Crowds at Machu Picchu appear as a detail that is hard to avoid. However, here we will present some strategies to avoid crowds at Machu Picchu. For this, we will prioritize the information based on data recorded during the high season, which coincides with the dry season, ideal for visiting the wonder of the world. Below, we present a series of strategies so that crowds are not a problem during your visit to Machu Picchu.

• How many people can enter Machu Picchu?
• Crowds during Machu Picchu’s high season
• High season at Machu Picchu
• How to avoid crowds at Machu Picchu?
• Important – How to get to Machu Picchu?
• Frequently asked questions

During high season, entry to Machu Picchu is usually crowded

How many people can enter Machu Picchu?

Every year the rules and regulations at Machu Picchu change to provide a better experience for tourists, as well as to better preserve the Inca citadel. In total, there are 10 types of tickets, which include a tour of one of the three circuits into which the site is divided. Discover the main features:

• During the high-ticket season (June 19 to November 2), all 10 entries to Machu Picchu will be available.
• During the regular ticket season (November 3 to June 18), only 6 entries will be available.
• On December 30 and 31, all entries will also be available.
• Each ticket includes one of the three circuits: Circuit 1 (panoramic route), Circuit 2 (classic route), and Circuit 3 (royal route).
• Tickets may also include an additional hiking route to some of the constructions away from Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM. The last allowed entry time is 3:00 PM. However, the waiting time is 1 hour. Now let’s see, how many people can enter Machu Picchu daily?

View of Machu Picchu from Circuit 1

Purchasing Tickets In Person
In Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town), 1,000 tickets are made available daily. Therefore, if you couldn’t secure an online ticket, you can purchase one of these. Remember to travel a day in advance to ensure one of these limited tickets. Only the routes available for the regular season will be offered.

Crowds during Machu Picchu’s High Season

The high season occurs from May to August at Machu Picchu, coinciding with vacation periods and the dry season, when the weather allows clear landscapes with sunny days.

You should keep in mind that each entry time has a tolerance period of 1 hour. Additionally, the average stay is 2 hours and 30 minutes. If the ticket includes an additional hike, the stay can extend up to 5 or 6 hours.

The most requested entry times are those between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM. This is because weather conditions are better and it gives you enough time to enjoy the full-day Machu Picchu experience.

To avoid crowds, it is recommended to book an afternoon time slot, since attendance is lower because most visitors return to Cusco the same day. If you want a more immersive experience, it is highly recommended to stay for two days, visiting Machu Picchu calmly on the first day during the last time slots and keeping the next day free to explore the town of Aguas Calientes.

For a better travel experience, you should take into account the necessary transportation services. The best approach is always to make an advance reservation online. It is also important to consider schedules and potential travel times. Let’s see:

• The trip from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by car takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. There are no waiting times here.
• The train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about 2 hours. The service is punctual.
• The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes 30 minutes. Buses depart every 20 minutes or until full.
• The total journey takes 5 hours, but considering waiting times, it can take 6 to 7 hours.

Crowd of visitors at Machu Picchu

Is it recommended to travel to Machu Picchu with a travel agency?
Many people choose to travel to Machu Picchu independently. They plan all details, from transportation, tickets, guides, to meals and accommodation. That is why, if you want to avoid the challenges of organizing everything on your own, booking a tour with a travel agency is the best option. You can experience it in one day or two, depending on the time you have and everything you want to see in the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

High Season at Machu Picchu

For many people visiting Machu Picchu, this type of scenario is neither surprising nor concerning. Visitors know that simply being known as a Modern Wonder of the World puts it in the spotlight, and thousands of people want to visit it.

It is rarely mentioned because it really is not a problem. Moreover, during visits in this season, although attendance is higher than in other months, it does not feel crowded, since entry times allow for optimal distribution.

Even though 4,500 people enter Machu Picchu during the regular season and 5,600 during the high season, it is possible to move comfortably around the attractions of Machu Picchu, thanks to the variety of circuits and routes that segment the Inca citadel.

Is there anything to worry about? The short answer is no. However, you should be punctual with the activities detailed in your itinerary to avoid creating crowds along the route.

