About All ToursFrom Cusco ToursHiking ToursInca Trail ToursFrom Lima ToursPrivate ToursSacred Valley ToursAnd Rainbow Mountain ToursAnd Lake Titicaca Tours2-Day Tours Directions Hours & Fees
Find Tours 
Explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with a variety of options, from multi-day train journeys through the Sacred Valley to dedicated private guides. Choose from standalone official entrance tickets or comprehensive full-day packages that include transport and expert archaeological insights.
Free Cancellation A private, 3-hour walking tour of Machu Picchu's temples and terraces led by a local Andean guide.
Free Cancellation Travel by train through the Andes to explore Machu Picchu with a choice of three distinct walking circuits.
A two-day train journey along the Urubamba River to Machu Picchu, with time to explore the town and local hot springs.
Explore Machu Picchu’s iconic viewpoints and urban sectors with private, expert-led tours and guaranteed departures.
Secure Machu Picchu entry with digital tickets, bus transfers, and private guides for the classic Circuit 2 route.
Explore the stone ruins and terraced mountainsides of the Machu Picchu citadel with a professional local guide.
Discover Machu Picchu with archaeologists who share deep historical insights and help you capture perfect photos.
Free Cancellation Explore your ticketed route with a private guide who shares local insights and gives you plenty of time for photos.
Explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu with entry to your choice of official tour circuits.
Free Cancellation Explore the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on a guided day tour through the high Andes.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Machu Picchu — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Visiting Machu Picchu offers a chance to explore a remarkably preserved 15th-century Inca citadel perched high in the eastern Andes. Most tours guide you through specific designated circuits of "La Ciudadela," showcasing complex stone masonry, agricultural terraces, and stunning mountain panoramas.
This iconic vantage point provides the classic, postcard-perfect panoramic view of the entire stone citadel framed by Huayna Picchu. It is the best spot to capture photographs of the ruins.
A sacred semicircular temple built directly onto a massive natural rock. Its perfectly carved windows align precisely with the sun's movements during the winter solstice.
Known as the place where the sun is tied, this carved ritual stone served as an astronomical clock and calendar for Inca priests to predict solstices.
Massive stone terraces cascading down the mountain slopes. They stabilized the steep mountainside, drained heavy rainwater, and provided fertile ground for crops.
A challenging peak rising steeply behind the citadel. Hikers who secure a permit can climb the narrow stone stairs for a thrilling bird's-eye perspective of the ruins.
The wide, grassy central plaza that separates the agricultural and urban sectors. You can walk across the open lawns and often spot grazing llamas here.
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu requires careful attention to logistics, as the site operates under strict regulations and capacity limits. Here is what you need to know before securing your tour.
Daily visitor capacity is strictly capped at 4,500 people during the high season. You must book your entrance tickets and train reservations four to six months in advance, especially for visits between June and August.
Read tour descriptions carefully. Full-day packages usually include train tickets, bus transfers, and official entrance passes. Cheaper "guide-only" services require you to purchase your own entrance ticket separately.
Entrance tickets are linked to specific, one-way routes (Circuits 1, 2, or 3). Circuit 2 is the most popular for first-time visitors as it covers the upper platforms and the classic panoramic view.
Because official entrance tickets are issued by the Ministry of Culture, most tours that include admission have an "all sales final" policy. Standalone guide services may offer 24-hour cancellation.
You must present your original, physical passport at the entrance gate alongside your printed ticket. Digital copies or photos on your phone will not be accepted.
The site sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) and involves navigating numerous steep, uneven stone steps. Travelers should have a moderate level of physical fitness and spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco first.
Large backpacks are not allowed inside the ruins. Your bag must not exceed 40 x 35 x 20 centimeters. Anything larger must be left in the storage lockers at the main entrance.
| Private Guide Service | Full-Day Train Tour | 2-Day Guided Tour | Official Entrance Ticket | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5 - 3 Hours | 12 - 16 Hours | 48 Hours | Up to 2.5 Hours |
| Best for | Independent travelers who already have their tickets | Visitors wanting a hassle-free day trip from Cusco | Travelers wanting to acclimatize and avoid rushing | Budget travelers handling their own logistics |
| Includes | Professional private guide only | Train, bus, entrance ticket, guide, hotel transfers | Train, bus, entrance ticket, guide, hostel stay | Digital entrance ticket to a specific circuit |
| Price from | $40 USD | $359 USD | $425 USD | $43 USD |
The Machu Picchu archaeological site is open daily from 06:00 to 17:30. The final entry slot of the day begins at 15:00.
Entrance tickets are strictly timed. You must enter during the specific hourly window printed on your ticket. General visits are limited to a maximum of 2.5 hours per ticket, though exceptions are made if you have an additional permit to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
The nearby "Manuel Chávez Ballón" on-site Museum is open from 09:00 to 16:00 daily.
