Machu Picchu is the dream destination of millions of travelers around the world. However, upon arriving at the Inca citadel, you’ll discover the many routes and attractions you can visit, leaving you wondering what to do first. That’s why we’ll now present the best places to visit upon arrival in Machu Picchu, as well as which ticket you need to enter them.

• Take the best photo at the Guardian’s House
• Climb Huayna Picchu mountain
• Climb Machu Picchu Mountain
• Visit the Sun Gate, the Inti Punku
• Visit the Temple of the Moon, the Great Cavern
• Other buildings to see in Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Visitor at the top of Machu Picchu mountain

Take the best photo at the Guardian’s House

We know it’s essential to get the best photo when visiting Machu Picchu. The classic postcard of the Inca Citadel, which can be obtained by following the marked path of Circuit 1, from the entrance to the so-called “Guardian’s House.” From here, you get the most classic image taken by visitors.

However, there are other alternatives, such as photography from Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. These two are also must-see destinations on the Inca llaqta.

Remember that the best time for a good photo is during the dry season (April to October). During the rainy season (November to March), thanks to the usual mist, you can achieve a magical and more immersive shot.

• Where is it? The Guardian’s House is located in the upper part of the urban area, a 15-minute walk from the entrance gate to Circuit 1 of Machu Picchu.
• Which ticket can I use to enter? Any of the four tickets for Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route): Machu Picchu Mountain Ticket (Route 1A), Superior Terrace or Classic Photo Ticket (Route 1B), Inti Punku Cover Ticket (Route 1C), and Inca Bridge Ticket (Route 1D).

Classic photo of a tourist in Machu Picchu

Climb Huayna Picchu mountain

Huayna Picchu is the most sought-after destination for visitors looking for a more adrenaline-fueled adventure in Machu Picchu. This is the largest mountain, which often appears in photographs of the Inca citadel. Hiking its narrow, steep trails is a privilege for a select few, as only 350 people are allowed in per day. These are divided into two groups of 175 visitors each.

At Wayna Picchu, you can admire the splendor of the site’s landscape, along with mountains filled with vegetation, the Urubamba River, and idyllic archaeological sites. To get an entry ticket, you must reserve your ticket at least two to three months in advance, at any time of year.

• Where is it? On the north side of Machu Picchu (in the Sacred Rock area). You reach the entrance gate to Huayna Picchu after a 20-minute walk from the entrance gate to Circuit 3.
• What ticket can I use to enter? The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) ticket. This includes a tour of Circuit 3 – the Royal Route.

View from one of the viewpoints on the way to Huayna Picchu

Age Restrictions on Huayna Picchu Mountain:
To experience the adventure of climbing Huayna Picchu, you must be over 12 years old, to protect the health of children and prevent them from being exposed to potential dangers. One of the best options for a similar experience is Machu Picchu Mountain, which is open to people of all ages.

Climb Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain is part of the peaks of the Salkantay Mountain, at the foot of which lies the historic sanctuary that bears its name. Its summit is higher than Huayna Picchu, at approximately 3,082 meters above sea level. However, hiking its trails doesn’t require as much effort as the steep path to Wayna Picchu.

From the highest point and along its entire length, you can enjoy privileged views of all of Machu Picchu and the surrounding biodiversity. It’s the ideal option if traveling with children, as it’s not dangerous at all and minors are allowed entry. Only 300 people, divided into two groups of 150 each, are allowed per day. To obtain a ticket, you must reserve the Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (Route 1A) at least one month in advance.

• Where is it? On the south side and at the top of the Machu Picchu archaeological sanctuary. The Machu Picchu mountain gate is reached after a 20-minute hike from the entrance gate to Circuit 1.
• What ticket can I use to enter? The Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A). This also includes a tour of Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route.

Tourists climbing Machu Picchu mountain

Visit the Sun Gate, the Inti Punku

Also known as the Inti Punku Gate, it was the entrance to Machu Picchu during the Inca era. Its strategic location gives it a panoramic view of the Historic Sanctuary, as well as the surrounding nature. Its construction is a tribute to the sun because, during the summer solstice, the sun’s rays reach its walls and enter through the gate.

