backpack to store your warm clothing and the most important documents you have.

Likewise, it is important to emphasize that the most comfortable and requested option is by rail, thus allowing you to visit other beautiful destinations within the department of Cusco, such as the tours to Humantay Lake, Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley or even the city tour.

Thank you very much for reading this post.