Have a special question about your trip to Machu Picchu? Below we show a list of frequently asked questions about the trip to Machu Picchu. If you do not find what you are looking for, ask your question at info@boletomachupicchu.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

• What is Machu Picchu?
• How do I buy Machu Picchu tickets?
• When to go to Machu Picchu?
• How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?
• How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
• How to go by train to Machu Picchu?
• What is the Inca Trail?
• How to get to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo?
• How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?
• What to see in Machu Picchu?
• Should I hire a guide in Machu Picchu?
• Why was Machu Picchu built?
• Can I climb to Machu Picchu walking or do I have to take the bus?
• What is the Huayna Picchu?
• Where to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu?
• What are the train stations to Machu Picchu?
• Can I go on the local train?
• Is it easy to find accommodation in Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes)?
• How much luggage can I carry on the train?
• Is there a limit on the sale of Machu Picchu tickets?
• Can you visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the same day?
• How do I hire a guide in Machu Picchu?
• From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?
• Do I have to bring a document to enter Machu Picchu?
• Where are the hot springs of Machu Picchu?
• Is it necessary to hire a travel agency to go to Machu Picchu?
• Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?
• Where can I get more information?

What is Machu Picchu?

• Machu Picchu is an Inca city built in a green environment of mountains and rivers, an impressive historical place, a mystical and mysterious place, full of energy; In addition, it is a mixed heritage of humanity and one of the most desired destinations in the world.
• It is located in a cloud forest between the Andes Mountains and the Amazon jungle, at 2,400 meters above sea level, in the middle of two mountains, surrounded by other mountains.
• An average of 5,000 tourists can enter Machu Picchu every day. If you enter the Inca trail, you will cross mountain passes and beautiful jungle landscapes. If you choose to come by train, this will take you from the town of Ollantaytambo through the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Macchu Picchu

How do I buy Machu Picchu tickets?

• You can buy Machu Picchu tickets through the website of a tourism agency or the official website for online sales.
• To do this you must check the availability, fill out the reservation form, make the payment and print your tickets.

When to go to Machu Picchu?

• The time is not really a problem in Machu Picchu the minimum temperatures vary between 8 ºC and the maximum ones around 20 ºC. We recommend that you always carry something waterproof, since the geography of Machu Picchu means that rain can fall at any time of the year.
• There are 2 stations in Machu Picchu: the dry season and the rainy season. The latter runs from November to March and is characterized by constant rains. The first runs from April to October and is characterized by low rainfall and sunny weather.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

To get from Lima to Machu Picchu you must travel to the city of Cusco by plane or by bus.

• Bus Lima – Cusco : It costs between US $ 50 and US $ 60 and will take you from Lima to Cusco. We recommend taking this as a last option, since you will not like sitting for 20 hours, unless you have time to enjoy stops in some cities during the tour, you can visit the Nazca lines or the City of Arequipa.
• Lima – Cusco plane : it is the best option, it will cost you between US $ 100 and US $ 120 and you will be in Cusco in just 1 hour; Several flights a day depart from the Jorge Chavez International Airport.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco?

• There are only a couple of ways to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco: or travel the Inca Trail for 4 days; or cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas, on one of the world’s most incredible short train journeys, to Aguas Calientes Machu Picchu (town).
• The trip requires excellent organization, you can go on your own, although you may prefer to buy your tickets directly.

How to go by train to Machu Picchu?

• Traveling by train is the simplest way to get to Machu Picchu. Cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas on one of the most incredible train routes in the world.
• You can get a tour that includes train travel or buy the ticket and travel on your own.
• To purchase your ticket on your own you must enter the website of the two companies in charge: Peru Rail or Inca Rail. Then you must record the time and type of train you prefer. Payment is by credit or debit card.

What is the Inca Trail?

• It is the incredible Inca Trail almost 600 years old that is currently considered among the 5 best walks in the world.
• It travels almost 40 kilometers from the starting point to the arrival point at the Puerta del Sol (Intipunku).
• It is not possible to travel the Inca Trail on your own since the law states that you can only do it by hiring an agency.
• There are two versions of the Inca Trail: the classic Inca Trail (4 days) or its short version (2 days).
• Remember that you can travel the Inca Trail in any month except in February, when it is closed due to heavy rains.

Inca Trail

How to get to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo?

