How to Best Visit Machu Picchu on Your Own in 2024 | Basics Tips & Overview
It’s one of those bucket-list items, a modern-day World Wonder. This mystical once-lost city is more than found and today Machu Picchu is one of the most visited tourist sites in the World.
Overtourism has been a problem and unfortunately, Machu Picchu has fallen victim to its own allurement. Thousands of tourists visit Machu Picchu every day, many looking through misty eyes as they catch a first glimpse of this impressive hilltop Inca Citadel surrounded by fertile mountains.
With that being said, Machu Picchu is the most iconic landmark in Peru and is an unmissable sight on any trip to Peru.
It’s more than common for tourists to travel to Machu Picchu on guided tours, or on day trips from Cusco. However, it’s possible and feasible to visit Machu Picchu on your own schedule and terms.
Overtourism has been a major issue at this sacred site and the government has regulated this by implementing new circuit tickets. This makes it easier to have a Machu Picchu self-guided tour as you simply follow the designated circuit.
This guide is for those travelers looking to visit Machu Picchu on their own without the use of a guide. Included are tips on purchasing Machu Picchu tickets, how to get to Machu Picchu, and useful information on making the most of a visit to the Inca Citadel.
If you enjoy visiting Machu Picchu on your own, why not visit more Inca sites? I’ve listed some of my favorite sites of the Inca Empire in the Sacred Valley and beyond.
Here’s the essential information and tips on how to visit Machu Picchu on your own.
Table of Contents
- Machu Picchu Ticket Information for Independent Travelers
- How to Get from Cusco To Machu Picchu
- How to Visit Machu Picchu on Your Own from Aguas Calientes
- Practical Information for Visiting Machu Picchuon your Own
- Tips on How to Make the Most of a Visit to Machu Picchu Without a Tour
- Where to Sleep to Best Visit Machu Picchu on Your Own
- Conclusion | How to Visit Machu Picchu on Your Own (The Basics)
Machu Picchu Ticket Information for Independent Travelers
The best way to get a ticket to Machu Picchu is by purchasing a ticket online. It allows the most flexibility and can be booked well in advance.
Tickets are now sold by circuits. Machu Picchu tickets are sold as a standard circuit tour of the site or the circuit ticket can include a climb up one of the three mountains in Machu Picchu.
Be mindful that if you choose a mountain ticket it will automatically come with a circuit that you must follow.
➜ Independent travelers will need to purchase online tickets here
If looking to experience the most of Machu Picchu it might be beneficial to look at booking a mountain ticket for one day and then visiting again the following day. Circuit 2 ticket is the most complete circuit ticket. Of course, this depends on what you wish to see and experience in Machu Picchu.
To purchase a ticket online, pick a date and time and the number of people. The reservation system is very clear on what tickets are available. each day.
Make sure to have everyone in your group’s full name, date of birth, and passport information! If planning to visit Machu Picchu on your own, you may have to be more flexible with dates, time, and circuits.
Circuits of Machu Picchu
If planning to visit Machu Picchu on your own, familiarize yourself with the new circuits.
The standard entrance ticket for Machu Picchu is called Llaqta de Macchu. This includes any circuit choice of Circuit 1, 2, 3, or 4. Simply purchase this ticket and decide which circuit you wish to follow upon arrival.
The most complete circuit is Circuit 2. This includes the iconic view of Machu Picchu and takes around 3 hours to walk.
New for 2023, there is now an opportunity to visit the impressive Inca Bridge. This narrow stone bridge has a wood crossing and was closed for a long time. The Inca Bridge is included in the Circuit 1 or 2 ticket options.
The official Peru Ministerio de Cultura website highlights all of the circuits on their website.
3 Mountains of Machu Picchu
There are now three mountain options to climb in Machu Picchu. Again, this is to help distribute tourists throughout the park.
