Drier season
Usually clearer skies and busier demand. June through August sells especially quickly, so reserve well ahead.
Your complete travel guide
Plan your trip to Machu Picchu
From choosing a circuit to boarding the train, this guide puts every important decision in the right order so you can travel with confidence.
Elevation2,445 m8,022 ft
Reference hours06:00–17:30Your ticket has a timed entry
Official routes10 routesAcross 3 circuits
Gateway townAguas CalientesMachu Picchu Pueblo
Reserve the entrance first. Build everything else around it.
Your Machu Picchu ticket fixes a date, entry time and exact route. Once that is confirmed, choose train times, accommodation and the bus between Aguas Calientes and the sanctuary.
01Pick your date
Check season, weather and availability.
02Choose a route
Match the view and effort to your priorities.
03Book transport
Coordinate train and bus with your entry time.
04Prepare well
Travel light and carry the correct documents.
01
Season and timing
When should you visit?
Machu Picchu is open year-round. The dry season generally offers clearer walking conditions, while the rainy season brings greener scenery, mist and a higher chance of showers. Mountain weather can change quickly in any month.
The drier months often reveal wide mountain views, but conditions can still change quickly.
Rainier season
Lush landscapes, warmer days and more frequent rain. Bring a light waterproof layer and flexible expectations.
2026 high-capacity dates
January 1; April 2–5; June 19–November 2; and December 30–31. The official maximum is 5,600 visitors per day on these dates, but popular routes can still sell out.
02
Entrance first
Tickets, circuits and entry times
There is no general ticket that lets you wander everywhere. Every reservation is tied to one of ten official routes within three circuits, and visitors must follow the one-way route printed on their ticket.
1
Best for landscapesPanoramic Circuit
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2High viewpoints, Machu Picchu Mountain, Intipunku and the Inca Bridge.
Best first visitClassic Circuit
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3The iconic photograph plus the main urban and ceremonial sectors.
Best for sacred architectureRoyalty Circuit
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The lower temples with Waynapicchu, Huchuypicchu or Great Cavern options.
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Use the traveler’s exact name and document number. Carry the original passport or ID used for the reservation.
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Arrive for the time shown on your ticket. Late admission beyond the official tolerance period is not guaranteed.
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Check every detail before payment. Name and date changes are highly restricted and tickets are generally non-refundable.
03
The journey
How to get to Machu Picchu
Most visitors travel from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes by train, then take the shuttle bus up the mountain. Exact departure stations vary by train service and season.
1StartCusco
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Airport and main hotel base
2Road · approx. 1½ hOllantaytambo
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Common train departure point
3Train · approx. 1¾–2 hAguas Calientes
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Gateway town below the site
4Shuttle · approx. 25 minMachu Picchu
Timed sanctuary entrance
Train options
Services commonly depart from Ollantaytambo. Some tickets use a bimodal bus-and-train service from Cusco. Confirm the station and check-in time printed on your reservation.
Train luggage allowances are limited; keep larger bags at your Cusco or Sacred Valley hotel.
Bus or walking
From Aguas Calientes, the shuttle climbs to the entrance. The alternative pedestrian path is steep and takes roughly 1½–2 hours uphill for many travelers.
Leave a generous buffer before the entry time shown on your ticket.
04
Two good approaches
Choose your itinerary
More relaxedRecommended
Overnight in Aguas Calientes
- Day 1
Travel from Cusco or the Sacred Valley, check in and prepare calmly.
- Day 2
Take an early bus, visit your circuit, have lunch and board the return train.
Best for early entries, families and travelers who want less schedule pressure.
Longer day
Day trip from Cusco
- Early morning
Transfer to the departure station and take the train to Aguas Calientes.
- Afternoon/evening
Visit the sanctuary, descend, then return by train and road to Cusco.
Possible with compatible times, but expect an early start and a late return.
05
Pack light
What to bring
▣Original passport or ID
It must match your entrance and train reservations.
⌁Light rain layer
Useful year-round in the cloud-forest climate.
◒Sun protection
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for exposed terraces.
◉Water
Carry it in a reusable, securely closed bottle.
⌁Grip footwear
Comfortable shoes with soft rubber soles.
＋Personal essentials
Medication, insect repellent and a small power bank.
Travel-light tip
Inside the sanctuary, bags larger than 40 × 35 × 20 cm are prohibited. Train operators also apply their own luggage limits, so verify your service before departure.
06
Protect the sanctuary
Important visitor rules
Machu Picchu is a sacred archaeological site and a protected natural sanctuary. Staff may remove visitors who ignore the rules, without a refund.
×No food or alcohol
×No drones or tripods
×No umbrellas or large bags
×No smoking or vaping
×Do not touch or climb walls
×Do not leave your assigned route
Walking poles are restricted; rubber-tipped mobility supports may be permitted for older visitors or people with disabilities. Ask before arrival if accessibility support is needed.
07
Before you leave
Your final checklist
Check official information before travel
Rules, capacities, transport operations and access conditions can change. These official resources provide the latest notices.
Everything coordinated
Want help planning the whole journey?
Share your date and travel style. Our local Cusco team will help you connect the right circuit, train and schedule.
Plan with a local specialist