• In Ollantaytambo you must board a train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
• The train takes about 2 hours and tickets have to be booked in advance.
• To get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo you must board one of the buses in the ‘Pavitos’ street of the Historic Center. Another option is to hire a private service through a tourism agency. This trip takes approximately 2 hours.

How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu?

• Aguas Calientes is the name of the town at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain where the Inca City of the same name is built.
• In Aguas Calientes you can take buses to the entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Although you can walk up, going by bus is the best option.
• Remember that tickets are valid only one use and have a duration of 3 days. You can buy bus tickets personally in Aguas Calientes or through the website of a tourism agency.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

• Machu Picchu houses almost 150 amazing buildings such as: the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Intihuatana or the Temple of the Moon.

Following is the list of places you cannot miss in Machu Picchu:

• The temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana
• The Temple of the 3 Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Ladder of the Fountains.
• The Huayna Picchu Mountain.
• The Temple of the Moon
• The Gate of the Sun (Intipunku).
• The Main Square
• The Royal Tomb
• The Sacred Rock

Should I hire a guide in Machu Picchu?

• Yes, it is necessary to tour Machu Picchu with a tour guide. You can get one at the same entrance door to the Inca City or through the website of a tourism agency.

Why was Machu Picchu built?

• Machu Picchu is built on the top of the mountain of the same name. Thus there is a harmony between man, nature and the heavens where their gods live.
• Machu Picchu is protected by the mountains that surround it.
• Machu Picchu is in an easily accessible place, even for the same Inca. It is said that it was an isolated monastery where high priests made offerings to the gods.

Can I climb to Machu Picchu walking or do I have to take the bus?

• There is a road that goes from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. While you can walk, it is best to take a bus.
• Walking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 2 hours and demands energy since several steps are climbed.
• Buses leave from 5.30 am It takes only 30 minutes to get on the bus to Machu Picchu. The last bus leaves from Aguas Calientes at 3.30 pm

What is the Huayna Picchu?

• The Huayna Picchu mountain is the summit located next to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The top of this mountain offers some of the most spectacular aerial views of Machu Picchu.
• Getting to the top of Huayna Picchu is an incredible adventure. It climbs up a steep road built on the side of the mountain. Most of the road will be between the mountain walls and the cliffs.
• In the Huayna Picchu the Incas built, in addition to hundreds of stone staircases, the famous Temple of the Moon.
• Entrance to people under 12 years old is not allowed. It is not recommended for people suffering from vertigo.

Where to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu?

• Since 2009 there are 2 train companies to Machu Picchu: Peru Rail and Inca Rail. Both companies have different services from economic to private luxury services.
• Peru Rail – You can buy tickets online through their website: www.perurail.com. Payment is made with credit or debit cards. If you prefer, you can purchase tickets at their offices at the following addresses:
  • Lima Office: Malecon de la Reserva 610 (Larcomar Shopping Center).
  • Cusco Office: Portal de Carnes 214 (Plaza de Armas de Cusco).
  • Wanchaq Office: Pachacutec Avenue s / n (Wanchaq District).
• Inca Rail – Its website is www.incarail.com. You can buy tickets through it and you can pay with Visa or MasterCard. You can also do in person at the following offices:
  • Lima Office: Pérez Aranibar Avenue 1874, San Isidro, Lima.
  • Cusco Office: Portal de Panes Street 105 (Plaza de Armas de Cusco).

What are the train stations to Machu Picchu?

There are 5 train stations to Machu Picchu: 4 for the outward journey and 1 for the return trip.

• San Pedro Station : The station located in the city of Cusco. There are few train services.
  • Address: Cascaparo 154, Cusco.
• Poroy Station : The closest station in the city of Cusco. There are few train services, including the luxury train Hiram Bingham.
  • Address: Calle Rondan s / n, Poroy.
• Urubamba Station : One of the stations less used by tourists. From there starts the luxury service ‘Sacred Valley’.
  • Address: Avenida Ferrocarril s / n Urubamba, Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Ollantaytambo Station : The most used station to travel to Machu Picchu since most of the train services depart from there.
  • Address: Avenida Ferrocarril s / n Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Machu Picchu Station : The only station from where return trains to Ollantaytambo, Urubamba and Poroy depart.
  • Address: Barrio Las Orquídeas s / n, Aguas Calientes.

