How long to stay in Machu Picchu?
The travel experience to Machu Picchu is renewed year after year to provide more immersive adventures for visitors. Changes in schedules, tickets, routes, and travel paths will ensure you have an unforgettable experience. In this blog, we will inform you about the most common questions when visiting the Inca citadel, such as how long you can stay, the routes to follow within the citadel, and the entry times so you don’t miss anything. We will also present activities you can do before or after visiting this world wonder. Let’s get started!
- What will we find at Machu Picchu?
- The new circuits of Machu Picchu
- How long you can stay at Machu Picchu according to each ticket
- What is each experience like?
- How much time do I need to visit Machu Picchu?
- Travel alternatives to Machu Picchu
- More information about Machu Picchu
- Frequently asked questions
Llamas in the Inca city of Machu Picchu
What will we find at Machu Picchu?
Visiting Machu Picchu is an adventure full of attractions, from the journey to get there to the landscapes surrounding the Inca citadel. While the main attraction is discovering the more than 150 historical buildings of Machu Picchu, there are other activities that will make your travel experience even more complete.
The Llaqta of Machu Picchu
The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu houses temples, terraces, mountains, huacas (sacred places), enclosures, and enigmatic buildings that make your visit a unique experience in the world. With ten types of tickets, you will be able to explore the different routes that segment this world wonder. Additionally, the surrounding nature will allow you to enjoy even more stunning landscapes.
Short hiking routes
Some Machu Picchu tickets also include hiking routes to important structures that are further away. This includes the Huayna Picchu mountain, the Machu Picchu mountain, the Huchuy Picchu mountain, the Inca Bridge, the Inti Punku Gate, and the Temple of the Moon.
Remnants of the Inca Trail
The paths leading to Machu Picchu are filled with history, and experiences like the Inca Trail (on the 4-day or 2-day route) will immerse you even further into the Inca legacy. You will also be able to explore exclusive archaeological sites, surrounded by the region’s vast biodiversity.
Visit the Site Museum
Near Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes), there is the Machu Picchu Site Museum. This museum exhibits Inca remains found at the citadel, such as ceramics, lithic objects, rudimentary tools, metal utensils, and more. You can also visit the botanical garden, where you will learn more about the native flora of the area.
The district of Machu Picchu Pueblo
This district has grown over the years and is now a key tourist destination due to its high-quality services and attractions. Some of the most notable ones include the hot springs, the Mandor gardens, the butterfly house, the craft market, and various nature walks.
Scenic trip
The most common way to visit Machu Picchu is by taking the train from Ollantaytambo. The 2-hour journey takes you through breathtaking landscapes of the Sacred Valley, where you can see how the region transitions from Andean to tropical zones. The mountains, snow-capped peaks, rivers, agricultural fields, and archaeological sites will make your trip an essential part of the adventure.
View of Machu Picchu village from the Putucusi mountain
The new circuits of Machu Picchu
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is divided into three circuits, each included in ten different tickets. The different experiences will allow you to choose the one that attracts and suits you the most. Discover each of them:
- Circuit 1, Panoramic Route of Machu Picchu – The panoramic route takes you through the upper zone of Machu Picchu, where you can enjoy the best views and take the classic postcard photo of the Inca citadel from the Guardian House sector. There are wide terraces where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. This circuit includes four tickets and is the easiest to complete.
- Circuit 2, Classic Route of Machu Picchu – The classic route is one of the most complete, traversing the middle and lower sectors of the Inca citadel. During the tour, you will see the most important buildings and temples, and there are privileged views from the terraces to which you also have access. This circuit includes two tickets.
- Circuit 3, Royalty Route of Machu Picchu – The royalty route goes through the lower sector of the Inca citadel, where some of the most remarkable buildings are located. This option includes many hiking routes in its tickets, perfect for complementing the visit to the archaeological site. This circuit includes four tickets.
