Visiting Machu Picchu is possible from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most people do so in the morning because they have to return to Cusco early, although if you’re returning at night or staying overnight, you can discover the magic of Machu Picchu in the afternoon. This time offers even greater advantages for the tour, such as better light, fewer crowds, and more. Learn all the advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon, starting from Cusco.

• The trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco
• The advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon
• Tickets available for Machu Picchu in the afternoon
• The best route to visit Machu Picchu
• The best train times to arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon
• Best restaurants for lunch in Machu Picchu
• Luxury trains to Machu Picchu
• Recommendations for your trip to Machu Picchu in the afternoon
• Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon

The trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco

Traveling to Machu Picchu from Cusco involves first taking a car to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll board the train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). The first leg by car will take two hours, while the train ride will also take two hours.

Typically, people traveling to Machu Picchu make the trip early in the morning or early in the morning, which can be quite tiring; especially when touring the Inca citadel. However, if you purchased your ticket to Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you’ll have more time to rest and can truly enjoy the incredible scenery until you reach Aguas Calientes. (The best time to visit Machu Picchu).

After arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes, depending on our arrival time, we can choose to have lunch first or upon our return. To get to Machu Picchu, we’ll need to take the Consettur bus, which takes approximately 30 minutes. From here, our adventure in the Wonder of the World begins.

Route from the city of Cusco to Machu Picchu

The Consettur Bus to Machu Picchu
The best and most comfortable option to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes is the Consettur bus, which takes you to the Inca citadel in less than 30 minutes, and also departs every 15 minutes. If you’re looking for adventure, there’s also the option of hiking the route (2 hours), but it’s a constant climb and can be quite tiring. It’s recommended to ascend on the Consettur bus and then walk down. This way, you’ll experience more of the area’s biodiversity while descending at a leisurely pace.

The advantages of visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon

The best tickets to Machu Picchu from midday

• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu can be booked at 10 different times (in 4 tickets).
• The classic routes, the most immersive and comprehensive, will be available.
• If you book in the afternoon you will have 4 available times (12:00 – 13:00 – 14:00 – 15:00).
• The average stay at Machu Picchu is 2 hours and 30 minutes, although it can be longer.
• You can stay at Machu Picchu until 5:00 p.m., which is its closing time.

Fewer people in Machu Picchu

• From midday onwards, there are fewer people at Machu Picchu, allowing you to explore it more calmly and in more detail.
• You’ll better understand the guide’s explanations by spending more time at the buildings and temples of Machu Picchu.
• Starting at noon, people leave Machu Picchu because there are more available times in the morning.
• The streets of the Machu Picchu citadel are narrow, so having more space available will make it easier to navigate.

The best photograph of Machu Picchu

• With few people around, you can take beautiful photographs wherever you want.
• With tickets available in the afternoon, you can take the classic postcard photo of Machu Picchu.
• There is usually a short queue to take photos at the main temples, but there won’t be any in the afternoon.
• If you’re looking to photograph every angle of Machu Picchu, the afternoon shift is the best option, as you’ll find every landscape free of crowds of visitors.
• It is ideal for taking and contemplating the magical sunset of Machu Picchu.
• You’ll even be able to take some selfies or group photos more easily.

More ticket availability and discounts at Machu Picchu

• Afternoon tickets are less popular with visitors because they tend to have less flexible itineraries.
• When purchasing your finds, you may find greater availability, so you can make your reservation with less notice.
• From 3:00 p.m. all tickets have a 50% discount.
• Train schedules usually have better prices.

Option to visit Ollantaytambo before making the trip

• Before taking the train, one option is to visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo.
• The Ollantaytambo archaeological site is less than 15 minutes from the train station.
• The tour of Ollantaytambo takes approximately 2 hours.
• This option is feasible if you spend the night in Ollantaytambo. There, you’ll find hotels and restaurants with plenty of availability.
• After visiting Ollantaytambo early, you could travel to Machu Picchu before noon to catch the last arrival time.

