Machu Picchu Travel Tips for a First-Time Traveller To Peru

If you haven’t heard of Machu Picchu before, then you must’ve been hiding under a rock since, well…1911. Machu Picchu tops many of our travel bucket lists, but many people that I’ve met have expressed regret at doing something wrong during their first visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, how can you make your trip to this top travel destination run smoothly? Here are some Machu Picchu tips to help you out:

1. Buy your Entrance Tickets Ahead of Time

Since 2011, Machu Picchu has started limiting visitors to 2,500 visitors per day, so make sure to buy your ticket in advance. This can easily be done online. If you’re a student, you can even get a discount on your ticket! Furthermore, if you’re planning on climbing Machu Picchu mountain or Huayna Picchu, you will be given a specific time during which you can enter these sites (usually an hour window). Looking to buy your tickets? You can do so here. If you’re worried about ensuring your spots for a certain day, you can see the number of entrances available per day by checking the “availability” box in the top left corner.

2. Spend the Night in Aguas Calientes

So so so SO many people do Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco. This involves waking up early in the morning, taking the 3.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes, Peru and boarding a bus to reach Machu Picchu…all in one day. After following these steps, they tend to arrive to the top of this buzzing tourist area at the peak time (around 12-3 in the afternoon). If you want pictures without hundreds of people in them, come before this peak time. I recommend staying the night in Aguas Calientes, which is quite a cheap destination, and visiting Machu Picchu first thing in the morning.

3. Take the Bus to Machu Picchu

From Aguas Calientes, there are two ways to reach the entrance to Machu Picchu: a 20-minute bus ride that zigzags up the mountain or an hour and 45-minute hiking trail. My only regret during my visit was choosing the hiking trail (don’t worry, I’ll explain). This hiking trail is pretty brutal as it is pure stairs. Imagine doing this trail before the sun rises with tens of other travellers and you’ve got, well, a lot of British people cursing. 

I started hiking around 4:40 a.m. and by the time I got to the entrance of Machu Picchu, it was around 6:30. With my ticket, I had also bought entrance to Machu Picchu mountain from between 7-8 a.m. However, after already having hiked one mountain, I was too exhausted to make it to the top of another one (only about 25% of my group did). Conserve your energy and take the bus, it’s only $24 USD round trip! Needless to say, I took the bus down.

4. Get your Machu Picchu Passport Stamp

Did you know that you can get a stamp on your passport for having visited Machu Picchu? They start doing stamps at 9 a.m. by the entrance. As soon as you enter the gate, look left and you’ll notice a table. Here, the stamp is typically laying out and you can stamp your passport yourself! Even if you don’t need a passport for identification (for citizens of countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, etc.), I recommend bringing your passport anyway to be able to add another beautiful stamp to your collection.

5. Hire a Guide to Tour Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of those tourist sites that weirdly enough has no explanatory signs. If you’d like to really understand what you’re seeing as well as the history behind it, I recommend getting a group guide once you’ve entered. My group was able to secure a 3-hour tour for 20 nuevo soles per person (that’s only $6 USD).

6. Pack Appropriately for Weather Changes

Weather at Machu Picchu can vary drastically throughout the day. Early mornings can be cold, misty, and damp, while afternoons often bring intense sun or sudden rainfall. Dress in easily removable layers—beginning with breathable, moisture-wicking base layers, adding insulating layers such as fleece or sweaters, and finishing with waterproof outerwear. Include a sturdy hat for sun protection, sunglasses to protect your eyes from strong UV rays at high altitudes, and high-SPF sunscreen. Don’t forget insect repellent, as mosquitoes and biting insects can be prevalent, especially during the rainy season from November to March.

7. Acclimate to Altitude Beforehand

Altitude sickness is common in the Andean region, given Machu Picchu’s altitude at 2,430 meters and Cusco’s higher altitude of 3,400 meters. Allocate at least two to three days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimate. Drink plenty of water, limit alcohol intake, and consume coca tea or use doctor-approved altitude medication. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of altitude sickness, which include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical help immediately.

8. Respect Rules and Regulations

Machu Picchu is a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is critical to follow rules established to preserve its archaeological integrity. Avoid bringing food, drones, or plastic bottles into the site. Always walk on designated paths, refrain from touching or climbing ruins, and dispose of your trash responsibly. Be respectful of staff and fellow visitors. Observing these rules helps protect the site for future generations and ensures you avoid fines or expulsion.

9. Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes

Machu Picchu’s terrain is uneven, rocky, and often slippery, particularly during wet conditions. Wearing high-quality, waterproof hiking boots with good grip and ankle support will enhance your safety and comfort. Break in your boots before your trip to avoid blisters and discomfort. Additionally, carry extra pairs of socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout your exploration.

10. Bring Snacks and Water

Food consumption within Machu Picchu itself is prohibited, but energy-dense snacks such as granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, or sandwiches can help maintain your energy throughout the day. Pack snacks in resealable, reusable bags to minimize waste. Hydration is crucial due to the high altitude and physical exertion, so bring a refillable water bottle and use designated refill stations before entering the site.

Do you have any tips for visiting Machu Picchu?

