How Many Days Should You Spend in Machu Picchu?
After traveling for several days from your home country, you want to ensure you have enough time to visit and explore the Inca citadel. Most visitors exert significant effort and expense to reach this remote destination in the Andes Mountains. So, how much time should you spend inside the Machu Picchu? Should you stay for 1 day, 2 days, or longer? And what will you experience?
A traditional guided tour takes about 2-3 hours to wander along a one-way circuit of your choice. There are now several circuits to choose from. Machu Picchu has updated their official government website, which is open to everyone. Links on the homepage provide access to information about the 10 circuits available with the General entry ticket. For more information about the circuits and maps, visit Machu Picchu circuits.
How Many Hours to Spend in Machu Picchu
The time you spend at Machu Picchu depends on the circuit indicated on your Machu Picchu ticket and your physical fitness. If you have a ticket for a short route, we recommend getting a tour guide to enhance your experience of visiting the Inca citadel. If you have tickets for multiple routes, start with a guided tour and then explore the citadel on your own. Here’s a general guide:
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu
Route A – Mount Machu Picchu:
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
Description: Hike and visit from the Guardian House to Machu Picchu Mountain.
Route B – Panoramic:
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Description: Take the best pictures from the Guardian House and return to the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Route C – Sun Gate:
Duration: 4 hours
Description: Walk to the Sun Gate (Intipunko) and return to the Guardian House for a view of Machu Picchu.
Route D – Inca Bridge:
Duration: 3 hours
Description: Take the best postcard photo of Machu Picchu and continue to the Inca Bridge, then return to the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Circuit 2 Machu Picchu
Route 1 Classic Machu Picchu:
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Description: Explore the entire Inca citadel.
Route 2 Lower Terrace:
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Description: Explore the lower terraces of the Inca citadel.
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu
Route A – Huayna Picchu Mountain:
Duration: 6 hours
Description: Climb up to Huayna Picchu Mountain and return to the Machu Picchu gate.
Route B – Royalty Designed:
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Description: Explore the lower part of the Inca citadel.
Route C – Great Cavern:
Duration: 7 hours
Description: Explore the lower part of the citadel, visit the Great Cavern, and return to the main entrance of Machu Picchu.
Route D – Huchuy Picchu:
Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Description: Explore the lower part of the citadel, walk up to Huchuy Picchu Mountain, and return to the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
How Many Days Should You Spend at Machu Picchu?
While many tourists spend multiple travel days getting to Machu Picchu, they often spend only 3 to 4 hours at the site. We recommend staying overnight and spending two days at Machu Picchu to fully appreciate it and experience everything it has to offer.
A single visit can be as short as 3 to 4 hours, but having at least two visits allows you to explore more thoroughly. We suggest purchasing the Machu Picchu Circuit 2 ticket and adding Circuit 3 with Huayna Picchu or Mount Machu Picchu for an extended experience.
Stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu to enjoy the town. It is a quirky tourist spot that caters to both backpackers and luxury travelers, sitting dramatically along mountain streams at the base of Machu Picchu. The Peru Rail tracks run down the main street, and there are numerous tourist stalls, restaurants, and bars. The lively atmosphere of Aguas Calientes is a fun contrast to the serenity of Machu Picchu.
How to See Machu Picchu in One Day
Wondering how you can explore Machu Picchu in just one day? We’ve got you covered. Our 1-Day Machu Picchu tour allows you to discover this enigmatic site on a one-day excursion by train from Cusco. It’s a long day, but it’s perfect for those who are short on time and want to experience the magic of Machu Picchu.
For more details, or to book, Machu Picchu day tour from Cusco.
Machu Picchu: How to Visit in Two Days
If you have a bit more time, the best way to see the site is to hop on our Machu Picchu 2-Day Train Tour. Choose from two exciting options for this tour:
Classic Itinerary: Start by exploring the highlights of the Sacred Valley, then travel by train to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night there and visit Machu Picchu the next day.
