Ankapata Machu Picchu
An ancient Inca citadel nestled high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its mystical atmosphere and stunning arch...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dry season, sunny days
Ankapata Machu Picchu
Best Time
Dry season, sunny days
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Inca citadel nestled high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its mystical atmosphere and stunning architecture.
"Very beautiful, a place that truly takes your breath away with its history and views."
Book Huayna Picchu Early
Tickets for Huayna Picchu are limited and sell out fast! Book months ahead for this iconic hike. :ticket:
Pack for All Weather
Peruvian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection. :umbrella: :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
Eastern entrance to Machu Picchu
First breathtaking panoramic view of the citadel. A classic Inca Trail arrival point.
Huayna Picchu
Peak overlooking Machu Picchu
Challenging hike with rewarding, iconic views of the ruins below. Book well in advance!
Inca Bridge
Western edge of Machu Picchu
A precarious, narrow Inca trail carved into a cliff face. Offers a unique perspective.
Temple of the Sun
Sacred Plaza
Remarkable semi-circular structure with intricate stonework, aligned with solstices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Acclimatize to Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Huayna Picchu Early
Tickets for Huayna Picchu are limited and sell out fast! Book months ahead for this iconic hike. :ticket:
Pack for All Weather
Peruvian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection. :umbrella: :sunwithface:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven terrain. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Hire a Guide
A knowledgeable guide enhances the experience, explaining history and significance. :man_detective:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Huayna Picchu Early
Tickets for Huayna Picchu are limited and sell out fast! Book months ahead for this iconic hike. :ticket:
Pack for All Weather
Peruvian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection. :umbrella: :sunwithface:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on uneven terrain. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Hire a Guide
A knowledgeable guide enhances the experience, explaining history and significance. :man_detective:
Stay Hydrated
Altitude can dehydrate you quickly. Carry plenty of water, especially if hiking. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Machu Picchu's breathtaking beauty and historical significance, calling it a 'very beautiful' and 'best place.' The food is also noted as 'very good.' However, some find the experience challenging due to altitude and terrain, with a desire for more accessibility for 'common people.'
"Plz make easy avilable to common people for everything"
Jitendra Kumar Singh
"Very good food I love it 😋😋"
Priyanka Suneriya
"Very beautiful ❤️😍"
Suraj kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to take a train from Cusco (Poroy or San Pedro station) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes, you'll take a bus up to the citadel. Some travelers opt for the challenging Inca Trail trek. 
You can choose between the scenic train ride (PeruRail or Inca Rail) to Aguas Calientes, or embark on multi-day treks like the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek. From Aguas Calientes, shuttle buses run frequently to the entrance.
No, private vehicles cannot drive directly to Machu Picchu. The final leg of the journey from Aguas Calientes to the entrance is by bus or a strenuous hike.
For day trips, take an early morning train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then catch the bus up to Machu Picchu. Ensure you book train and entrance tickets well in advance.
The train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is about 25-30 minutes. Trekking options vary from 2 to 5 days.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Peruvian Ministry of Culture website or through authorized tour operators. It's highly recommended to book several months in advance, especially for peak season.
Yes, tickets for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are separate and have very limited daily quotas. These must be booked concurrently with your general Machu Picchu entrance ticket, often months in advance.
Machu Picchu typically opens around 6:00 AM and closes around 5:00 PM. Specific entry times are assigned when you purchase your ticket.
It is extremely unlikely to purchase tickets at the entrance, especially during peak season. All tickets must be bought in advance online.
The standard entrance ticket grants access to the main citadel. Tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain include access to those specific peaks.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic postcard view is from the Guardhouse. For unique angles, try the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) for sunrise or sunset, or hike Huayna Picchu for an aerial perspective.
Drones are generally prohibited within the Machu Picchu archaeological site to protect the ruins and wildlife. Always check the latest regulations before your visit.
Early morning (sunrise) offers soft light and fewer crowds. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour light before closing. Midday can be harsh and crowded.
While general photography is allowed, tripods and professional video equipment may require special permits. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the site.
Use a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the citadel and surrounding mountains. Including people in your shots can also help convey scale.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
A minimum of 3-4 hours is recommended for the main citadel. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, add an additional 2-3 hours.
The site has many stairs and uneven paths, making it challenging for those with significant mobility issues. Some areas are accessible, but a guided tour can help navigate the best routes.
Bring your passport (for entry and the stamp!), water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a rain jacket. A small backpack is ideal.
There are restrooms near the entrance, but no food or drink facilities inside the main archaeological site. You'll need to exit to purchase food.
Generally, once you exit the site, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket. Plan your visit accordingly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for kids, consider hiring a guide who can tell stories and point out interesting details. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options inside the site are limited. Focus on the main citadel and perhaps a shorter, less strenuous hike like the Inca Bridge if energy levels permit. Avoid Huayna Picchu unless your children are experienced hikers.
🎒 Budget Travelers
For a more adventurous and budget-friendly option, explore alternative treks like the Salkantay or Lares treks, which can be significantly cheaper than the official Inca Trail and still lead to Machu Picchu. Staying in hostels in Aguas Calientes and packing your own snacks can also help save money.
+1🚶 Solo Adventurers
+1 Hiring a guide at the entrance is also a great way to experience the site and connect with others. Consider booking a guided hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if you're up for the challenge; these are often done in small groups. Solo exploration allows for flexibility, so you can linger at viewpoints or explore at your own pace.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Inca Trail Experience
+1Trekkers will encounter significant altitude changes, steep ascents and descents, and varying weather conditions. Highlights include passing through numerous Inca ruins, cloud forests, and the iconic 'Dead Woman's Pass' (Warmiwañusca), the highest point on the trail. The experience culminates with an arrival at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, offering a breathtaking first glimpse of the lost city.
While the classic Inca Trail is the most sought-after, alternative treks like the Salkantay Trek offer similar challenges and stunning vistas, often with fewer crowds and a different route to Aguas Calientes. These treks provide a deeper connection to the Andean landscape and Inca history.
Understanding Huayna Picchu & Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is a less steep but longer hike, providing panoramic views of the entire complex and the surrounding Urubamba River valley. While it doesn't offer the same 'overlooking the ruins' shot as Huayna Picchu, its expansive vistas are equally breathtaking. Both hikes require good physical condition and a head for heights.
It's crucial to book these additional hikes concurrently with your general Machu Picchu entrance ticket. The daily quotas are small, and missing out on these tickets means missing out on some of the most spectacular vantage points.
Navigating Altitude Sickness
The best strategy is to acclimatize gradually. Spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before heading to Machu Picchu. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and heavy meals on your first day, and consider drinking coca tea, a traditional remedy.
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a medical professional. Many travelers find that taking it easy on arrival and staying hydrated are the most effective ways to manage the altitude and fully enjoy their visit to this incredible wonder.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit