How to Visit Machu Picchu in 2024: The Complete Guide

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

No wonder, visiting this Inca citadel is a dream for many travelers.

However, planning how to visit Machu Picchu requires a bit of planning and detailed preparation.

Adding a new piece to the puzzle, effective June 1, 2024, the Peruvian government has implemented new regulations and guidelines for Machu Picchu to improve traveler experiences while also preserving this historic site.

That is why, after visiting this wonderful place not once, but twice, we created this comprehensive Machu Picchu visit guide.

It should equip you with all the essential information you need, from securing your tickets to deciding where to stay, what to pack, and much more.

🌟 IMPORTANT: Remember to bring your passport (original, not copy) for any transaction related to Machu Picchu – buying the entrance tickets, validating the train tickets, buying the Machu Picchu bus tickets, boarding the bus and visiting Machu Picchu.

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How to Visit Machu Picchu – Quick Planning Resources

🌟 Bring passport – original, not copy.

⛰️ How to Get to Machu Picchu: 🚞 By Train OR 🚐 By Car + Walk OR 🥾 By Hiking. Details here.

🎟️ Where to Buy Tickets for Machu Picchu: Online in advance (recommended)

📌 Which Circuit to Choose for First Time Visit: Circuito 2 – Circuito clásico, Ruta 2-A: Ruta clásico diseñada (Book months in advance)

🌤️ Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season)

🏨 Stay right next to Machu Picchu at Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel – an ultra-luxury accommodation.

Machu Picchu on a Day Trip from Cusco: Book this tour which includes all transportation including train tickets, Machu Picchu entrance tickets as well services of the guide.

How to Get to Machu Picchu

Most likely, you will start your journey to Machu Picchu from the Inca capital city of Cusco.

You need to break the journey in two parts:

  1. Cusco to Aguas Calientes
  2. Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

For each phase, you can choose from multiple options. These tables below should help you understand the different methods for each leg of the journey and their key features.

➡️ For details, read our guide on how to get to Machu Pichhu.

Phase 1: Cusco to Aguas Calientes

MethodDescriptionKey Features
🚞 By TrainTravel by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.Scenic, comfortable, and faster. Moderate to high cost.
🚐 By RoadDrive from Cusco to Hidroeléctrica and then take a train or hike to Aguas Calientes.Flexible, but takes longer and involves additional hiking. Lower cost but more time-consuming.
🥾 By HikingSeveral trekking options like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, Lares Trek, etc.Adventurous, scenic, and immersive. Requires advance booking. Moderate to high cost depending on the trek.

** IMPORTANT: Occasionally, Peru Rail passengers may be required to do an additional step for ticket validation. Even if you do not receive any such email, we suggest you to go and check this. Here’s what you need to do for Peru Rail ticket validation.

Phase 2: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

MethodDescriptionKey Features
🚌 By BusTake a bus from Aguas Calientes up to the entrance of Machu Picchu.Convenient, operational throughout the day. Moderate cost.
🥾 By HikingHike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.Adventurous, physically demanding, and scenic. Zero cost.

Couple seated inside the Machu Picchu bus, starting from Aguas Calientes.
Us in the Machu Picchu bus, starting from Aguas Calientes.

How to Buy Machu Picchu Tickets

The most important part of visiting Machu Picchu is securing your tickets in advance – months in advance.

🌟 SECOND REMINDER: Remember to bring your passport (original, not copy) for any transaction related to Machu Picchu.

There are two ways to buy the tickets for Machu Picchu:

  1. Online in advance
  2. In person at the Ministry of Culture office in the town of Aguas Calientes

We do NOT recommend the second option, unless that’s your only resort to get tickets to Machu Picchu.

Continue reading for details about both the processes, online and offline booking.

Note: You can get your Machu Picchu tickets by booking a tour (tour options later in the article) or through a travel agency. But they are going to use either of these two methods below to purchase your tickets as these are the only methods available to anyone.

Online Booking

Here is how to reserve your tickets online in advance:

🛜 Book on the Peru Cultural Ministry Official website.

