Machu Picchu, often called the "Lost City of the Incas," is an impressive reminder of the artistry and craftsmanship of a long-vanished ancient civilization. Situated in the beautiful cloud forests of the Andes, this UNESCO World Heritage Site never fails to captivate and impress tourists with its remarkable beauty, exquisite structures, and legendary history.
This article explains what you should know before visiting Machu Picchu, including the newly established tourist circuits, entrance tickets, and prices.
How Do You Get To Machu Picchu?
The journey to
Machu Picchu begins with a flight to Lima, Peru's capital city on the Pacific coast. From Lima, you'll fly to Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, and then take a train to Aguas Calientes, a town nestled at the foot of Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes, you'll board a bus that will take you up to the ruins.
Lima
Before taking a flight to Cusco, explore
Lima's busy streets and consider spending the night. This lets you fully experience the rich history and culture of the city. See the colonial splendor of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the lively ambiance of San Isidro, Barranco, and Miraflores—neighborhoods renowned for their museums, art galleries, and eateries.
Cusco, Capital of the Inca Empire
The flight from Lima to
Cusco takes about 1.5 hours, and the Cusco Airport is located near the center of Cusco. Cusco sits high in the Andes at 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) above sea level. Take it easy during your first few days to acclimate to the altitude.
After your private transfer to the hotel, check-in and relax or explore the historic alleys with its rows of Inca walls and colonial churches. You should also look into visiting the traditional marketplaces, tasting local food, and taking part in some cultural events.
The Train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
To get to Machu Picchu, you must travel to
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) by train from Cusco, or catch the train in Urubamba or Ollantaytambo in the
Sacred Valley. The train departs several times per day from the train station outside of Cusco, and the trip to Aguas Calientes takes about 4 hours. Some times of the year, travelers may be required to take a bus to Ollantaytambo, where you can board a train for the remaining two-hour trip to Aguas Calientes. There are two train operators:
- Peru Rail (Cusco to Machu Picchu, Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca), and
- Inca Rail (alternative trains to Machu Picchu).
Due to the limited capacity of trains, travelers must check their bags. A maximum of 157 cm in length, width, and height is allowed per person, with a maximum weight of 5 kg.
Typically, trips to Machu Picchu include an overnight hotel stay in Aguas Calientes.
Take the bus from Aguas Calientes early in the morning to the ruins of Machu Picchu to maximize your time at the ruins.
Can I Enter Machu Picchu?
Yes, but with some new restrictions.
1. You must have a tour guide to access the citadel. This is due to the Peruvian Government's regulations aimed at preserving the site and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
2. Groups are limited to a maximum of ten individuals per guide, ensuring that visitors can explore the site comfortably and safely.
3. You must enter the Machu Picchu citadel using the designated entrance that corresponds to the circuit and schedule specified on your purchased ticket. This helps manage visitor flow and prevent overcrowding.
4. Visitors are limited to a maximum stay of four hours within the citadel to prevent overcrowding and ensure the preservation of this precious historical site.
By following these new guidelines, you can contribute to the protection and preservation of Machu Picchu while enjoying a memorable and enriching experience.
Can I Enter Machu Picchu Without a Guide?
Due to necessary restrictions imposed by the Peruvian Government, it is mandatory to have a guide in Machu Picchu. In other words, you cannot access Machu Picchu without a guide.
Adventure Life Guides are the unsung heroes whose efforts create unique experiences for our travelers. They will become like family as they guide you through Peru and Machu Picchu.
How Does 2024 Entrance Tickets to Machu Picchu Work?
Tickets to the ruins must be purchased in advance for the specific date you will visit. Your tour likely includes tickets, contact us for more information and inquire about purchasing tickets for your travel dates. Tickets for trekking to Machu Picchu on the full Inca Trail and Short Inca Trail must also be purchased in advance.