The three mountains in Machu Picchu are Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and Huchuy Picchu. Each mountain corresponds with a circuit. Mountain tickets are regulated and limited to around
| Mountain | Hike Duration | Max Altitude |
| Huchuy Picchu | +/- 1 hour | 8,192 Feet |
| Wayna Picchu | +/- 2 to 3 hours | 8,835 Feet |
| Machu Picchu | +/- 2 to 4 hours | 10,043 Feet |
- Huayna Picchu (Wayna Picchu) includes Circuit 4
- Huchuy Picchu includes Circuit 4
- Machu Picchu Mountain includes Circuit 3
Huayna Picchu (Wayna Picchu) | Altitude 8,835 FT (2693 M)
Huayna Picchu is the unforgettable mountain that sits behind the site of Machu Picchu when you think of that iconic photo of the site. Huayna Picchu is also referred to as Wayna Picchu and translates to “new mountain.” This steep mountain is one of the most popular to climb and is typically booked out at least 2-3 months in advance. You must follow Circuit 4 if purchasing a Wayna Picchu Ticket.
Huchuy Picchu | Altitude 8,192 FT (2497 M)
Huchuy Picchu is close to Wayna Picchu but sits at a lower altitude. This is the newest mountain that has been opened in Machu Picchu. Huchuy Picchu translates to “little mountain.” As this mountain is not as tall or strenuous to climb as the others, tickets are available to purchase up until noon. Huchuy Picchu includes Circuit 4.
Machu Picchu Mountain | Altitude 10,043 FT (3061 M)
Machu Picchu Mountain is the tallest mountain to climb inside the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This is the mountain I climbed and it offers awesome views of Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu in the backdrop. Reach the top of the mountain by following stone steps that twist up the mountainside. Machu Picchu Mountain translates to the “old mountain” and includes a mandatory following of Circuit 3.
Purchase Machu Picchu Tickets in Person
This has recently changed! There are no more in-person ticket purchases for Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes. Those who were looking to pick up last-minute tickets to Machu Picchu in Aguas Calientes will be extremely disappointed.
Tickets for Machu Picchu must be purchased and reserved online. In Cusco, there are two places to collect tickets: Casa Garcilaso and Calle Maruri #340
How to Get from Cusco To Machu Picchu
Cusco, the once Imperial City of the Incas is now a tourist hub base for travel to Machu Picchu. Cusco is well connected with South America with an airport, and multiple bus stations, and is home to numerous tour agencies.
The Imperial City of Cusco sits at a towering altitude of 11,152 Feet (3,400 m). Make sure to spend at least a few days in Cusco acclimating to the altitude. There are tons of things to do in Cusco while acclimating, like delving into the food scene and eating at the best Cusco restaurants, visiting lesser-known Inca sites, or spending time at one of the many museums.
Cusco Elevations
| Peru Location | Elevation |
| Cusco City | 11,152 Feet (3,400 m) |
| Sacred Valley | 9,400 Feet (2,865 m) |
| Machu Picchu | 7,972 Feet (2,430 m) |
| Aguas Calientes | 6,693 Feet (2,040 m) |
If looking to visit Machu Picchu on your own you’ll have to reach Aguas Calientes. This village is at the base of Machu Picchu and is also known as Machupicchu Pueblo.
Aguas Calientes has a railroad station. There are no roads that lead to Aguas Calientes, so you’ll either need to book a train ticket or reach the hamlet via a trekking trail or by collectivo (mini bus).
Cusco to Machu Picchu via Train
Aguas Calientes is serviced by not one, but two rail companies. Both PeruRail and IncaRail run multiple trains from Cusco to Machu Picchu. PeruRail and IncaRain offer services to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Rail tickets can be direct from Cusco to Aguas Calientes or can require a van transfer in Ollantaytambo.
Trains disembark in the Sacred Valley from the Old Inca town of Ollantaytambo, which is worth visiting in its own right.
If planning on visiting Machu Picchu on your own as a day trip, taking the train is the best option (although it can be costly).
Cusco to Machu Picchu via Collectivo
Collectivos are the cheapest option to get to Machu Picchu. Keep in mind that collectivos can not drive into Aguas Calientes. Collectivos depart from Cusco and Ollantaytambo and arrive at the Hydroelectric station.
The bus journey to Aguas Calientes is typically 5 to 6 hours from Cusco, so you will need to sleep at least one night in Aguas Calientes.
After that, it’s around a 5-mile walk along the railroad tracks from the collectivo hub to the lower entrance gate of Machu Picchu. The trail is flat and takes around 2 hours. Add on an extra mile if planning on walking to the center of Machupicchu Pueblo.
Cusco to Machu Picchu Trekking Options
There are a few Cusco multi-day trekking options, to reach Machu Picchu. The two trails that can be done independently are the Salkantay Trek and the intrepid Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek.