Can I go on the local train?

• No. This train is reserved only for Peruvians. To purchase these tickets you must present your national identity document from Peru.
• Peruvians can buy the local train ticket at any of the aforementioned stations. However, like any service, it must be purchased 1 week in advance.
• The local train is not a tourist service and is usually packed with people standing in the aisles.

Is it easy to find accommodation in Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes)?

• If there is something that abounds in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes; They are hotels of all prices and categories. However, to come in high season (June, July and August). Hotels must be booked in advance.

How much luggage can I carry on the train?

• Trains to Machu Picchu will only allow you to climb with your hand luggage and this should not exceed 5 kilos (11 pounds).
• That is why it is recommended to take Machu Picchu only what is absolutely necessary.

Attractions Machu Picchu

Is there a limit on the sale of Machu Picchu tickets?

• The huge demand for tickets in Machu Picchu has caused a limit to be established for people who can enter Machu Picchu.

Here are the number of tickets available for each type of ticket:

• Ticket Machu Picchu Solo: 2,500 spaces per day.
  • Group 1 : admission from 6 am
  • Group 2 : admission from 7 am
  • Group 3 : admission from 8 am
  • Group 4 : admission from 9 am
  • Group 5 : admission from 10 am
  • Group 6 : admission from 11 am
  • Group 7 : admission from 12 pm
  • Group 8 : admission from 1 pm
  • Group 9 : admission from 2 pm
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu: 400 spaces per day, divided into two groups.
  • Group 1 : admission from 6 am / a Waynapicchu from 7 am to 8 am
  • Group 2 : admission from 7 am / a Waynapicchu from 7 am to 8 am
  • Group 3 : admission from 8 am / a Waynapicchu from 10.30 am to 11.30 am
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain:
  • Group 1 : admission from 6 am / a Mountain from 7 am to 8 am
  • Group 2 : admission from 7 am / a Mountain from 7 am to 8 am
  • Group 3 : admission from 8 am / a Mountain from 9 am to 10 am
• Ticket Machu Picchu + Museum: According to the limit of Machu Picchu Solo.
  • In Machu Picchu : the same schedules as the Machu Picchu Solo ticket.
  • In the Museum : from 8 am to 4 pm

Can you visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the same day?

• Machu Picchu opens every day of the year from 6 am to 5 pm To stay all day, the tourist needs to purchase 3 entrance tickets: from 6 am to 10 am; from 10 am to 2 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm
• The Machu Picchu ticket allows you to stay a maximum of 4 hours from the moment of admission.

How do I hire a guide in Machu Picchu?

• The guided service in Machu Picchu varies according to the service you choose: shared group or private group.
• The shared group includes visitors from different backgrounds.
• The private group is exclusive for families, couples or groups of friends.
• You can hire a tour guide at the entrance door of Machu Picchu. Another option is to hire one online through a tourism agency.

From what time can I enter Machu Picchu?

• Machu Picchu is open from 6 am to 5 pm

Do I have to bring a document to enter Machu Picchu?

• To enter Machu Picchu you must present the printed Machu Picchu ticket and the document with which you made the purchase of the ticket: passport, identity document, university card.
• The documents must be valid at the time of entry to Machu Picchu.

Where are the hot springs of Machu Picchu?

• The Machu Picchu Hot Springs are at the end of Pachacutec Avenue in the town of Aguas Calientes (15 minutes walk from the Main Square).
• The average temperature of the hot springs ranges between 35ºC. (95ºF.) And 43ºC. (109ºF).

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 5.30 am to 8 pm
• Rates: Foreigners 20 S /. / Nationals 10 S /. / Children 5 S /.

Is it necessary to hire a travel agency to go to Machu Picchu?

• No. You can reach Machu Picchu on your own. However, many tourists choose to visit the Inca City as part of an organized tour.
• You can travel to Machu Picchu on your own by buying your entrance ticket to the Inca City online.
• You can hire a tour in person in Cusco or online through a tourism agency.

Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

• Machu Picchu can be visited by people of all ages.
• If you plan to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, remember that only people over 12 years old can travel it.

Where can I get more information?

• If you have a question, you can contact us at info@boletomachupicchu.com. You can also enter our ‘Tips’ section, where you will find everything you need to know about the trip to Machu Picchu.

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, December 17, 2019