The trip to Machu Picchu is an experience that, in most cases, is done once in a lifetime. That is why the visit will always aim to be unforgettable. However, there are situations in which people may make mistakes during the trip. Perhaps the most common mistake when visiting Machu Picchu is not booking entrance tickets in advance. In addition to not knowing all the routes you can take to get there or not informing yourself about the climate seasons. These are the 8 most common mistakes during the trip to Machu Picchu.

• Booking Machu Picchu tickets at the last minute
• Taking a one-day trip to Machu Picchu
• Visiting Machu Picchu without a rain poncho
• Evading Machu Picchu regulations
• Forgetting to get informed about climate seasons
• Not knowing the travel routes
• Avoiding the Sacred Valley of the Incas tour
• Avoiding Peruvian food during the trip to Machu Picchu
• Frequently Asked Questions

Please, you must not jump on the Inca City; this action damages its structure

The high tourist season in Machu Picchu
The high season in Machu Picchu begins in May and ends in late August. These days coincide with the dry season throughout Cusco, where it is highly recommended to buy the entrance tickets to the Inca citadel in advance. The same applies to train tickets and hotels during the trip, as visitor demand increases during those months of the year. On the other hand, from November to March the low tourist season occurs, as it coincides with the rainy season. If you want a more immersive experience and make reservations with little anticipation, it is an ideal time to travel.

Booking Machu Picchu tickets at the last minute

• Machu Picchu is one of the best tourist destinations in the world, so demand is high regardless of the season of your trip.
• The daily visitor capacity is limited; in high season (June 19 to November 02) there are 5,600 daily spots, while in regular season (November 03 to June 18) there are only 4,600 spots.
• Most tickets can be booked one month in advance (Machu Picchu mountain route, Upper Terrace route, Inti Punku Gate route, Inca Bridge route, and Great Cavern route).
• However, if you want one of the most popular tickets (Classic Designed route, Lower Terrace route, or Huayna Picchu mountain route), you must book three months in advance.
• As a last resort, only if you did not get a ticket online, you can purchase one of the 1,000 tickets made available daily in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). However, remember to do so very early the day before your visit.

Visiting Machu Picchu in One Day

• If you have the opportunity and enough time, it is highly recommended to plan your Machu Picchu trip over two days.
• Many of the most desired visiting times to the Inca citadel are in the morning, but not everyone can access them because they do not stay overnight in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
• If you spend the night before your Machu Picchu visit in Aguas Calientes, you will not only have the chance to visit during the early morning hours, but you will also rest better and have enough energy to explore it thoroughly.
• Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, although routes that include hikes are only available in the morning.
• Another option is to visit Machu Picchu in the late afternoon for a more peaceful and immersive experience, allowing you to spend the night in Aguas Calientes calmly and explore the town and its surroundings the next day.

Visiting Machu Picchu Without a Rain Poncho

• Regions like the one where Machu Picchu is located have a high probability of rain, regardless of the season you visit.
• That is why you should always carry a rain poncho or a waterproof jacket, even if just as a precaution.
• Many people prefer to travel during the high tourism season (May to August) precisely to avoid rain, but it should still be taken into consideration.
• Ponchos are the best option, as umbrellas are prohibited during the visit to the Inca citadel.

Evading Machu Picchu Regulations

• At Machu Picchu, there are strict regulations that must be followed during the visit to the archaeological site.
• The rules include not using umbrellas, high-heeled shoes, selfie sticks, baby strollers, suitcases, drones, or performing actions that alter the sacred character of the Inca citadel.
• For example, jumping in Machu Picchu is prohibited. While a jumping photo in the Inca citadel may guarantee many likes on social media, it also (in a very small way) contributes to the sinking of the sacred Inca city.
• Studies carried out at Machu Picchu reveal that the city sinks between 2 and 3 centimeters each year due to the weight of visitors.
• Many of the routes have safety ropes to prevent accidents; although the tour of the Inca citadel is safe, the situation may change if you avoid following the regulations.
• Another thing you cannot do at Machu Picchu is eat in non-designated areas, sit on the ruins, touch the Inca walls, or enter unauthorized sectors.

Forgetting to Check the Weather Seasons

• In the Cusco and Machu Picchu region, there are two very distinct climate seasons throughout the year.
• From April to October, the dry season occurs, where the days are clearer and sunnier, ideal for excursions and enjoying landscapes. It is also colder, but dressing warmly in the mornings and evenings is sufficient.
• These months also coincide with the high season, so you should make your reservations well in advance. It is also considered the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
• The other season is the rainy season, which occurs from November to March. Although rain does not happen constantly, it is very frequent during the day.
• This season coincides with the low season, where you can have a more immersive experience without rushing your reservations.

Machu Picchu Ticket Seasons
Aside from climate seasons, there are also ticket seasons, where availability changes depending on the date of your visit. From June 19 to November 2, all 10 tickets are available, while from November 3 to June 18 only 6 tickets are available, although these are the most popular.