Reaching Machu Picchu is a multi-step process. Most visitors start in Cusco or Ollantaytambo and take a train (operated by PeruRail or Inca Rail) to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The train journey takes about 3.5 hours from Cusco and costs anywhere from $80 to over $500 round-trip depending on the service class.
From Aguas Calientes, you must take a Consettur shuttle bus up a steep, winding dirt road to the main entrance. Buses depart every 5 to 15 minutes starting at 05:30. The bus ride takes 30 minutes and costs $24 USD round-trip for foreign adults.
Budget travelers can opt for a 6-7 hour van ride from Cusco to the Hidroeléctrica station, followed by a 10km (3-4 hour) hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, you will experience clear, sunny skies ideal for photography and dry stone steps that are much safer to navigate. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so crowds are larger and tickets sell out fast.
The wet season spans from November to March. Heavy rainfall is common and can cause travel delays, mudslides, and obscured views due to thick mist. The ancient stone pathways become extremely slippery and hazardous during this time.
Machu Picchu is a rugged mountain site, but approximately 60% of the main citadel is wheelchair accessible via designated routes like the Main Entrance Plaza and Guardhouse Viewpoint. Specialized companies like Wheel the World provide all-terrain wheelchairs and trained porters, as standard trains and buses are not wheelchair accessible.
For elderly visitors or those with mobility issues, rubber-tipped walking poles are permitted to help navigate the uneven terrain and steep inclines. Walking sticks with metal tips are strictly prohibited.
Families with infants must use baby carriers, as strollers and baby carriages are entirely banned inside the archaeological site.
There are no restrooms inside the archaeological site. You must use the paid facilities located just outside the main entrance gate before you scan your ticket. Once you exit the ruins, re-entry is strictly prohibited under any circumstances.
Large backpacks are not allowed. Any bag larger than 40 x 35 x 20 cm must be left in the secure storage lockers near the entrance.
Food is generally restricted. You may bring light, sealed snacks and water in reusable bottles, but large meals, eating utensils, and single-use plastic bottles are banned.
Yes, you should book 4 to 6 months in advance. The site has a strict daily capacity limit of 4,500 visitors during the high season, and tickets for popular circuits and train routes sell out very quickly.
A tour guide is highly recommended to help you understand the history and navigate the complex one-way circuits, but it is not strictly mandatory. You can hire a licensed private guide at the entrance gate for about $40 USD.
It depends on the tour. Full-day train packages from Cusco typically include your entrance ticket, train fare, and bus transfers. However, cheaper 'guide-only' services require you to purchase your own official entrance ticket separately.
Most tours that include official entrance tickets have a strict 'all sales final' policy with no refunds, as the Ministry of Culture does not allow ticket modifications. Tours that only provide a guide or transport may offer a 24-hour cancellation window.
A typical guided tour lasts between 2 and 2.5 hours. General entrance tickets limit your time inside the site to a maximum of 2.5 hours, unless you have an additional permit to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
No. Drones are strictly banned throughout the entire Historic Sanctuary, and flying one can result in equipment confiscation and fines up to $10,000 USD. Tripods, selfie sticks, and camera stabilizers are also prohibited without a special commercial permit.
Bring your original physical passport, a lightweight rain poncho, sturdy hiking shoes, and water in a reusable bottle. Keep your belongings in a small backpack, as bags larger than 40x35x20 cm are not allowed inside.
Most full-day tours include a train ride from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which takes about 3.5 hours. From there, you will take a 30-minute Consettur shuttle bus up a steep mountain road to the main entrance.
Yes, children are welcome, and those under 12 receive discounted bus tickets. However, strollers are strictly prohibited inside the ruins, so infants must be carried in a baby carrier. Parents must be vigilant due to steep drop-offs.