Slow Travel Option: Opt for a unique experience by visiting Machu Picchu in the afternoon and touring the Sacred Valley the following day in reverse. This off-the-beaten-track approach offers a more relaxed pace and a different perspective.
Both options provide a comprehensive and enriching experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and history of Machu Picchu.
For more details, or to book, Machu Picchu tours from Cusco
Lima to Machu Picchu: How long it takes to visit the citadel
Machu Picchu from Lima is the second most popular trip to the Inca citadel. If you don’t have much time to visit Machu Picchu and are in Lima for work or vacation, you may be surprised to learn that Machu Picchu is located in Cusco. If you don’t have enough time to visit, the best option is to take a flight from Lima to Cusco, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are 32 daily flights from Lima to Cusco.
Once you arrive, you can either spend the night in Cusco or take a bus and train directly to Machu Picchu. If you already have a ticket, we recommend going directly to Machu Picchu. However, if you don’t have a ticket, it’s best to wait a day and try to get one in Cusco or travel to Aguas Calientes and try to get one there.
If you’re planning to take the bus from Lima to Cusco, remember that the trip is long and tiring – it takes about 21 hours to get to Cusco.
RELATED INFO: MACHU PICCHU LAST MINUTE TICKETS
What comfort level makes your journey enjoyable?
Most tour companies book group tours at 3-star hotels. We upgraded our hotels to 4-star accommodations, anticipating that we might need a higher level of comfort and better quality food choices for breakfast. This proved to be a wise decision. The altitude of the Andes Mountains affected us more than we anticipated. It never stopped us from doing anything, but it was always a minor discomfort that impacted our trip. We didn’t find ourselves gasping for breath or reaching for oxygen tanks, but we did experience headaches, lightheadedness, and more fatigue than expected.
The biggest challenge we faced was trying to sleep. Often, we found ourselves breathing heavily and waking up at odd hours. Even after 7 days at high altitude, we never fully adjusted to the climate. Comfortable hotels helped ease the adjustment and make it less of a problem. Being mindful of what we ate and taking advantage of good breakfasts definitely reduced time lost to sickness.
How Long Should You Stay in Cusco Before Visiting Machu Picchu?
Cusco is the closest airport to Machu Picchu, so most travelers will pass through Cusco. How many days to spend in Cusco is a common question from travelers. We recommend booking two days in Cusco before your trip to Machu Picchu, one night in Aguas Calientes (near Machu Picchu), and then two days in Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu. This combination worked well for us, and if you have more time, we recommend spending an additional day in Cusco. Cusco is an enjoyable place to stage your journey to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. There is also a lot of history and culture to be experienced in Cusco.
How to Get to Machu Picchu?
Should You Travel to Machu Picchu from Cusco or the Sacred Valley?
When planning your trip to Machu Picchu, you have two main options for departure: Cusco or the Sacred Valley. Both options involve traveling by train with Peru Rail or Inca Rail, the only operators on these railways.
If you choose to stay in Cusco, you can spend 1, 2, or 3 days exploring the city before taking the train to Machu Picchu. The journey starts with an hour and a half drive from Cusco to the Sacred Valley.
Alternatively, you may find it more convenient to spend the night before your visit to Machu Picchu in the Sacred Valley near the train station at Ollantaytambo. This small Inca citadel is worth exploring and allows you to enjoy a longer rest before departing early in the morning for Machu Picchu. We recommend using a travel company to help you make the best decisions for your trip.
Which Train Station Should You Depart From to Machu Picchu?
There are three train stations currently in operation:
San Pedro Train Station: This station is exclusively used by PeruRail and is located in Cusco.
Poroy Train Station: Situated 30 minutes from Cusco by car, this station is also used only by PeruRail. From Poroy, the exclusive luxury train Hiram Bingham departs.
Ollantaytambo Train Station: Located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Cusco, this station is the most popular and busiest. Both Inca Rail and PeruRail operate from here.
