Machu Picchu is a destination worth visiting with family, friends, as a couple, or even alone. It is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Unlike other cities in Latin America, Cusco offers a high level of safety for visitors. The landscapes, history, and culture—all are enchanting during the trip. Learn how to visit Machu Picchu safely and enjoy the best that the Wonder of the World has to offer.

• Machu Picchu, the wonder of the modern world
• The solo trip to Machu Picchu
• Entrance tickets
• Entrance prices to Machu Picchu
• Which schedule to choose?
• Safety when visiting Machu Picchu alone
• Tips for visiting Machu Picchu alone
• Questions and answers about the solo trip to Machu Picchu

Tourist observing the archaeological site of Machu Picchu

Choose a tour or travel on your own?
Before traveling to Machu Picchu, the visitor must choose between taking an all-inclusive tour or visiting independently, purchasing all necessary tickets separately. For a solo trip to the Inca citadel, the safest option is to hire an all-inclusive tour. This includes everything you need: hotel pick-up, full tourist transportation (including the train ride), a professional guide, full entrance tickets, and the return trip to your hotel. Adventurous travelers with more experience may choose to visit on their own. In this case, the first step is to buy the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu online, as well as the train ticket. Availability for both services is limited and can sell out two or three months in advance. The remaining services (bus and tour guide), as well as hotel or restaurant reservations, can be made days or weeks in advance. In any case, Machu Picchu will offer beautiful memories and a wonderful experience.

Machu Picchu, the wonder of the modern world

In 2007, Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the new wonders of the modern world, according to a global vote organized by the New Open World Corporation. In addition, every year, the Inca citadel and Cusco lead the lists of the best tourist attractions in the world, such as in the World Travel Awards, the most prestigious awards in the travel industry.

Machu Picchu is located in the Andes Mountains of Cusco, Peru (South America). From the city of Lima, the country’s capital, there is a distance of 1,102 kilometers by road, although most visitors arrive by flight (a 1-hour trip).

Of course, the main tourist attraction of Cusco and Peru is Machu Picchu. However, this Andean region has many other tourist attractions, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lagoon, Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha, and more.

Machu Picchu is located just over a hundred kilometers from the city of Cusco. Most people arrive via a train ride through the beautiful landscapes of the Vilcanota Valley, passing from high mountains to lush high jungle.

Statistics also show that most travelers visit as a family or couple. However, a good number of people visit Machu Picchu alone. Cusco is one of the safest cities in Peru, and visiting the Inca citadel is an experience that can be enjoyed as a family, as a couple, with friends, or simply alone.

Machu Picchu Inca Citadel – Wonder of the World

The solo trip to Machu Picchu

The first step to make a solo trip to Machu Picchu is to choose between an all-inclusive tour or traveling independently. The first option is best for a calmer experience, as the itinerary will be arranged for you. The second option is ideal for an adventurous visitor or one familiar with the route.

Most Machu Picchu tours last one day (Full Day experiences) departing from the city of Cusco. This service includes hotel pick-up, bus and train transportation (usually Expedition or The Voyager services from PeruRail or Inca Rail), the bus to the Inca citadel from the town of Aguas Calientes, the Machu Picchu entrance ticket, the tour guide service, and the return to your hotel in Cusco. The tour usually starts around 5:00 a.m. and ends around 9:00 p.m.

If you wish to visit Machu Picchu on your own, the first and most important step is to purchase the entrance ticket to the Inca citadel online. You can buy it through the official website of the Ministry of Culture of Peru or via Boletomachupicchu, an authorized travel agency. In both cases, it is recommended to purchase your ticket one month in advance, though for more popular tickets, you should do so three months ahead.

• Recommended Tickets

  The most recommended tickets are those that include Circuit 2 (Classic Route) and Circuit 3 (Royal Route), which cover the most important temples and constructions. If you prefer a route with better views and a more peaceful experience, Circuit 1 (Panoramic Route) is ideal.

  There are a total of 10 ticket types available, with full availability from June 19 to November 2. From November 3 to June 18, only six tickets are available.