Both the Salkantay Trek and the Choquequirao to Machu Picchu Trek lead to the Hydroelectric hub and follow the railroad tracks into Aguas Calientes.
There is also the highly regulated Classic Inca Trail. The Classic Inca Trail requires a guide, so it is not an option for those looking to visit Machu Picchu without a guide or tour.
How to Visit Machu Picchu on Your Own From Aguas Calientes
Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll need to reach the main entrance gate of Machu Picchu. The two main options are to hike from the lower entrance gate or to take a bus from Aguas Calientes.
Hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Those planning a Machu Picchu self-guided tour can opt to hike from the lower entrance. This option is ideal for those looking to save money, or those staying on the outskirts of town.
The trail that leads to Machu Picchu is found about 1 mile away from the center of Aguas Calientes. If walking the railroad tracks from Hyrdoelectica you’ll pass by the lower entrance gate on your way into Aguas Calientes.
The lower entrance gate and the start of the hike are found here directly after crossing the Urubamba River.
To access the hiking trail to Machu Picchu, show your entrance ticket along with your passport.
☛ It is not possible to enter the Machu Picchu Sanctuary for 2 hours before your issued ticket time (unless you choose to visit the nearby museum)
The trail is called Camino Peatonal a Machu Picchu and is a well-marked path that twists through the jungle. There are stone staircases and do have intersections on the heavily trafficked Hiram Bingham Road.
Once you start on the uphill trail there are few places to take a break along the way.
The trail itself requires some physical exertion. The Camino Peatonal trail to Machu Picchu is a 1-mile steep climb from the lower entrance gate to the main entrance gate. There are conflicting reports of how long it takes to reach the top. I would plan on at least an hour, with the official Peru website stating the trail requires 1.5 hours.
🥾 Machu Picchu Camino Peatonal | Distance: 1.7 KM (1 mile) | Duration: +/- 1 hour | Requires a Machu Picchu Ticket with an entrance time no more than 2 hours before reservation time | It took me around 45 minutes to hike from the trailhead to the main entrance gate
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
If short on time or don’t feel like hiking, there is a bus that takes visitors from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu. The buses are frequent, but an expensive alternative for visiting Machu Picchu on your own.
Round-trip Bus tickets to Machu Picchu start around $24 USD or can be booked online for a more exorbitant fee of around $34 USD.
Buses are frequent and typically depart every 15 minutes or so, but be prepared for long lines in the morning. Plan accordingly. The bus ride itself takes around 30 minutes.
Aguas Calientes Bus to Machu Picchu | Find it here: Avenida Hermanos Ayar | Requires a Machu Picchu Ticket and passport
- Buses Up to Machu Picchu: depart from Aguas Calientes between 5:30 – 15:30
- Buses Down from Machu Picchu: depart to Aguas Calientes between 6:00 – 17:30
Practical Information for Visiting Machu Picchu Independently
Make sure to have your passport and entrance ticket and that you are within the right time frame to enter! Double and Triple check your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu! Plan for enough time to make it to the entrance gate if you are hiking or taking the bus from Aguas Calientes.
Those travelers who purchased a Circuit Ticket with an add-on mountain climb for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have early entrance times, as the mountains shut down in the afternoon to climbers.
Machu Picchu Archaeological Park | Hours: Daily, 6:00 – 17:00 | Lower entrance opens at 5:00 for arrival to the main entrance at 6:00 | Standard Ticket Price: 152 PEN ($41 US) | Ticket Price with Mountain: 200 PEN ($54 USD)
It is not required to use a guide to visit Machu Picchu. In fact, with the new circuit tickets, it’s much easier to enjoy a Machu Picchu self-guided tour. However, there is a lot to see in Machu Picchu and a lot of the site is best explained by a local guide.
Guides are available onsite at the entrance gate if you wish to join a tour. They are eagerly waiting at the main entrance gate. Verify their badge and credentials before joining a tour.
More Useful Tips for the Machu Picchu Entrance Gate
- Snack Bar and Restaurant available before ticket control
- Bathrooms ONLY available before ticket control
- Luggage storage available
- Check your ticket to see if you can re-enter once you leave the site (Almost always this is a huge no-no)
Tips on How to Make the Most of a Visit to Machu Picchu Without a Tour
Machu Picchu is extremely touristic, but I get the charm of this mystical city built in the clouds. Those who plan on visiting Machu Picchu independently should be prepared for a long day on their feet.
