Frequently asked questions about the trip to Machu Picchu 

Do you want to know Machu Picchu but have some doubts? Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the trip to the Wonder of the World. If you still have questions, you can contact us at the following email: info@imachupicchu.com.

What is Machu Picchu and why is it so famous?

Machu Picchu is an Inca city built in the 15th century to be the religious center and residence of the Inca Pachacutec. After the Spanish invasion, it was abandoned little by little until it was hidden among the abundant vegetation. In 1911, the American explorer Hiram Bingham made known to the world the existence of the Inca Citadel. In 2007, the site was chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World due to the historical richness of its buildings and the beauty of its landscape. Today, it is one of the most visited destinations in the world.

How to book the Machu Picchu ticket?

Ticket Machu Picchu offers a fast and efficient service for the purchase of any of the 4 types of tickets to the Wonder of the World. Then the 3 steps for the acquisition of the ticket.

  • Make the reservation accordi2ng to availability – Fill out the reservation form carefully next to the email with which the process will be carried out.
  • Make the respective payment – Fill out the PayPal payment form and make the online payment. It can also be done with Western Union or a banking transaction through the International Bank of Peru (Interbank).
  • Receive the ticket in your email – Print the virtual ticket that you will receive in your email and present it the day of your admission to Machu Picchu. Another option is to display it on a digital device (Tablet, Smartphone, etc.).

What is the best time to go to Machu Picchu?

Any time is good to go to Machu Picchu. However, the dry season (from March to October) is conducive to enjoy a brighter sun. At this time there is a greater number of visitors. In the rainy season (from October to March) rainfall is more frequent. At this time there are fewer visitors so you can enjoy the attractions more freely. The best time to visit the Wonder of the World is the intermediate months: April-May and September-October.

How to get from Lima?

Todos los vuelos al Perú aterrizan en Lima. Desde la capital del país hasta la ciudad del Cusco existen 1120 kilómetros. Existen dos formas de llegar a la capital del Imperio Inca:

  • By plane: Lima-Cusco flights take an average of 1 hour and usually cost 100 or 120 $.
  • By bus: Lima-Cusco bus services take an average of 20 hours and usually cost 40 or 50 $.

How to get from Cusco?

From the city of Cusco to Machu Picchu there are 75 kilometers. To get to the Wonder of the World you can do the Inca Trail (4 days of trekking) or take a train through the Sacred Valley of the Incas (trip by bus + train approximately 3 hours) to the town of Aguas Calientes. Another option is the bus route to the town of Santa Teresa followed by a 2-hour walk.

How to get to Machu Picchu by train?

Train services generally depart from the Ollantaytambo district (2 hours by bus from Cusco) to the town of Aguas Calientes. This section takes 1 hour and 45 minutes on average. There are other services that depart directly from the city of Cusco. The companies that operate this service are Peru Rail and Inca Rail, which have economic services to luxury services.

What is the Inca Trail?

The Inca Trail is a 4-day trek to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. The route was the ancient road used by the Incas 600 years ago, also called Qhapaq Ñan. In total it travels 39.6 kilometers through high-altitude landscapes to characteristic geographies of the jungle brow. There is also an alternative Inca Trail of 2 days. This adventure has to be done with an authorized agency.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes?

Aguas Calientes is the nearest town to the Inca Citadel. Once there you have two options to get to Machu Picchu.

  • By bus: The buses leave from 05:30 a.m. until 03:30 p.m. and at every moment. These can be purchased in the same town of Aguas Calientes. They take an average of 30 minutes to reach the Machu Picchu gate.
  • On foot: Instead of taking the buses you can walk up to the door of Machu Picchu. The roads are outstanding and well signposted. Depending on the physical condition of the visitor, the ascent takes 2 hours.

How to get to Machu Picchu by the route of Santa Teresa?

The Inca Trail or the train trips are not the only ways to get to Machu Picchu. There is also the route through Santa Teresa. It reaches the town of Aguas Calientes after a bus trip and another on foot. The route is longer than the train trip but much more adventurous:

  • Take a bus from the city of Cusco to the town of Santa Teresa (4 hours approximately).
  • Take a taxi or bus to the hydroelectric power station (approximately 30 minutes).
  • Walk along the rail of the train and the Vilcanota River to the town of Aguas Calientes (2 hours approximately).

What to do in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu refers to the Inca Citadel, which was the site of Pachacutec and Inca religious center. Besides the fabulous stone constructions, two of the best attractions are the short hikes in the Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu Mountain. Then other attractions of the Wonder of the World:

  • The temple of the Sun.
  • The Temple of the Moon
  • The Intihuatana.
  • The Temple of the Condor.
  • The Temple of the 3 Windows.
  • The Ladder of the Sources.
  • The Hall of Mirrors.
  • The Door of the Sun or Inti Punku.
  • The Main Square.
  • The Royal Tomb.
  • The Sacred Rock.