More benefits of traveling to Machu Picchu in the afternoon

• When you tour Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you can contemplate its beautiful sunset.
• The afternoon weather in Machu Picchu is much more stable, with clear views.
• You’ll be less likely to suffer from altitude sickness, since if you arrive from Cusco in the morning and climb in the afternoon, your body has more hours to acclimatize before hiking.
• You can choose to walk down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes if you are spending the night there.
• You won’t have to wait in line to board the Consettur bus that takes you to (or back from) Machu Picchu.
• By finding yourself more alone in Machu Picchu, you can have an intimate moment full of reflection and peace.
• With fewer people in Machu Picchu, you can extend your stay.
• If you visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you can choose to spend the night in Aguas Calientes, which will allow you to better understand the entire site.
• In Aguas Calientes, you can visit its hot springs, go to the butterfly farm, hike to waterfalls, or take simple tours through its vast biodiversity.

Tourist visiting Machu Picchu

How long can you stay at Machu Picchu?
The standard tour time for the Machu Picchu citadel is 2 hours and 30 minutes, although if you purchased a ticket that includes additional hikes, you can extend it even longer. This is the case with the ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain, which allows you to stay up to 6 hours. If you visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you’ll have greater flexibility, as long as there aren’t many visitors at the Inca citadel.

Tickets available for Machu Picchu in the afternoon

If you visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon, you’ll only find four tickets available, although these are some of the most popular and highly recommended for visiting the Inca citadel. Discover the unique details of each one:

The best route to visit Machu Picchu

If you have two days available to visit Machu Picchu, we’ll provide you with the best route and schedule for your trip to Machu Picchu.

• Day 1:
  • Departure by car at 8:00 a.m. towards Ollantaytambo.
  • Arrival at 10:00 a.m. in Ollantaytambo and boarding the 10:30 a.m. train to Aguas Calientes.
  • Arrival at 12:30 p.m. in Aguas Calientes, followed by hotel check-in and lunch.
  • Boarding the Consettur bus at 2:30 p.m. heading to Machu Picchu.
  • Visit Machu Picchu with tickets at 3:00 p.m., the time slot with a 50% discount.
• Day 2:
  • Free morning in Aguas Calientes (visit to the hot springs, take a light walk, or go shopping).
  • Return to Cusco in the afternoon, at your preferred time.

Tourist couple in Machu Picchu

The best train times to arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon

If you have your afternoon ticket to Machu Picchu, we’ll show you the best options for boarding the train from Ollantaytambo Station, as the journey from here is more common, faster, and easier.

Best restaurants for lunch in Machu Picchu

If you’re traveling to Machu Picchu in the afternoon, sometimes it’s advisable to have lunch before the tour, and other times after. Therefore, we’ve provided some options for the best restaurants in Aguas Calientes.

• Tinkuy Buffet Restaurant Sanctuary Lodge

  • Location: Hiram Bingham Highway, km 7.5, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. Near the entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Prices from: 45 USD.
  • They offer: Buffet Lunch, variety of drinks.

• The Happy Indian

  • Location: Pje. Lloque Yupanqui 103, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • Prices from: 30 USD.
  • They offer: A menu of dishes inspired by Peruvian and French cuisine.

• Pueblo Viejo Machu Picchu Restaurant

  • Location: Avenida Pachacutec S/N, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo.
  • Prices from: 15 USD.
  • They offer: Breakfast, menu and variety of preparations.

• Chullos Restaurant

  • Location: 612 Incas Empire Avenue, Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town.
  • Prices from: 40 USD.
  • They offer: Buffet lunch.

• Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant

  • Location: Av. Imperio de los Incas 614, Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.
  • Prices from: 30 USD.
  • They offer: Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks.

• Munaycha Restaurant

  • Location: Av. Imperio de los Incas 526, Machu Picchu Pueblo or Aguas Calientes.
  • Prices from: 25 USD.
  • They offer: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a variety of à la carte products.

View of Huayna Picchu mountain from Tinkuy restaurant

Luxury trains to Machu Picchu

If you’re looking for a more personalized experience on your trip to Machu Picchu, first-class trains offer the option of enjoying a journey filled with iconic landscapes, onboard amenities, premium comfort, and many other attractions that will make your train journey even more memorable. Let’s learn more about these trains below:

The Hiram Bingham luxury train

• Includes:

  • Comfortable seats.
  • If you book in advance, you can have your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
  • Panoramic windows with beautiful views and UV protection.
  • On-board service.
  • 3-course menu: starter, main course, and dessert.
  • Observatory car and Lounge bar.
  • Alpaca clothing parade.
  • Live music and dance show.
  • Restrooms.
  • VIP waiting room.
  • Welcome show with dances and live music.

