Machu Picchu: A Picturesque Beacon of the Inca Empire

Cathedral mountain peaks enveloped by puffs of misty clouds create the ethereal backdrop of one of the most iconic ancient sites on the planet. Machu Picchu, built by the Inca civilization during the 15th Century, is a bewildering testament of engineering. The landscape and structures coexist in perfect harmony above lush forests full of bizarre orchids, swift hummingbirds, and natural springs.

Step back in time as you discover the agricultural terraces, residences, and temples on this masterfully developed plateau. Meandering paths take you on a cultural journey of a place untouched by Spanish colonization. Whether you reach this New Seven Wonder of the World via bus or the famous Inca Trail, a jaw-dropping reaction is guaranteed!

Brad and I spent two back-to-back days with my Dad, Aunt, and Uncle exploring this bucket list attraction. Over one million visitors come to Machu Picchu every year to experience the beauty of this captivating scene. However, a lot of planning goes into a successful DIY trip. Navigating circuits, guides, train schedules, and hotels can be overwhelming at first. Below I share ticket information, logistics, helpful tips, and a bit of history to make your visit to Machu Picchu stress-free and unforgettable!

Tickets & Opening Hours

The archaeological complex of Machu Picchu is open every day, between 6:00 AM-5:00 PM. Last entry is at 3:00 PM. High (dry) season runs between May-September, with crowds peaking around the months of June, July, and August. There is a better chance of clear skies and sunny days during this period. Low (wet) season falls between November-March. Consider the shoulder months of April and October if you desire a more intimate experience and don't mind rolling the dice with the weather.

The easiest way to purchase tickets is via credit card on the Peru Ministry of Culture official website. At the time of our visit in May 2025, there were three circuits with several routes available. The website provides detailed maps and videos to help you decide which one to pick. Book well in advance if you have your heart set on a specific route or hiking trail since each one has a limited amount of time-entry tickets.

My family and I chose the most popular route, Circuit 2-Route 2A ($45 USD per person), for the first day, and the hiking trail up to Waynapicchu Mountain, Circuit 3-Route 3A ($58 USD per person), for the second day. Remember to download/screenshot your ticket on your phone or print a copy since staff will scan it at various checkpoints. Passports are required for entry.

Aguas Calientes

Base yourself in the small town of Aguas Calientes to access Machu Picchu. The easiest way to reach it is by train either from Cusco, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo. The Machu Picchu train station is within walking distance to hotels, restaurants, and souvenir markets. The only vehicles are tourist buses which transport visitors to/from the entrance of Machu Picchu.

I highly recommend staying at Hotel 1911 for its central location, friendly staff, comfortable rooms, buffet breakfast, and luggage storage. If you need a place to grab a quick snack, try the flavorful chicken empanadas at Mesa 7 Restaurante. Everyone enjoyed their classic Peruvian dishes, such as seared trout with potatoes and aji de gallina (pulled chicken with potatoes in a yellow pepper sauce), at Chef House Restaurant for dinner.

Trains & Buses

There are two trains, PeruRail and Inca Rail, that operate to/from Machu Picchu. After our excursion in the Sacred Valley, we boarded a morning PeruRail Expedition train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Tickets cost $55 USD per person. For our trip back to Cusco, we opted for the Vistadome Observatory train with live entertainment. Tickets cost $105 USD per person. Both rides were timely and relaxing!

Hop on a Consettur bus to ascend/descend the steep switchbacks to/from Machu Picchu. Rides take approximately 30 minutes and round-trip tickets ($24 USD per person) are valid for any bus. Online tickets can be purchased via credit card beginning two weeks before the date of use. Lines for specific Machu Picchu entry times, which form near the bus stop in Aguas Calientes, are orderly and efficient. Attendants usually check tickets and passports while you wait. Buses stand by for passengers near the main entrance of Machu Picchu and head back to town when full.

Helpful Tips

Although Machu Picchu tickets have a grace period of 30 minutes (low season) and 45 minutes (high season), it's best to be punctual to avoid a mishap or denied entry. Difficult treks, including Waynapicchu and Machupicchu Mountains, have strict start times. Plan to have at least an hour buffer between your train tickets, bus departures, and ticket slots. Unpredictable events, such as landslides, are valid reasons for late entry or circuit/route changes. Staff will assign substitutions based on availability.

The archaeological site of Machu Picchu has a strict code of conduct including no food, tripods, drones, or large backpacks. Check out the rules to avoid any issues. The onsite café has snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. We all enjoyed refreshing iced lattes after both visits. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a rain jacket.

The only bathroom at Machu Picchu is at the main entrance outside of ticket control. A fee of 2 PEN ($0.56 USD) is required to use it. Keep in mind toilet paper isn't flushable in Peru. Carry some facial tissues and hand sanitizer just in case. Unfortunately, tickets are one-time entry and you cannot re-enter the site with the same ticket if you need to use the bathroom.

