Machu Picchu Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Machu Picchu tours and ways to visit the legendary Inca citadel high in the Peruvian Andes: gaze over the stone temples and terraces from the classic postcard viewpoint, climb Huayna Picchu for a bird’s-eye view, trek the ancient Inca Trail, ride the scenic train from Cusco through the Sacred Valley, and add the surreal Rainbow Mountain. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the trip of a lifetime.
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Explore Machu Picchu by interest
Whatever brings you to Machu Picchu — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Machu Picchu
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
The Citadel
Inca wonder.
Huayna Picchu
Peak climb.
Inca Trail
Famous trek.
Sacred Valley
Inca sites.
Cusco
Inca capital.
Rainbow Mountain
Striped peak.
Aguas Calientes
Gateway town.
Inca Ruins
Ancient stone.
Site awayThe Citadel
Inca wonder.
Valley awaySacred Valley
Inca sites.
Day trip awayRainbow Mountain
Striped peak.
Climb awayHuayna Picchu
Peak views.
City awayCusco
Inca capital.
Trek awayInca Trail
Famous path.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Machu Picchu visitor asks before booking.
Dry season (May–Sep)
Clear and sunny — the best time to visit.
Shoulder (Apr, Oct)
Greener and quieter, with some rain.
Wet season (Nov–Mar)
Lush but rainy; the Inca Trail closes in February.
Peak (Jun–Aug)
Perfect weather and busiest — book well ahead.
For trekking
The dry season is ideal for the Inca Trail.
Best overall
May to September is ideal.
One day
A train day trip from Cusco.
Two days
Add the Sacred Valley and an overnight.
Several days
Trek the Inca Trail to the citadel.
For trekkers
The 4-day Inca Trail.
For culture
The Sacred Valley and Cusco.
With kids
The train and an easy citadel tour.
By train
Scenic trains run from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.
By trek
The Inca Trail and alternatives arrive on foot.
The bus up
A short bus climbs from Aguas Calientes to the ruins.
Base town
Aguas Calientes is the base at the foot of the site.
Start early
Early entry means fewer crowds and softer light.
Peruvian sol
Peru uses the sol; carry cash for the town and buses.
Book tickets early
Timed citadel tickets sell out — reserve well ahead.
Huayna permit
Add a Huayna Picchu permit for the peak climb.
Inca Trail permits
Trail permits sell out months ahead — book early.
Acclimatise
Spend a day or two in Cusco for the altitude.
Go in dry season
Visit May to September for the clearest skies.
The viewpoint
Head to the classic terrace for the postcard shot.
Citadel tickets
Timed entries sell out — book early.
Inca Trail
Permits sell out months ahead — reserve early.
Huayna Picchu
Peak permits are limited — book ahead.
Train tickets
Popular trains fill up — reserve early.
Peak season
June to August is busiest — book everything ahead.
Aguas hotels
Town rooms are limited — book early for a night.
Citadel tour
Around €60–100 for a guided citadel visit.
Cusco day trip
About €180–350 for a train day trip from Cusco.
Inca Trail
Roughly €400–700 for the 4-day trek.
Sacred Valley
Around €40–80 for a Sacred Valley tour.
Rainbow Mountain
About €45–90 for a Rainbow Mountain day trip.
How to save
Book train and entry as a package to save.
Machu Picchu through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Clear skies.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Green & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
- Best for
- Lush.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.
- Best for
- Shoulder.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Trail closed Feb.