Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Inca citadel at 2,430 metres (7,970 feet) in the Cusco region, is on most Peru itineraries for good reason. A short guide to the basics before you book.
1. The site in brief. Built around 1450 under the emperor Pachacuti and abandoned a century later during the Spanish Conquest, Machu Picchu became a UNESCO site in 1983 and a New Seven Wonder in 2007. The current entry system uses three ticketed circuits with timed slots.
2. Tickets and transport.
- Tickets: buy ahead — the daily cap is roughly 4,500 and peak slots sell out weeks in advance.
- Transport: train from Cusco (Poroy or Wanchaq) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then a 25-minute bus up to the gate.
3. When to go. The dry season (May to October) has clear skies and heavier crowds. June, July and August are the busiest. February closes the Inca Trail for maintenance. The shoulder months (April, November) often give you both decent weather and shorter queues.
4. What to pack.
- Layers: cool mornings, warm midday, sudden rain in the wet season.
- Water and snacks: food is not allowed inside the citadel, but a water bottle is fine.
- Passport: you need the physical passport that matches the ticket, not a photo.
5. On site.
- Guide: required for Circuit 1, strongly worth having anyway.
- Key stops: Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, Room of the Three Windows, Sacred Plaza.
6. Light footprint. Stay on the marked paths, don’t touch the stonework, carry out everything you bring in.
Book your tickets at Peruways.
