Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu 2024 Update
It’s easy to see why Machu Picchu is Peru’s biggest tourist attraction. It was our primary reason for wanting visit to Peru (although during our trip we discovered so many amazing places including the Amazonian jungle and the rest of the Sacred Valley) and we had high expectations. We weren’t disappointed. Here is our guide about the best time to visit Machu Picchu, how to get tickets and what to expect when you get there. This post has been updated to incorporate the changes to visiting for 2024.
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Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu can be visited year round. The most popular time to visit is June to September with shoulder seasons in May and October. Peru’s rainy season runs from November to March.
But the rules for visiting Machu Picchu have changed for 2024. The reason for this is that the authorities want to protect the site as much as possible and control the crowds. The total number of people allowed to visit is 4,500 each day. This number is split between the people who walk the full Inca trail, the short trail and day visitors.
For visitors to the site the morning and afternoon tickets have been replaced by hourly slots of 190 visitors each.
The Ministry of Culture has introduced 5 circuits. Follow this link to check the route for the sites you wish to see. The tours are of varying duration and are guided. There may be some time for self-exploration at the end of the tour. It is mandatory to have a guide. Because of this it may be worth considering taking an organised trip.
You are allowed to stay for a maximum of 4 hours.
Tickets can be purchased from the Ministry of Culture website.
If you wish to climb Huyana Picchu (the mountain behind the site as seen in the most famouse pictures) you have to purchase a separate ticket. Three hundred tickets will be available each day. There are hourly entrance slots (75 tickets each) from 06:00am to 13:00pm.
If Huyana Picchu sells out, it is possible to climb Huchuy Picchu and get a great alternative view of the site.
How To Get to Machu Picchu
There are several ways to visit Machu Picchu. The most famous is probably the hike along the Inca Trail. The Incas built an intricate and sophisticated network of trails throughout their enormous empire that encompassed Quito (Ecuador) in the north to Santiago (Chile) in the west and to Mendoza (Argentina) in the east. The trails ran to around 40,000km. But the best known trail is that which runs approximately 43km from Peru’s Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu via the sites of Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna.
You can’t just turn up with your walking boots and rucksack – you have to book via a tour operator who is both registered and owns a licence. Access to the trail is controlled and can get extremely busy – up to 500 people, including guides and porters, make the trip each day. This mean that only about 200 visitors can walk the trail.
High season for this trail runs from April until October and should be booked well in advance. The classic four day Inca Trail starts at a place called Km82 (82 km along the railway track that runs between Cusco and Machu Picchu). It reaches a maximum altitude of 4200m so it is really important to have acclimatised fully before attempting the hike. Some operators offer a shorter trek, about 15km, which starts much closer to Machu Picchu, and can usually be completed within a day.
An alternative approach is to travel from the Cusco area, Urubmaba or Ollantaytambo by train. There are a number of options depending on your budget, from the relatively cheap to the downright decadent. Some trains are for Peruvian visitors only, so that local people can visit their country’s most famous attraction. We travelled on the mid-range Vistadome from Poyroy, a station located around 20 minutes from Cusco. It was an early start and the trip took around three and a half hours to arrive at the valley. A light meal and drinks were provided on the way and the views were stunning.
Transportation will be waiting close to the station when you arrive and you will need to buy a ticket to catch a bus that will take you up a road with an inordinate number of hairpin bends to the entrance, on a journey that takes around half an hour.
Arriving At Machu Picchu
Whether you arrive by trail or train it’s the most spectacular sight.
Machu Picchu was an Inca city that wasn’t located by the Spanish Conquistadors and hence wasn’t plundered or destroyed. It was discovered by American professor Hiram Bingham in 1911. Inca architecture really is remarkable (there are many examples throughout the Sacred Valley between this site and Cusco). The dry stone wall structures are not square, doorways are trapezoidal and the stones are laid in such a way as to provide strength and flexibility. Many of the stones have multiple angles and are cut and sometimes polished to fit together perfectly. They have survived centuries of earthquakes, remaining standing long after the Conquistadors’ flimsy structures had toppled over.
Although the functions of many of the buildings are not known for sure, archaeologists and anthropologists have determined that Machu Picchu was an important ceremonial site built as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
The function of the Funerary Stone is not fully clear but it is thought that it might be a sacrificial altar.
The Temple of the Sun was likely to be an astronomical observatory. Niches in the walls may have been used for offerings. There is a rock in the centre which lines up with the morning rays of the sun at the summer solstice.
The Royal Tomb – Palace of the Princess may have housed the Sun princesses or Ñustas. This structure takes full advantage of the natural rock formation.
The Temple of Three windows is in the area considered to be the Royal Sector. Most archaeologists now believe that the site was built as an estate for Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, the ninth Sapa Inca, that is, the emperor of the Inca empire.
