Your 2025 guide to Machu Picchu
Planning Your Trip to Machu Picchu: What You Need to Know Before You Go
Visiting Machu Picchu is a dream for many travelers, but with a maze of train schedules, bus transfers, ticket types, and trekking routes to choose from, planning your journey to this world wonder takes some serious prep. The good news? With a little QN guidance, it’s totally doable—and absolutely worth it!
Machu Picchu is one of those rare destinations that lives up to the hype. Perched high in the Andes and surrounded by dramatic peaks and lush cloud forest, this ancient Incan citadel is an engineering masterpiece and a spiritual marvel rolled into one. It’s a must-see for anyone who’s passionate about history, nature, or adventure.
Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail, taking the scenic train from Cusco, or mixing it up with a combo of buses and guided tours, there are plenty of ways to experience Machu Picchu. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to plan your trip—from transportation and entry tickets to hotels, tour options, and tips for getting the most out of your visit. Because when it comes to Machu Picchu, a well-planned trip means more time exploring—and less time stressing.
Best Time to Visit
Machu Picchu is a year-round destination, so you'll be able to access the site all year round, but there are some caveats. Cusco has 2 main seasons: The dry season (which lasts from April to October, which means these are the best months for hiking) and the rainy season (which lasts from November to March).
We also need to take into account the high demand of visitors, so here's more detail:
April-May and September-November: Ideal months to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
June-August: High season with increased visitor numbers; early booking is essential.
November-March: Off-season with lower prices and fewer tourists, but occasional rain.
How to Get There
You can get to Machu Picchu by train, bus, or hiking. From Lima, you'll need to fly to Cusco.
For the classic route, from Cusco you will need to be transferred by car to Aguas Calientes, a 3.5 hour drive along the scenic Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley, and then from Ollantaytambo station you will be transferred by train to Aguas Calientes, your starting point to your Machu Picchu adventure.
Trains: Which one to choose?
There are three train options that will take you to Machu Picchu: the Belmond Hiram Bingham train, Inca Rail, and Peru Rail.
Inca Rail and Peru Rail both offer stylish and cozy trains, with different options including trains with open-air balconies and panoramic observatory cars:
For Peru Rail, we usually recommend booking the Expedition train, the Vistadome, and the Observatory.
For Inca Rail, we recommend the Voyager, the First Class and the 360° services.
The Belmond Hiram Bingham train is the most expensive option, as it's a luxury train and a posh way to get to Machu Picchu, with 1920s-inspired wood-paneled interiors and brass fixtures. As you wind your way through the Sacred Valley along the Urubamba River, you can also enjoy local-inspired meals and drinks in the bar car.
It’s recommended to book as far in advance as you can, as tickets can sell out.
Hikes:
If you want something more adventurous, you can hike to Machu Picchu with organized treks (with varying degrees of difficulty) along the Inca Trail. You’ll have to camp if you choose a hiking option, and it’s worth mentioning that the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed every February for maintenance.
THE INCA TRAIL
This route offers parts from Cusco, where your small group treks past ancient ruins, rivers, and mountains to get to Machu Picchu through rugged and steep terrain. Traveling this way gets you a private chef and dining tent, a portable shower and portable toilet, and porters to carry equipment and luggage. You’ll take the train halfway from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, alighting at the KM 104 mark where you cross the river to begin the trail. Pass by a couple of archaeological sites that are little-visited (including the stunning Wiñay Wayna), and then pick up the same final section as the more famous multi-day Inca Trail.
Get to know more about the Inca Trail here.
THE SALKANTAY TREK
The Salkantay Mountain treks are another less-crowded option. You’ll hike around Salkantay Mountain, which sits at more than 20,000 feet, to get to Machu Picchu.
Get to know more about this trek here.
For the full list of Machu Picchu trekking options, click here.
When to book?
You should book your Machu Picchu trip at least six months in advance. Our team will gladly help you planning the perfect trip for you, just have in mind the exact dates you want to visit Machu Picchu, as tickets sell out quickly.
To make a reservation, it is mandatory to have the passenger's exact passport information, as tickets are issued with this information and are non-transferable.