Official guides, who speak a variety of languages, are available for hire near the bus stop in Aguas Calientes and main entrance of Machu Picchu. Be sure to ask plenty of questions about the tour and settle on a price beforehand. A local guide is a great asset to have if you want to learn more about the culture and history of the complex, but you may move through the site more quickly. Often, Brad and I prefer to go our own way at archaeological sites to enjoy a leisurely pace with enough time for photos.

Abundant signs and arrows make it impossible to get lost. The main complex is mostly level with a few stairs. Be extra cautious around slippery stones and muddy gravel pathways. Take it slow if you experience any altitude symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, or nausea. The only sections that require considerable effort and stamina are the aforementioned mountain hikes.

The Machu Picchu Complex

In 2021, radiocarbon dating revealed Machu Picchu was inhabited sometime between 1420-1530 AD. Although the exact purpose of the site is unknown, archaeologists believe it was a private city built for Inca Emperors Pachacuti and Topa Inca Yupanqui. Machu Picchu was possibly abandoned due to Spanish soldiers in the surrounding region.

Mountain topography dictated the architectural layout of Machu Picchu with urban and agricultural sectors. Approximately 200 buildings, such as temples and warehouses, surround the central plaza. Stairways provide access to the wide parallel terraces which contain kanchas (narrow compounds). Keep an eye out for adorable viscachas sitting on top of the stones!

Hundreds of terraces on the sloping edges of the plateau were used to cultivate food staples such as potatoes, corn, and quinoa. The terraces also prevented flooding via a well-designed drainage system, which protected the complex from dangerous erosion and landslides. The heavy rainfall in the area was a blessing for crops, but also a risk for inhabitants.

Machu Picchu was constructed using ashlar masonry, a technique of carving stones to fit together without mortar. Inca engineers used interlocking granite blocks to stabilize the structures and prevent damage during earthquakes. Trapezoidal doors and windows, rounded corners, offset walls, and L-shaped blocks were ingenious features. The impressive engineering methods are still debated today.

There are several attractions inside of Machu Picchu along the various routes including Inti Mach'ay (cave used to observe the Royal Feast of the Sun), the Temple of the Condor (natural cave altar with large stone wings and carved head of the sacred Andean bird), Intihuatana (astronomical stone clock), and the Temple of the Sun (ritual semicircular space with a window facing several constellations). Certain circuits contain specific structures, so be sure to pick an extraordinary route so you don't miss out!

Circuit 2 - Route 2A

Stepping foot on the top platform overlooking the epic vista of Machu Picchu in the glittering sunlight was the ultimate pinch-me moment! Brad and I looked at each other with wide smiles as we soaked up the magic in our quirky llama sweaters. We had been dreaming of this bucket list destination for years and to finally reach it was the icing on the cake for our trip in South America.

Wandering along the ancient stones with my family made Machu Picchu even more special. My Dad and I shared in a heartfelt hug with joyful tears. Touching the preserved walls as we walked along the loop of Circuit 2-Route 2A was like opening a pristine time capsule and gazing at its contents. The mysterious atmosphere was a treat to explore and definitely lived up to the hype!

Circuit 3 - Route 3A

Hiking to the summit of Waynapicchu Mountain was the challenging grand finale of our two-day visit at Machu Picchu! Mental fortitude and endurance were the key ingredients of our sweaty climb. The thin air, narrow trail full of fellow trekkers, and harrowing cliffs added another layer of difficulty. If you want a taste of the Inca Trail without the four-day commitment of the typical route, opt for this exhilarating quest instead.

Scaling the colossal peak next to the archaeological site demanded a great deal of willful determination. Despite his initial nervousness, my Dad also made it all the way proving age is just a number! Unfortunately, my fear of heights started to kick in as I appreciated the view from the top. A beautiful rainbow spanning the valley was the sign I needed to make it back down with confidence. The half-day hike was a rewarding adventure for all of us!

Final Thoughts

The enchanting complex of Machu Picchu delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers. Its unparalleled position within the cloud forest of the awe-inspiring Andes Mountain Range creates an idyllic panorama. Well-preserved Inca ruins full of spiritual temples, fountains, overlapping agricultural terraces, passageways, residences, and megalithic altars promise a glimpse into one of the most prestigious ancient civilizations.

Exploring Machu Picchu was a fantastic way to wrap up our family trip in Peru. Saving the best attraction for last was a fun way to build momentum during their week-long visit. Fortunately, the weather was on our side so we could admire the site in all of its glory. The mesmerizing effect transfixed our senses and spirits in a profoundly powerful way.