Hidden between mountains and touching the sky lies one of the most mysterious and magnetic places in the world—a place that transmits peace and good vibes, and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The ruins of Machu Picchu are arguably the most famous archaeological site on the planet.
Considered one of the magnetic centers of the Earth, it will recharge your energy just by walking through the Sacred City or touching the famous Intihuatana. Machu Picchu is a global spiritual center where you can fully connect with nature—a dream for many travelers that we have been lucky enough to fulfill.
What to See in Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu
The citadel of Machu Picchu itself is a wonder that dazzles anyone who sees it. However, within the archaeological complex, there are more places you must visit and cannot miss. Although there are more than 100 constructions, here are the most important ones:
- The Temple of the Sun
- The Intihuatana
- The Temple of the Three Windows
- The Temple of the Condor
- The Hall of Mirrors
- The Staircase of the Fountains
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain
- The Temple of the Moon
- The Gate of the Sun (Intipunku)
- The Main Plaza
- The Royal Tomb
- The Sacred Rock
If you decide to climb Huayna Picchu, you will see the citadel of Machu Picchu in all its splendor from above. Additionally, the path up the mountain offers impressive landscapes that leave any visitor speechless.
Should I Visit Machu Picchu on My Own or with an Excursion?
This is one of the questions that most travelers ask us. We visited Machu Picchu on our own, but in the end, the price was almost the same as if we had done it with an excursion. Moreover, hiring a guide is mandatory.
For those who do not have much experience traveling, we recommend visiting Machu Picchu with a tour so you don’t have to worry about anything. If you choose to visit Machu Picchu on your own, you will need to buy the entrance ticket either online or in person. You must travel independently from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and then take the train to Aguas Calientes. From there, you need to purchase a bus ticket that will take you from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, and once there, you must hire a guide.
We decided to visit Machu Picchu on our own because we don’t like strict schedules, but you must weigh what is more worthwhile for you.
How Much Does the Entrance Fee to Visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu Cost on the Official Website?
The entrance fee to Machu Picchu varies based on nationality and age (adults and children) on the official website: https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/. You have three options: tickets for Cusco residents (which have a special price), tickets for Peruvians and countries from the Andean Community (Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia), and tickets for Machu Picchu for the rest of the countries.
Before selecting the date and time of your visit to Machu Picchu, confirm with your mode of transport (train or bus) the time of arrival to Machu Picchu town and consider the transfer time to the entry point (Bus Consetur), as tickets can only be used at the selected time. Please note that these prices may vary.B
If you have any questions, you can contact the Machu Picchu offices:
Phone: +51 84 582030
Email: callcenter@culturacusco.gob.pe
Opening hours (Peru time): Monday – Friday 08:00 – 14:00
What Are the Entry Times to Visit Machu Picchu?
Visitors who arrive at the Llaqta (or citadel) of Machu Picchu via the traditional pedestrian path over the ruins bridge or hiking routes like Salkantay or Inca Trekking must arrive by 5:00 am. Regular entry to Machu Picchu (for those taking the bus from Aguas Calientes) is from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm. The regular departure from the complex is at 5:00 pm.
Where to Buy the Ticket to Visit Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu?
You can buy tickets to Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu through the official website https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/ and at the ticket office located on Garcilaso Street s/n in Cusco, from 07:00 to 19:00 hours, or at the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco, located at Maruri Street No. 340. If you decide to buy in person, you must present your identity document or passport.
In the town of Aguas Calientes, you cannot buy tickets, not even at the entrance to Machu Picchu. If you want to visit Machu Picchu with everything organized and all-inclusive, you can buy tickets from a travel agency, which will include the transfer from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu, and a tour guide (the latter is always mandatory).
Hope you travel safe and sound. Enjoy the ruins, Cusco and the Peruvian culture.