How to Visit Machu Picchu (2026 Guide): Tickets, Circuits & Logistical Secrets

Getting to Machu Picchu involves a few steps and some planning, but trust me—it’s all worth it! This guide will walk you through how to visit Machu Picchu, including step-by-step instructions for getting there (from someone who’s recently done it!) and tips to make the process easier. Be sure to save this so you can easily reference it later!

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How to Get to Machu Picchu

There are a few steps involved in getting to Machu Picchu. You’ll need to take a plane, a train, and a bus. But trust me, all the travel is completely worth it once you lay eyes on Machu Picchu! And while it might sound like a lot, I promise it’s not as complicated as it seems.

What city do you fly into to get to Machu Picchu?

You’ll likely fly into Lima first then from there fly into the Cusco airport. Cusco sits at 11,152 feet above sea level, which can be quite an adjustment depending on where you’re coming from. If you are worried about the elevation, you can immediately head to Aguas Caliente (6,693 feet) to acclimate at a lower elevation.

However this will be a long travel day after already spending time flying into Peru. If you do stay in Cusco for a few days, just take it slow and make sure to drink plenty of water. Be sure to know these 11 things before visiting Cusco.

Where to Stay in Cusco

Take the Train to Aguas Calientes

You have a few options to get to Aguas Calientes from Cusco using PeruRail.

1. Take the train from the San Pedro Station: around 11 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas
2. Take the bus from the Wanchaq Station: around 16 minute walk from the Plaza de Armas. For this option you will take the bus from the Wanchaq Station to Ollantaytambo. Then from Ollantaytambo you will take the train into Aguas Calientes.
3. Take the train from the Poroy Station: around a 30 minute taxi/uber ride from the Plaza de Armas.

Which one of these you choose will depend on timing and what fits in your schedule best. The trip from Cusco to Aguas Calientes will take around 4 hours total.

You can also use IncaRail, which will include taking a bus from the Cusco to Ollantaytambo then from a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

What to Expect on the Train

There are three different train car options:

• Expedition Train: This is the most affordable PeruRail option. It offers comfortable seating with large side windows and additional roof windows for scenic views. Snacks are not included but are available for purchase onboard.
• Vistadome Train: Similar in design to the Expedition Train, the Vistadome offers a more upgraded experience. It includes snacks and drinks, and features onboard cultural entertainment such as live music and traditional dance performances.
• Hiram Bingham Train: This is a luxury train experience operated by Belmond. It features elegant 1920s-style cars, gourmet fine dining, an open-air observatory car, and live music. The ticket price also includes entrance to Machu Picchu, a guided tour, and bus transfers to and from the site.

We personally booked the Expedition Train and found it to be very comfortable. We brought our own snacks and drinks, and enjoyed them on the train while watching the view. The train does have a bathroom on board but no Wi-Fi available.

Alternative: Trek to Machu Picchu

Another way to get to Machu Picchu is by doing a trek ranging for 2-5 nights. You’ll hike through the Sacred Valley with a guide and tour group. The group will provide your meals but what they provide in terms of accommodation will vary based on the tour.

Aguas Calientes

The train will drop you off in the middle of Aguas Calientes, on the opposite side of the river from where you’ll board the bus to Machu Picchu. When you exit the train station, it can feel a bit overwhelming. You’ll walk straight into an area filled with souvenir stalls, and it can feel like a maze. Just follow the arrows on the ground and you’ll eventually find your way out.

From there, cross the bridge and grab lunch if you have time. Otherwise, get in line for the bus up to Machu Picchu.

Bus to Machu Picchu

You’re finally on the last leg of your journey before reaching Machu Picchu! To catch the bus up to the Machu Picchu, you can get in line up to one hour before your entry time. Look for someone holding a sign with a specific time, if it matches your ticket, you’re good to join the line.

What I Wish I Knew About the Bus Line

Buses usually start heading up about 30 minutes before your entry time. Even if the line looks long, don’t worry, they run buses continuously, so the wait usually isn’t too long. The ride itself takes about 25–30 minutes and winds up a series of switchbacks. It can be a bit scary to look out the window and see a cliff on the other side. But just remember the drivers are skilled and do this multiple times a day, everyday.

Alternative: Walk up to Machu Picchu

If the bus isn’t your thing and you’d rather hike, you can take the trail and stairs up to the entrance instead. I wouldn’t recommend this route unless you’re in good physical shape. You’ll be climbing around 1,600 stone steps, and it takes most people about 1.5 -2 hours to reach the top.

Keep in mind:
• You cannot go up to the gates of Machu Picchu without a valid ticket.
• You’ll need to show your bus ticket, Machu Picchu entry ticket, and passport to board.