• Recommended Schedules

  If you plan a one-day visit departing from Cusco, it is recommended to choose a schedule around noon. This allows you to take return trains to Cusco departing at approximately 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.

  If you plan a two-day visit, staying overnight in the town of Aguas Calientes, you can choose a morning schedule for the second day (starting at 8:00 or 9:00 a.m.).

• Final Steps

  The next step is to purchase, also online, a train ticket to Machu Picchu. This can be done through the websites of the two available companies: PeruRail or Inca Rail. Another option is to do it through Boletomachupicchu, an authorized travel agency. Remember that your train schedule must match your Machu Picchu visit schedule.

  Once in Cusco, without risk of losing availability, you can purchase the remaining services: the bus ticket, the tour guide service, hotel reservations, and restaurants. Other tours in Cusco can be booked online without much anticipation (except for the Inca Trail, which must be purchased four months in advance).

  Whichever way you choose to visit Machu Picchu, remember that if you travel alone, you will find many other travelers doing the same. Cusco and Machu Picchu are amazing destinations where you can make many friends, both foreigners and locals.

Entrance tickets

These are the 10 types of tickets to Machu Picchu you can choose from. Each includes one of the three touring circuits, depending on your preference.

• Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel via Circuit 1, the panoramic route of the Inca city. Additionally, it includes the hike to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Route (1B) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel via Circuit 1, which provides the classic postcard photo of the archaeological sanctuary.
• Inti Punku Gate Route (1C) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel via Circuit 1. Additionally, it includes the hike to the Inti Punku Gate, also known as the Sun Gate.
• Inca Bridge Route (1D) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel via Circuit 1, the panoramic route. Includes the classic postcard photo and the walk to the mysterious Inca Bridge.
• Classic Designed Route (2A) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel and its main constructions and temples via Circuit 2, the classic route. Does not include additional hiking trails.
• Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel and its main constructions and lower terrace via Circuit 2. Does not include additional hiking routes.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel via Circuit 3, the lower part of Machu Picchu. Additionally, it includes the hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• Royal Designed Route or Lower Temples (3B) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel and its main constructions and temples via Circuit 3. Does not include any additional hiking routes.
• Great Cave or Temple of the Moon Route (3C) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel and its main constructions via Circuit 3. Additionally, it includes the hike to the Temple of the Moon.
• Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) – Allows visiting the Inca citadel via Circuit 3, through the lower part of Machu Picchu. Also includes the hike to the summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain.

Entrance prices to Machu Picchu

Find out the prices of the entrance tickets to Machu Picchu:

Which schedule to choose?

These are the entrance schedules to Machu Picchu for your self-guided trip:

• Machu Picchu Mountain Route Entrance (1A):

  • Group 1: 06:00 a.m.
  • Group 2: 08:00 a.m.

• Lower Terrace Route Entrance (1B):

  • Ten groups, from 06:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.

• Inti Punku Gate Route Entrance (1C):

  • Group 1: 08:00 a.m.
  • Group 2: 09:00 a.m.
  • Group 3: 10:00 a.m.
  • Group 4: 11:00 a.m.

• Inca Bridge Route Entrance (1D):

  • Group 1: 08:00 a.m.
  • Group 2: 09:00 a.m.
  • Group 3: 10:00 a.m.
  • Group 4: 11:00 a.m.

• Classic Designed Route Entrance (2A):

  • Ten groups, from 06:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.

• Classic Lower Terrace Route Entrance (2B):

  • Ten groups, from 06:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.

• Huayna Picchu Mountain Route Entrance (3A):

  • Group 1: 07:00 a.m.
  • Group 2: 09:00 a.m.

• Royal Designed Route or Lower Temples Entrance (3B):

  • Ten groups, from 06:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.

• Great Cave or Temple of the Moon Route Entrance (3C):

  • Group 1: 07:00 a.m.
  • Group 2: 08:00 a.m.

• Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route Entrance (3D):

  • Group 1: 09:00 a.m.
  • Group 2: 11:00 a.m.