📌 On the booking page, you need to choose the circuit and the route within that (see next section) that you want to visit.

🗓️ Select your date of visit (dates are blocked out if tickets are sold out for that date) and hour of visit (check availability in drop down).

🛂 Pick “Extranjero” (foreigner) from the drop-down under the section “Selecciona tu procedencia

🎟️ Add the number of tickets you need to purchase (maximum 5 allowed per transaction)

🛒 Add to cart and proceed to complete the transaction.

Recommended way of booking your Machu Picchu tickets

Offline Booking

If you cannot get your Machu Picchu tickets online in advance, this can be your chance to get last minute tickets. Here’s how:

❗️ By this method, there are ONLY 1000 tickets for sale daily for visiting Machu Picchu the next day.

📍 The tickets are sold here at Ministry of Culture office in Aguas Calientes.

🌅 The day before visiting Machu Picchu, go to this office early in the morning and collect your token.

⌚️ The token will tell you what time you need to come back to the office to actually buy the Machu Picchu ticket.

↪️ Return to the office as per the given time to buy your Machu Picchu tickets.

🎟️ Choose the circuit you want to visit and at what hour (based on availability) and complete the transaction.

We do NOT recommend this method due to the complexity of the process and uncertainty of the outcome.

Machu Picchu Circuits

Effective June 1, 2024, Machu Picchu offers 10 different routes under 3 broad circuits, each designed to manage foot traffic and protect the archaeological site.

The circuits vary in terms of the areas they cover and the duration needed to see them.

When booking the Machu Picchu tickets, it is essential to pick the circuit and the route under it that you wish to visit. So, the important question is:

Which Circuit to Choose for Visiting Machu Picchu?

For the trip of a lifetime, we understand that it can be overwhelming to select just one route from so many available options.

Since we have had the opportunity to explore multiple circuits of Machu Picchu over two different visits (in 2018 and in 2024), let us help you make the choice of which circuit suits you the best.

So, here are our recommendations:

🏆 Best Circuit for First Time Visitors:

Circuito 2 – Circuito clásico, Ruta 2-A: Ruta clásico diseñada

Classic photo op of Machu Picchu + exploration of main sectors of the urban area of the Inca citadel, starting from the agricultural sector and visiting key places like the main entrance, main plaza, viewpoint of the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Rock and the Water Mirrors, to name a few.

Couple posing with the classic view while visiting Machu Picchu.
Classic view of Machu Picchu. Yes, that’s us! 😃 In 2018

Exploring the urban areas of Machu Picchu citadel.
Exploring the urban areas of Machu Picchu citadel

⛰️ Best Circuit(s) if You Wish to Climb A Mountain:

Circuito 3 – Machupicchu realeza, Ruta 3-A: Ruta Montaña Waynapicchu

Close-up classic photo of Machu Picchu + exploration of agricultural sector and key places like the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Temple of the Condor, to name a few + climbing the Huayna Picchu mountain, which in our opinion, offers views of Machu Picchu from a cool perspective.

Circuito 1 – Panorámico, Ruta 1-A: Ruta Montaña Machupicchu

Wide panoramic view of the Inca city of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains + climbing the Machu Picchu mountain that allows views of snowcapped mountains like Salkantay and Pumasillo.

Couple at the summit of Huayna Picchu mountain, part of Circuit 3 while visiting Machu Picchu.
Us, at Huayna Picchu mountain summit.

🎟️ If You Want but Can’t Get Tickets for Circuit 2:

Buy tickets for two different sectors. Remember to pick mutually exclusive time slots. Or if your schedule and budget permit, visit on two different days.

1️⃣ Circuito 1 – Panorámico, Ruta 1-B: Ruta terraza superior:

Wide panoramic view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings.

2️⃣ Circuito 3 – Machupicchu realeza, Ruta 3-B: Ruta realeza diseñada:

Close-up classic photo of Machu Picchu + exploration of agricultural sector and key places like the Temple of the Sun, the House of the Inca, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Temple of the Condor, to name a few.

Couple posing with the Machu Picchu view from the upper terrace.
Machu Picchu view from the upper terrace.

