There are three options when traveling to the Wonder of the World: the first is to visit the Inca Citadel in the morning. The second is to do so in the afternoon. The third, and less common, is to spend the entire day at Machu Picchu. Few people have dared to experience what it’s like to be in the Inca citadel from sunrise to sunset. What is it like to spend an entire day at the Inca llaqta? For many tourists, it’s simply an unforgettable experience.

• Machu Picchu and all its attractions
• How to spend the whole day in Machu Picchu?
• Types of Tickets
• What to do in Machu Picchu all day?
• Important data
• Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoy the experience of staying in Machu Picchu all day

Machu Picchu and all its attractions

The main reason to stay all day in Machu Picchu is because it has so many attractions to offer. Among the main stone structures are the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Plaza, and many others. What else to see? Below are the main adventures tourists can enjoy in the Wonder of the World:

The only way to enjoy the Wonder of the World from sunrise to sunset is by booking more than two tickets to Machu Picchu. Each ticket allows for a visit of approximately 3 to 4 hours. You can choose, for example, entry from 6 a.m., entry from 10 a.m., and entry from 2 p.m. The latter allows you to stay until 5 p.m.

• Ascent to Huayna Picchu Mountain – This trekking route is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world. The trails are steep and border on vertigo-inducing cliffs. Once at the top, the scenery is simply spectacular.
• Machu Picchu Mountain Climb – One of the newest trekking routes in the Wonder of the World. You ascend steep trails from which you can appreciate the beauty of the landscape surrounding the Inca Citadel. This hike is a great way to reach the highest point of the Inca llaqta .
• Ascent to Machu Picchu Mountain – The shortest hiking route to the “Little Mountain” of Machu Picchu. The hike is less than 1 kilometer uphill along stone paths. From the summit, there are beautiful views of the archaeological site.
• Inca Bridge Hike – The lesser-known hiking trail in Machu Picchu, but one that allows you to see the Inca bridge made from a large wooden log. The hike takes less than 30 minutes. The route, although adjacent to daunting cliffs, is suitable for visitors of all ages.
• Hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku) – A hike to the ancient entrance gate to the Inca Citadel used by the Incas. It is now the entrance point for adventurers on the Inca Trail.
• Hike to the Great Cave – One of the best hikes in Machu Picchu is to the Temple of the Moon or Great Cave, which takes us on a long journey to discover an enigmatic structure. This hike lasts approximately 30 minutes.
• Visit the Machu Picchu Site Museum – The best option to better understand the importance of Machu Picchu to the Incas. The museum houses artifacts extracted during the expeditions of American explorer Hiram Bingham.
• Sunrise at Machu Picchu – According to many visitors, this is one of the best experiences at the Inca citadel. To be one of the first tourists to arrive at the site and see the sunrise, you need to get up very early.
• Sunset at Machu Picchu – A peaceful spectacle. Occurring around 5:30 p.m., when most visitors have left the Inca city, the sunset rays mesmerize tourists.

Machu Picchu landscape observed from Machu Picchu mountain

How to spend the whole day in Machu Picchu?

The only way to visit the Inca site all day is to book one Machu Picchu Ticket for the morning (starting at 6:00 a.m.) and another for the afternoon (until 5:00 p.m.). There are different types of tickets with different experiences, so tourists must choose from the many options described above. For example, one option is to visit Huayna Picchu Mountain in the morning and take a leisurely tour of the Inca Citadel in the afternoon. Another option is to climb Machu Picchu Mountain during the day and tour the Inca llaqta in the afternoon. In all cases, visitors must purchase two tickets at different times.

Types of Tickets

• Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket (Route 1A): This ticket allows you to see the incredible constructions of circuit 1 and ascend Machu Picchu Mountain.
• Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace Ticket (Route 1B): This ticket allows access to circuit 1 through the upper terrace, from where you can take the classic postcard photo of the Inca Citadel.
• Machu Picchu + Inti Punku Ticket (Route 1C): This ticket allows you entry to circuit 1 and an additional walk to Inti Punku (Sun Gate), which is the entrance for visitors who take the Inca Trail.
• Machu Picchu + Inca Bridge Ticket (Route 1D): This ticket allows entry to Circuit 1 and also gives access to the Inca Bridge, one of the lesser-known but most striking Inca structures. The route there takes 20 minutes and is suitable for all visitors.
• Machu Picchu Classic or Designed Classic Circuit Ticket (Route 2A): This ticket allows entry to circuit 2, on a classic route that allows you spectacular panoramic views.
• Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace Ticket (Route 2B): This ticket allows you to enter circuit 2 through the lower terrace, where you’ll find ideal places to take classic postcard photos.
• Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket (Route 3A): This ticket allows entry to circuit 3, as well as access to the hike to the mythical Huayna Picchu mountain.
• Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part Ticket or Designed Royalty (Route 3B): This ticket allows entry to circuit 3 on a tour that will allow you to see all the main monuments of the lower part of the Inca citadel.
• Machu Picchu Ticket + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C): This ticket allows entry to circuit 3 along with a hike that will take you to the incredible Temple of the Moon, which holds a lot of mysticism and surprises.
• Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu Ticket (3D Route): This ticket allows entry to circuit 3 and the hike to ascend the Huchuy Picchu mountain.

