Faqs

Machu Picchu is the most impressive and important Inca archaeological complex in Peru, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Modern World Wonder, and categorized as a National Archaeological Park and Sanctuary due to its invaluable historical and archaeological value within its architectural context and Andean worldview. The archaeological site corresponds to a settlement from the Inca imperial period, distinguished by its remarkable urban planning and astonishing stone architecture, a «llaqta» (settlement) that the Incas built atop a mountain in harmony with the natural surroundings. These admirable conditions consecrate it as a center for research in science, culture, and humanity, whose significance places it as Peru’s main tourist destination.

It is located in the Machu Picchu district, Urubamba province, Cusco region, 120 kilometers from the city of Cusco, at an altitude of 2,470 meters above sea level, at coordinates 13°9’47” south latitude and 72°32’44” west longitude. The archaeological site is built on top of the mountainous massif known as the Vilcabamba Batholith, between the Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu mountains in the gradient of the Eastern Cordillera towards the Amazon plain.

According to the book «Machu Picchu: Interdisciplinary Research» by authors Fernando Astete and José M. Bastante, the most important monument within the Historical Sanctuary is the Machu Picchu llaqta. Its construction required the participation of specialists in architecture, engineering, and astronomy, as well as a large workforce. Significant effort was dedicated to land preparation, foundation, and the drainage system. Its construction was driven by the Inca State’s need for a religious, political, and administrative center within a sacred space of interaction between the Andes mountain range and the Amazon.

The Inca llaqta of Machu Picchu was planned and built in the early 15th century, during the reign of Inca Pachacuti.

The archaeological complex was discovered on July 14, 1902, by Cusqueño citizen Agustín Lizárraga Ruíz, and scientifically discovered on July 24, 1911, by American citizen Hiram Bingham, an explorer and politician who made the world aware of the existence of the Inca city of Machu Picchu.

There are various accounts from 16th-century chroniclers, interpretations by historians from the republican and contemporary periods, as well as interdisciplinary studies and concepts from cultural supervision institutions, all agreeing that the Incas’ interest in building Machu Picchu was due to religious and ceremonial aspects, serving as a sacred site and resting place for Inca nobility. Today, it holds the status of a Historical Sanctuary as an interconnected hub of wisdom and mysteries of the Andean worldview.

On December 9, 1983, UNESCO recognized the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu as a Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity, fulfilling four criteria of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV):

• Criterion i. Represent a masterpiece of human creative genius.
• Criterion iii. Bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization that is living or has disappeared.
• Criterion vii. Contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
• Criterion ix. Be outstanding examples representing ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of ecosystems and communities of plants and animals, both terrestrial, aquatic, coastal, and marine.

The safest way to reach Machu Picchu is through a travel and tourism agency that has all the necessary authorizations, ensuring the organization and provision of tourist services. It is not advisable to go on your own, and even less to hire informal services that could deceive you and cause serious problems.

Take a bus to the Ollantaytambo station and then take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo, and vice versa. The bus travel time on the paved road Cusco / Chinchero / Urubamba / Ollantaytambo is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes; on the paved road Cusco / Huarocondo / Páchar / Ollantaytambo around 1 hour and 20 minutes; on the road Cusco / Pisaq / Urubamba / Ollantaytambo around 2 hours and 20 minutes. The train journey between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu takes approximately 2 hours.

The traditional Inca Trail program takes 4 days and 3 nights to reach the Machu Picchu llaqta from the Piscacucho or Qoriwayrachina sector. There are other Inca road networks of shorter duration that can be completed in a single day (starting from Km. 104 of the railway line). Access to the Inca road network requires prior reservation well in advance through authorized travel agencies for this circuit.

There are 3 transportation options to reach Machu Picchu:

1. Bus plus train bimodal service (Cusco / Ollantaytambo / Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo / Cusco) RECOMMENDED.
2. Inca Trail network (bus Cusco / Piscacucho / 42 km hike / Inca City / return by train and bus to Cusco) RECOMMENDED, although it requires more time and other physical, logistical, and economic conditions.
3. Bus plus train or short hike (Cusco / Santa Teresa / Machu Picchu / Santa Teresa / Cusco) NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NOW.