Official regulations grant a tolerance period of 30 minutes during the low season and 45 minutes during the high season to accommodate travel delays. If you arrive after this grace period, you may be denied entry.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours
Meet your guide in Aguas Calientes at your hotel, the train station, or directly at the main entrance of Machu Picchu. This service provides a private local guide to accompany you through the ruins, making it easy to integrate into your own travel schedule. Since this is a guide-only booking, you can use your own pre-purchased entry tickets and transport while moving at a pace that suits your group. The 2- to 3-hour walking tour covers the citadel’s most important areas, including the temples, plazas, and agricultural terraces. Your guide will explain the history of the site, from its construction to its discovery, focusing on the daily lives of the people who lived there. The private format allows for a more detailed conversation about the Inca Empire and plenty of opportunities to stop for photos at the iconic viewpoints.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This full-day tour takes you to Machu Picchu aboard Perurail’s Expedition Train. The journey travels through the Sacred Valley, passing remote villages and Andean scenery before arriving at the Inca citadel. As South America's most popular site, Machu Picchu sits on a high mountain ridge and hosts thousands of visitors daily. You can choose from three specific routes to explore the ruins. Circuit 1 provides wide panoramic views but does not include temple visits. Circuit 2 is the most complete option, featuring the classic postcard photo and temple access; however, this must be booked at least five months in advance. Circuit 3 enters through the lower level, skipping the main photo platform while still visiting the temples. To purchase your entry tickets, we require a clear photo of your passport. Please send this information immediately after making your reservation to ensure your preferred circuit and train seats are secured.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This two-day trip begins with a train ride through the high Andes, following the Urubamba River as the landscape shifts from mountain peaks to tropical cloud forest. The journey ends in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu, where you will spend the first night. During your stay in town, you have the afternoon to explore at your own pace. You can visit the local thermal hot springs, the Machu Picchu site museum, or the botanical gardens. On the second day, you will head up to the Inca citadel for a guided tour of the ruins before returning by train.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This tour offers a detailed exploration of Machu Picchu, primarily utilizing Circuit 2. This route includes access to the upper platforms for the classic panoramic view and a walking tour through the lower Inca urban sector. To ensure a focused experience, all visits are conducted in small or private groups with professional guides who manage all logistics and communication. If Circuit 2 is unavailable due to high demand, we provide access via Circuit 3. This alternative ensures that your visit is guaranteed even if you are booking on shorter notice. Our team coordinates these entries to ensure the tour operates reliably regardless of ticket availability for the primary circuit. Exact departure times depend on government permit availability and can vary throughout the day. While many tours start early in the morning, your specific entry time and circuit details will be finalized and sent to you at the time of your booking confirmation.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
We provide official digital entry tickets for Machu Picchu, allowing you to skip the logistics and explore the site at your own pace. As an authorized agency under the Ministry of Culture, we secure your access through the official system and deliver the ticket directly to your phone for easy scanning at the entrance. This service ensures you have a confirmed spot regardless of whether you plan months in advance or require a last-minute solution. For travelers booking on short notice, our local team in Aguas Calientes provides on-site support to handle urgent registrations. This comprehensive package includes round-trip bus tickets between the town and the ruins, along with a private professional guide to lead you through the highlights of Circuit 2. We manage the paperwork and transport details so you can focus on the experience of visiting the citadel without the typical stress of coordination.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters above sea level. The site features complex stone masonry, agricultural terraces, and astronomical markers that demonstrate the advanced engineering of the Inca Empire. The ruins are divided into urban and agricultural sectors, connected by a network of paths and stairways carved directly into the granite. Visitors can access the site through several different routes, including the traditional Inca Trail trek or the train journey from Cusco. Once at the sanctuary, you have the opportunity to walk through the main plazas, visit the Temple of the Sun, and observe the surrounding Andean peaks. These tours provide a detailed look at the history and construction of one of the world's most significant archaeological landmarks.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Join a team of professional guides and archaeologists for an in-depth exploration of Machu Picchu. Rather than a standard walk-through, this tour focuses on the site's complex history and architectural significance, drawing on the academic backgrounds of your hosts to provide a clear understanding of the ruins. Throughout the visit, we cover a broad spectrum of topics including Incan traditions, local geology, and the geographical importance of the citadel. Our guides also assist with photography, helping you find the best vantage points while explaining the site's cultural legacy. We aim to provide a comprehensive, informative experience that covers every aspect of this world heritage site.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Portuguese, English, Spanish
This private tour is designed exclusively for you or your group, ensuring a personalized pace throughout the visit. You will follow the specific circuit or route indicated on your entrance ticket, with your guide providing detailed context and history for each site you encounter. Our guides are selected for their patient and helpful approach. They understand that you may want to take your time at certain viewpoints, so they provide ample opportunity for photography and are happy to answer any questions you have about the landmarks along the way.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This ticket provides access to the Machu Picchu archaeological site, covering the majority of the historic Inca city. Visitors have the flexibility to select their preferred circuit to explore the ruins and surrounding mountain scenery at their own pace. Entry times are subject to availability. If your requested time slot is unavailable, you will be assigned the next closest available entry time to ensure your visit.
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
English, Spanish
This full-day excursion takes you to the heart of the Peruvian Andes to visit the historic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. You will travel through the Sacred Valley's mountain scenery to reach the site, where a professional guide will lead you through the main sectors of the ruins. During the tour, you will learn about the engineering and history of the stone structures while navigating the terraces and plazas. After the guided portion, you will have time to explore the site at your own pace, allowing for photography and a closer look at the surrounding landscape before the return trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Portuguese, English, Spanish