The First Class luxury train

• Includes:

  • Premium, super-comfortable seats.
  • Reservations made two months in advance can access entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.
  • Excellently decorated wagons.
  • Wine and other alcoholic beverage tasting.
  • 3-course menu: starter, main course, and dessert.
  • Live music.
  • The service from Cusco will be bimodal.
  • VIP waiting room at train stations.
  • Exclusive car: Observatory Lounge, has a balcony.
  • If you purchase the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, you will have a professional tour guide with you.

Bar inside the Hiram Bingham train

Recommendations for your trip to Machu Picchu in the afternoon

• The weather at Machu Picchu is almost always more stable in the afternoon, so taking classic, dreamy photos will be much easier.
• Tickets to the classic Machu Picchu routes are also available in the afternoon, and are some of the best you’ll find.
• Book your tickets to Machu Picchu at least 1 or 2 months in advance, especially if you want a classic tour ticket.
• Remember to acclimatize during your first few days of travel in Cusco, so you can visit Machu Picchu without suffering from altitude sickness.
• Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level, while Cusco is 3,399 meters above sea level.
• The regular ticket season for Machu Picchu runs from November 3rd to June 18th, during which time you’ll find six routes available.
• To fully enjoy Machu Picchu, it is highly recommended to stay two days in Aguas Calientes: one day to visit it leisurely and the other to explore its surroundings and culture.
• The peak season for tickets to Machu Picchu runs from June 19 to November 2, with a total of ten routes available.
• Machu Picchu peak season tickets are also available on December 30th and 31st each year.
• Remember that with Boletomachupicchu, you can book your ideal afternoon trip to Machu Picchu. Ask our advisors about all the options available to make your trip unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Is it possible to visit Machu Picchu every day?

  Yes, you can visit Machu Picchu every day of the year. You just need to consider peak and regular seasons. During peak season, you’ll find more tickets and new routes. For all the information, see Types of Machu Picchu Admission Tickets.

• 2) At what times can I stay longer inside the citadel?

  The maximum time allowed at the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is 2 hours and 30 minutes. However, there are some routes that allow for a much longer tour, such as the hike up Machu Picchu Mountain, which takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

• 3) How far in advance should I make the reservation?

  It’s recommended to book tickets one or two months in advance. Fortunately, there’s more availability in the afternoon. However, it’s not advisable to overreact, especially if you plan to visit during peak season or during the months of June, July, August, and September.

• 4) Is it possible to do the tour at night?

  To date, the option to tour at night has not been enabled. The last entry time is 3:00 PM, with a stay until 5:30 PM.

• 5) Can I take the tour in the afternoon with children or older adults?

  Of course, it can also be one of the best options because the trip is much more comfortable than getting up early. Therefore, the best option would be to take the tour in the afternoon, with fewer people and greater peace of mind.

• 6) What time does Machu Picchu close?

  Machu Picchu closes at 5:00 p.m. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can explore the citadel almost until the last minute, enjoying the magical sunset.

• 7) What are the available schedules in Machu Picchu in the afternoon?

  There are four afternoon entry times to Machu Picchu: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00. All of these times allow enough time to explore the citadel.

• 8) Is it cheaper to enter Machu Picchu in the afternoon?

  Yes, the 3:00 p.m. slot offers a 50% discount on all tickets.

• 9) What can I do in Aguas Calientes if I stay overnight?

  You can visit the hot springs, the butterfly farm, hike to nearby waterfalls, or explore its biodiversity and streets.

• 10) Is it better to take photos of Machu Picchu in the afternoon?

  Yes, because there are fewer people, which makes it easier to find free angles and take the classic postcard photo without having to wait.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Yadira J.

“Excellent experience“

“We were unable to book the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket, so we were told that we had the option of booking the Machu Picchu afternoon ticket instead of the morning one, and that we would have a better time. We have been to Machu Picchu before, but it is true that this was the first time we saw Machu Picchu “so alone”; although there were hundreds of them, they were still few, and only people who have been to Machu Picchu in the morning in June or July know what I am talking about. Excellent experience.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 12, 2025