No permit is required; only the entry ticket to Machu Picchu in the corresponding time slot is needed, in addition to organizing the trip with train and bus transportation, a tour guide, and accommodation if necessary.

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the months of April, May, June, September, October, and November, due to the weather conditions, avoiding tourist crowds in the high season, and the availability of spaces to enter the Inca City. However, any day is suitable to visit, as the effort is rewarded with its invaluable energy, magnificence, spectacular views, and mystery.

Yes, children can visit it, but there are entry prices related to age and restrictions for certain areas.

The dry season runs from April to November, and the rainy season from December to March and part of April, with an average annual temperature of 17°C. It is sunny and warm during the day, and cool to cold at night.

Certainly, altitude sickness can affect some tourists, even though Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level, almost 1,000 meters lower than Cusco (3,339 meters above sea level). It is advisable to acclimate first in Cusco, where shorter excursions are offered before undertaking longer ones. Basic logistics are available to handle emergency cases.

• Small backpack Light and warm clothing
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain poncho
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Snacks and energy foods
• Water or rehydration liquids
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Documentation
• Cash
• Rainy season gear
• Personal documents
• Entry tickets, train, and bus tickets.

Costs are calculated based on the rates of the following services:

• Transfers to and from the hotel Bus Cusco / Ollantaytambo / Cusco Tourist train Ollantaytambo / Machu Picchu / Ollantaytambo
• Up and down bus in Machu Picchu
• Entry ticket to the Inca City
• Guided service Accommodation (if applicable)
• Local train available at a lower cost for Peruvians, subject to availability
• Different rates for foreigners and nationals
• Different rates for foreigners and nationals

The price for a full-day visit for foreigners ranges between $250 and $300, depending on the operating travel agency. If you travel on your own, you can save a few dollars, but you will have to organize your own trip, including reservations, ticket purchases, logistics, and more. Therefore, the best option is to go through an operating agency, which will organize the entire trip for you with advice, assistance, security, and guarantees. There is a price difference for some services between foreigners and nationals, which is reflected in the final cost of the tour package.

Visitors cannot bring in food, large bags, or certain items such as umbrellas and sharp objects. Certain behaviors are also prohibited, such as feeding animals or littering.

There are many hotels in Machu Picchu Pueblo, the town located at the foot of the mountain where the Inca City is located. This is where all Machu Picchu tourist operations are carried out. There is a significant offer of 5, 4, and 3-star hotels, as well as 3 and 2-star hostels, family guesthouses (Airbnb), and establishments of very good quality and affordable prices, including a very comfortable hotel precisely at the entrance to the Inca City of Machu Picchu.

It is recommended to spend a night in Machu Picchu Pueblo and visit the Inca City the next day. This is more comfortable and avoids the pressure from the circumstances and travel fatigue. If time allows, you can relax in the hot springs.

Machu Picchu Pueblo, the town near the Inca City, has many restaurants, grills, pizzerias, bakeries, cafes, and food courts in the market. There is a wide range of local, national, and international cuisine for all tastes and budgets.

Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM (every day of the year).

Visitor entry varies according to the chosen circuit and the entry and exit times indicated on the respective ticket. Tourist entry slots are scheduled every hour starting at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM, which is the last entry.

For entry to the Inca City of Machu Picchu, there is a thirty (30) minute tolerance in the low season and forty-five (45) minutes in the high season. After this time, visitors will not be able to enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu, except in cases of force majeure or duly accredited fortuitous events.

The permitted duration of stay in the Inca City is specified on your entry ticket, which must be strictly respected. The length of stay ranges between 2 hours and cannot exceed 4 hours under any circumstances.

The three circuits that encompass ten visit routes of the Inca City of Machu Picchu are as follows:

CIRCUIT 1: PANORAMIC

• Route 1-A: Machu Picchu mountain route.
• Route 1-B: Upper terrace route.
• Route 1-C: Inti Punku entry route (high season).
• Route 1-D: Inca Bridge route (high season)

CIRCUIT 2: CLASSIC MACHU PICCHU

• Route 2-A: Designed Route
• Route 2-B: Lower Terrace Route

CIRCUIT 3: MACHU PICCHU REALEZA

• Route 3-A: Waynapicchu mountain route
• Route 3-B: Designed Route
• Route 3-C: Great Cave Route (high season)
• Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu Route (high season)

The Ministry of Culture sets the maximum number of visitors who can enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Currently, the limit is 5,600 tourists daily during the high season, which runs from June 1 to October 15, 2024, and from December 30 to December 31, 2024. The normal daily capacity is 4,500 tourists during the low season. This daily capacity is distributed among the ten circuits that have been implemented and have been in operation since June 1 of this year.

