The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu (according to a Solo Traveler)

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.

Check out this Machu Picchu Day Tour:
From Cusco: Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour

Girl wearing poncho looking at Machu Picchu on a sunny day on the Inca Trail in Peru

Iconic view of Machu Picchu city ruins on a perfectly clear day on the Inca Trail in Peru

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.

City of Machu Picchu with mountains in background on the Inca Trail in Peru

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.
Day Tour: 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.

Where to stay in Cusco:
Luxury: Saska Boutique Hotel
Mid-Range: Hotel Amerinka
Budget: Golden Inca Hotel

Peru rail train ready to go back to Cusco in Aguas Calientes, Peru

Paddington sitting on a bench statue in Aguas Calientes, Peru

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!). I booked a 3 night tour with Gadventures and could not recommend this trek enough!!

Camp set up with tents and mountains in background on the Inca Trail, Peru

Girl taking selfie at the start of the Inca Trail, Peru

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.

Girl with llama cap taking selfie with Machu Picchu in background on the Inca Trail in Peru

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.

View of mountains around Machu Picchu city on the Inca Trail in Peru

Girl wearing poncho looking out at iconic Machu Picchu view on the Inca Trail in Peru

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 a huge bucket list moment off your list. It’s an adventure you’ll remember forever.

Planning a trip to Peru? Check out my 3-Week Peru Itinerary here!

Peru Helpful Links

Where to stay in Cusco:
Luxury: Saska Boutique Hotel
Mid-Range: Hotel Amerinka
Budget: Golden Inca Hotel

Top Tours from Cusco
– From Cusco: Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour
– Cusco: Humantay Lake Tour with Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
– Cusco: Half-Day City Tour with Sacsayhuaman and Q’enco
– Cusco: Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Salt Mines Moray
– Cusco: Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Salt Mines Moray

How to Get Around Peru
Getting around Peru can be an adventure in itself, but it’s very doable with a little planning. For longer distances, domestic flights are a huge time-saver, while comfortable long-distance buses connect most major cities and tourist routes.

One of the easiest and most popular options for first-time visitors is Peru Hop, a hop-on, hop-off bus service designed specifically for travellers. It connects destinations like Lima, Paracas, Huacachina, Arequipa, and Cusco, with flexible stops, local guides, and hotel pick-ups included making it a stress-free way to see the country.

For shorter trips or exploring at your own pace, taxis, uber, and car rentals round out the options nicely.

Peru SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Peru is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling lomo saltado near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download a Peru data plan before you even land.

There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.

👉 Get your Peru eSIM with Airalo here

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.