The 3 circuits in Machu Picchu
How long you can stay at Machu Picchu according to each ticket
| Entry to Machu Picchu | Circuit | Route duration | Entry times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route Machu Picchu Mountain (1A) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 5 hours |
|
| Route Classic Terrace Photo (1B) | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 2 hours |
|
| Route Inti Punku Gate (1C) Only high season | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 4 hours |
|
| Route Inca Bridge (1D) Only high season | Circuit 1 – Panoramic Route | 3 hours |
|
| Route Classic Designed (2A) | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | 2 hours 30 minutes |
|
| Route Classic Lower Terrace (2B) | Circuit 2 – Classic Route | 2 hours 30 minutes |
|
| Route Huayna Picchu Mountain (3A) | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | 5 hours |
|
| Route Royalty Designed (3B) | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | 2 hours 30 minutes |
|
| Route Great Cave or Temple of the Moon (3C) Only high season | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | 5 hours |
|
| Route Huchuy Picchu Mountain (3D) Only high season | Circuit 3 – Royalty Route | 4 hours |
|
How is each experience?
| Tickets or routes for Machu Picchu | The experience of the tour |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A) | The tour includes the hiking route to Machu Picchu Mountain, as well as the opportunity to explore the panoramic circuit. |
| Lower Terrace Classic Photo Route (1B) | This ticket follows the panoramic route of Machu Picchu, where you can enjoy the most photogenic spots. It also includes wide terraces where you can take a break. |
| Inti Punku Gate Route (1C) | This ticket allows access to the Inti Punku route, one of the most panoramic areas of Machu Picchu. It also includes the panoramic circuit tour. |
| Inca Bridge Route (1D) | The Inca Bridge is an enigmatic structure that you can reach via a short hiking route. This ticket also includes the panoramic circuit. |
| Classic Designed Route (2A) | The tour begins with the agricultural terraces and continues through the main temples of Machu Picchu. You will be able to admire the main temples and other sacred buildings. It also allows for beautiful photo opportunities of the Inca site. |
| Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B) | This route includes access to the main temples and buildings of the Inca city. It also visits the lower terrace, a perfect place to take classic Machu Picchu photos. |
| Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A) | The route to Huayna Picchu Mountain is one of the best adventures. You will ascend historical steps in one of the world’s most spectacular short hikes. It also includes a tour of the lower part of Machu Picchu. |
| Royalty Designed Route (3B) | This route offers one of the easiest tours, both in terms of effort and distance. The walk takes you through agricultural areas and expansive plazas, followed by a visit to the lower temples of Machu Picchu. |
| Great Cave or Temple of the Moon Route (3C) | This ticket includes a hiking route to the Temple of the Moon, one of the most mysterious constructions of Machu Picchu. It is a route through the vast nature of the region. It also includes a tour of the lower temples. |
| Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D) | The smallest mountain in Machu Picchu is Huchuy Picchu, which you can reach via a short hiking route. From the top, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Inca city. This ticket also includes a tour of the lower temples. |
How much time do I need to visit Machu Picchu?
- You can visit Machu Picchu in either a one-day or two-day trip, depending on how much time you have available and how quickly you want to experience it.
- The trip is planned from the city of Cusco, where you must travel by car to the town of Ollantaytambo.
- Afterwards, you must board the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
- Finally, you will take the eco-friendly bus that will drop you off at the entrance gate to the Historic Sanctuary.
- For a one-day trip, you must start the activities early in the morning. Otherwise, you can stay overnight in Aguas Calientes and take your time to explore Machu Picchu the next day.
- Remember to book your Machu Picchu tickets in advance, as the other services are easy to acquire.
Official guide explaining to visitors about Machu Picchu
Travel options to Machu Picchu
If you have only one day in Machu Picchu
- If you have only one day to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend starting early in the morning with the trip to Ollantaytambo (1 hour 30 minutes by car).
- In Ollantaytambo, board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The journey takes almost 2 hours.
- Finally, you will need to purchase a ticket to take the eco-friendly bus to Machu Picchu (30 minutes).
- The return to Cusco will follow the same route in the evening.
If you have 2 days in Machu Picchu
- Those who have two days usually choose to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).
- This town is entirely dedicated to tourism, with hotels, restaurants, and first-class services.
- In addition to visiting Machu Picchu, here are some things you can do during your stay in Aguas Calientes:
- Nature walks.
- Walk to the Mándor waterfalls.
- Aguas Calientes thermal baths.
- Visit the Machu Picchu Site Museum ‘Manuel Chávez Ballón’.
If you have 3 days in Machu Picchu
- Those with three days available can visit the archaeological sites of the Sacred Valley of the Incas during their trip to Machu Picchu (Pisac, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo).