Waynapicchu, translated into English as “young mountain,” is a mountain located north of Machu Picchu, reaching an altitude of 2,667 meters, that is, 237 meters above the Inca City. Waynapicchu is the backdrop of the iconic photo of Machu Picchu. Many historians suggest that during the Inca period, it served as a lookout to prevent and alert against possible threats to the community, as from the summit, a wide panorama of the valleys and surrounding mountains of the Inca City can be seen.

This impressive hike, highly appreciated by millions of tourists, has a moderate difficulty level due to the steep stone steps, narrow trails in some sections, and the cliffs that flank it, making it as spectacular as it is daring. The entire trail to the summit is well-marked and in good condition; however, it is advisable to proceed with great caution. The ascent time varies between one hour and one and a half hours, depending on the hikers’ physical condition and weather conditions; it is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo.

It all depends on the availability of entry slots to the Inca City of Machu Picchu for the travel date, which can be checked on the Ministry of Culture’s platform or through a travel and tourism agency.

Entry to Machu Picchu is mandatory with the assistance and accompaniment of an official tourism guide. They are responsible for organizing and guiding tourists through the different circuits corresponding to the purchased ticket. Tourist groups are limited to a maximum of 16 people per guide, and the average duration of the guided visit ranges between 2 and 2.5 hours. Controlled stay aims to manage the physical load to preserve the cultural heritage.

It is recommended to plan a 2-day and 1-night program with an overnight stay in the town of Machu Picchu. This allows for a more relaxed, pleasant, and comfortable excursion. Although it is possible to do it in a day, it can be very demanding and may leave you exhausted.

The Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu boasts numerous cultural and natural attractions, including the Inca City or Machu Picchu llaqta, with all its archaeological and architectural elements of the urban and agricultural sectors, such as: The Sacred Plaza, the Major Temple, the Royal Tomb, Intihuatana, the Sun Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Condor Temple, the Moon Temple, the Royal Palace, the Sacred Rock, Liturgy Fountains, Inti Punku, Inca Bridge, Agricultural Terraces, among many other buildings and mysteries.

The majestic Waynapicchu features trails and constructions on vertical cliffs, offering a short but spectacular hike; the Machu Picchu Mountain, higher than Waynapicchu, accessible via another scenic trail through nature. The Inca road network traverses abundant nature and ecosystems from various ecological zones, rich and diverse fauna and flora; the Qhapaq Ñan routes lead to the wonder of the world.

There are also complementary attractions such as the Natural Viewpoint of Putucusi Mountain, from where you can observe the Inca City from a different perspective than the iconic photos; the hot springs of Machu Picchu Pueblo, a relaxing place; the Mándor waterfalls, a surprising waterfall and connection with nature located an hour’s walk from Machu Picchu Pueblo; the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum located in Puente Ruinas; and in the town, there is also a butterfly house, an orchidarium, and even a small zoo at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel.

In the Machu Picchu tourist circuit, there are no reported thefts or assaults on tourists, neither on the Inca road network nor in the Inca City itself. The main connection points of the Machu Picchu tourist circuit, such as the city of Cusco, the town of Ollantaytambo (intermediate train station), and Machu Picchu Pueblo (tourist operations center of the Inca City), have police stations, police posts, and municipal security services, ensuring a continuous effort to provide and guarantee the safety of those visiting this cultural and tourist attraction.

During the rainy season (December to April), natural events such as landslides and collapses can occur on some sections of the road and/or railway, which can interrupt transportation and temporarily suspend arrivals and departures from Machu Picchu. Additionally, there may occasionally be social mobilizations by some radical sectors of the population that can affect tourist movement to and from Machu Picchu, but these events are very sporadic and generally brief.

Consequently, it is safe to visit Machu Picchu, with the recommendation to book your trip in advance. The key element is the entry ticket to the Inca City, which depends on the availability of slots due to the daily restrictions on tourist entry.

