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As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket list destination for so many of us. Perched high in the Peruvian Andes, it’s a place that is not only breathtaking visually, but also holds an incredible historical and cultural significance.
If you have also dreamed of seeing this wonder in person, 2026 could be the year! So, here’s everything you should know before visiting Machu Picchu.
How to Get to Machu Picchu
The first step is to fly to Peru, which for most people means taking an international flight to the country’s capital Lima. From there, most travelers choose to take another domestic flight to Cusco, known as the gateway city for Machu Picchu.
Getting to Cusco is also possible by bus, although the journey is very long (just over 20 hours). Plan to spend at least a night or two in the city, as there is so much to see here!
Once you’re in Cusco, the next step will be getting to Aguas Calientes, which is the starting point for most Machu Picchu tours. There are multiple ways to get there, including by train, bus, or a taxi – this will take 3 to 4 hours. Finally, you are now only about a 25-minute drive away from one of the most amazing attractions in the world!
When is the Best Time to Visit?
The time of the year you visit Machu Picchu will have a huge impact on the number of tourists and the weather conditions. The dry season in Peru runs from May to September, offering clear skies and mild temperatures, ideal for hiking. However, this is also when you will encounter the largest crowds and highest prices.
The wet season is approximately between December and March, making the conditions very unpleasant, which is why the Inca Trail also closes for maintenance every February. The wet season is when the landscapes come alive with lush greenery.
If you want the best of both worlds, visiting during the shoulder seasons might be a good idea (mid-April to mid-May or mid-September to mid-October). This will offer pleasant weather conditions and fewer tourists.
Hiking Routes and Tours
There are many different options for visiting Machu Picchu, but these two treks are by far the most popular:
The Inca Trail – The most well-known trail, which is typically completed in either 4-days or a shorter 2-day visit. Keep in mind that permits are required and they sell out months in advance due to high demand.
The Salkantay Trek – A multi-day hike around the area (usually 4-5 days). It has challenging terrain, but the spectacular Andean views make it well worth it.
There are different types of tickets for visiting the site, varying from entry to the Machu Picchu Citadel Only to additional access points (e.g. Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Hucha Qosqo).
The entry to these places is strictly timed, as you are given an hour-long window and the last entry is no later than 3 pm (all visitors must exit by 5.30 pm). You are also required to show a valid passport for entry.
Besides the hiking itself, local travel agencies offer a number of different experiences and tours. For instance, you may go on the luxury train tour or camp under the stars in glamorous dome tents.
You can also add a gastronomy experience, where a local chef will cook you authentic dishes throughout the experience. The choices are plentiful and they come down to your personal preferences and budget.
Top 5 Tour Agencies For Machu Picchu
It’s important to pick a reputable agency that has local tour guides with a deep knowledge of the area. This will ensure that all logistics and experiences are smooth and professional, without unexpected “surprises”. Here are 5 of the most trusted Machu Picchu agencies locally:
1. Guru Explorers
Known for their attentive service and responsible tourism practices, Guru Explorers offer a variety of different packages, including multi-day treks and luxury experiences. Their tours are praised for small group sizes and friendly local guides with strong historical insight.
2. Alpaca Expeditions
One of the favourites among trekkers, Alpaca Expeditions provides a combination of environmental ethics with professional service. Their Inca Trail experiences are particularly known for their high-quality camping gear and attention to everyone’s welfare.
3. SAM Travel Peru
SAM Travel Peru places a great focus on offering authentic Peruvian experiences for their visitors, including educational and cultural experiences. They are dedicated to sustainable tourism practices, aiming for carbon-neutral travel.
4. The Sacred Valley
Although specialising in the Sacred Valley, the agency also offers tours to Machu Picchu. They seamlessly combine both of these iconic destinations in a single package, ideal for those who want to see as much as possible.
5. Intrepid Travel
Operating globally but with strong local partnerships, Intrepid is known for culturally immersive trips. Their Machu Picchu options include small-group adventures and smooth organisation from start to finish.
Leave Only Your Footprints
Machu Picchu is already facing conservation challenges and visitors play an important role here. While tourism is absolutely welcome, try to be as respectful as possible during your trip, sticking to designated paths and preserving nature.
Together, we can make sure that this astonishing wonder can be enjoyed for generations to come!