The first view of Machu Picchu, as seen from the Sun Gate, Intipunku.
The first view of Machu Picchu, as seen from the Sun Gate, Intipunku.

Machu Picchu Circuit Options

Want more details about all Machu Picchu circuits?

For complete overview of all circuits and routes within them, check out the table below. For your reference, for each of the routes, we have added links to videos (in Spanish) and routes published by Peru Ministry of Culture.

CircuitRoute (links to Videos)Route Map
Circuito 1 – PanorámicoRuta 1-A: Ruta Montaña MachupicchuSee map
Circuito 1 – PanorámicoRuta 1-B: Ruta terraza superiorSee map
Circuito 1 – PanorámicoRuta 1-C: Ruta Portada Intipunku (available only in high season)See map
Circuito 1 – PanorámicoRuta 1-D: Ruta Puente Inka (available only in high season)See map
Circuito 2 – Circuito clásicoRuta 2-A: Ruta clásico diseñadaSee map
Circuito 2 – Circuito clásicoRuta 2-B: Ruta terraza inferiorSee map
Circuito 3 – Machupicchu realezaRuta 3-A: Ruta Montaña WaynapicchuSee map
Circuito 3 – Machupicchu realezaRuta 3-B: Ruta realeza diseñadaSee map
Circuito 3 – Machupicchu realezaRuta 3-C: Ruta Gran Caverna (available only in high season)See map
Circuito 3 – Machupicchu realezaRuta 3-D: Ruta Huchuypicchu (available only in high season)See map
Machu Picchu Circuits and Routes

Note: Once you choose and start a circuit, you are generally not allowed to backtrack or swap routes.

Our Experience: Having said that, during our visit in September 2024, we noticed that the stricter demarcations are for the Circuits – 1/ 2/ 3, and NOT for the routes within those circuits.

That is why, although our tickets were for Route 1C (that includes Intipunku, the Sun Gate), we were also allowed to visit Puente Inka, the Inka Bridge, which actually comes under Route 1D.

Machu Picchu Tickets Price

💲 Tickets to all circuits and routes in Machu Picchu cost 152 soles (~ 41 USD) per adult foreigner, except for if you want to climb Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, or visit Great Cavern sector, each of which cost 200 soles (~ 54 USD) per adult foreigner.

🆓 Entry is free for children under 3 years of age.

🧑🏽‍🎓 Students and children between 3-17 years get discounted prices.

🌟 IMPORTANT: If you avail the student discount while purchasing your Machu Picchu ticket, you have to bring your student identity card – original, not copy. Else, entry may be denied.

Here is the detailed breakdown of Machu Picchu ticket prices by circuits/routes and various age categories for foreign visitors:

AgeCircuits 1A, 3A, 3CAll other circuits/ routes
Adults (18 years and above)200 soles
(~ 54 USD)
152 soles
(~ 41 USD)
Students
(any age)
125 soles
(~ 34 USD)
77 soles
(~ 21 USD)
Children (3-17 years)118 soles
(~ 32 USD)
70 soles
(~ 19 USD)
Children (0-3 years)FreeFree
Machu Picchu Ticket Prices for Foreigners – by Visitors Categories and Circuits

Machu Picchu Entrance Times

For planning your Machu Picchu visit, after choosing the circuit, you need to pick the time of your visit. So, in this section we are going to share the entry time slots for each route and recommend some optimal time slots and tips for your visit.

Entry Time Slots

🕰️ For visiting most circuits and routes in Machu Picchu, you can choose from time entry slots every hour between 6:00 am and 3:00 pm, with exceptions for certain routes.

Here are the exceptions:

  • If you plan to climb Huayna Picchu mountain or Machu Picchu mountain, or wish to visit Great Caverns sector, the only available time slots are 7:00 am and 9:00 am.
  • For visiting Intipunku (Sun Gate) or Puente Inka (Inca Bridge), the entry slots are every hour between 8:00-11:00 am.
  • If you want to climb Huchuy Picchu mountain, you have to pick between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon entry slots.

