Quick Snapshot
- Best For: Bucket-listers, hikers, culture lovers
- Location: Machu Picchu via Cusco & Sacred Valley, Peru
- Time Needed: 3–5 days (more with multi-day treks)
- Best Season: Apr–Oct (dry season; May/Sept sweet spots)
- Budget Range: £600–£1,500+ excluding flights
- Starting Point: Cusco (CUZ)
Why It’s Bucket List Worthy
An Inca citadel hidden among Andean peaks, Machu Picchu blends engineering genius with jungle-mountain drama—best experienced at first light as mist lifts off the terraces.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders.
- Multiple access options: train day-trip, 2-day overnight, or multi-day treks.
- Sunrise viewpoints (Inti Punku) and sweeping terrace perspectives.
How to Do It
When to Go
- Dry season Apr–Oct; wet season Nov–Mar (fewer crowds but rain).
- Permits for the Inca Trail are limited and sell out months ahead.
How to Get There
- Fly to Cusco (CUZ) via Lima; acclimatise 1–2 nights before major exertion.
- Train from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).
- Bus or hike up to the citadel entrance from Aguas Calientes.
Routes / Tour Options
- Entry tickets are timed with set circuits; choose routes with Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain if desired.
- Access options: train day-trip, 2-day with overnight in Aguas Calientes, or treks (Inca, Salkantay, Lares).
- Consider Sacred Valley stops (Pisac, Moray, Maras) en route.
Cost Guide
Budget for entry ticket, bus/train, guide, and optional mountain permits; treks include camping/services with licensed operators.
Preparation
- Acclimatise in Cusco/Sacred Valley (3,400m) to reduce altitude effects.
- Pack layers, rain protection, and insect repellent.
- Book tickets, trains, and permits well in advance (especially peak months).
Step-by-Step / Day-by-Day
- Day 1: Arrive Cusco → acclimatise → gentle city walk and coca tea.
- Day 2: Sacred Valley highlights (Pisac, Ollantaytambo) → train to Aguas Calientes.
- Day 3: Early bus to Machu Picchu → guided tour on chosen circuit → optional Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain → return to Cusco.
- Optional: 4D/3N Inca Trail or 5D Salkantay trek culminating at Machu Picchu.
Tips to Make It Unforgettable
- Book sunrise entry slots; arrive early to queue for buses.
- Hire a licensed guide at the gate or in advance for context.
- Carry passport (checked at entry) and keep tickets handy.
- Respect one-way circuits; re-entry rules change—verify when booking.
- Travel light; luggage storage available at hotels/stations.
Where to Stay
Budget: Aguas Calientes: Rumi Punku/La Cabaña (value)
Mid-Range: El Albergue Ollantaytambo (character stay on the station)
Luxury: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (lush luxury)
Booking & Resources
- ✈️ Flights to Lima/Cusco via Skyscanner
- 🚆 PeruRail / Inca Rail tickets
- 🎟️ Official Machu Picchu entry/permit portals
- 🥾 Licensed trek operators (Inca/Salkantay)
Instagram / TikTok Highlights
- First-light reveal of the citadel from the Guardhouse viewpoint.
- Train window shots along the Urubamba River.
- Condor flyby over terraces (if you’re lucky).
- Coffee steam + misty mountains at dawn.
Final Word
Whether you ride the rails or trek the Andes, Machu Picchu delivers a perfect blend of mystery and majesty—plan ahead and savour the first-light moment.