What to do in Machu Picchu all day?

Mornings are the most popular time for visitors to tour the Inca Citadel . From the early hours, the sunrise is appreciated by early risers who arrived first. As the morning progresses, tourist traffic becomes intense. In addition to those who chose to tour the site at that time, there are also those making the ascent to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain. Adventurers who have completed the Inca Trail also make their way there in the early hours. The first hours at the Inca llaqta are very intense.

In the afternoon, tourist traffic decreases considerably . Visitors return to the town of Aguas Calientes, allowing the Inca site to breathe more tranquility. Fewer tourists tour the Inca City. It’s the perfect time to meditate or simply enjoy the scenery. The best photographs are taken at sunset. Around 5:00 p.m., the whistles begin to sound, signaling that it’s time to leave Machu Picchu. At that time, the sunset provides an incredible farewell.

While it’s possible to visit Machu Picchu only in the morning or afternoon, many tourists want to enjoy this Wonder of the World to the fullest. That’s why they choose to stay all day at the Inca Citadel. It’s common to do hikes or tours early in the day to have the afternoon free . Ascents of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain can only be done in the morning. Tours of the Inca Citadel are done in the morning or afternoon. The last hours of the day are perfect for capturing the best memories of the Inca site. For many, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Friends visiting the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu

Important data

There are some considerations to take into account if you want to stay all day at the Wonder of the World. These depend on the itinerary the visitor chooses. For example, if you choose to climb some of the mountains: Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu. Below are some important details to keep in mind.

• The tour of the Inca Citadel with an official tour guide is mandatory . You only need to do it once. If you chose to book a guided tour in the morning, you won’t need to do it in the afternoon.
• It’s not possible to have lunch at the Wonder of the World . You can only bring snacks, fruit, water, etc. There is a cafeteria outside the Inca site. Another option is to descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and then return to continue the adventure.
• If you choose to climb some of the mountains (Huayna Picchu Mountain), bring a change of clothes. Don’t forget a camera to capture the incredible scenery at the summit, as well as water in a canteen, a rain poncho, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a hat or cap.
• Tickets to Machu Picchu must be reserved in advance , especially the entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain. Do the same with train tickets.
• Only during the high season you can visit the following routes: Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C), Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D), Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) and Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D).

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1) Can I stay all day in Machu Picchu?

  Yes, it’s possible to stay all day at Machu Picchu, but it requires careful planning. To achieve this, it’s best to purchase two entrance tickets at different times (morning and afternoon), combining different tours or hikes.

• 2) How many times can I enter Machu Picchu in one day?

  You can enter more than once per day if you have two separate tickets. Each ticket allows only one entry, so if you plan to go out for lunch or a break, you’ll need another valid ticket to return.

• 3) Is it mandatory to hire a tour guide?

  Yes, the Machu Picchu tour must be done with an official guide at least once.

• 4) What is the difference between the Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains?

  Huayna Picchu is the most popular mountain, with steep trails and spectacular views. Machu Picchu Mountain offers a longer trek, but with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Huayna Picchu, on the other hand, is a shorter and more accessible hike, ideal for those not looking for a great physical effort.

• 5) How far in advance should I purchase my tickets?

  It is advisable to purchase tickets at least one or two months in advance, especially during the peak tourist season in Cusco (April through October).

• 6) Which circuits are ideal for a first visit?

  Circuit 2 (Route 2A or 2B) is the most recommended for first-time hikers, as it allows you to see the main temples and structures of Machu Picchu with excellent panoramic views. You can complement it with a gentle hike if you want to extend your experience.

• 7) What tickets are available during the high season in Machu Picchu?

  During the high season (June 19 to November 2) the routes to Machu Picchu + Inti Punku (Route 1C), Machu Picchu + Inka Bridge (Route 1D), Machu Picchu + Temple of the Moon or Great Cavern (Route 3C) and Machu Picchu + Huchuy Picchu (Route 3D) are enabled.

• 8) What tickets are available during the low season in Machu Picchu?

  During the low season (November 3 to June 18) and throughout the year, the routes to Machu Picchu + Mountain (Route 1A), Machu Picchu Classic Photo or Upper Terrace (Route 1B), Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Classic Designed (Route 2A), Machu Picchu Classic Circuit or Lower Terrace (Route 2B), Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Mountain (Route 3A) and Machu Picchu Temples Lower Part or Royalty Designed (Route 3B) are available.

• 9) How many types of tickets are there to enter Machu Picchu?

  There are 10 types of tickets to enter Machu Picchu, divided into three circuits. Each one allows you a different experience.

• 10) When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

  Depending on your choice, the dry season (April to October) offers the best rain-free weather for exploring. However, it’s also the busiest time for tourists. The rainy season (November to March) is quieter, but typically sees more rainfall.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Luz R.

“An incredible hike!“

“Machu Picchu is a magical place, full of energy that activates all the senses. Walking around the citadel is wonderful. You have to be careful to be able to see the arrows of orientation. Bring liquids, snacks, or fruit, and a bag for your waste. If you traveled without a guide you can ask someone who already has his group if you can join, they always accept and will ask 15 or 20 soles for the guide.“

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