Here are all entry time slots for all circuits and routes of Machu Picchu:

RouteEntry Slots
Ruta 1-A7:00 am, 9:00 am
Ruta 1-B6:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Ruta 1-C8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am
Ruta 1-D8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am
Ruta 2-A6:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Ruta 2-B6:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Ruta 3-A7:00 am, 9:00 am
Ruta 3-B6:00 am, 7:00 am, 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm
Ruta 3-C7:00 am, 9:00 am
Ruta 3-D10:00 am, 12:00 noon
Machu Picchu Entry Time Slots by Circuits/Routes

Optimal Times

☀️ If you want to catch the sun rising over the Incan city of Machu Picchu, take the 6:00 am entry slot.

✅ If not the sunrise views, we recommend you to take one of the early morning slots. That way, even if the site is covered in clouds when you arrive (a probable scenario when visiting Machu Picchu), you can wait them out for this Wonder of the World to reveal itself in bright light.

❌ It is best to avoid the midday slots as those are likely to be more crowded.

⏳ If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and will not be in a rush to catch the train the same day, you can pick a late afternoon entry slot.

Man enjoying the views of Machu Picchu covered in clouds.
Wait for the clouds to disperse.

Man enjoying the clear weather view of Machu Picchu.
30 minutes later. Told you to wait 😎

Re-entry Regulations

Keep in mind that once you exit the site, re-entry is not permitted.

Plan your visit accordingly, ensuring you have sufficient time and energy to explore all the areas you intend to see.

Tip: Use the toilet before you enter the Machu Picchu site. Cost: 2 soles, and oddly, unlike anywhere in Peru, you get a printed receipt for this toilet use fee!

Machu Picchu Guided Tours

If booking everything by yourself sounds too overwhelming, book a guided tour of Machu Picchu.

Depending on the time you have, pick from one of these highly rated tours of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco

If you can spare only one day to visit Machu Picchu from Cusco, book this tour.

It’s the most hassle-free way of doing this day trip.

The one day tour includes transportation, including train tickets and Machu Picchu bus tickets. While booking, you can choose from various train categories to select your preferred one.

Machu Picchu entrance tickets are also included in the tour price, and of course, the services of a guide.

Book Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco here

1N/2D Tour of Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu

For maximizing the time you have in Peru, pick a two-day tour starting from Cusco, visiting Machu Picchu and some attractions in Sacred Valley.

Note that, Sacred Valley itself has plenty to offer. You can visit places like Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Pisaq, Moray and Maras Salt Mines.

However, on a two-day tour from Cusco, it is not possible to visit all these attractions at once.

Because of the routing, you need to choose between one of the two options:

  1. Sacred Valley tour of Chinchero, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo
  2. Sacred Valley tour of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo.

Both tours include Machu Picchu visit on the second day – entrance ticket and guided tour, all transportation including roundtrip train tickets, roundtrip Machu Picchu bus tickets from Aguas Calientes town, 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes town and meals as per itinerary.

2-Day TourMachu PicchuSacred ValleyBook
Option 1Awana Kancha, Pisaq Ruins, Pisaq Market, OllantaytamboBook here >>
Option 2Chinchero, Maras Salt Mines, Moray, OllantaytamboBook here >>

❓Confused which one to book? We say, pick the second option. You get to visit more places and a diverse set of those.

For Pisaq, we recommend you to dedicate one whole day for exploring the ruins, market and town.

The archaeological site at Pisaq offers much more to discover that what you can see in small part of a combo tour.

➡️ Read how we planned our DIY Pisaq day trip from Cusco.

Machu Picchu Tickets + Machu Picchu Bus + Guide

If you make your way to Aguas Calientes by yourself, this tour is a good option.

The tour includes Machu Picchu entrance tickets, roundtrip tickets for Machu Picchu bus from Aguas Calientes and the services of a guide.

Book Machu Picchu Guided Tour here

Machu Picchu Stamp on Passport

Yes, you can get a Machu Picchu stamp on your passport. At the entrance, you can queue up for procuring a sealed proof on your passport that you visited Machu Picchu, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

But, here is our advice:

DO NOT get the Machu Picchu stamp on your passport.