When choosing your train departure, consider where you stayed the night before. Most people depart for Machu Picchu from either Poroy Station near Cusco or Ollantaytambo Station in the Sacred Valley. The train ride from Poroy to Machu Picchu is a little over three hours, while the journey from Ollantaytambo Station is roughly half that time.
Another consideration is cost. The full train fare from Poroy costs much more than the fare from Ollantaytambo. If you have a group of 2 to 6 people, it may be less expensive to take a transfer from Cusco and then pay the lower train fare from Ollantaytambo. If you use a tour operator, let them know where you want to start your trip, and they will provide you with a travel budget based on your request.
For the best landscape experience, we recommend departing from Poroy. The return transfer back to Cusco might be late at night after a long day at Machu Picchu. You will enjoy spectacular nighttime views of the stars and the Milky Way, a sight that the Incas once marveled at.
The Ideal Itinerary to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Our Must-See itineraries take you from Cusco for the best experience, culminating in a visit to the unparalleled Machu Picchu:
Ideal Itinerary to Machu Picchu with Natural Mountain Colors
Day 1: Cusco: Explore the capital of the Incas.
Day 2: Sacred Valley of the Incas and Machu Picchu: Journey through the Sacred Valley and head towards Machu Picchu.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Rainbow Mountain: Visit the stunning Rainbow Mountain.
Day 5: Cusco: Explore the city and visit the local San Pedro market.
Ideal Itinerary to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Day 1: City Tour: Discover Cusco and the “4 Ruins” to get a sense of Cusco’s wonderful charm and the blend of Inca, colonial, and contemporary culture.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour: The Sacred Valley has a milder climate than Cusco, and on this tour, you will see a succession of picturesque villages, agricultural terraces, and many archaeological sites.
Day 3: Machu Picchu Tour or Short Inca Trail: Take the train or hike along the Inca Trail from Km 104 to the Sun Gate, and spend the night in Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Hike or take the bus back up to the archaeological site for your guided tour.
Day 5: Cusco Walk: Spend your last day exploring Cusco, heading back to its colorful markets for some last-minute souvenir shopping before heading home.
Ideal Itinerary for Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Explore Cusco city and visit the camping center to buy any equipment missing for your trip.
Day 2: Sacred Valley or Free Day for Acclimation
Day 3: Start the Inca Trail at Km 82 from Cusco
Day 4: Inca Trail
Day 5: Inca Trail
Day 6: Hiking to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail
Day 7: Cusco, explore or departure day.
Ideal Itinerary with a Sacred Mountain and the Most Beautiful Lake
Day 1: Explore Cusco and visit the San Pedro Market or stay at your hotel to acclimate.
Day 2: Walking Tour in Cusco or City Tour of the 4 Ruins, Cathedral, and Coricancha Church
Day 3: Salkantay Trek and Humantay Lake
Day 4: Salkantay Trek
Day 5: Salkantay Trek
Day 6: Salkantay Trek
Day 7: Machu Picchu Hike from Salkantay Trek
Day 8: Cusco, try the local cuisine, like the guinea pig (cuy).
These itineraries are examples of what you can do from Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu and how many days you can spend at different sites before the main visit. Cusco and Machu Picchu offer the best destinations to explore and visit, and you can plan your trip in advance according to your holidays.
Reasons to Book Early for Your Machu Picchu Adventure
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu? Here are two compelling reasons to book your journey well in advance:
1. Secure Your Entrance Tickets
Machu Picchu is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, and entrance tickets often sell out months in advance due to limited availability and immense popularity. Booking early ensures that you won’t miss out on the chance to explore this iconic site.
2. Support Local Communities and Responsible Tourism
By booking your trip early, you help create stability for local communities. Early bookings allow local businesses to plan and prepare better, fostering a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry. This contributes positively to the economy and helps preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
Planning ahead not only guarantees your spot at Machu Picchu but also contributes to the well-being of the local community and the environment. Make your reservations today for a smoother, more responsible travel experience.