Machu Picchu is the most famous Inca citadel in the world. It was built in the 15th century under the Inca ruler Pachacuti, on a ridge between the Urubamba and Aobamba rivers. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
How to get to Machu Picchu
There is no direct road from Cusco. You can take the train to Aguas Calientes (from Poroy station near Cusco or from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley), hike the Inca Trail, or travel via Hidroeléctrica. From Aguas Calientes, shuttle buses reach the site in about 25 minutes.
Tickets and circuits
Entrance tickets are sold for a specific date and time on the official Ministry of Culture platform. Visits follow one-way circuits, and some tickets include the climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. In high season tickets sell out weeks in advance.
Best time to visit
May to September brings the clearest days and the most visitors. November and December are quieter and greener, with afternoon showers. Always carry a rain jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco?
Yes. A day tour leaves Cusco by train before dawn, visits the citadel with a guide and returns at night. It is a long day; if you have time, the two-day option is more relaxed.
How far in advance should I book tickets?
For May to October, book one to three months ahead, and even earlier if you want to climb Huayna Picchu, which has very few daily spots.