The Principal Temple is the largest of the temples in the Royal Sector and has three sides with huge foundation blocks and carefully cut stones.
The mortar district is characterised by the stone circles carved into the rock. The area is also known as the industrial sector. It was originally thought that the mortars were for crushing grain but there doesn’t seem to be evidence for this.
The Condor Temple was originally considered to be part of a prison zone but experts these days believe it was more likely to be a temple. One of the rocks has the appearance of the head of a condor, a bird considered to be sacred to the Incas.
And the terraces – both internal and external – are simply spectacular.
The site is huge and there’s still more of the city still to be reclaimed from the jungle – archaeologists are working at uncovering more ruins.
Overnight Stay
Most visitors who visit Machu Picchu are day-trippers but we decided to spend one night at the local village Aguas Calientes (which literally means ‘hot water’ on account of the hot springs) also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town, in the valley below. We visited before the new restrictions came in which meant that we could hang around the site until sunset when it becomes significantly less busy. (There is just one hotel at Machu Picchu itself and it is expensive.)
Aguas Calientes is set up for tourists – there are plenty of places to stay and restaurants to eat at. There are also thermal baths if you feel the need for a good soak at the end of a day’s exploration.
Climbing Huayna Picchu
Another thing we wanted to do as part of our visit to Machu Picchu was to climb Huayna Picchu on our second day. We recommend buying two tickets – one to visit the main site and another to climb Huyana Picchu the following day.
Only 300 people are allowed up there each day, and entrance is timed into hourly slots.
We started off early in the morning and caught the first bus from Aguas Calientes.
It’s actually an easier climb than it looks, although you do need to be reasonably fit, and took us about an hour to get right to the very top.
There is a need to wiggle through some rocks on the path.
Needless to say, the view was stunning.
A rufus collared sparrow clearly took the easy route up.
There are llama and alpaca lawnmowers roaming freely around the whole site and they’re clearly very used to hordes of tourists passing through.
Practical Info About Visiting Machu Picchu
With the new restrictions on visitors book your tickets early! Really early – several months in advance.
There are no toilets on site. It is advisable to bring water, but take in a reusable bottle if possible.
Don’t bring loads of luggage. Bring ID – your passport will be fine.
You have a maximum of four hours at the site. Once you have exited you will not be allowed back in.
Other rules for visiting can be found here. https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/prohibiciones/
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- Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu 2024 Update
Machu Picchu is a definite must do for us. The photos in this post are spectacular. It’s hard to believe how well the construction held up.
Thank you! We do hope you get to visit – it is the most remarkable place.
Those damn birds always cheating!
I have friends who were just there and the pictures always look so impressive. I didn’t realize there was still more to be uncovered.
I like that Peru maintains a train only for citizens. All countries need to do things like that to promote their heritage (I think a lot do but not all).
Haha! Yes, the bird definitely cheated… but didn’t have the satisfaction of doing the climb! It really is the most magnificent site to visit. And you’re absolutely right, it’s so important that local people have the opportunity to see the historic and cultural sites of their countries. We are very privileged to be able to travel so it always makes us happy to see specific prices for local people at tourist attractions.
Stunning pics, they really bring outthe landscape.
MP has been on my ever growing list for a long time. I know I’ll get there one day to enjoy its splendours and the hints and tips you gave here will really come in useful.
I never knew you could climb the peak in front of the classic photo shots. While I’m not a natural hiker I would do it as a once in a life time event though I may have to train a little beforehand and acclimatise a lot! Am bookmarking this post for future reference, many thanks.
What was the name of the place you stayed in, in Aguas calientes? Would you recommend it?
Thank you! The landscape and architecture really are astonishing. The hike was actually easier than it looked but it is at altitude (around 2400m) so it is definitely worth acclimatising beforehand. Most people have spent time in Cusco before visiting MP and that has an elevation of around 3400m. Even climbing a flight of stairs at that altitude is enough to knock the breath out of you! There are loads of fantastic places to see in and around Cusco, so it’s easy to spend a few days there getting used to the altitude. I’ll look up the place we stayed in at Aguas Calientes and will message you if I can find it.
This is just so, so, so breathtaking and picturesque. Your photos are wonderful! Machu Picchu is one of those places that we imagine it must be hard to believe you’re actually there seeing it in person. It must be breathtaking! This is definitely on our bucket list, and “the lawnmowers” are an MAJOR bonus!
Machu Picchu had been on our bucket list for a long time, so it was a joy to be able to visit. The anticipation was so high but we really were bowled over by quite how magnificent it is. The llama lawnmowers are just great too! We do hope you get to visit.
↑ *bit of an error with our name, “Stephen & Andie.” sorry!
