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Machu Picchu is the reason many travellers first dream of Peru — and standing among its terraces at sunrise more than lives up to the photographs. This guide covers how to get there, what it costs, when to go and how to make the most of a visit, so you can plan with confidence.
Almost every journey begins in Cusco, the former Inca capital. From there you travel through the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway at the foot of the citadel. Most travellers take the scenic train from Ollantaytambo; a short shuttle bus then climbs the final switchbacks to the entrance.
If you'd rather arrive on foot, the classic Inca Trail is a four-day trek that ends at the Sun Gate — unforgettable, but it needs booking months ahead. The Salkantay and Lares routes are excellent alternatives when Inca Trail permits have sold out.
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Peru's dry season, roughly May to September, brings the clearest skies and is the most popular time to visit. The shoulder months of April and October offer a good balance of decent weather and thinner crowds. The wet season (November to March) is greener and quieter, though afternoon showers are common and the Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance.
Whatever the month, arriving early in the day rewards you with softer light and fewer people on the terraces.
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Entry is by timed ticket and numbers are capped, so book well in advance, especially in peak season. Tickets are sold for set circuits, and if you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for the panoramic views, those add-ons sell out first.
Cusco sits at around 3,400m, so allow two or three days to acclimatise before your visit. Bring layers, sun protection, water and your passport — it's needed at the entrance and makes a fun souvenir stamp on the way out.
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Machu Picchu is the highlight, but it shines brightest as part of a wider journey through the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Lake Titicaca. Travelling with a small group and a local guide means the history comes alive — and the logistics of trains, buses and timed tickets are handled for you.
That's exactly how our Peru trips are designed: unhurried, expertly guided, and built around moments like your first sight of the citadel.
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