Today, visitors who hike the Inca Trail also reach the Wonder of the World through this location. From the Inca llaqta, you ascend along a path that takes an average of two hours round trip. Along the way, you’ll see some small structures unique to this route and incredible landscapes. This route is only available during peak season (June 19 to November 2).

• Where is it? High on the south side of Machu Picchu. You can reach it via a hike of almost 2 kilometers (about an hour) from the entrance gate to Machu Picchu Circuit 1.
• What ticket can I use to enter? The Machu Picchu + Inti Punku ticket (Route 1C). This also includes the tour of Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route.

View of the citadel of Machu Picchu from the Inti Punku

Visit the Temple of the Moon, the Great Cavern

The Temple of the Moon is a magnificent structure located inside a cave, imbuing it with a profound mysticism. It contains some of the finest buildings in all of Machu Picchu, further symbolizing its importance. The adventure is only available to those 12 and older and during peak season (June 19 to November 2).

To get here, follow the route to Huayna Picchu, opting for a three-hour detour (round trip). During the tour, you’ll discover the vast diversity of vegetation found at Machu Picchu, as well as a little-known but incredible place.

• Where is it? On the north side of Machu Picchu, accessed via the Huayna Picchu mountain route and taking a detour. You reach the entrance to the Great Cave after a 30-minute walk from the entrance to Circuit 3.
• What ticket can I use to enter? The Machu Picchu + Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon ticket (Route 3C). This also includes the tour of Circuit 3 – Royal Route.

Tourist inside the Temple of the Moon

Other buildings to see in Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the best season to visit Machu Picchu?

  The best season, according to popular opinion, is the dry season (between April and October). This is because there is less rain and the climate is more stable. However, if you travel between November and March, you may find foggy landscapes, which create a more mystical atmosphere.

• 2) What ticket do I need to take the classic Machu Picchu photo?

  You can enter with any of the Circuit 1 tickets, such as Machu Picchu Mountain (Route 1A), Upper Terrace or Classic Photo (Route 1B), Inti Punku Cover (Route 1C) or Inca Bridge (Route 1D).

• 3) How do I get a ticket to Huayna Picchu?

  To get an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, you must purchase it two or three months in advance, as only 350 people are allowed in per day. The ticket you need is the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu (Route 3A) package, which also includes Circuit 3.

• 4) Can I climb Machu Picchu Mountain with children?

  Yes, the route to this mountain is wider and safer, ideal for families. It’s also not as steep as Huayna Picchu. Admission is included with the Machu Picchu + Mountain ticket (Route 1A).

• 5) How can I visit the Temple of the Moon?

  You must purchase the Machu Picchu + Great Cave ticket (Route 3C), which is only available during peak season (June 19 to November 2). The round-trip tour takes approximately 3 hours, and admission is restricted to children over 12 years of age.

• 6) What can I see inside Machu Picchu?

  In addition to the main routes, you can visit the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, Temple of the Condor, Inca Bridge, Huchuy Picchu Mountain, and Sacred Rock, depending on the tour and ticket you choose.

• 7) How long does the usual tour of the Machu Picchu citadel take?

  On average, the hike lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the circuit you choose. If you add additional hikes, such as Huayna Picchu or Inti Punku, it can extend up to 6 hours.

• 8) What happens if it rains on the day of my visit?

  Machu Picchu remains open even in the rain. You just need to bring waterproof clothing or a rain poncho. Sometimes, the mist creates a magical atmosphere among the mountains.

• 9) When is the peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu?

  Peak season for tickets runs from June 19th to November 2nd. During these dates, you’ll find four new routes available: the Inti Punku Gate ticket (Route 1C), the Inca Bridge ticket (Route 1D), the Great Cave or Temple of the Moon ticket (Route 3C), and the Huchuy Picchu mountain ticket (Route 3D).

• 10) How far in advance should I purchase my ticket to Machu Picchu?

  Ideally, you should book your tickets one month in advance, although if you want to purchase one of the most popular tickets (Circuit 2 and Huayna Picchu), it’s best to book at least three months in advance.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Viviana C.

“Third time here and amazed as always“

“There are no words to describe what it means to visit a place like the ruins of Machu Picchu. Truly everything has been said, but none will ever describe the beauty and excitement of visiting the Wonder of the World. This is a place that must be visited for its beauty and its history that goes back thousands of years.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 8, 2025