Safety when visiting Machu Picchu alone

Cusco is one of the safest cities in Peru. This is especially true in the historic center, where most tourist hotels are located and where visitors carry out their excursions.

During each of your tours, you will feel safe. The main dangers arise from accidents that may occur if one does not follow the proper route or fails to pay attention to their surroundings. Booking guided tours will make you feel much safer during all your excursions.

Tips for visiting Machu Picchu alone

• If you visit Machu Picchu individually, we recommend hiring a tour guide to better understand the history and context of each of the constructions and temples you will see during your tour.
• Circuit 2 (classic route) and Circuit 3 (royal route) are the favorite options for visitors traveling to Machu Picchu for the first time, as they allow you to see the main structures of this archaeological sanctuary.
• The people of Cusco are very kind and always willing to help. Don’t miss the opportunity to make new friends. Also, during the trip, it’s very easy to meet people from all over the world.
• Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level; therefore, it’s necessary to acclimatize in Cusco beforehand to have a better experience and avoid suffering from altitude sickness.
• From June 19 to November 2, you will find all 10 entrance types available; the rest of the year, only 6 will be open, although they are the most popular ones.
• If you visit the Inca citadel between April and October, you’ll enjoy clearer skies — ideal for calm excursions.
• From November to March, there’s a higher chance of rain, and landscapes may be cloudy. During these months, Machu Picchu offers a mystical atmosphere, perfect if you want a different kind of experience.
• Book your tickets and tours to Machu Picchu two or three months in advance if you want to enter one of the most popular routes of the Inca citadel.
• With Boletomachupicchu, you can organize your ideal trip to Machu Picchu — consult with our advisors to explore all available options and make your experience truly memorable.

Tour guide at Machu Picchu

Questions and Answers About Traveling Alone to Machu Picchu

• 1) Which ticket is best if I’m traveling alone?

  The “Classic Designed Route (2A)” and the “Royal Designed Route (3B)” are the most recommended options to discover in detail the main constructions and temples of the Inca citadel.

• 2) What are the best times to visit Machu Picchu?

  The best visiting hours at Machu Picchu, if you travel on the same day, are around noon. However, if you have two or more travel days and stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, the ideal hours are generally 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

• 3) What is the ideal circuit if I’m visiting Machu Picchu alone?

  Circuit 2 (classic route) and Circuit 3 (royal route) are the most recommended at Machu Picchu, as they include a tour of the most important historical structures of the site.

• 4) When is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu alone?

  The dry season, especially during the months of May, June, July, or August, is the most recommended time of year to visit Machu Picchu, thanks to the favorable weather conditions.

• 5) Is Machu Picchu and Cusco dangerous if I travel alone?

  No, Cusco is one of the safest cities in Peru, especially in the historic center where the majority of tourists stay.

• 6) Which train ticket is best if I’m traveling alone?

  The Expedition service by PeruRail or The Voyager by Inca Rail are the most recommended options, as they are affordable and offer great service.

• 7) Which travel agency should I choose for a solo tour to Machu Picchu?

  At Boletomachupicchu you’ll find tours that include all necessary services: pickup, transportation, tickets, guide, and return to Cusco. Prices vary depending on the service quality.

• 8) How can I get a tour guide at Machu Picchu if I’m traveling alone?

  Guides can be hired at the entrance of Machu Picchu. It’s recommended to choose a group service, which usually has lower prices.

• 9) How can I travel cheaply to Machu Picchu alone?

  Choose the alternative route through Hydroelectric Station. The round-trip cost is about 30 dollars. This route requires a 6-hour trip to Hidroeléctrica and then a 2-hour walk to Aguas Calientes, where you should spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu the next day.

• 10) How long does the train trip to Machu Picchu take?

  The train ride from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Town) takes approximately 4 hours. If you depart from the Ollantaytambo station, which has more daily departures, it takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Kate W.

“Excellent Trip“

“I traveled to Peru to visit Machu Picchu and didn’t want to leave. Everything was excellent — the restaurants, the food, the hotels, the warmth of the people, everything. I would go back without a doubt.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, October 17, 2025