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Tickets can be purchased through the official Machu Picchu ticket website (machupicchu.gob.pe) or through a licensed tour operator like us. We recommend booking through your tour operator as we handle the entire process — tickets, train, bus, and guided tour — in one package.
During peak season (May–September), tickets can sell out 1–3 months in advance. For July and August — the busiest months — we recommend booking at least 3 months ahead. In the low season, 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient, but early booking is always safer.
The Peruvian government limits daily visitors to 4,500 people per day, divided across morning and afternoon entry slots. This limit was introduced to protect the site from over-tourism and erosion.
Official tickets purchased directly from the government site are generally non-refundable, but date changes may be possible with advance notice. Tour operator packages usually include flexible cancellation policies. Always check the specific terms when booking and consider travel insurance.
You must present the original ID document used when purchasing your ticket — either your passport or national identity card. The name on your ticket must match exactly. Photocopies are not accepted.
Yes. Students with a valid ISIC card (International Student Identity Card) receive a discounted ticket. Children under 8 years old enter free. Peruvian citizens and university students from Peru also receive discounted rates. Always carry your student ID when purchasing.
Machu Picchu is open every day of the year from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Last entry is at 5:00 PM. The site is never closed, including holidays. Entry times are assigned on your ticket — you must enter within your allocated time slot.
We recommend at least 3–4 hours for a satisfying visit with a guided tour of the main areas. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, allow a full day (6–8 hours). You are allowed to re-enter the site once on the same day if you need a break.
Early morning is best — arrive at opening (6:00 AM) for the clearest views, softest light for photography, and smallest crowds. The famous morning mist often lifts by 8–9 AM revealing the full panorama. By midday the site is at its busiest and clouds typically roll in.
No food or drinks are sold inside the citadel. There is one toilet at the entrance (fee: S/1–2) but none inside the ruins. The nearest restaurants and cafes are at the entrance area or in Aguas Calientes. Bring snacks and water in a reusable bottle.
Yes! A herd of llamas and alpacas roams freely through the agricultural terraces. They are used as natural lawnmowers and are very accustomed to visitors. You can photograph them up close — but don't try to feed or touch them as they may spit!
The standard route is: Cusco → Ollantaytambo by bus/van (1.5 hrs) → Aguas Calientes by train (1.5 hrs) → Machu Picchu by bus (25 min). Trains depart from Poroy (near Cusco) or Ollantaytambo. Two main operators run the train: Peru Rail and Inca Rail.
Yes. The Hiram Bingham Road has a walking path (separate from the bus road) that goes from Aguas Calientes to the citadel. It takes approximately 45–60 minutes uphill on stone steps. It's a strenuous but rewarding climb. The walk down takes about 30–40 minutes.
The official shuttle bus costs USD $24 round-trip or USD $12 one-way. Buses run continuously from approximately 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The ride takes about 25 minutes on a winding mountain road. Buy tickets online in advance at busy times to avoid long queues.
Yes, but it's a very long day. You'll leave Cusco at around 5:00–6:00 AM and return by 9:00–10:00 PM. We recommend an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes to enjoy a more relaxed visit, catch the sunrise, and avoid the exhausting rush. Two days is ideal.
Bags must not exceed 40 × 35 × 20 cm. Large backpacks, suitcases, and duffel bags are not permitted inside the citadel. There is a luggage storage facility at the entrance where you can leave large items for a small fee.
Selfie sticks are prohibited inside Machu Picchu. Tripods are allowed but require a prior photography permit. For casual photography, a small Gorilla-pod style flexible tripod on the ground is a good alternative and doesn't require a permit.
Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip — hiking boots or sturdy trainers. The stone paths can be very slippery when wet. Flip flops, sandals, and high heels are not suitable and can be dangerous. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu, proper hiking boots are strongly recommended.
Machu Picchu at 2,430 m is significantly lower than Cusco (3,400 m), so most visitors feel better at the ruins than in the city. However, if you arrive directly from sea level or are very sensitive to altitude, mild symptoms are possible. Acclimatize in Cusco for 2 days before visiting for the best experience.
Machu Picchu has limited accessibility for people with mobility issues. The site involves significant walking on uneven stone paths and steep steps. However, a small section of the lower terraces is accessible via a flat path. Contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate special needs and plan the most accessible route.
Absolutely. Machu Picchu is a wonderful experience for children. Kids under 8 enter free. The main citadel circuit is manageable for children aged 5+. Avoid Huayna Picchu for young children as it involves very steep, narrow paths with chains. Machu Picchu Mountain is a better option for families.
Huayna Picchu is the iconic pointed peak seen behind the ruins in the classic photo. It's steep, challenging, and takes ~2 hours round-trip. Limited to 400 people/day.
Machu Picchu Mountain is the larger mountain behind the citadel. It's a longer hike (~3 hrs round-trip) but less steep. Limited to 800 people/day. Both offer spectacular bird's-eye views.
Huayna Picchu tickets must be purchased separately from your standard Machu Picchu entry ticket, and well in advance as they sell out extremely fast. Entry is allowed in two slots: 7:00–8:00 AM and 10:00–11:00 AM. Contact us and we will include it in your tour package.
Huayna Picchu is steep and demanding with narrow stone paths, vertical sections with chains, and significant exposure to heights. It is not recommended for people with a fear of heights, poor physical fitness, or knee problems. When wet, the steps become very slippery — take extreme care in rainy conditions.
The following are strictly prohibited:
- Drones — banned throughout the entire site
- Selfie sticks
- Single-use plastic bottles
- Large bags over 40 × 35 × 20 cm
- Food or drinks (except water in reusable bottles)
- Sitting or standing on ruins
- Removing rocks, plants, or artifacts
- Alcohol or illegal substances
Yes — personal photography is freely allowed throughout the site. Professional photography or video production requires a special permit from the Ministry of Culture. Drones are completely prohibited. Selfie sticks are also banned.
Yes — once. You are allowed to exit and re-enter the citadel one time on the same day. This is useful if you want to take a break, have lunch in Aguas Calientes, or leave your bag at the entrance. After re-entering, you may not exit and re-enter again.
There is no formal dress code, but appropriate footwear is essential — closed-toe shoes with grip. Nudity and partially naked poses for photos are prohibited and can result in expulsion and fines. Dress comfortably for walking and be prepared for both sun and rain.