Between hiking up to the entrance gate, exploring Machu Picchu, and climbing Machu Picchu Mountain, I racked up almost 20 miles!
Here are some tips on how to get the most out of a visit to Machu Picchu.
Do Hike up One of the Machu Picchu Mountains
If you want to experience Machu Picchu from another angle, do book a climb up one of the Mountains. In my opinion, I think that either Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are the best options as both require an early morning entrance time. Wayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain do not allow access in the afternoon.
Although Huayna Picchu is usually booked out well in advance, it’s fairly easy to obtain a ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain, for now.
Remember, each mountain coincides with a predetermined circuit. Also, a mountain ticket usually permits for a longer stay in the Archaeological Park.
Avoid the Busy Time at Machu Picchu
If planning to visit Machu Picchu on your own, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Machu Picchu is one of the most popular day trips from Cusco, so the mid-morning and early afternoon is jam-packed with day trippers.
I found the quietest times to visit Machu Picchu are right away at 6:00 – 7:00 and after 15:00. Machu Picchu starts to get noticeably busy from 11:00 – 15:00. After 15:00, Machu Picchu starts to get a little less busy as day-trippers head back to Cusco. Also, tired visitors are ready to relax and unwind in Aguas Calientes.
With the Mountain Circuit Tickets try to get the first possible ticket. This also allows the summit to be quieter, especially if you’re extra fit and in shape.
I had a 7:00 entrance ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain and shared the summit with only 6 people. On the way down, there were lots of large groups and families taking the ascent.
Mountain circuit tickets should try to book the earliest ticket. If not booking a Mountain climb, the late afternoon is typically more quiet.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu (Season)
If trekking, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season from May – September. The rainy season from December – March is susceptible to heavy rains that can cause landslides and rockslides. Even the famed Inca Trail closes down every year in February.
The dry season months are usually the busiest months to visit Machu Picchu. Entrance tickets are harder to find and prices of lodgings are higher. The rainy season is typically quieter, but less ideal for hikers.
Machu Picchu is open year-round.
Be Flexible
If visiting Machu Picchu without a tour there is so much flexibility. However, you may also have to be flexible on the entrance ticket. For example, maybe you wanted to climb Wayna Picchu, but only Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are available.
Be flexible with the entrance times and what circuit tickets are available.
To avoid disappointment book online tickets as soon as possible, but also be willing to embrace a different itinerary.
With the new circuit tickets for Machu Picchu, it may be best to book a mountain ticket one day and explore the full Circuit Two the next day. Look at multiple options.
Pack Snacks & Use the Restroom
Be prepared to enter Machu Picchu at your entrance time. Those with standard entrance tickets and almost all other tickets are not allowed back into the Sanctuary once you exit.
Keep in mind there are no bathrooms inside the park and you must exit the site to use the facilities. Many people learn this the hard way and use the restroom only to be frustrated and upset that they can not reenter the park.
Use the restroom before entering. Stow large backpacks at the main entrance gate. Those hiking up a mountain can typically spend 6 – 7 hours in the park so make sure to pack a small bag with snacks and water.
A Note on the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu (Inti Punku)
With the new circuit tickets at Machu Picchu, it is no longer possible to visit the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu, or Inti Punku. This is the entrance point of the famous Classic Inca Trail that departs way back near Ollantaytambo.
This area was one of my favorite sections in the entire park of Machu Picchu. The stone path was filled with llamas and following the trail felt like stepping back in time. I sat here for a few hours watching people walk through the entrance gate to Machu Picchu and cry as they had their first glimpses of this sacred site.
The trail is about a one-mile ascent from the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. Now, the only way to experience the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu is by walking the Classic Inca Trail or the Short Inca Trail (2 days/ 1 night) with a guide.
The Sun Gate can not be included on your itinerary if visiting Machu Picchu on your own.
Psst… There is another Sun Gate in Ollantaytambo that makes for a spectacular hike in the Sacred Valley. The trail follows the Old Inca Quarry Trail and is free to enjoy.
Departure from Machu Picchu
When you’re ready to leave, (I know, it’s hard to say goodbye to this magical place) depart out the main entrance gate.
Those hiking down to Aguas Calientes just need to turn to the left and follow the same trail that brought you here. This time it’s downhill and should go faster.