Well, I will be honest. It is a very cool souvenir stamp to have on your passport. That is what we thought when we got ours when we first visited Machu Picchu in 2018. But you know what, we were naive!

After we got these stamps on our passports and felt elated about it, we learnt a hard fact.

❗️If there are souvenir stamps on a passport, some countries deem the passport invalid!

Read this story of how souvenir stamps on passport can bring trouble in some countries.

Having said that, thousands of people from around the world do get the Machu Picchu stamp on their passports. But it is clearly a risk. You decide if you want to take it.

Where to Stay to Visit Machu Picchu

For availability of choices, try to book your accommodations well in advance, particularly if traveling during the high season.

Now, where to stay for visiting Machu Picchu will depend on whether you are making overnight/ multi-day trip or doing a day trip from Cusco or Ollantaytambo in Sacred Valley.

For Overnight or Multi-Day Trips

🌟 For the ultimate experience, book an ultra-luxury stay at Sanctuary Lodge, a Belmond Hotel, the only hotel located RIGHT NEXT to Machu Picchu site entrance.

If that is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other options.

For visiting Machu Picchu, the most convenient base to stay is Aguas Calientes town, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. This small town offers a range of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Here are our hotel recommendations for Aguas Calientes:

For Day Trip

Of course, if you are planning to visit Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco or Sacred Valley, you will base yourself in either of those places.

🏨 Click here to find hotels in Cusco >>

Here are our hotel recommendations for Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley):

🌹 El Albergue Ollantaytambo – unique hotel with special experiences

🏚️ Sol Ollantay Exclusive Hotel – one block from the Ollantaytambo ruins entrance.

🏞️ Hotel Pakaritambu – close to the train station, walking distance from ruins. We loved the views here.

💲 Intitambo Hotel – affordable pricing, loved by guests.

Morning sun in the garden at Hotel Pakaritambu, Ollantaytambo - a nice night halt place on the way to or after visiting Machu Picchu.
Morning sun in the garden during our stay at Hotel Pakaritambu

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu

☀️ The best time to visit Machu Picchu is the dry season between May and September. Higher chances of clear skies and comfortable temperatures make for ideal hiking and sightseeing conditions.

🌦️ April and October are considered shoulder seasons for visiting Machu Picchu, providing a balance between decent weather and fewer crowds. These months can be an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid the peak season rush.

🌧️ The wet season, from November to March, sees fewer tourists. So, if you are willing to take the risk of rain during your visit, you may actually get rewarded with a serene atmosphere during your visit.

Over the years, we visited Machu Picchu twice, at two different times of the year, at two different times of the day, and this is how our weather experience was:

  • In 2024, we visited Machu Picchu in mid-September in the morning hours, and got bright sunny weather, soon after the early morning clouds dispersed from over the mountains.
  • In 2018, we visited Machu Picchu in early October, starting early in the morning and got to see Machu Picchu gradually get lit in the soft sunlight.
Morning view at Machu Picchu.
Morning at Machu Picchu.

What to Bring to Machu Picchu

For a comfortable visit to Machu Picchu, remember to bring the following items:

🛂 Passport: Entry is not possible without your original passport.

🎒 Carry all essentials in a daypack of dimensions not exceeding 40 X 35 X 20 cm (that is, 16 X 14 X 8 inches).

💦 Bring drinking water in your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

🥜 Pack lightweight, non-perishable snacks for on the way back from Machu Picchu. Eating inside at the citadel is not permitted.

🌞 Apply and re-apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn. It is real! Even my brown skin knows that well.

👒 Bring a hat or cap and wear sunglasses. Protect yourself from the high-altitude sun.

🥾 Put on sturdy broken-in hiking shoes for navigating uneven terrain.

🌧️ Be prepared for the unforeseen case of rain. Carry a rain poncho – umbrellas are not allowed.

📷 Do not forget the camera of your choice. From stunning scenery to fascinating ruins, there’s plenty to capture.