- Many tourists prefer to dedicate two days to visit Machu Picchu: one day to visit the Inca City and the other for Huayna Picchu mountain.
- In Aguas Calientes, you can also make the most of your time by visiting the thermal baths, the Mándor waterfalls, or the Machu Picchu Site Museum.
- During a 3-day visit, tourists can take their time to better explore the famous village of Aguas Calientes.
If you have 4 days in Machu Picchu
- If you have 4 days available in Machu Picchu, we definitely recommend doing the Inca Trail (4 days and 3 nights).
- The Inca Trail is a hiking route that crosses 39 kilometers of ancient Inca paths and archaeological sites.
- This route includes 3 nights of camping. On the morning of day 4, the tourist will reach Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, an ancient access route used by the Incas.
- To enter Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, you must reserve your entrance tickets 6 months in advance.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly trip to Machu Picchu, you can opt for the Hidroeléctrica route. In this adventure, you first have to head to the town of Santa María (5 hours by car from Cusco), then take a short 2-hour walk to Aguas Calientes. It is highly recommended to stay overnight here to enjoy a more relaxed experience in Machu Picchu the next day.
Pisac archaeological site in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
More information about Machu Picchu
- We recommend purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets at least one month in advance. However, if you want one of the more popular routes (classic circuit or Huayna Picchu mountain), you should book 2 to 3 months ahead.
- Book your train tickets as soon as you know the time of your entry to Machu Picchu.
- You can purchase bus tickets on the same day of your visit in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- You cannot bring selfie sticks, food, drinks, umbrellas, animals, high heels, musical instruments, or strollers into Machu Picchu.
- With Ticketmachupicchu, you can book the type of trip you want to Machu Picchu, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Who can enter Machu Picchu?
There are different tickets that allow entry for all ages, so this is not a problem. However, it is important for older adults to consult their doctors to make sure they are fit for the visit to Machu Picchu.
2) Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu every day of the year?
Yes, you can visit Machu Picchu every day of the year. However, it may close temporarily due to political issues, such as protests, or for health and safety reasons for tourists. For instance, the Inca Trail route is closed for maintenance during February due to rains.
3) Can I do the Inca Trail and stay longer in Machu Picchu?
Yes, to make this possible, you must reserve your return train ticket for a later date. This way, you can explore more of Aguas Calientes and even visit the Machu Picchu Museum and other attractions.
4) Can everyone do the 4-day Inca Trail?
Yes, but it is recommended for people over 12 years old, as they will enjoy the walk better. It’s also important for all participants to train beforehand, such as by running, to avoid any issues or injuries during the hike.
5) When do the rains begin in Machu Picchu?
Rains typically begin in November and last until March. You can still visit Machu Picchu during this period, but be aware of the weather and bring a waterproof poncho.
6) How long can I stay inside Machu Picchu?
The length of your stay depends on the ticket you choose, as each route has a set duration. Some tickets allow you to stay for around 2 hours, while others, like those including mountain hikes, can last up to 5 hours.
7) What route is best if I want the classic Machu Picchu photo?
If your priority is to get the iconic photo, we recommend Circuit 1, especially the Lower Terrace Photo Route (1B). This route offers the best panoramic views from the upper area and has wide terraces to rest and take photos.
8) Can I visit Machu Picchu in one day from Cusco?
Yes, it is possible to do it in one day, but it requires an early departure. You will need to combine transportation to Ollantaytambo, a train to Aguas Calientes, and a bus to the Inca citadel. It’s a practical option if you have limited time, but it is a more demanding pace.
9) Is it better to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes?
Definitely, staying overnight in Machu Picchu Pueblo allows for a more relaxed visit to the citadel. You can also enjoy tourism services, restaurants, walks, and other activities before or after your visit.
10) How far in advance should I book my tickets?
We recommend booking at least one month in advance. However, highly sought-after tickets, such as the Classic Circuit or Huayna Picchu mountain, should be booked 2 or 3 months in advance to ensure availability.
Advice from people who have been there
By: Maricielo W.“No words“
“There are no words to describe the trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu. You have to come here and experience it firsthand. The Inti Raymi and Machu Picchu are places you will never forget, I guarantee it.“
By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, February 11, 2026