View of the terraces at Machu Picchu

How to Avoid Crowds at Machu Picchu

• When purchasing entry tickets, try to reserve those starting at noon.
• If staying overnight in Aguas Calientes, we recommend choosing the latest afternoon time slots to enjoy Machu Picchu with very few visitors.
• If you choose the 2:00 PM time slot, you can stay until Machu Picchu closes at 5:00 PM.
• Another option is to be among the first to enter. This requires spending the night in Aguas Calientes and starting activities at 5:00 AM to enter at the first slot at 6:00 AM.
• The only tickets available at all times are: Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Route (1B), Designed Classic Route (2A), Lower Terrace Classic Route (2B), and Designed Royal Route or Lower Temples (3B).
• Explore Machu Picchu with a professional guide. They know the route of the circuit you choose, as well as historical details that will enrich your experience at Machu Picchu.
• Be patient during the visit. You will see many people at some important constructions or temples, but the crowd will disperse along the route.
• If you have questions about the route or circuit, you can approach the park rangers or staff at the historic sanctuary.
• Take adequate time to get the photographs you want, ensuring other visitors can also enjoy a smooth visit.
• Finally, complete the visit with optimism, always open to new experiences.

Important – How to Get to Machu Picchu?

Now that you know how many people arrive and visit Machu Picchu daily, here are some tips. These will help you plan, book, and have the best visit to Machu Picchu. Take note!

• The usual option to travel to Machu Picchu is by train from the town of Ollantaytambo (1 hour 45 minutes from Cusco). There are a variety of services, schedules, and operators (Inca Rail and PeruRail).
• The trip to Machu Picchu can also be booked as a bimodal service, where the journey starts from Cusco by bus to Ollantaytambo, and then you board the train from that town.
• Another option is to travel by car to the Hidroelectrica station (5 hours from Cusco). From there, you must walk 2 hours to reach Aguas Calientes.
• If you choose the alternative Hidroelectrica route, we recommend staying overnight in Santa Teresa or Aguas Calientes to have a better experience without overexertion.
• If you want more adventure, you can opt for the historic Inca Trail route. This is a 4-day trek, where you will discover exclusive paths and archaeological sites used by the Incas.
• Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you can choose to go up by bus or on foot. The best option is to take the bus up first and walk back down, enjoying impressive landscapes on the descent.
• Also, do not forget your ID or passport. It is also advisable to carry some cash for emergencies.

Getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) What is the best way to enjoy Machu Picchu without feeling rushed?

  The best way is to plan your trip with an extra day, stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, and choose the last entry time slots. This way, you can enjoy the magic of Machu Picchu without crowds and with the golden light of sunset.

• 2) During which months can I find fewer people?

  During the rainy season, you may find fewer people. However, it is still possible to encounter large crowds because even in the rainy season, entry tickets to Machu Picchu sell out weeks in advance.

• 3) Can I get lost in Machu Picchu?

  It is unlikely to get lost inside the Inca citadel. There is staff responsible for guarding the walls and Inca structures, and they also guide tourists along the designated routes. For hiking trails, it is recommended to go with a guide or follow only the marked paths.

• 4) Are there routes suitable for seniors and children?

  Yes, there are two comfortable options. The first ticket option is Machu Picchu + Classic Photo. The second option is Machu Picchu + Lower Temples entry ticket.

• 5) What is the best time to avoid crowds at Machu Picchu?

  To avoid crowds, we recommend booking your ticket for a time starting at 12:00 noon. Of course, you should have lunch beforehand to have all the necessary energy.

• 6) Is it worth staying overnight in Aguas Calientes?

  Yes, staying overnight in Aguas Calientes allows you to enter Machu Picchu during the first or last entry slots of the day, when there are fewer visitors. Additionally, you will have more time to rest and explore the town at a relaxed pace.

• 7) How can I avoid long lines to enter Machu Picchu?

  You can avoid lines by arriving early at the bus boarding point in Aguas Calientes or by choosing an entry time after noon. Also, if you purchase your ticket in advance and bring a printed copy, you will save time and enter more smoothly.

• 8) How long can I stay inside Machu Picchu?

  The average stay is 2 hours and 30 minutes, though it can extend to 5 or 6 hours if your ticket includes an additional hike. We suggest planning your visit calmly and respecting the designated time to avoid crowds.

• 9) What should I do if I booked my ticket for the high season?

  If you travel between June and August, we recommend planning in advance, booking your tickets online, and choosing midday or afternoon time slots. You can also select alternative routes like Inti Punku, the Inca Bridge, or Machu Picchu Mountain, which usually have fewer visitors.

• 10) Which entry time should I choose if I only have one day to visit Machu Picchu?

  If you only have one day, we advise booking entry between 12:00 and 2:00 PM. This way, you will avoid peak congestion hours and enjoy the citadel more calmly before closing at 5:00 PM.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Jimena D.

“The Best of the Best“

“At Machu Picchu you can enjoy one of the most beautiful “faces” on earth, literally; the mountains of Machu Picchu resemble a human face looking at the sky. You will encounter one of the most spectacular natural environments on the planet, inspiring you to make the effort to preserve it and, of course, to reach it.“

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