Machu Picchu Travel Guide -2026 update

One of the places that must definitely be on your travel bucket list is Machu Picchu. This world wonder, known for its great mysticism and history, is nothing less than a place full of energy that thousands of travelers dream of visiting.
There are many new updates and changes about Machu Picchu, like how to get there, when and how to buy tickets, etc. It’s important to stay informed about what’s going on in Machu Picchu, what to expect, and how to get there.
In this travel blog, we tell you the latest news about the citadel.

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an Inca complex and fortress believed to have been built in the 15th century. Its name comes from two Quechua words: Machu, which means “old,” and Picchu, which means “mountain.” So, the name Machu Picchu can be translated as “Old Mountain.”
It’s believed that during the reign of the Inca Pachacutec, this complex was considered the main headquarters of the Inca Empire.

The Importance of Machu Picchu

Besides being one of the main centers of the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is famous worldwide for the incredible engineering seen in every corner of the citadel. Many people even make theories about how it was built since it’s so impressive that some believe it was built by aliens.
Because of this amazing architecture, Machu Picchu was declared a World Heritage Site.

Where is Machu Picchu located?

The world wonder Machu Picchu is located in Cusco, in the south of Peru, in the district of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. It belongs to the province of Urubamba.
The archaeological site sits on top of a mountain, right above the Urubamba River, surrounded by other mountains like Putucusi, Huayna Picchu, and Machu Picchu.

What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?

This place is considered part of Cusco’s jungle edge. Since the altitude is lower than Cusco’s, the temperature is a bit warmer. The weather is humid, warmer in the mornings, and mild in the afternoons and evenings.

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

Just like Cusco, Machu Picchu has two very clear seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Here’s a little more about each one.

• Dry season: From March to September. During this time, there’s almost no rain, and the weather is sunny with cool nights. However, since it’s the favorite season for travelers, prices tend to go up, and there’s often limited availability for tickets, trains, or hotels. So, we recommend booking in advance to avoid problems.
• Rainy season: From late September to early March. During this time, you’ll start to see rain, cloudy mornings, and sometimes rainy afternoons. Unlike the dry season, this one is known as the low season. There are fewer visitors, more availability, and lower prices. The scenery is mostly green and full of vegetation.

How to get to Machu Picchu

To reach this world wonder, you can go on foot, by train, or by car. Here we explain how to do it and which option may work best for you.

• Machu Picchu by car:
  This is the most affordable option for those traveling on a budget but who still want to visit the wonder. The trip takes about 7 hours, passing through places like Abra Málaga until you reach Hidroeléctrica. From there, you’ll need to walk for about 3 and a half hours to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. The next morning, after spending the night there, you can take the bus to Machu Picchu—and you’ve made it!
• Machu Picchu by train:
  This is the most comfortable and popular option among travelers. It saves you a few hours compared to going by car. To get to Machu Picchu by train, you first take a car ride to Ollantaytambo (about 1.5 hours). From there, you board the train to Aguas Calientes (another 1.5 hours). Once you arrive, you just need to take a 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu.

Trekking options to Machu Picchu

There are many hiking routes to reach Machu Picchu, and here are some of the best ones:

• 4-day Inca Trail
  The 4-day Inca Trail hike is famous as one of the best in the world. Walk along ancient Inca paths, discover archaeological treasures, and enjoy the incredible natural beauty. Pass through mountain passes with amazing Andean views. The Machu Picchu National Park has many archaeological sites, ecological zones, and a wide variety of birds and flowers, plus the famous citadel itself. Walk through the Sun Gate before enjoying a guided tour of the ruins.
• 2-day Short Inca Trail
  On this short version, you’ll get to see the famous Citadel of Machu Picchu in the afternoon of the first day and visit it again the next morning. It’s perfect for travelers who have little time but still want to experience part of the original Inca Trail and reach the New Wonder of the World on foot! It includes one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu
  The Lares route is incredibly scenic, with majestic glaciers, blue lakes, waterfalls, llamas, and alpacas. You’ll pass through remote Andean communities and have the chance to meet the local people. Afterward, you’ll reach the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, enjoy a guided tour, and return to Cusco by train through the Sacred Valley.
• Salkantay Trek
  Take this 5-day alternative hike from Salkantay to Machu Picchu, designed for amazing views of Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Follow a unique route and pass by the turquoise Humantay and Salkantay lakes. Camp in a private site high in the Andes with stunning, less crowded views. Visit the ruins of Llactapata, where you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Then explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour.

What to bring for a day of adventure in Machu Picchu

We recommend packing smart to avoid carrying unnecessary things. It’s better to bring comfortable clothes, good shoes, water, snacks, and similar items.
Here’s the detailed packing list:

PACKING LIST – WHAT TO BRING

• A small backpack with water to drink
• Snacks (if you like)
• Comfortable shoes or sneakers
• Camera
• Rain jacket or poncho
• A fleece or jacket
• Basic toiletries
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Passport (you can’t board the train or enter Machu Picchu without it)
• Student ID (if applicable)
• Money for souvenirs and tips

Baggage restrictions for Machu Picchu

To enter the citadel, you can only bring a backpack up to 25 liters, just enough for your guided visit. If you’re doing a multi-day trek, large backpacks can be left in lockers at the entrance so you can tour comfortably.
On the train, you’re allowed luggage up to 8 kg, limited to carry-on size.

Tickets to Machu Picchu

Since COVID, there are now more than 9 types of Machu Picchu tickets with 3 different circuits. Here’s a short summary:

• Circuit 1: Panoramic
  This is the short, upper route that lets you see the classic views of Machu Picchu. However, since it’s short, it mainly includes going up to the viewpoint and then exiting, without exploring much of the citadel.
• Circuit 2: The most complete – Long Upper Route
  With this ticket, you can visit both the upper panoramic areas and the lower urban parts (the ruins and temples). It’s the most complete visit.
• Circuit 3: Long and lower route
  This circuit focuses on the plazas, temples, and ruins. Although you won’t get the panoramic views, you’ll explore the lower part and see the ruins up close.

Can you buy Machu Picchu tickets at the last minute?

There’s a lot of news about this. Most travel sites will tell you that the best option is to book your visit at least 4 months in advance.
But we know that sometimes trips come together at the last minute, and that can mean missing out on tickets. To solve this, the Peruvian Ministry of Culture announced that 1,000 tickets will be sold daily in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).

How to buy last-minute tickets

To get this last chance to visit Machu Picchu, you must follow these steps:

1. Take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
2. Take an earlier train (as earlier as posible) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu)
3. Once in Aguas Calientes, you have to go to the Ministry of Culture’s office and make your line.
4. Pay attention! Please bring cash 160 PEN / SOLES to purchase your tickets and your original Passports.

Important topics to purchase the Machu Picchu tickets

Even if this is a last minute solution to enter to Machu Picchu, there are some important things that you have to know or expect:

1. Ideally you can go just one day before and purchase your ticket for the following morning, HOWEVER, we strongly recommend going at least 2 days prior just in case.
2. Try to take early trains in order to have better chances.
3. If you don’t get the chance to purchase circuit 2 (either 2A or 2B) try to buy a combination of circuits 1 and 3 to have upper and lower part view.

Where should I stay in Machu Picchu?

Nos that you know how can you get there, the entrances, and train companies, now you can check where to stay!

High standard hotels

If you want a unique experience in a 100% comfort hotels, here are some recommendations:

Mid range hotels

If you don’t want to spend too much but also have great options, here are the best ones:

Now that you have all the information, is time to pack your things and visit Peru!