The Machu Picchu circuits:
As of 2025, Machu Picchu has implemented a structured circuit system to enhance visitor experience and preserve the integrity of the site. Visitors are required to choose from three main circuits, each offering unique perspectives and experiences. These circuits are designed to manage visitor flow and ensure a comprehensive exploration of the Inca citadel.
Important: Strict adherence to the designated entry time on the ticket is mandatory.
There are 2 main season for Machu Picchu visits, according to the visitor capacity:
Regular season : October - May | Capacity: 500 tickets
High season: June - September | Capacity 700 tickets
➨ There are 10 types of tickets available to purchase and they are divided in 3 circuits:
Circuit 1: Panoramic
This circuit offers spectacular views of the Citadel and its surroundings. It is ideal for those looking for a quieter and more photographic experience.
Tickets Available:
1A: Upper Terrace + Machu Picchu Mountain
Access to:
Casa del Guardián (for classic photo) / Guardian’s house
Temple of the Sun
Temple of the Three Windows
Intihuatana
Sacred Rock
Machu Picchu Mountain (with additional ticket)
Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Recommended for: Panoramic photography and aerial views of the citadel.
1B: Only Uper Terrace
Access to:
Guardian's House
Temple of the Sun
Temple of the Three Windows
Intihuatana
Sacred Rock
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Recommended for: Those who want a short visit with panoramic views.
1C: Upper Terrace + Intipunku (Sun Gate)
Access to:
Guardian's House
Temple of the Sun
Temple of the Three Windows
Intihuatana
Sacred Rock
Intipunku (Gate of the Sun)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Availability (Only during high season): From June 1 to October 15, and on December 30 and 31.
1D: Upper Terrace + Inka Bridge
Access to:
Guardian's House
Temple of the Sun
Temple of the Three Windows
Intihuatana
Sacred Rock
Inka Bridge
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Availability(high season): From June 1 to October 15, and on December 30 and 31.
Circuit 2: Classic or Inca Citadel
This is the most complete tour of the Citadel, covering most of its main structures.
Tickets Available:
2A: Designed Route
Access to:
Guardian's House
Temple of the Sun
Temple of the Three Windows
Intihuatana
Sacred Rock
Sector of the Qolqas (warehouses)
Temple of the Condor
Hall of Mirrors
Three Gates
Agricultural Sector
Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Recommended for: Those who want the full experience of the Citadel. This is the most popular route, so tickets tend to sell out quickly. Please be sure to book this tour with at least 6 months in advance.
Circuit 2B - Lower Terrace Route
Similar to 2A, but the route is done from the lower part, so the Intihuatana is omitted.
Good option for people with less mobility or who prefer a less demanding hike.
Circuit 3: Huayna Picchu / Huchuy Picchu mountain
This circuit includes the lower part of Machu Picchu and gives access to the mountain trails. It is divided as follows:
3A - Huayna Picchu
Sacred Rock
Route to the summit of Huayna Picchu (steep and challenging hike)
Lower part of the citadel
This ticket allows you to enter the citadel of Machu Picchu through circuit 3, which includes the temples of the lower part and the agricultural sector, as well as the hike to the top of Huayna Picchu.
Restrictions: Only 400 people per day can enter Huayna Picchu, divided into two groups (200 per group).
Book in advance: Due to high demand, it is crucial to book the “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu” ticket several months in advance.
3D - Huchuy Picchu
This ticket also allows you to visit the lower part of the Machu Picchu citadel, including the agricultural sector.
Sacred Rock
Route to Huchuy Picchu (a short hike with nice views)
Lower part of the citadel
Recommended for: Those seeking adventure and spectacular views, although with limited access to the main constructions.
Final recommendations:
For Scenic Views: Choose Circuit 1 for panoramic vistas and photography opportunities.
For Comprehensive Exploration: Opt for Circuit 2 to delve into the heart of the citadel and explore its architectural marvels.
For Historical Insights and Adventure: Select Circuit 3 to experience the spiritual and royal aspects of Machu Picchu, including challenging hikes.
Duration: It is recommended to plan at least 2 full days of visits to truly understand and explore the magnificence of the site.
We'll make sure you get the best advice and ticket selection for your desired visit, according to your needs. Contact us to start planning your next Machu Picchu adventure!