Nearest Settlement
Aguas Calientes sits crowded in the valley below Machu Picchu Full Day . You can reach it only by train or on foot. Trains leave from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Ticket Cost
To visit Machu Picchu you need a ticket priced at S/152 (about $40) or S/200 (roughly $53) if you want one of the mountain hikes included. Buy online in advance (Spanish only).
Add-On Hikes
The circuit system now lets you reserve extra stops. Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and the Inca Bridge don’t add to your bill but must be booked. If you crave steeper climbs, Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or the Grand Cavern views can be yours for an extra $13. I sometimes debate if it’s worth the sweat—usually yes.
Getting There
Most people take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, then train to Aguas Calientes. From there, a bus runs up to Machu Picchu. Hike the Inca or Salkantay paths if time and budget allow. Backpackers mix local buses with trekking to save cash.
How Much Time You Need
A one-day dash from Cusco is common. But if you sleep in Aguas Calientes, you can visit twice—morning light one day, sunset the next. More relaxed.
Trip Planning
Organize everything yourself with online bookings. Or hire an expert guide—especially handy if there’s a strike or sudden weather delay. I’ve had to call mine at 3 am once… stressful.
Guides
You can wander solo, but a guide explains the stonework, points out water channels and spots hidden niches you’d miss alone. Worth every Sol if you care about in-depth stories.
Best Season to Visit
Dry season—May through September—is peak for clear views and low rain. Afternoons empty out, but add-on hikes like Huayna Picchu only open in the morning. Plan accordingly.
What to Pack
Passport. Ticket. Sunscreen. Insect repellent. Water. Snacks. A lightweight rain jacket—even if it looks sunny. That sudden cloudburst can soak you in minutes.
What Not to Bring
Leave big backpacks, tripods, selfie sticks and walking sticks behind. They block paths and get checked at the gate. Check the full banned list on the Ministry of Culture site.
Altitude
Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m—nearly a kilometer below Cusco. Most people don’t notice the thin air here, unless they climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Then, you might feel it.
Official Info
For the latest rules, circuit options and restrictions, visit the Ministry of Culture’s Machu Picchu page.
And remember: tickets sell out fast. Book early, or risk missing out.