Machu Picchu

What It Is and Where

The citadel was built in the 15th century and abandoned around the time of the Spanish conquest. It became known to the wider world in 1911. It sits inside the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, a protected area of cloud forest that runs from tropical forest up to snow-capped peaks. The sanctuary has recorded 444 bird species and 423 kinds of orchid.

Below the ruins is the town of Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo, where the trains arrive.

How Visits Work Now

Entry is by timed ticket, and you choose a circuit in advance. In 2026 there are three main circuits, Panoramic, Classic and Royalty, each with set routes. Daily capacity is 5,600 visitors in high season and 4,500 for the rest of the year. Tickets are sold only through the Ministry of Culture's official site, and you need your passport to enter. Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu are booked separately and sell out early.

We book tickets as soon as dates are fixed. In July and August, that means months ahead.

When to Go

May to September is dry, with the clearest skies in June, July and August, which are also the busiest months. November to March brings near-daily afternoon rain, fewer people and greener hillsides. The classic Inca Trail closes every February for maintenance, though the site itself stays open.

Getting There and How Long to Stay

• From the Sacred Valley: the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes takes about an hour and a half.
• From Cusco: trains from Poroy, about 20 minutes from the city, take around three and a half hours. Poroy usually closes from January to April, when a bus connects to the train instead.
• Up to the ruins: buses from Aguas Calientes take about 25 minutes.

We recommend at least one night at Machu Picchu. It lets you enter early, or visit twice, instead of fitting everything between trains.

Where to Stay at Machu Picchu

Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu

The only hotel at the entrance, a few minutes' walk from the gate. Small, expensive and worth it if you want the most time at the site.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

Adobe casitas spread through a private cloud forest reserve at the edge of town, with hundreds of orchid and bird species recorded on the grounds. Our pick for two nights.

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

A comfortable town hotel on the Vilcanota River with a good restaurant, close to the station and the buses.