The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, also known as “The Lost City of the Incas” or National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu is the most well-known and visited UNESCO World Heritage Site in South America.
However, unlike other archaeological sites, the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu requires careful planning, otherwise, it could result in a remarkable negative experience.
What I should know about Machu Picchu
- Tickets aren't sold at Machu Picchu archaeological site, you must either buy them online, on the official site, or buy from an agency, typically in Cuzco or Aguas Calientes.
- You must show your original passport at the archaeological site entrance, digital copies aren't accepted.
- The ticket is only valid to enter the site for a specific date and time range. The time slot is 1 hour.
That is, if your ticket is for 9am, you are only allowed to enter from 9am until 9:59am. - Throughout the day, sections of the archeological site are being closed for maintenance, the earlier you arrive the more likely you will be able to see the entire site.
- The visit to the site follows a circuit among a list of possible circuits, and you can’t revisit previously visited sections.
- The nearest town to Machu Picchu is Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu pueblo, accessible by bus or on foot.
- Machu Picchu archaeological site and Aguas Calientes are located in a remote area, accessible only by train or on foot. There is no road connecting them to the outside world.
- Cusco, a mandatory stop on your journey to Machu Picchu is located above 3400m (111ft), and it’s not uncommon for travelers to suffer from altitude sickness, therefore it’s important to have enough time to acclimatize.
What is Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was an Inca city built in the 15th century, and it was abandoned a century later, only to be rediscovered by explorer Hiram Bingham.
In 1981, Machu Picchu became a Historic Sanctuary.
In 1983, Machu Picchu became a World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO.
Is Machu Picchu accessible by people with disabilities
While the archeological complex located in the north area of the plateau is mostly flat with only slopes on the sides, the south area outside the main complex where the popular photo spot is hilly, therefore not suitable for people with disabilities.
To reach the Machu Picchu from Cusco on a wheelchair can also be challenging, although possible, due the multiple obstacles:
- Machu Picchu archeological site entrance is uphill and not well prepared for wheelchairs.
- From Cusco, it requires a train to Aguas Calientes, and then a bus to the archeological site.
- Aguas Calientes, the only nearby town with the only accommodation, is hilly, although there are hotels right next to the train station which don't require you to hike upwards.
Where is Machu Picchu located
Machu Picchu, both the name of an Inca archeological site and a mountain peak lying at its flank, is located in a remote accessible area in highlands of the South of Peru.
The archeological site is perched at the top of the mountain, and it's flanked by two mountain peaks: on the north side by Huayna peak, and on the south side by Machu Picchu peak, and surrounded by jaw dropping mountainous terrain.
The most scenic spot of the site lies outside the main ruins complex, on the high ground area of the south area which is closer to the ticket entrance, near Roca Funeraria, after a steep hike up. This area offers a bird's eye view to the site with Huayna peak serving as backdrop.
At the base of the mountain, separated by the Urubamba river lies Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu pueblo), a remote tourist geared town, and it's the only place with accommodation within the vicinity. There is no road access from Cusco to this town nor the archeological site.
Where can I buy the ticket to Machu Picchu
Since the ticket entrance can't be purchased at the site, it must be brought in advance, in one of the following places:
- Official website:
- Link: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe
- It’s hard to find the link to purchase the ticket, due the fact that although the main page is also in English the ticket purchase process is mainly in Spanish.
- It has no link to “Buy Ticket”, you must select: “Search Old Reservation”, and then “Nueva Reserva”.
- Using the official website is preferred since you can buy the ticket months in advance, although it's common for the official website to fail to reach a successful purchase, therefore it might require multiple attempts, and a lot of patience.
- Although it might be more convenient than the cumbersome official website, only use this option if you are on the low season, since the tickets can be sold out more than one month in advance.
- Authorized Outfitters in Cusco.
- iPeru tourism office in Cusco Main Square, can provide a list of the Authorized operators.
- Hotels and Hostels in Aguas Calientes.
- Some of them can purchase the ticket on your behalf.
