How to Do Machu Picchu
Table of Contents
How to Do Machu Picchu, a Wonder of the World, requires strategy, whether hiking the Inca Trail or taking the luxury train. Standing at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate as sunrise over the Andes is one of the most magical moments of the trip. But planning your visit to this new Wonder of the World includes everything from 2025 ticket changes and transportation upgrades to hidden ruins and sustainable tourism practices, whether hiking the Inca Trail or taking the luxury train.
Reasons to Visit Machu Picchu
More than just Instagram-famous ruins, Machu Picchu offers:
- 15th-century Inca engineering that still baffles experts
- Breathtaking Andean scenery from cloud forests to snow peaks
- Multiple hiking options from easy walks to the 4-day Inca Trail
- A bucket-list experience voted one of the New 7 Wonders
- New for 2025: Expanded viewpoints and improved accessibility paths
WHERE IS MACHU PICCHU?
Located in southern Peru’s Cusco Region, the ruins sit at 2,430m (7,970 ft) atop a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River Valley.
Getting from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
By Train (Most Popular)
- Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: 1.5–2 hrs ($60–$250 in 2025)
- Cusco (Poroy Station) to Aguas Calientes: 3.5–4 hrs ($80–$550)
- Operators: PeruRail (Expedition/Vistadome) or Inca Rail
By Bus + Hike (Budget Option)
- Cusco to Hydroelectric Station (6–7 hrs by bus, $18 in 2025)
- Then 2.5-hour walk along train tracks to Aguas Calientes
Getting from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Bus (25 min): $28 round-trip (first bus at 5:30 AM)
- Hike (1.5 hrs): Free but steep via Hiram Bingham Road
Important 2025 Notes:
- New timed entry system: You must enter within your 1-hour window
- No plastic bottles allowed – bring reusable containers
- Drones prohibited with increased fines ($500+)
How to Get to Machu Picchu: 3 Main Ways
1. By Train (Best for Most Travelers)
2025 Updates:
- New PeruRail Premium service with glass roof panels
- Inca Rail now offers night trains with stargazing domes
Ticket Options:
- PeruRail Expedition: Budget-friendly ($60–$80)
- Inca Rail Voyager: Panoramic windows ($70–$90)
- Belmond Hiram Bingham: Luxury with gourmet meals ($600+)
2. By Hiking (For Adventurers)
Inca Trail (4 days)
- Requires permits ($700+ with guide in 2025)
- New daily limit of 250 trekkers (book 6+ months ahead)
Alternative Treks:
- Salkantay Trek: 5 days through diverse ecosystems
- Lares Trek: Cultural experience with Andean villages
- One-Day Hike: Huayna Picchu (now $75 including MP entry)
3. By Bus (From Hydroelectric Station)
- Cheapest option ($18 bus + free hike)
- Long travel day from Cusco (7+ hours)
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Dry Season (April–October)
- Sunny days (ideal for photos)
- Peak crowds (book 6+ months ahead)
Rainy Season (November–March)
✔ Fewer tourists
✔ Lush greenery but slippery trails
Worst Time to Visit:
❌ February – Inca Trail closes for maintenance
❌ December 24–Jan 2 – Highest prices and crowds
Best Time of Day to Visit
✔ 6–8 AM: Beat crowds, magical morning light
✔ After 3 PM: Fewer tour groups (but risk afternoon rain)
How to Book Machu Picchu Tickets for 2025
- Official Website: www.machupicchu.gob.pe
- Authorized Agencies: In Cusco or online
- 2025 Ticket Types:
- Machu Picchu Only ($50)
- +Huayna Picchu ($75)
- +Machu Picchu Mountain ($75)
- New! Circuit 5 ($60) – Extended route with new viewpoints
Pro Tip: Book Huayna Picchu tickets 4+ months early – they sell out fastest!
Best Things to Do in Machu Picchu
- Sun Gate (Inti Punku) – Where Inca Trail hikers enter
- Guardhouse – Classic postcard view
- Temple of the Sun – Precision stonework
- Sacred Rock – Spiritual spot for meditation
- New 2025 Viewpoint – Near Temple of Condor
Where to Stay: Best 2025 Hotels
Luxury
- Belmond Sanctuary Lodge (Only hotel at entrance)
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo (Cloud forest oasis)
Mid-Range
- Casa del Sol Machupicchu (Great location)
- Tierra Viva Machu Picchu (Reliable comfort)
Budget
- Pirwa Hostel (Backpacker favorite)
What to Bring to Machu Picchu
✅ Passport (Required for entry)
✅ Printed ticket (No digital copies accepted)
✅ Layers (Cold mornings, hot afternoons)
✅ Rain poncho (Weather changes fast)
✅ Water bottle (Refill stations at entrance)
What NOT to Bring
❌ Drones (Strictly prohibited)
❌ Tripods (Without special permit)
❌ Plastic bottles (Reusable only)
❌ Umbrellas (Use rain jackets instead)
Machu Picchu Safety Tips
✔ Acclimatize first (Spend 2+ days in Cusco)
✔ Hire a guide (~$35 in 2025) to appreciate the history
✔ Watch your step—uneven stones everywhere
✔ Beware of llamas (They bite if provoked!)
Final Advice
With 2025’s new regulations, planning is more important than ever. Book tickets early, pack smart, and savor every moment at this once-in-a-lifetime wonder!
FAQs
Peru - Machu Picchu planning?
Start planning early! Book your Machu Picchu ticket and train in advance, especially in high season (May to September). Also, decide if you want to hike or take the train. Don’t forget to bring your passport and pack for different weather!
Can you do Machu Picchu in a weekend?
Yes, you can! You’ll need to fly into Cusco, take a train to Aguas Calientes, and visit Machu Picchu the next day. It’s a fast trip, but possible if you plan well.
Something I should do before my trip to Peru?
Yes! Make sure your passport is valid, get any needed vaccines, and let your bank know you’ll be traveling. Also, get some cash (Peruvian soles) and learn a few basic Spanish words!
Which trail to Machu Picchu should I do?
If you like hiking, the Inca Trail is the most famous. The Salkantay Trek is more challenging and very beautiful. For a shorter option, try the 2-day Inca Trail. If you don’t want to hike, you can take the train.
Machu Picchu Reservations legit?
Yes, Machu Picchu Reservations is a legit tour company. Just make sure you book through their official website or a trusted source.
Is Peru/Machu Picchu worth it?
Absolutely! Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful and magical places in the world. Peru also has amazing food, friendly people, and lots of history. It’s totally worth the trip!
Are you ready to live one of the most incredible experiences on the planet?
Machu Picchu is not only a wonder of the world, it is a journey that transforms your soul.
Machu Picchu Tickets, makes your dream of seeing the sacred city of the Incas come true with tours carefully designed for all styles of travelers. Whether you’re looking for an epic hike along the Inca Trail, a scenic train tour or a private getaway, we have the perfect trip for you.
Normally booked 60 days in advance.
