Jess at Sea

Few places in the world live up to the hype, but Machu Picchu absolutely does! This was one of the most incredible places I’ve ever experienced. Hidden high in the Andes, this Inca citadel is the kind of destination that gives you goosebumps the moment you see it in person. Between the misty mountains, ancient stonework, and sheer sense of wonder, it’s no surprise Machu Picchu is on so many travel bucket lists.

If you’re planning your first trip to Peru, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Machu Picchu: from tickets and transport to the best time to go, what to pack, and some handy insider tips.

When to Visit Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is open year-round, but the experience can vary depending on when you go:

• Dry season (May–September): The most popular time to visit. Expect blue skies, crisp mornings, and bigger crowds.
• Wet season (October–April): Fewer tourists, greener landscapes, and a chance of heavy rain. Trails can get muddy, but you’ll often get the ruins with fewer people.
• Shoulder months (April/May & September/October): A great balance between good weather and smaller crowds.

Pro tip: Get there early in the morning for magical views, or visit later in the afternoon once the tour groups leave.

How to Get to Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself, and there are a few different ways depending on how much time (and energy!) you have:

1. Train + Bus (Most Popular & Easiest)

• Start from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. Take a scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu).
• From Aguas Calientes: Hop on a shuttle bus (about 25 minutes) that zigzags up the mountain to the entrance.
• This is the most common option – comfortable, efficient, and works perfectly if you’re short on time. A day trip from Cusco is a big day but doable with a day tour like this one.

2. Hike the Classic Inca Trail (4 Days / 3 Nights)

• The Inca Trail is the iconic multi-day trek that ends at the Sun Gate, giving you your first view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.
• You’ll pass Inca ruins, cloud forests, and mountain passes along the way.
• Requires booking months in advance (permits sell out quickly!).

3. Short Inca Trail (2 Days / 1 Night)

• A condensed version of the full trek. You’ll still hike the last stretch of the Inca Trail and enter through the Sun Gate, but with less time commitment.
• Great if you want the trek experience without going full multi-day expedition.

4. Alternative Treks (Salkantay, Lares, Inca Jungle)

• For something different, you can take treks like the Salkantay (high mountain passes), Lares (through local villages), or the adventurous Inca Jungle trek (with biking and zip-lining).
• These treks usually end with a train ride into Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu.

Tickets & Entry

• Book in advance! Tickets sell out, especially during high season. You’ll need both a Machu Picchu entry ticket and a separate ticket if you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Tickets are timed for morning or afternoon entry. Choose based on whether you want sunrise or softer afternoon light.

What to Pack for Machu Picchu

• Passport (you need it to enter – plus, you can get a fun Machu Picchu stamp inside!)
• Comfy walking shoes (expect uneven stone steps).
• Layers (mornings are chilly, afternoons can be hot).
• Rain jacket or poncho (the weather changes quickly).
• Water + snacks (food isn’t sold inside the site).
• Camera – trust me, you’ll want to capture the ancient city from every angle!

Insider Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu on a Day Trip

• Stay in Aguas Calientes the night before for an early start.
• Hire a guide at the entrance if you want the full history explained (you’ll appreciate the ruins so much more).
• Walk up instead of taking the bus if you’re feeling energetic – it’s about 1–1.5 hours of uphill steps.
• Respect the site. Stick to marked paths, don’t climb on the ruins, and remember you’re visiting a sacred place.

Machu Picchu is a bucket list destination, and can confirm – it definitely lives up to the hype! Whether you arrive sweaty after the Inca Trail or relaxed after a scenic train ride, that first glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas is something you’ll never forget.

So grab your hiking boots (or your train ticket), book your entry, and get ready to check Machu Picchu off your bucket list. It’s an adventure you’ll remember forever.

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