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 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, 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: Fewer tourists, but occasional rain.

How to Get There

You can get to Machu Picchu by train or hiking. To start from Lima, you'll need to fly to Cusco (1.5 hours).

This is the most classic route: From Cusco you will need to be transferred by car & train to Aguas Calientes, a 3.5 hour drive along the scenic Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley, and then from Ollantaytambo train station you will be transferred to Aguas Calientes, your starting point for your Machu Picchu adventure. Contact one of our customer service representatives for a detailed itinerary of the Classic Machu Picchu route.

For this route, you will need to take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, so here's more information on how to continue.

Trains: Which one to choose?

There are three train options that will take you to Machu Picchu: Inca Rail, Peru Rail and the Belmond Hiram Bingham train.

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 on organized treks (with varying degrees of difficulty) along the Inca Trail. You'll have to camp if you choose a trek, and it's worth noting that the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is closed every February for maintenance. So here's a little more insight into the different trekking options to Machu Picchu you can book with QN:

THE INCA TRAIL

This route 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, 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 them 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.

VERY IMPORTANT: Machu Picchu is an attraction where passengers will walk (up and down) for around 2 or more hours, so it’s advisable for visitors to

Important: Strict adherence to the designated entry time on the ticket is mandatory.

There are 2 main seasons for Machu Picchu visits, according to the visitor capacity:

Regular season : October - May | Capacity: 350 tickets per turn

High season: June - September | Capacity: 600 tickets per turn

During the regular season, the maximum daily capacity is 4,500 visitors.

During the high season, it increases to 5,600 visitors.

➨ There are 10 types of tickets available for purchase and they are divided into 3 circuits. Each circuit has a certain number of entry times that start from 6am to 3pm.

Circuit 1: Panoramic

This circuit offers spectacular panoramic 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

This ticket gives you the opportunity to take the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu, as well as access to Machu Picchu Mountain trek.

Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Recommended for: Panoramic photography and aerial views of the citadel.
1B: Only Uper Terrace
With this ticket, you'll get access to the terrace, where you can take the iconic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Recommended for: Those who want a short visit with panoramic views.
1C: Upper Terrace + Intipunku (Sun Gate)
This ticket grants you access to the upper terrace (located above the Guardian's house) and the Intipunku (Gate of the Sun) trek.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
Availability (Only during high season): From June 1 to October 15, and on December 30 and 31.
1D: Upper Terrace + Inka Bridge
With this circuit, you can access the terrace with a panoramic view of Machu Picchu, above the Guardian's House, as well as hike to the Inca 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

Important: This is the most complete route of the Citadel, covering most of its main structures.

Tickets Available:

2A: Designed Route - QN’s best recommended

This ticket includes the most extensive tour of the citadel and its structures. It starts with a visit to the agricultural area and includes stops at the Temple of the Three Windows, the Sacred Rock, and the Qolqas area. Then, passengers can ascend to the upper terrace to take the classic panoramic photo of Machu Picchu. From there, they can see the Temple of the Sun from above, though access is restricted.

They can then choose to visit either the Temple of the Sun or Intihuatana, but they must choose only one at the time of their visit.

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.

2B: Lower Terrace Route - QN’s 2nd best recommended

It's similar to the 2A ticket, but the route goes through the lower part where you can take the classic Machu Picchu photo.
Good option for people with less mobility or who prefer a less demanding hike.

Circuit 3: Huayna Picchu / Huchuy Picchu mountain

These circuits wind through the lower part of the Machu Picchu citadel and lead to the mountain trails. Please note that none of these circuits provide access to the "classic" Machu Picchu photo spot.

They are divided as follows:

3A - Huayna Picchu

This ticket grants access to the Sun Temple, the Inca House (or Royal house), and the "Royalty" Area. It also includes access to the Huayna Picchu Trek, a steep and challenging hike.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Restrictions: Only 400 people per day can enter Huayna Picchu, divided into two groups of 200. There are only two daily entrances: at 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Access to the Huayna Picchu mountain trek is granted one hour after the entrance time on the ticket, so visitors should tour the citadel first.

Book in advance: Due to high demand, it is crucial to book the “Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu” ticket several months in advance.

3B - Designed route
This ticket allows you to explore the lower part of the Machu Picchu citadel. You will have access to the Sun Temple, the Inca House (also known as the Royal House), and the "Royalty" area. This route provides access to a terrace on the plain, which is ideal for individuals with limited mobility or vertigo.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
3C - Grand Cavern route
This is the most challenging and longest hike of all the tickets. The route begins with a descent to a lower level of Machu Picchu, followed by an ascent to the summit of Huayna Picchu.
Similar to the previously mentioned tickets, this one grants access to the Sun Temple, the Inca House (also known as the Royal House), and the "Royalty" area.
Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
Availability (Only during high season): From June 1 to October 15, and on December 30 and 31.
3D - Huchuy Picchu
This ticket allows you to visit the lower part of the Machu Picchu citadel, including the Sun Temple, the Inca House (also known as the Royal House), the "Royalty" area, and the 35-minute hike to Huchuy Picchu Mountain (Also known as the "chin" of the Inca profile. This feature is visible when observing Machu Picchu from a vertical position).
Availability (Only during high season): From June 1 to October 15, and on December 30 and 31.

Recommended for: Those seeking adventure and spectacular views, although with limited access to the main constructions.

Final recommendations:

SUPER IMPORTANT:
- All circuits include considerable ascents via steps and ramps, so visitors should be in good physical condition.
- Wheelchair access is not available.
- These routes are not recommended for people with vertigo.
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!