Since 2021, the Ministry of Culture has approved seven different types of tickets for access to Machu Picchu. Currently, only four are available. Here's a detailed breakdown of the ticket types, time slots, and prices:
| Type of Ticket |
Description |
Daily Limit |
Time Slots |
Prices
|
| Llaqta de Machu Picchu only |
Allows access to the Inca citadel via circuits 1, 2, and 3. You can choose any of the circuits that suit your schedule and fitness. |
3000 |
Nine daily slots from
6:00-7:00 am to 2:00-3:30 pm |
Adult: 152 Soles ($51)
Student: 70 Soles ($18)
Child: 77 Soles ($24)
|
| Machu Picchu Circuit 4 + Huayna Picchu |
The most popular peak in the Machu Picchu complex due to its spectacular views. |
200 |
Huayna Picchu 4 slots:
6:00 a.m
7:00 a.m
8:00 a.m
9:00 p.m
|
Adult: 200 Soles ($65)
Student: 118 Soles ($33)
Child: 125 Soles ($37) |
| Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3 (permits to re-enter the citadel) |
Best alternative to the Huayna Picchu Mountain. The higher summit is opposite Huayna Picchu. |
400 |
Machu Picchu Mountain 2 slots:
6:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m. |
Adult: 200 Soles ($65)
Student: 118 Soles ($31)
Child: 125 Soles ($37) |
| Machu Picchu Circuit 4 + Huchuy Picchu |
This new route is the small mountain in front of Huayna Picchu, a cheaper alternative.
|
200 |
Nine daily slots from
6:00-7:00 am to 2:00-3:00 pm |
Adult: 152Soles ($51)
Student: 70 Soles ($18)
Child: 77 Soles ($24) |
Visitors should take the Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu shuttle bus no later than 30 minutes before the start of their scheduled visitation time slot. If you can get up early enough to arrive at the site for the first admission at 6 AM, the crowds will be much fewer than they are at lunchtime.
Available Hiking Options For Your Second Day in Machu Picchu:
- Huayna Picchu the iconic peak seen in the background on most photographs
- Machu Picchu Mountain higher peak opposite Huayna Picchu. Typically this is the mountain most are standing on when they take the iconic shot of the ruin site.
- Huchuy Picchu is the smaller peak, located just next to Huayna Picchu.
- The Sun Gate or Inti Punku served as the entrance to Machu Picchu.
Should you include the additional hiking permit for
Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or try to decide between the two? See our helpful comparison
HERE
Prohibitions During your Visit to the Llaqta of Machu Picchu:
Visitors who engage in activities or enter with forbidden items on this list will be immediately expelled without reimbursement and the start of legal actions, if required. The Ministry of Culture's park guards and the National Police officers command the monument grounds.
1. Backpacks, bags, or purses larger than 40x35x20 cm
2. Food or kitchenware, i.e., plates, cutlery, thermoses
3. Any illegal substance or to be under the influence of any substance
4. Any type of alcohol or be under the influence
5. Umbrellas, walking sticks, portable chairs, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks.
6. Animals, except guide dogs
7. Feed domestic or wild animals
8. Any aerosol
9. Deface, alter or leave any graffiti
10. Any musical instrument, megaphone, or speakers
11. Make loud or disturbing noises (scream, whistle, clap, sing, etc.)
12. Use virtual apps in narrow paths or outside designated areas
13. Heels or hard-sole shoes
14. Baby strollers
15. Knives or weapons of any kind
16. Banners, posters, films, photos, clothing intended for advertising purposes
17. Generate turmoil, undress, lie down, run and jump
18. Climb or lean on walls and structures. Touch, extract or move lithic elements such as rocks and stonework
19. Disturb, collect or remove flora or fauna
20. Perform obscene acts contrary to morality and good manners, such as fashion shows, dances, and social commitments.
21. Smoke or vape, or start a fire of any kind
22. Litter
23. Stray from the established circuits/routes
24. Sell or trade inside the monument and surrounding areas until Puente Ruinas
25. Flyover with paragliders, drones, or any craft
Is Machu Picchu Worth it?
While it is worth seeing, it demands a significant investment of time, money, and energy. Machu Picchu is widely regarded as one of the world's most important cultural landmarks and the most impressive urban creation of the Inca Empire. Set in a lush tropical forest at an elevation of 2,430 meters above sea level, this site is home to many native plants and animals.
Contact Adventure Life's Peru experts for help finding the perfect trip to
Peru and Machu Picchu that fits your particular interests, schedule, and budget.
