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Peru · Sacred Valley

Machu Picchu

The Lost City of the Incas — UNESCO wonder, 15th-century citadel + Huayna Picchu

Machu Picchu is Peru's essential destination — 15th-century Inca citadel at 2,430m in the cloud forest, "discovered" by Hiram Bingham in 1911. UNESCO + one of the New 7 Wonders. Base town: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Book 4+ months ahead.

UNESCO listed
Since 1983
Altitude
2,430m (lower than Cusco)
From Cusco
4h combined via Ollantaytambo train
Best season
April-October

Machu Picchu highlights

Main Machu Picchu tour

Book Circuit 2 (full site) online 3-4 months ahead — sells out. Entry $50-70 depending on circuit.

Huayna Picchu hike

The steep peak behind the citadel — 400 tickets/day, requires online booking 4 months ahead. 90 min steep climb.

Machu Picchu Mountain hike

Higher (3,082m) but easier than Huayna Picchu — 90 min. 400 tickets/day. Panoramic view.

Sunrise entry (05:30-06:00)

First bus from Aguas Calientes 05:30 — reach citadel before dawn. Fog often clears 08:00.

Sun Gate (Inti Punku) hike

The classic entry point via Inca Trail — 90-min uphill from citadel for panoramic view.

Aguas Calientes hot springs

Thermal pools in the base town — relax after Machu Picchu. Small entry fee.

4-day Inca Trail hike

Classic trek from Km 82 — book 4-6 months ahead. $600-900 for licensed operator. Only 500 permits/day.

Getting there

No airport at Machu Picchu. Fly to Cusco (CUZ) then: train to Aguas Calientes (4h from Ollantaytambo) + shuttle bus 30 min to site. Or 4-day Inca Trail hike from Cusco.

Getting around

PeruRail + Inca Rail from Ollantaytambo/Poroy. Shuttle bus (30 min, $24 round trip) from Aguas Calientes to site. Walking inside site.

Best time to visit

April-October (dry season, clearest views). Avoid January-March (rain, cloud). Inca Trail closed February.

Budget per day

$150-250 basic tour · $300-600 mid-range · $1,200+ luxury (Belmond Sanctuary Lodge — only hotel at site)

Airport transfer from Alejandro Velasco Astete (Cusco) — 4h combined train (CUZ)

Getting out of Machu Picchu (CUZ)

Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.

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Driver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.

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Where to stay in Machu Picchu

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Fly to Alejandro Velasco Astete (Cusco) — 4h combined train (CUZ)

Popular direct routes from: Lima → Cusco → train

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Where to stay in Machu Picchu

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Frequently asked about Machu Picchu

How do I book Machu Picchu tickets?
Online at machupicchu.gob.pe — 3-4 months ahead in peak season. $50-70 depending on circuit. Circuit 2 is the standard "full site" ticket.
How do I get from Cusco to Machu Picchu?
Bus/taxi to Ollantaytambo (1h 30m) → train to Aguas Calientes (1h 30m, PeruRail or Inca Rail, $70-250) → shuttle bus to site (30 min).
How many days do I need at Machu Picchu?
1 full day at the site is minimum. Overnight in Aguas Calientes lets you do sunrise entry + Huayna Picchu hike + return.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
April-October — dry season with clearest views. May-August peak. January-March rain + cloud (Inca Trail closed February).
Is the Inca Trail worth doing?
Yes if you're fit + have 4-6 months to book ahead. Classic 4-day trek arrives via Sun Gate at sunrise — spectacular. Alternative: Salkantay Trek (no permit needed).