One of the World's Great Wonders
Machu Picchu needs no introduction. Perched at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, this 15th-century Inca citadel is one of humanity's most impressive architectural achievements. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it draws visitors from every country on earth — and with good reason. The combination of dramatic mountain scenery, extraordinary stonework, and lingering historical mystery makes it unlike any other place on the planet.
But visiting Machu Picchu requires planning. This guide covers everything from how to get there to what to expect when you arrive.
How to Get to Machu Picchu
There is no road directly to the citadel. Visitors must travel through the gateway city of Cusco, then reach the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) at the base of the mountain, and finally ascend to the site itself.
From Cusco to Aguas Calientes
The most common route is by train. Two operators — PeruRail and Inca Rail — run regular services from Cusco (or the nearby town of Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley) to Aguas Calientes. The journey takes roughly 3.5 hours from Ollantaytambo, which most travelers use as a more convenient departure point. Book tickets well in advance, especially during the busy June–August high season.
Adventurous travelers can also hike to Machu Picchu via several trails, most famously the Inca Trail (a 4-day guided trek requiring advance permits) or the longer, less-crowded Salkantay Trek.
From Aguas Calientes to the Citadel
From Aguas Calientes, official buses run a 25-minute winding route up the mountain to the citadel entrance. Tickets are purchased from the official bus company booth in town. Alternatively, a steep uphill trail takes about 90 minutes on foot — a rewarding option for early risers who want to arrive before the crowds.
Tickets and Entry
Peru's government manages visitor numbers carefully to protect the site. Tickets must be purchased in advance online through the official government portal — they are not reliably available at the gate. Several circuit options exist, covering different parts of the citadel and surrounding areas (such as the Sun Gate or Huayna Picchu mountain). Choose the circuit that matches your interests and fitness level.
Entry is timed: you'll be assigned a morning or afternoon slot. The morning slot (typically starting at 6am) offers better weather and lighting before afternoon clouds roll in.
What to See Inside
- The Intihuatana Stone: A carved granite ritual stone believed to function as an astronomical calendar.
- The Temple of the Sun: A curved stone tower with precisely aligned windows for observing solstice sunrise.
- The Room of the Three Windows: One of the most photographed structures, offering views over the main plaza.
- The Agricultural Terraces: A spectacular series of stone-walled platforms descending the mountainside — still vivid green when vegetation is lush.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: The iconic peak visible behind most photos of Machu Picchu. Climbers get a bird's-eye view of the citadel. Separate ticket required; limited daily slots available.
Altitude and Acclimatization
Cusco sits at around 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) — significantly higher than Machu Picchu. Most visitors spend 2–3 days in Cusco acclimatizing before heading to the citadel. Common altitude sickness symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Tips for managing altitude include:
- Rest on your first day in Cusco — avoid strenuous activity.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol your first night.
- Drink mate de coca (coca tea), widely available and a traditional Andean remedy for altitude effects.
- Consult a doctor about acetazolamide (Diamox) if you're particularly susceptible to altitude sickness.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (peak) | May – October | Clear skies, less mud, most crowded |
| Wet Season | November – April | Frequent rain, lush greenery, fewer tourists |
| Best Overall | May, June, September | Good weather, manageable crowds |
Machu Picchu can feel crowded, commercialized, and logistically demanding. Do not let that put you off. When you stand on the terraces at sunrise and watch clouds drift through the Andes below you, all of it — every booking, every early morning, every steep step — will have been entirely worth it.