Not Knowing the Travel Routes

• There are 3 main routes to reach Machu Picchu, each offering a different experience and duration.
• The most common and fastest route is to first travel to the town of Ollantaytambo and then take the train to Aguas Calientes.
• The more adventurous option is the Inca Trail, a four-day experience along historic paths that pass through exclusive archaeological sites until reaching Machu Picchu.
• If you are looking for an economical option, the Hydroelectric route is the cheapest. It involves a 5-hour drive to reach Santa María, where the Hydroelectric station is located. From here, a short two-hour walk begins to reach Aguas Calientes.

Avoid Skipping the Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour

• If you have enough time in your itinerary, exploring the Sacred Valley is the best option. This area is surrounded by the most diverse nature in the Andean region, and there are many colonial towns and Inca citadels that make it an unmissable destination.
• During the classic Sacred Valley tour, you can visit the town of Pisac and its archaeological site, the town of Ollantaytambo and its archaeological fortress, and the town of Chinchero and its archaeological park.
• Other must-visit sites include the Circular Terraces of Moray, the Maras Salt Mines, and the towns of Calca, Yucay, and Urubamba.
• If you have more time and want to make a short excursion, you can explore additional archaeological remains such as Ñaupa Iglesia, Pinkuylluna, Huchuy Qosqo, and Inti Punku.
• The Sacred Valley is at an approximate altitude of 2,900 meters above sea level, making it a better option for overnight stays and acclimatization compared to the city of Cusco (3,399 meters above sea level).

Avoid Peruvian Food on the Machu Picchu Trip

• Peruvian cuisine is among the best in the world, offering such diversity that every day is a new opportunity to enjoy new flavors.
• In any restaurant, and even in local markets, you can find top dishes: lomo saltado, ceviche, fried trout, stuffed causa, stuffed rocoto, ají de gallina, and many more options.
• For drinks, the most popular choices include: pisco sour, chilcano, chicha de jora, chicha morada, emolientes, and a wide variety of teas.

Questions and Answers

• 1) How far in advance should I buy my Machu Picchu ticket?

  Ideally, you should purchase it at least one month in advance, as tickets sell out quickly. If you want to access the most popular routes, such as the Classic Designed or Huayna Picchu, we recommend booking up to three months ahead.

• 2) Can I visit Machu Picchu in a single day?

  Yes, it is possible, but the trip may feel rushed and exhausting. The best option is to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes the night before your visit to enjoy Machu Picchu early, when there are fewer visitors and a calmer atmosphere. This way, you can make the most of the experience and also have time to explore the town.

• 3) What should I bring if I travel to Machu Picchu during the rainy season?

  Even if you travel during the dry season, always carry a rain poncho or waterproof jacket. Umbrellas are not allowed at Machu Picchu, so a poncho is the best alternative. Rain can occur unexpectedly, especially between November and March.

• 4) What is the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu?

  It depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Between May and August, you will find clear, sunny days—ideal for photos—but with higher visitor numbers. If you prefer tranquility, November to March is the low season. Although there may be rain, there are fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

• 5) What routes exist to reach Machu Picchu?

  There are three main options:

  • Train Route, the most comfortable and fastest.
  • Inca Trail, a 4-day hiking experience along historical trails.
  • Hydroelectric Route, the most economical, combining car travel and a short walk.
  
  

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

  The average visit time is three hours, depending on the chosen route. However, we suggest taking it slow, walking leisurely, and enjoying the landscapes. If your ticket includes a hike, such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, allow an additional two hours.

• 7) Where is it best to stay the night before visiting Machu Picchu?

  Most visitors prefer staying in Aguas Calientes, just half an hour from the Inca citadel. There you will find hotels, restaurants, and all the tourist services you may need. You can also stay in Ollantaytambo if you want a quieter experience before taking the train to Machu Picchu.

• 8) What should I do if I cannot find tickets online?

  You can try to get one of the 1,000 tickets sold daily in Aguas Calientes, but you will need to go very early, the day before your visit. This is a last-minute option, so we recommend not relying on it and always planning in advance.

• 9) Is visiting Machu Picchu physically demanding?

  The tour is accessible to most people but requires some effort, especially if you decide to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, you can choose shorter routes and enjoy the views without intense physical effort.

• 10) Is it recommended to visit the Sacred Valley?

  The Sacred Valley is an excellent place to acclimate before going to Machu Picchu. It also houses archaeological sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, along with unique landscapes and traditional towns. If you have time, dedicate at least a full day to exploring it.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu is amazing

By: Vania A. (Argentina)

“The Best“

“The first time you see Machu Picchu, you feel full of energy. It’s amazing how the Incas built something so perfect. It was a beautiful experience that I highly recommend. Organization A-1“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, November 17, 2025