What is Huayna Picchu?

Huayna Picchu or Waynapicchu is the mountain that rises in the north of the Inca Citadel. From the top, you can see the best views of the Wonder of the World. Its roads are steep along with deep cliffs. This makes the tour an incredible adventure for visitors. On this mountain is the Temple of the Moon, an Inca site of religious worship. To know the ‘Wayna’ you must reserve the Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket in advance.

Where to buy train tickets to Machu Picchu?

There are two companies that provide the train transport service to the town of Aguas Calientes. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time according to the day of your visit to Machu Picchu. These can be booked online through the official websites of both companies. Another option is to buy directly in your offices in Lima or Cusco.

Where are the train stations to Machu Picchu?

There are 3 stations to board the train to or from Machu Picchu. The most used is that of Ollantaytambo. Then the address and the company that operates.

  • Poroy Station: Calle Rondan s / n, Poroy.
  • Ollantaytambo Station: Av. Ferrocarril s / n Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley.
  • Machu Picchu Station: Las Orquídeas Neighborhood Aguas Calientes s / n.

Can I travel to Machu Picchu on the local train?

The local train is the service that Peru Rail operates for the inhabitants near the area. Only Peruvians who purchase ahead of time and local residents can travel through this service. Foreigners cannot do it.

What to take to the trip to Machu Picchu?

The climate in Machu Picchu is characterized by two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. In the first, precipitation occurs more frequently. In the second, the sun is more intense during the day. Below are the main objects to take during your visit to the Wonder of the World.

  • Coats for the rain.
  • Hat.
  • Waterproof clothing.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Repellent against mosquitoes.
  • Hiking shoes.
  • Photographic camera.
  • Water bottle with water.

Where to Stay?

Not only in Aguas Calientes but in Cusco and Sacred Valley there is a wide variety of hotel offers. These are from 5-star hotels to shared room accommodations. In high tourist season (June, July, and August) it is advisable to book in advance the accommodation of your preference.

Is there a limit on the sale of Machu Picchu tickets?

The large influx of people in Machu Picchu at certain times of the day caused the division of visits in shifts or schedules. This with the purpose of protecting, and preserving the Wonder of the World. Then the daily availability of tickets in the 4 types of tickets:

Can I visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu the same day?

The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu ticket is designed so that the visitor can travel the Waynapicchu and the Inca Citadel the same day. The ascent and descent of the ‘Wayna’ take an average of 3 hours. The tour of the Inca site 2 hours.

  • The 1st Group (enters from 07:00 a.m. to 08:00 a.m.) – This group can make their entrance to Machu Picchu from 06:00 a.m. and stay until 01:00 p.m.
  • The 2nd Group (enters from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) – This group can make their entrance to Machu Picchu from 06:00 a.m. and stay until 02:00 p.m.

Is it mandatory to hire a guide to Machu Picchu?

Yes, it is mandatory to make the tour of the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu with a guide. The maximum number of tourists is 16 people. The journey takes a maximum of 2 hours. Costs vary from $ 20 to $ 30, depending on the number of people.

From what time is the entrance to Machu Picchu allowed?

The Ticket Machu Picchu, in any of its 4 types must be booked online in advance. This with greater emphasis in high tourism season (June, July, and August). Then the time necessary to acquire the tickets:

  • Ticket Machu Picchu Only – 4 weeks before.
  • Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu – 3 months before.
  • Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain – 4 weeks before.
  • Ticket Machu Picchu + Museum – 4 weeks before.

What documents do you need to enter Machu Picchu?

The basic documents to enter Machu Picchu are the Ticket Machu Picchu and the document with which you made the reservation. Children under 8 years old do not pay.

  • Foreign adult: a valid passport or identity document.
  • University Student: current university card and identity document.
  • Citizen member of the Andean Community of Nations: identity document.
  • Under 17 years old: identity document proving age.

Where are the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes?

The town of Aguas Calientes owes its name to the flow of thermo-medicinal waters that exist in the district. These are located in the upper part of the place, a 20-minute walk from the town’s Main Square. This attraction is recommended after the visit to Machu Picchu. The opening hours are from 05:30 a.m. until 08:00 p.m.

Is it necessary to contract with a travel agency to get to know Machu Picchu?

It is not necessary. The visitor can book the Machu Picchu Ticket and train tickets on their own. However, you can also do so through a travel agency. This depends on the tourist’s taste.

Is Machu Picchu allowed to people of any age?

The Wonder of the World and all its attractions are allowed to people of any age. The only exception is the mountain Huayna Picchu where children under 12 are not allowed to enter.

By iMachu Picchu Ticket

¡Book now Ticket Machu Picchu!
Follow us on: