How to Visit Machu Picchu: Transportation, Tickets & the Best Circuit Guide

Hiking Machu Picchu is a life long dream for many travelers around the world. Trust me it is worth every step you take reaching the top. I visited the stone steps of the long lost Incan civilization and I compiled this detailed guide I wish I had before my expedition to the top.

Table of Contents

• Getting to Machu Picchu
• Getting Tickets
• Which Machu Picchu Circuit Should I Do?
• The Day of your Entry to Machu Picchu
• What to Bring to Machu Picchu
• When to Visit Machu Picchu
• Respecting the Site at Machu Picchu
• Last Remarks

Getting to Machu Picchu

Before I ventured to the lost city, I was completely unaware of how ‘in the middle of nowhere’ Machu Picchu really is. There are a few different options for getting to the city, and I will break those down below, but before you do anything you need to arrive in the mountain town of Cusco. To get to this city take a cheap flight from other major cities in Peru or take advantage of Peru’s bus system.

1. Bus and Train Package
   • 4 to 5 hours
   • $120 USD

This is the mode I took and I have it at #1 because I think it is the best option. Not only can you get there in the same day, but you get amazing views the entire journey while traveling in comfort.

The first part of the journey begins by taking a bus from the Cusco train station. You can get a $5-10 taxi from the airport or walk. I decided to walk because I had been sitting on flights all day, but don’t forget Cusco is above 10k feet and if you are not acclimated you are definitely going to feel it.

The bus ride is about 2 hours through the mountains into Ollantaytambo city where you will connect with the train. The train I took had skylight windows in every cabin with amazing views as it wound through the narrow valleys. There is space at the back of each train car where you can stow your bags, and there is a concession stand selling drinks and snacks. This train ride is also about 2.5 hours as it travels slow through the twists and turns of the valleys.

2. Hike

Hiking to Machu Picchu is also a very fun and unique journey to add to your overall experience. There are many different operators and packages you can choose from. Most people do the Salkantay Trek which is a 5 day, 4 night hike. Other options cut out pieces of the trek and give you 3 and 1 day options. Prices differ between companies but will typically run you between $200 and $600 for the five days, including your food and housing. I opted out of this for my trip because my legs were tired from other hikes although I will definitely do one next time.

Getting Tickets

If you look online, all the sources talk about getting your tickets months in advance or they will sell out. While that is true and should be done if you know your travel plans well in advance, but if you are more impulsive there is another option.

The ticket office releases 1,000 tickets in person the day before at the office in Agues Calientes. So if the circuit you wanted is sold out online, just show up early the day before you hike and buy the ticket in person.

Which Machu Picchu Circuit Should I Do?

If you look online you will find a lot of confusing information about the different circuits, times, and extras you can register for while at Machu Picchu. Here I will break down each option so you know which one you want to do.

Pro Tip: You cannot do any of the circuits in reverse, which means if you forget to stop or take a wrong turn you cannot back track. You can do the circuits multiple times in your allotted time slot.

1. Circuit 1
   • This track explores the upper terrace of the citadel with an added opportunity to hike Mount Machu Picchu. The route around the terrace is very short and you will be done in less than 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. This circuit is likely to still be available online leading up to your dates because the other two are more popular, although I really enjoyed it. The hike up Mount Machu Picchu is amazing giving you panorama and 360 degree views of the city and the surroundings. Check out my post talking about that adventure!
     • Pros: Classic view of ruins, extra hike with amazing view.
     • Cons: No access to ruins, very short.
2. Circuit 2
   • This track gets you access to the middle terrace, where the classic Machu Picchu picture everyone posts comes from. The track also explores the citadel themselves and is one of the longest tracks you can choose, taking you almost 3 hours to get through. There are no extra hikes in Track 2.
     • Pros: Classic postcard terrace view, access inside the citadel.
     • Cons: Long track lasting almost 3 hours, no extra hikes.
3. Circuit 3
   • The final track you can choose explores the lower terrace, lower citadel, and an optional extra hike up Huayna Mountain aka. the death stairs. This is a great option if you want some of everything Machu Picchu has to offer. The terrace views are not the best as the angle of the ruins is from lower and to the side, but still alright.
     • Pros: View of ruins, access to ruins, and extra hike.
     • Cons: Side view of citadel from terrace.

The Day of your Entry to Machu Picchu

Before the day of your entry to Machu Picchu I recommend going to the bus station in Aguas Calientes and buying your $12 USD bus up ticket for the next day. You should take the 6am (first bus) up to Machu Picchu and get in line early! There are a few reasons you should do this:

• Typically clouds settle into the valley by 8am, but if you are early you can usually beat them and get a good view – even if its supposed to be raining all day.
• You will also be able to beat the people traffic to the top and having Machu Picchu almost to yourself in the silence is very special.

I also recommend only buying the bus ticket up in case you decide you would rather walk down, which I think is the best route. If you decide you want to take the bus down there is a bus ticket office at the top that you can purchase from while you are up there, but the hike down is easy and takes about 30 minutes.

Make sure if you are going to take the bus or hike up that you only do so to arrive at the gate by your selected entry time. The officials will not let you enter outside of those hours and will make you hike back down or wait at the gates.

There is NO BATHROOM inside Machu Picchu, so be prepared to hold it. There is a last opportunity for 1 sol before you enter at the top.

What to Bring to Machu Picchu

Here is a list of what you should bring with you when you venture to Machu Picchu. You are going to want to bring all weather gear as it can rainy, windy, or perfectly sunny at the top. If you forget water or food on your hike there is a coffee stand outside the gates that also serves lunch food.

• Windbreaker
• Rain Jacket
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Poles (if you use them regularly)
• Backpack
• Passport!! – this is necessary to validate your tickets
• Camera
• Water
• Snacks

When to Visit Machu Picchu

Anytime of the year is a great time to visit Machu Picchu as it is nestled into the Andes rainforest region.

• Dry season is April to October
  • The temperatures will be hot and sun will be roasting you as there is little shade at the top. The vegetation will likely be more dull yellow or brown color.
• Rainy season is November to March
  • There will likely be a higher chance of rain and morning clouds, but the mountains and vegetation will all be green and lush.

Respecting the Site at Machu Picchu

This area is heavily protected by the Peruvian government and there are certain rules you must abide by while visiting the ruins. Obviously there are common rules like no littering, using the bathroom, defacing artifacts, etc. One that I found interesting is that you are not allowed to jump, do a backflip, or acrobatics of any sort. The idea is that many people jumping on the terraces overtime will degrade the structural stability and contribute to future erosion.

Last Remarks

Exploring Machu Picchu is more than just checking off a bucket list destination. It is a journey through ancient Incan engineering, mist covered mountains, and one of the most unforgettable landscapes on earth. Whether you choose the bus and train route, trek through the Andes, or tackle the legendary Huayna Picchu “death stairs,” the key to an incredible experience is preparation. Understanding the logistics will make your adventure smoother, safer, and far more rewarding. Use this guide to plan your perfect Machu Picchu trip and experience Peru’s most iconic wonder the way it was meant to be seen.

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