One of my proudest accomplishments (and greatest flexes) is that I’ve solo traveled to all 7 wonders of the world. My very first one was Machu Picchu back in 2017, and in 2025, I had the honor of visiting for a second time. Between my two visits, there’s a lot I’ve learned to make a visit to Machu Picchu smooth sailing. If you’re planning a trip, here’s what to know before you go.
Getting There
Machu Picchu is quite far from the city of Cusco, which is where most people base themselves for a trip (more on that later). There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu and choosing the right path to the world wonder can make or break a trip.
The nearest airport is Cusco. You can easily connect via Lima. But aside from that, here are some ways to actually get to Machu Picchu:
The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a 26-mile hike that takes four days. The final stop is Machu Picchu, so it’s a pretty epic way to reach the world wonder. It doesn’t come without its risks, though; the altitude reaches nearly 14,000 feet, which can cause some daunting side effects to even experienced hikers (more on that below). Book the Inca Trail here.
PeruRail Express Train
Taking the scenic train through the Sacred Valley is, by far, the most fun way to reach Machu Picchu. You can catch the train from Ollantaytambo, which is roughly an hour and a half to two hours from Cusco via car or bus. From there, you’ll take the scenic PeruRail, which offers panoramic views of Sacred Valley, snacks included with your ticket (lots of quinoa snacks like quinoa granola bars, quinoa chips, and quinoa cookies, and also some coca candies), optional alcoholic beverages, and even live entertainment! On my way there, we had live music and dancing, and on the way back, we had a fashion show. It was interesting, to say the least!
Day trip from Cusco
A very common way to visit Machu Picchu is simply by taking a day trip from Cusco via an organized tour. Note that Machu Picchu is quite a hike from Cusco (no pun intended), and takes about 3-4 hours one way, so a day trip is definitely a journey, but it’s possible (I’ve done it!)
Base yourself in Aguas Calientes and visit from there
The name of the closest town to Machu Picchu is Aguas Calientes. You can easily just base yourself there for a night or two and take the bus to Machu Picchu from the city. It’s about a 30-minute bus ride.
Entry Cost and Rules
Tickets to get into Machu Picchu vary depending on which route you take (you can choose between Circuit 1 and Circuit 2). For example, a classic circuit 2 trek is 152 soles per adult, or about 40 USD. Hours are from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
You can purchase a Machu Picchu entry ticket here.
Machu Picchu is a sacred place, so there are some rules you need to abide by. One example is you shouldn’t jump for a photo. When I went in 2017, I used a selfie stick, but when I went in 2025, I was told by my guide that selfie sticks aren’t favorable here. Like most world wonders, tripods are not allowed unless you apply for a permit ahead of time. There are some areas that are roped off, so avoid stepping over any of those lines. And it goes without saying that if you see an alpaca, don’t touch it.
You must bring your passport to Machu Picchu (this is CRUCIAL). You cannot get in without it. Speaking of entering, there are no restrooms once you’re actually entered in, but there is a restroom right outside of entry which costs 2 soles.
Weather
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about Machu Picchu is the weather is extremely unpredictable. It can be sunny as ever one minute and downpouring the next. There are also times when the infamous peak is completely covered in clouds, but if you just wait it out, they will likely disappear (and then probably reappear). Basically, be prepared for unpredictable weather and take it all with a grain of salt.
What to Wear
As mentioned, Machu Picchu is a sacred place, so you don’t want to be in short shorts and a crop top here (though it’s not as strict as, say, Angkor Wat where your shoulders need to be covered). With the weather being as unpredictable as it is, you’ll want to bring layers. Here’s what I’d wear:
- A raincoat — learn from my mistake and bring one! (Note that the markets in town sell ponchos)
- A waterproof bag like GoRuck – as mentioned, learn from my mistake (This is the bag I used in Antarctica and it protected all of my belongings in extreme weather conditions)
- A hat or a head scarf – protect yourself from both the sun and the rain.
- Good hiking shoes – you are going to be walking A LOT, and a lot of those walks will be up and downhill. Hiking boots or quality sneakers are highly recommended (not Converse, like me!)
- A colorful dress for photos — lavender is a great color here, and so is yellow
- … Or for more practical wear, proper hiking/workout clothes.
- Sunglasses – an absolute must
Where to Stay
While it might make sense to book one night near Machu Picchu since it is quite the trek, most folks choose to stay in Cusco and make a day trip of it. Be warned it is a long day, but very possible from Cusco.
My preferred place to stay in town is Motto by Hilton Cusco. The hotel is fairly new (it opened in February 2024), has an included breakfast, and it’s in a central location. Despite it being a Hilton, it has more of a boutique hotel feel. The reception and staff can also help you arrange a day trip to Machu Picchu, along with other recommended activities and tours in the area.
Altitude Sickness
Attitude sickness in Cusco is really no joke. While it is lower in Machu Picchu, you’ll likely still feel it. There are a few ways to combat it or to at least tame its symptoms. Many people choose to take Diamox after getting a script from their doctor (obviously not medical advice, and a conversation you need to have with your doctor).
A very popular way to combat altitude sickness is by sipping coca tea or eating coca leaves. I did this my first trip to Peru and it truly does help, but it also has a jittery stimulant affect (one cup of coca tea is the equivalent of two cups of coffee), so you can only take so much of it. It’s also important to stay hydrated because of the altitude (especially if you plan to imbibe in some Pisco Sours!). Also, fun fact about coca leaves and coca tea — they’re completely legal in Peru and several other countries in South America, but they’re illegal in the US, so don’t bring any back in your suitcase!
What Else To Do in the Area
Machu Picchu is just one of many things worth checking out in this part of Peru. Sacred Valley is a whole other venture. If you are in for a good hike, Rainbow Mountain is a must.
In Cusco, here are a few recommendations:
- Take a city tour
- Take a cooking class with a local chef
- Bean to bar chocolate making class
- Check out Limbus Restobar for cocktails (literally one of the coolest cocktail bars I’ve ever been to!)
Another popular thing to do in this part of the world is to get in touch with your spiritual side. You’ll see some shaman shops around Cusco (but note that there hours are extremely inconsistent). You can also head out on a three-day tour to the Peruvian Amazon, and if you’re wanting to brave it, try ayahuasca.
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