According to the Sustainable Tourism Use Regulation for the Conservation of the Inca City of Machu Picchu, approved by the Ministry of Culture’s resolution, visitors, tourism guides, and anyone within the Inca City cannot bring in objects or engage in behaviors that harm the cultural and natural heritage or disrupt the flow of visitors.

The following objects are not allowed:

• Food and utensils
• Animals, except for guide dogs and emotional support dogs duly documented
• Aerosols
• Portable seats
• Banners, signs, or posters
• Alcoholic beverages, drugs, or illegal substances
• Strollers (only baby carriers without a metal frame are allowed)
• Musical instruments, megaphones, or speakers
• Umbrellas and parasols
• Sharp objects and/or weapons of any kind
• Heels or hard-soled shoes (only soft-soled or rubber sports shoes are allowed)

The following behaviors are also prohibited:

• Feeding domestic or wild animals in the Inca City.
• Throwing waste of any kind
• Causing disturbances, jumping, or creating disorder within the Inca City
• Walking on unestablished circuits or routes.
• Nudity, either total or partial.
• Dressing inappropriately or offensively
• Smoking or vaping
• Introducing sticks with hard or metal tips (sticks with rubber tips are allowed for disabled persons or the elderly)
• Disturbing, collecting, or extracting native flora or fauna and/or cultural elements
• Carrying backpacks, bags, or purses larger than 40 x 35 x 20 centimeters
• Carrying tripods, heavy camera supports, or extensions for cameras or phones
• Lighting or spreading any type of fire
• Climbing or leaning on walls and/or structures or extracting stone elements
• Performing obscene acts contrary to morals and good customs
• Making any type of graffiti
• Any activity that undermines or deteriorates the monument, its natural surroundings, and/or its facilities
• Engaging in street vending within the Inca City and adjacent areas up to Puente Ruinas.
• Filming or photographing for advertising purposes without authorization.
• Making loud or annoying noises that disturb the tranquility and character of the Machu Picchu Inca City Sanctuary and its surroundings.
• Flying paragliders, drones, or any type of small aircraft.

Additionally, keep in mind the following:

• Present a valid entry ticket for the specified date and time at the checkpoints.
• Carry a valid identification document (passport or foreigner residence card, DNI)
• Tourist entry is only allowed with the assistance and accompaniment of an official tourism guide throughout the entire circuit
• Groups must consist of a maximum of 16 people, each accompanied by an official tourism guide
• Returning visitors can enter the Inca City without a guide, provided they present their previous ticket and mention the name of the guide who accompanied them on that visit

Failure to comply with these rules will result in the immediate expulsion of visitors, tourists, tourism guides, and anyone else, with the support of competent authorities and corresponding sanctions.

Bringing food and utensils is prohibited. It is recommended to carry only a small amount of snacks and natural water or energy drinks.

Yes, there are bathrooms very close to the entrance of the Inca City, and their use is paid. There are no bathrooms available throughout the entire excursion.

Yes, you can take photos and videos, but without using tripods, supports, or extensions for cameras or mobile phones, and selfie sticks are not allowed.

Yes, there is internet and mobile phone connectivity in the Inca City, although in some areas there may be occasional interruptions. In Machu Picchu Pueblo, where tourist services operate, there is good internet connectivity, and almost all hotels, restaurants, and shops offer Wi-Fi.

No, flying drones, paragliders, or similar devices is not allowed.

Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest in the surroundings of the Inca City, reaching an altitude of 3,061 meters above sea level, almost 400 meters higher than Waynapicchu. Its summit offers an impressive view of the inter-Andean valley and the spectacular natural beauty of the area. The path leading to the mountain is not as steep and has a lower difficulty level compared to Waynapicchu, with moderately intense trails suitable for enjoying with family and friends. It features abundant nature, rich flora and fauna, beautiful landscapes, and panoramic views of the Inca City from a higher perspective. This mountain has recently experienced a notable increase in visitor popularity and has become a preferred circuit for a rewarding short adventure. The average time for this hike is about 4 hours.