- It has been reported that even if there is not an available ticket for the day in the official website, hotels and other outfitters have some extra tickets available for sale, use this option wisely since it’s always a risk.
You should take into account:
- The number of tickets sold per day is limited to 2500 persons and during the high season, it can be sold out more than a month in advance.
- There are scam websites impersonating the official website, therefore make sure you only click on the link above or links from other trustworthy sites.
- The ticket only includes the visit to the archeological site, if you want to hike the nearby peaks, it's also possible but are extras with a hoping price, and these peaks have an even more limited number of visitors and its entrance closes early.
What time of the day should I visit Machu Picchu
Several sections of the archeological site close throughout the day for maintenance, also if you want to hike the Huayna peak or Machu Picchu peak, you should arrive as early as possible, the entrance opens at 6am.
Although the weather is unpredictable, during the dry season, there is a recurrent pattern as reported by people living in Aguas Calientes. During early morning the weather is cloudy and it can have light showers, and typically open before noon. Therefore, if you are looking for that perfect photo opportunity from the high terrace, entering around 9am or 10am, you might have better chances for a clear sky than early in the morning.
In the early afternoon, you will miss the visit to some sections of the complex, however, if you want to take photos, you will benefit from less tourists in your photos.
Avoid arriving after 1pm since too many sections are already closed.
What time of the year should I visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu can be visited all year round, however, during the wet season, from November to the end of March, is the wet season in that area, which can make the whole journey daunting.
February is the peak of the rainy season and it’s when the Inca trail is closed.
July to August is the peak season, with hotel prices skyrocketing and it’s hard to both find available tickets and accommodation. If you wish to travel during this season, it’s better to make the journey planning months in advance.
How to get to Machu Picchu
This journey has 3 legs: travel to Cusco, from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Theoretically, it’s possible to skip Aguas Calientes, but that means a long journey by train, then bus, visit the site, and do the reverse, all without time to take a breath. Taking time to Aguas Calientes, it’s not only the most comfortable option but also it allows you to arrive early in Machu Picchu the following morning.
Also, If you hike the Inca trail, you will arrive directly on Machu Picchu, skipping Aguas Calientes.
You can also break the journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and stay in villages such as Ollantaytambo.
Travel from Lima to Cusco
Cusco is a major city located in the southern highlands of Peru.
It’s reachable both by airplane from Lima, Peru’s capital, as well as by bus. Taking the bus can be a very long journey, but you can also be done by night as well as you can break the journey, and visit Nasca, in order to see the Nasca lines.
Travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
- Train, this is the only travel option for those who don’t wish to walk or hike. It’s a comfortable tourist train, but it costs 100 USD one way.
- Minivan, this lesser known option, is the cheapest option, as it costs 10-20 USD one way.
The journey ends in the Hidroelétrica, afterwards you are required to walk around 11km, in mostly flat terrain and along the train tracks. The walk is scenic and flanked by the river and the mountains. Also, every time the train passes, you have a good photo opportunity. - The Inca trail, this is a 2-day to 4-day hike, with mandatory guide. You will sleep in a tent during the journey, and it can cost you around 500 USD, depending on the tour operator and extras. For many travelers, this is the once in a lifetime hike, with the blessing of being surrounded by lush mountains. However, this hike is very popular even with its high price, so don’t expect solitude.
This trail is closed in February which is during the peak of the rainy season. - Salkantay Trek, this is a 5-day hike, but the guide isn’t mandatory although advisable, making it a cheaper option.
- Inca Jungle Trek, a 3-day hike.
Travel from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- By bus. The bus stop is right at the entrance of Aguas Calientes. Expect high tourist ticket prices for such a quick journey.
- On foot. This a straight hike upwards from the base to the top of the mountain. The grand majority of the hike is done on unpaved trails which can be muddy during the wet season. The hiking trail crosses the zigzagging road multiple times.
From the author’s experience, this is an incredibly rewarding hike with a mountain backdrop and as higher ground is conquered and a more ample view of the region can be viewed.