Things to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu

Entrance Tickets

Tickets to Machu Picchu are released on a schedule that typically begins in December and continues into January for the upcoming year. For example we needed tickets in May and they released those tickets on January 16th. You can see the release schedule for 2025 here, so you can get an idea of when tickets for 2026 may open.

Keep in Mind:
It’s a good idea to purchase your tickets a few months in advance to make sure you get the date, time slot, and circuit you want.

Which Circuit is Best to See Machu Picchu?

There are three main circuits, and within those, they’re broken down further into options labeled A through D. Circuit 2 is the most popular because it gives you the iconic view of the ancient city and allows you to walk through some of the ruins. It’s technically split into options A and B, but when we were there, everyone in Circuit 2 followed the same path, so don’t worry too much about the difference between the two. You can learn more about the routes here.

If you want to do multiple circuits, you’ll need to buy tickets for each of them at different times.

What to do if I Didn’t Get Tickets to Machu Picchu in Advance?

If you aren’t able to buy a ticket ahead of time, you can try to buy them in person. Everyday they release 1000 tickets for the following day, but you have to buy them in person at the office of the DDC – Cusco of Machupicchu Pueblo.

Be aware that, depending on the time of year, you could end up waiting in line for hours—and there’s no guarantee tickets will still be available once you reach the front. To avoid the stress and uncertainty, it’s definitely best to buy your tickets in advance if possible. You can check how many tickets are left for the day using this link so you aren’t waiting in line for there’s not many left.

Where to Enter

When you get off the bus, I recommend using the bathroom before entering Machu Picchu, as there are no restrooms inside the site. The bathrooms are located directly in front of the snack shop, and it costs 2 soles to use them.

After that, you can get in line to enter Machu Picchu. Just note that each circuit has its own line. Circuits 1 and 2 line up on the left side, up the stairs. Circuit 1 is farthest to the left, while Circuit 2 is closer to the middle near the stairs. The line for Circuit 3 starts on the right-hand side, along the trees.

Do I need a Tour Guide to See Machu Picchu?

Hiring a tour guide at Machu Picchu isn’t required, but many people choose to so they can learn more about its fascinating history. If you’re interested in having a guide, you can either book one in advance or hire one on the spot. There were guides available both at the entrance gate and near the buses at the bottom, ready to join you for your visit.

What to Bring

• You should pack a poncho in case it rains. Umbrellas are not allowed inside Machu Picchu. If it starts raining before you enter and you didn’t bring one, you can usually buy a poncho from the vendor near the entrance or in front of the bathrooms.
• As always, bring water to stay hydrated. There’s a small snack shop and café near the entrance if you need to grab something before going in, but food is not allowed inside the ruins.
• Bring a camera if you have one, but note that selfie sticks, tripods, and drones are not allowed.
• Your passport is required to enter so it crucial you bring it’s with you.
• Sunscreen and bug spray are useful to have on hand. We didn’t encounter many bugs during our visit in mid-May, but that can vary depending on the time of year.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Machu Picchu

Peru has distinct wet and dry seasons, each with its own pros and cons.

The wet season typically runs from November to March and tends to have fewer tourists since most people want to avoid the rain. If you travel during this time, be aware that tours can sometimes be canceled due to muddy roads or unsafe driving conditions.

The dry season runs from April to October and is generally considered the best time to visit for hiking and outdoor activities. Because of this, you can expect larger crowds compared to the wet months.

The Shoulder Season
June through August is peak season and tends to be the most crowded. For fewer crowds and still-great weather, consider visiting in May or September instead.

What Time of the Day to Visit Machu Picchu

A lot of people aim to be among the first to enter Machu Picchu to catch the sunrise. While it’s true that early mornings can mean fewer crowds, fog often hangs low over the site and can obstruct your view. Fog and rain are always a possibility, but by midday, the fog has usually lifted, making it a safer bet for clear views of the ruins.

Stay in Aguas Calientes or Head Back to Cusco?

Once you finish exploring Machu Picchu, you can either hop on the train back to Cusco or spend the night in Aguas Calientes. Personally, I recommend staying the night. After a long day of hiking and sightseeing, you’ll probably want some time to rest instead of jumping into a 4-hour journey back. Staying in town gives you the chance to grab dinner, explore a few shops, and unwind before catching an early train back to Cusco the next day.

Where to Stay in Aguas Calientes

How to Visit Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu takes some effort and planning, but it’s truly an unforgettable experience. Now that you know exactly how to visit Machu Picchu, you’re one step closer to standing among the ruins yourself. I hope this guide made the process feel a little easier. Be sure to save it so you have everything you need when it’s time to go!

Ready to start planning your Peru Itinerary? Check out this 7 day itinerary with Cusco as your home base!