➡️ See what’s there in our camera bag

🏞️ If you are going for one of the multi-day hikes to visit Machu Picchu, the list will be much more elaborate than this. For ideas, check this packing list for 5-day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

Prohibited Items: What NOT to Bring to Machu Picchu

For preserving the site that receives thousands of visitors everyday, strict measures apply to prohibit certain items. So, when visiting Machu Picchu, make sure you do not bring any of the following items:

  • Selfie Sticks: Not allowed.
  • Tripods: Prior permission required.
  • Drones: Prohibited for personal use by visitors.
  • Baby strollers: If you bring them, you need to store them outside before entering the site.
  • Perishable food: Only dry and non-perishable snacks are allowed inside.
  • Heels or shoes with hard sole: Damage control for the constantly sinking soil due to high footfall.

For a complete list of forbidden items and prohibited behavior, read the Machu Picchu code of conduct.

FAQs

How much does it cost to visit Machu Picchu?

The cost of visiting Machu Picchu can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of ticket you purchase, the mode of transportation you use, and your accommodation choices.

On average, a 1N/2D a self-organized and self-guided basic trip will cost upwards of 200 USD per person, including the Machu Picchu entrance fee, return-trip train tickets for Aguas Calientes, roundtrip Machu Picchu bus tickets, and a night’s stay in Aguas Calientes.

On top of that, you need to factor in costs of meals and other miscellaneous expenses like water, medicines, souvenirs etc.

Guided tours will increase the cost further. Multi-day treks also cost more, but given their nature of almost all-inclusive pricing, will possibly offer more value for money.

How many days do you need to visit Machu Picchu?

Dedicating one day to explore the Machu Picchu site should be sufficient.

But to maximize your time to experience this wonderful place, we suggest you to spend at least a night in Aguas Calientes. This will allow you an early start.

During our first visit, this is what we did. After visiting Machu Picchu in the morning, we took the late afternoon train from Aguas Calientes back to Ollantaytambo, to continue our exploration of the Sacred Valley.

Even better, if you can spend two nights in Aguas Calientes. Then you will not be in a rush to catch the train or start the hike immediately after your Machu Picchu visit. You can enjoy the Machu Picchu visit at a much more relaxed pace, and later also enjoy a chilled night out in the town of Aguas Calientes.

That is why, at the end of our 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu in 2024, we chose to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes. Ah, those burgers and beverages on that last night felt so well-earned!

If you wish to visit more than one circuit/route of Machu Picchu, plan for non-intersecting time slots on the same day, or split your visit over two days. Of course, to execute this plan, you will need to stay at least a night in Aguas Calientes.

Man and plates of burgers and fries.
We earned ourselves this treat after the 5 Day Salkantay Trek. 😋

Can you visit Machu Picchu without hiking?

Yes, you can visit Machu Picchu without hiking.

Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by Machu Picchu bus ride from Aguas Calientes, make the site accessible for those who prefer not to trek. This is the most popular and convenient way of visiting.

However, it will be ideal to have a basic fitness level and comfort with general mobility. When visiting Machu Picchu, even if you are not climbing any of the mountains, be prepared for a lot of walking on uneven terrain and going up and down old and high Inca steps.

Do you need a guide to visit Machu Picchu?

While it is not mandatory to hire a guide to visit Machu Picchu, it is highly recommended. Certified local guides can provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and significant features of the site, enhancing your overall experience.

The first time we visited Machu Picchu in 2018, we had a private guide accompanying the two of us, except for the Huayna Picchu climb.

On the second visit in 2024, as part of our 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, a guide was assigned to every group of trek participants by entry times and circuits, except for our walks to Inti Punku (Sun Gate) and Puente Inka (Inca Bridge).

On both occasions, listening to the explanations by the guides enriched our knowledge about Machu Picchu.

Plan Your Machu Picchu Visit

  • 5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
  • Salkantay Trek Packing List
  • Salkantay Trek: Review of Machu Pichhu Reservations

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Paradise Catchers

We are Pubali and Indranil, an Indian couple living in Costa Rica and slow traveling Latin America and Caribbean.

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