This guide on the best time to visit Machu Picchu is a true gem! Your detailed breakdown of seasons and weather patterns is like having a personal travel advisor. The pro tips on avoiding crowds and catching that perfect sunrise view are priceless. Consider my bucket list updated: Machu Picchu, here I come! Thanks for unraveling the secrets to an unforgettable Peruvian adventure.
Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu is a phenomenal guide and this update is essential, very clear and intuitive, with photos that illustrate the beauty of the place.
Machu Picchu is one of those places to visit that is part of my imagination, and when I do I’m going to take this guide with me.
Undoubtedly, the changes made by the government in order to preserve the archaeological site are essential. It’s essential to take care of our heritage so that future generations can enjoy it too.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Visiting Machu Picchu was a dream fulfilled for us. It is good that the government are taking measures to preserve the site but that does mean big changes for visitors. But hopefully it will mean that future generations will be able to marvel at this historic treasure.
I’m really scared my visit to Machu Picchu would be all foggy and not be able to see anything but it looks like you had awesome weather! I”m grateful that you’ve shown more to Michu Picchu than just the typical view from the top but also more of the temples. I didn’t know that you could stay overnight which would be really cool to do. Great post!
Thank you! Yes, we were lucky with the weather. It was the iconic view of Machu Picchu that made us want to visit but we were astonished at how extensive the site is and how clever the construction was. Yes, you can stay overnight – there is one (expensive) hotel adjacent to the site but plenty of other accommodation options in the town below.
Peru is at the top of my favourites list. My time spent there includes some of my best travel memories — including seeing the sun rise over the mountains at Machu Picchu. I’m glad that they are being protective of this stunning site, but I am awfully glad I visited prior to these new restrictions as I was able to spend nearly a full day exploring all the nooks and crannies and climb MP mountain without feeling rushed. With the new restrictions and the site’s sheer size, your advice to split the visit and the climb is a good one.
So glad that you loved Peru – we did too. We didn’t see the sunrise at Machu Picchu – that must have been spectacular! It is a stunning site and it is good that the government want to preserve it but we, too, are glad that we visited before the restrictions were implemented. We were able to hang around until sunset. And then did the climb the following day. But we felt it was important to state the new restrictions and especially advise on booking early.
I have seen an increase in the limitation structure, really since the pandemic. I’m guessing this is one of the lessons from that time, where management of the park or museum learned that limiting the number of visitors may make it a better experience. I also think social media has a LOT to do with it, as this is a very popular destination and you know there’s going to be numerous “influencers” taking the best spots for selfies, etc., which definitely hampers the experience. Your photos were gorgeous, and good call on the staying near the site, this way you can take your time and truly soak in an experience many probably won’t get to see in their lifetimes.
Thank you! Yes, it’s true that visitor restrictions are becoming more common. It absolutely makes sense because these sites are so marvellous that they should be preserved for future generations. We’ve been to a number of places where it has been impossible to follow a route because they are blocked by influencers!
While I didn’t think I’d be in a rush to visit a high altitude place after Kilimanjaro, I have to admit that Machu Picchu is on my list and likely won’t be removed until I see that view for myself. Great to know about the new restrictions, which totally makes sense. Hopefully the companies who organize the treks will ensure the proper permits are booked. I often wondered how you get to visit the site when on the long through hike. I’d really like to spend the night like you did.
Funnily enough, Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude than Cusco. You’re right that the new restrictions make sense and it’s important that everyone has the correct permit. It’s such an amazing site, it needs to be preserved.
Machu Picchu – saying the name alone can already conjure a place of great wonder and astonishing past. I hope to see and visit it one day. It’s nice to know that stricter restrictions are now being put to place. It helps create a more orderly feel. There’s really no need elbow our way and wade through a crowd just to see a sight. I’m glad this trip was an enriching experience for you both and surely, a beautiful memory to cherish – peppered by llamas and celestial altars #flyingbaguette
Jan – https://flyingbaguette.com/
Yes, the restrictions are a great idea so that people can enjoy their visit without the hordes of tourists – it’s just worth taking the time to plan early. Visiting MP was a dream fulfilled.
MP is such a huge bucket list item for so many and your insights are valuable for anyone planning this once in a lifetime experience. I would love to do the full Inca trail hike. I have watched several documentaries about the site and it is huge with many interesting facilities beyond the famous citadel. Need to do some training beforehand as my health may prevent me from doing this. I have followed the news earlier this year when they put stricter rules in place and temporarily closed the site. Imagine, 500 people a day is a lot ad how busy it must be up there.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
You’re so right that MP is a bucket list item and there’s good reason – we visited with high expectations and they were exceeded. We definitely recommend being fit for travel – MP is at altitude (although lower than Cusco).