Otherwise, there are still bus tickets, and now, a really long line for those waiting to get back down to Aguas Calientes.
Reminder: One-way tickets down to Aguas Calientes from the ticket box are $12 USD.
Where to Sleep to Best Visit Machu Picchu on Your Own
Aguas Calientes does offer other things to do besides Machu Picchu. So many slow down and relax by soaking in the hot springs or exploring some of the natural beauty of the area.
If you opt to sleep in Machupicchu Pueblo, it’s about an hour’s walk to the central area from the lower entrance gate. In the center of Aguas Calientes are where a majority of the restaurants and hotels are. This is also where the train station to Cusco is located and the bus station that connects Aguas Calientes to the main Machu Picchu entrance gate.
Those visiting Machu Picchu independently may wish to camp close to the lower entrance gate. There are a few campsites near the lower entrance gate including the simple Municipal Camping grounds. Additionally, Wayna Picchu Camping is an excellent option for those just looking to sleep cheap and close to the bottom entrance control of Machu Picchu
However, there are tons of accommodation options in Aguas Calientes. Find everything from hotels, hostels, guestrooms, and more. Those looking to splurge can sleep right next to Machu Picchu at the Belmond Machu Picchu Sanctuary.
Top Rated Places to Stay in Machupicchu Pueblo
➜ Supertramp Hostel Machupicchu
➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in Machu Picchu Pueblo
More Inca Sites in Peru to Visit Without a Tour
Machu Picchu is the most famous Inca site in Peru, but nearby there are just as grand and stunning Archaeological Parks in the Sacred Valley and Cusco. If you enjoyed visiting Machu Picchu without a tour then purchase a Cusco Tourist Ticket and visit all of the 16 sites without a tour.
Of course, there are these free Inca ruins in Cusco. Don’t overlook the Cusco South Valley or miss one of the most incredible Inca sites of all, Waqrapukara. Some say that Maukallaqta is in fact the birthplace of the Incas.
Heading from Aguas Calientes to Cusco stop in the unmissable Sacred Valley. There are popular Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Chinchero, and Moray. Additionally, there are unique sites like Ñaupa Iglesia, the Perolniyoc Waterfall that boasts Inca ruins at the top, Saywa Mountain in underrated Urubamba, and the Huchuy Qosqo hike. The Pumamarca ruins are said to pre-date the Inca empire.
The Choquequirao ruins are also a great alternative to visiting Machu Picchu and are only reachable via an out-and-back trek.
Conclusion | How to Visit Machu Picchu on Your Own (The Basics)
Machu Picchu is beautiful with its llamas and alpacas roaming on stony terraces, and powerful mountains in the backdrop, and is a sacred site. If planning to visit Machu Picchu on your own, it’s quite straightforward and simple, especially with the new circuit tickets.
This quick guide includes how to travel to Machu Picchu, tips on how to visit Machu Picchu on your own, and how to make the most of a visit.
Visiting Machu Picchu is an incredible experience, whether you do it independently or on a tour.
Have you visited Machu Picchu? Did you visit Machu Picchu independently or as part of a tour? What did you think of this sacred site? Let me know in the comments below!
Pack This Post for Later! Pin It!
Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.
Hi! We’re absolutely loving your suggestions for Peru and have used your posts a lot for our trip this summer. We are having a hard time finding out when we can purchase the tickets for Machu Picchu. Do you know how far in advance we can do this? We’re planning on doing the Huanya Picchu hike with Circuit 4 and then Circuit 2 later in the day. Do you have any recommendation on how long we should book the second if we do the first at the earliest time slot in the morning?
Thanks again!!
Thanks Anna-
I recommend booking Machu Picchu tickets directly through the Ministerio de Cultura: https://reservas.machupicchu.gob.pe/inicio
They will have all the information and slots that are available. Be mindful that Huanya Picchu is the most popular mountain to climb so this tickets sell out extremely fast and can be booked out months in advance. All the mountains have limited time slots in the morning.
Circuits are new to me at Machu Picchu. They were added after I visited, but while I was still living in Peru. Many people opt to complete one circuit and mountain one day and return the following day to see the other circuit. In fact I have had many readers tell me they booked different circuits on separate days. It may be best as there is only one cafe at the top of the mountain.
Hope this helps and enjoy your trip to Peru!
Megs