Inti Punku, or the Sun Gate, is an archaeological site located at the end of the Inca Trail to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. It is the entrance gate situated on the crest of a mountain, accessible via the royal paths known as Qhapaq Ñan. It offers a panoramic view of the entire archaeological complex from an elevated point. During the Inca period, Inti Punku served as a control point to enter the Inca City and was a ceremonial place aligned to capture sunlight during the summer solstice, which is linked to the Inca calendar and the Andean worldview. It features stone constructions, staircases, walls, doors, windows, and other structures, making it a very attractive place for visitors and a privileged site to observe the sunrise. The walk from the Inca City takes approximately one hour, and to visit it, it is necessary to purchase a ticket for the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku circuit. Tourists hiking the Inca Trail also necessarily pass through this point.

The level of how spectacular the sunrise and sunset in the Inca City of Machu Picchu can be is quite subjective. It largely depends on each person’s individual appreciation, local conditions, and natural phenomena that can enhance the visual experience at that moment. However, many claim that the sunrise in Machu Picchu is spectacular, presenting a unique view of the stone city nestled among the mountains. This natural event can be best observed from Inti Punku or the Sun Gate, provided that the weather and cloud cover permit. The best time to watch this sunrise is between 5:00 and 6:00 AM, but unfortunately, entry to the Inca City opens at 6:00 AM, so you cannot fully enjoy this wonderful spectacle. However, many tourists find the sunset in Machu Picchu equally spectacular and magical. This can be enjoyed because the visit schedules for the Machu Picchu + Inti Punku circuit allow it, with 4:00 PM being the best time to appreciate and capture impressive images. The best time to enjoy this natural phenomenon is between May and November, when rains are less frequent.

Yes, it is possible to plan a full-day visit to Machu Picchu. However, this requires getting up very early and returning quite late. It is essential to have the entry ticket to the Inca City and the train ticket in advance.

The Inca City does not have ramps that facilitate access for tourists in wheelchairs. It is essential to go with friends for assistance and choose the shortest and least difficult visit circuits, such as circuits 3 and 4.

Yes, children can visit it. There is a price difference on their entry tickets to the Inca City. Keep in mind the restrictions for entering the mountains of Waynapicchu, Machu Picchu, and other circuits.

Parking near the Inca City is for buses of the transportation company operating from Machu Picchu Pueblo. Private vehicles are not allowed; they must be transported by train. If you wish to travel by private vehicle, you must park in Ollantaytambo, Piscacucho, or Santa Teresa, the closest towns to the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, all interconnected by train.

Yes, there are tourist trains with various itineraries, schedules, and fares, both outbound and return. However, you must first ensure you have the entry ticket to the Inca City; otherwise, you might not fulfill your dream of visiting this world wonder. In Machu Picchu Pueblo, tickets are sold directly up to a daily limit, but access is not guaranteed, so you may need to spend a night in the town.

There are two companies that provide train services to Machu Picchu, operating daily with different fares and day and night departures:

PERU RAIL (TOURIST TRAIN CATEGORY)

• Expedition
• Vistadome
• Observatorio Vistadome
• Hiram Bingham, a Belmond train

INCA RAIL (TOURIST TRAIN CATEGORY)

• The Private
• First Class
• 360
• The Premium & Lounge
• The Voyager

Visitors entering the Inca City of Machu Picchu and through the Inca Trail must be accompanied by an official tourism guide throughout the entire circuit.

The inhabitants of the Machu Picchu district primarily speak Spanish, and to a lesser extent Quechua and English. However, official Machu Picchu tourism guides and those coming from Cusco offer services in many languages, such as English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, and Russian.

Commercial and tourist transactions can be made in the national currency, the Sol, as well as in foreign currencies like the Dollar and the Euro.

Yes, credit and debit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club, and PayPal can be used. You can also pay with apps like YAPE and PLIN.

Yes, there are places where you can purchase beautiful souvenirs and crafts, such as jewelry, silverware, textiles, weavings, paintings, costume jewelry, ceramics, stonework, and a wide variety of functional, decorative, and luxury crafts, available in shops and the artisan market.

Machu Picchu is open every day of the year, including holidays.

Yes, it is possible to visit during the rainy season, which runs from November to mid-April. It is advisable to bring a waterproof poncho to avoid getting wet.

Mosquitoes and midges can be annoying both in the Inca City and in Machu Picchu Pueblo. Therefore, it is recommended to bring insect repellent and wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.