Planning Your Machu Picchu Visit

Essential Information

Machu Picchu Opening Hours

• Morning Entry: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Afternoon Entry: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season: April to October (peak season June to August)
• Wet Season: November to March (fewer crowds but unpredictable weather)

Where to Stay

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an eco-lodge in Aguas Calientes set within cloudforest gardens along the Vilcanota River. Bungalows are spread across orchid-filled grounds that function as one of the most biodiverse private habitats in Peru, and the location gives you a genuinely tranquil base for the evening before an early entrance to the site. Worth booking well in advance — it fills quickly for morning-slot dates during dry season.

El MaPi by Inkaterra sits in the centre of Aguas Calientes a short walk from the bus stop and the market street. A contemporary boutique hotel with a bar and restaurant on-site, it covers the practical needs of the overnight stay comfortably at a lower price point than the eco-lodge properties above town. A natural fit for travellers who want a reliable, well-located base without the resort premium.

For the acclimatisation days in Cusco, Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel occupies a colonial mansion steps from the Plaza de Armas. The location puts you within walking distance of the Cathedral, the San Blas neighbourhood, and the transport agencies handling Machu Picchu bookings — practical as well as beautiful, and a genuinely comfortable place to spend the two to three days that make a real difference at altitude before ascending.

Useful Spanish Phrases for Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Cost Breakdown

Pre-Departure Checklist

• Confirm Machu Picchu tickets and bus tickets
• Check train schedules and boarding times
• Confirm hotel reservations
• Fully charge electronics and portable chargers
• Repack and confirm your backpack contents
• Set multiple alarms for an early wake-up call

Cultural and Environmental Responsibility

Visiting Machu Picchu comes with the responsibility to protect and respect its cultural heritage and natural environment. Here’s how you can help:

• Stay on marked paths to prevent erosion and preserve archaeological integrity.
• Respect local customs and traditions; ask permission before photographing people.
• Use eco-friendly products, minimise waste, and carry out all trash.
• Support local businesses by buying local crafts and eating at family-run restaurants.
• Reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport and participating in sustainable travel programs.

Packing List

Experiences Worth Booking in Advance

A guided Machu Picchu walking tour booked in advance covers the main circuit — agricultural terraces, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, and the residential and religious sectors — with expert commentary on Inca architecture and cosmology. Pre-booking secures a morning guide for the first entry window, when the citadel is at its quietest and the light is at its best for photography.

A Sacred Valley day tour from Cusco visits Pisac Market, the Ollantaytambo fortress, and the Maras salt pans before the Machu Picchu leg of the trip. It gives rich context for the Inca civilisation and doubles as a practical acclimatisation outing — tours depart early morning and return to Cusco by evening, leaving the rest of the day for rest and high-altitude adjustment.

The classic four-day Inca Trail trek approaches Machu Picchu through cloudforest, mountain passes, and archaeological sites, arriving at the Sun Gate in time for sunrise over the citadel on the final morning. Permits are strictly limited — 500 people per day on the trail including guides and porters — and sell out months ahead of dry season. Booking a licensed operator is the essential first step for anyone planning this approach.

Machu Picchu FAQ

Do I need to buy Machu Picchu tickets in advance?

Yes. Daily entries are limited, so purchase online ahead of time—especially if you also want Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which are sold in timed slots.

Should I stay overnight in Aguas Calientes?

Highly recommended. Overnighting lets you enter early, beat the noon crowds, and capture calmer photos before peak hours (roughly 12–3 p.m.).

Bus or hike up from Aguas Calientes?

Take the bus. The hike is steep stairs (~1h45) and can sap energy before you even start exploring or climbing an additional mountain. The bus is ~20 minutes and ~US$24 round-trip.

Can I get a passport stamp at Machu Picchu?

Yes. After the gate opens, look left near the entrance for the self-stamp table (from ~9 a.m.). Bring your passport even if not required for ID just to collect the stamp.

Is hiring a guide worth it?

Yes—there are no explanatory signs inside. Group guides at the entrance are affordable and add rich context; typical group tours run ~3 hours.

What should I wear and pack for the changeable weather?

Dress in layers: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof shell. Add hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and insect repellent (especially Nov–Mar). Weather can swing from misty and cool to strong sun or sudden rain.

How do I handle altitude and acclimatisation?

Acclimate 2–3 days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Hydrate, go easy on alcohol, sip coca tea or use doctor-approved meds. Know symptoms (headache, nausea, fatigue); seek help if they worsen.

What rules should I follow inside the site?

Stay on marked paths, don’t climb or touch the ruins, and carry out all trash. Drones, plastic bottles, and food are restricted—use designated areas outside the main complex.

What footwear works best?

Waterproof hiking shoes/boots with good grip and ankle support. Break them in beforehand and bring spare socks for damp conditions.

Can I bring snacks and water?

Food isn’t consumed inside the citadel, but carry compact, energy-dense snacks and eat before/after your visit. Bring a refillable water bottle and top up at stations before entry.

When are opening hours and what’s the best season?

Entry is split: Morning 6:00–12:00 and Afternoon 12:00–17:30. Dry season (Apr–Oct) = more stable weather (peak crowds Jun–Aug). Wet season (Nov–Mar) = fewer people but sporadic rain.

What’s a realistic first-timer cost breakdown?

Approximate per person (USD): Entrance ~$50; Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain +$15; Round-trip bus $24; Train Cusco–Aguas Calientes $70–$200; Group guide $6–$15; Daily food/drink $10–$30.