Machu Picchu for First-Time Visitors: A Practical Guide from Local Guides

Machu Picchu is the reason most travelers come to Peru, and it deserves some planning. This 15th-century Inca citadel sits at roughly 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) on a ridge above the Urubamba River canyon, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. After guiding visitors there for years, here is what we tell every first-time traveler.

When is the best time to visit?

The dry season, roughly May to September, brings the clearest skies and the best chance of the classic postcard view. The rainy season runs roughly from November to March: the ruins are greener and quieter, but clouds and showers are common. Honestly, fog is part of the magic too. Some of our favorite photos were taken on misty mornings when the mountains appear and disappear around the citadel.

How do you get to Machu Picchu?

Most travelers take a train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy (near Cusco) to Aguas Calientes, the small town at the foot of the mountain, and then a bus up to the entrance. Some prefer to hike the Inca Trail or an alternative trek. Whichever route you choose, we recommend sleeping in Aguas Calientes or arriving the day before so you are not rushing on the morning of your visit.

Tickets, circuits and rules

Entrance to Machu Picchu is controlled with timed tickets and fixed circuits, and you must enter with a licensed guide. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are separate hikes that require their own ticket and sell out well in advance, so book as early as you can. Rules and schedules are updated by the authorities from time to time, so we always confirm the current conditions when we organize your trip.

• Bring your passport, because it is required with your ticket.
• Large backpacks, tripods and single-use plastics are not allowed inside.
• Wear comfortable shoes, a rain jacket and sunscreen, since the weather changes quickly.
• Plan about 2 to 3 hours for a guided visit, more if you add a mountain hike.

Walk beyond the classic viewpoint

The famous viewpoint is only the beginning. Inside the site you will see the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Royal Tomb and farming terraces that still look as precise as when they were built. If you have time and energy, the hike toward the Sun Gate (Intipunku) gives you a different perspective, and Machu Picchu Mountain rewards you with a view of the whole canyon.

Take a local guide who tells the story

Walking through Machu Picchu without context is like reading a book with no words. A good guide explains the astronomy, the engineering, the sacred geography and the debates among historians. Our guides are from Cusco and speak English, Spanish and more, and we keep groups small so you can ask questions and take your time at the viewpoints.

Want to combine it with the rest of southern Peru? See our Cusco and Machu Picchu packages or build your own trip.