How long should you stay in Cusco and Machu Picchu? Or how many hours can I stay in Machu Picchu? These are frequently asked questions by travelers visiting Peru for the first time and planning their itinerary to include Cusco and Machu Picchu.
Many people visit Machu Picchu on a single day trip, but if you have more time, we recommend planning a more complete experience that includes Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and the Inca citadel. This route is not only more complete but also ideal for getting used to the altitude. But, if you come from areas at sea level or with low altitude, it's very important to take one or two days to adjust before going up to Machu Picchu. A great option is to start your trip in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, continue to Machu Picchu, and finish with a few days in the city of Cusco. This way you'll enjoy each place to the fullest without the altitude affecting your experience.
How many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu?
Before deciding how many days you'll stay in Cusco and Machu Picchu, especially if you plan to go on your own and not with an organized tour, it's key to first secure your Machu Picchu ticket. This is even more important if you want to climb Huayna Picchu mountain, one of the most popular paths in the sanctuary.
Tickets for Circuit 3: Huayna Picchu Mountain often sell out fast, so it's best to book them at least 4 months ahead. Without this early planning, you'll likely only find tickets for less convenient dates and times; but, if you want to be sure you can enter on the day and time that suits you best, it's ideal to book 6 months ahead. Once your Machu Picchu tickets are secure, the next step is to book your train tickets, which can also sell out during peak season. After this, you can plan the rest of your trip: flights, places to stay, and services like tour guides.
Keep in mind that during peak season (May to August), it's a must to make all bookings many months ahead. Otherwise, you risk higher prices or limited availability, as prices go up a lot for last-minute bookings.
So, how many days to spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu? Definetely, the best way to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu are 3, although it can be done in up to 2 days.
RECOMMENDATION: TOUR OF CUSCO & MACHU PICCHU 2 DAYS
Day 01: Visiting Cusco's tourist attractions
If you choose this tour, your adventure will begin early in the morning to explore some of the archaeological sites located very close to the historic center of Cusco: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puca Pucara, and Tambomachay. It is recommended to take this tour as part of an organized excursion, as there is no public transport available to these sites.
| Note: If you prefer to visit on your own, you can hire a taxi for the tour. Don't forget to bring the Cusco Tourist Ticket, which allows you entry to the main archaeological sites in the city and its surroundings. |
The first stop is at Sacsayhuaman, where you can walk around the stone walls and the remains of what was an Inca ceremonial fortress. From here, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Cusco. Next, we will visit the archaeological center of Qenqo, where you can explore an underground chamber carved directly into the rock and observe the ancient ritual channels through which chicha flowed during ceremonies.
Then we will go to Puca Pucara, also known as "the red fortress." This complex served as a checkpoint and resting place for the Inca's entourage on their way to Tambomachay, the last point of the tour. This site is especially impressive for its still-functioning hydraulic system, which channels water from a spring to the ceremonial fountains used by the Inca for rituals and baths.
After finishing the circuit and returning to Cusco, you can enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants near the traditional San Pedro Market, where you will also have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of native products from the Andean region. To end the day with a cultural touch, we recommend visiting the Museum of Pre Columbian Art, which houses a valuable collection of pieces belonging to the main cultures of ancient Peru, including artistic expressions from the pre-Inca and Inca eras.
Sacsayhuaman Inca Fortress
Day 02: Route in Machu Picchu
The second day starts very early, between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m., to arrive on time for the sunrise at Machu Picchu. This is one of the most magical moments of the trip, as you'll be able to see the citadel with the first rays of sun and without the crowds that arrive later. The full visit usually lasts at least 3 hours.
| Note: If you decide to go on your own, keep in mind that the logistics of the trip can be somewhat expensive (PeruRail or IncaRail trains have high prices) or the journey can be quite complex, as it involves several stages using different forms of public transport. |
Continuing with the tour, you'll have the chance to visit the famous Sun Gate (Intipunku), the old main entrance for those arriving via the Inca Trail. If you booked Circuit 3A, you can climb Huayna Picchu, a walk of about 45 minutes that offers spectacular views of the citadel, valleys, forests and surrounding mountains. Also, inside Machu Picchu, you'll be amazed by architectural gems like the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Main Temple, impressive examples of Inca engineering.
| Extra: If you want to explore Machu Picchu in its entirety, we recommend buying the ticket for Circuit 2, which allows you to tour a large part of the citadel. The other circuits have more limited access to the different areas of the archaeological site. |
How many days to spend in Machu Picchu?
Visiting Machu Picchu just one day and staying in the village for two days is a common mistake. So, the answer to the question how many days is required for visit Machu Picchu? Is that we should visit the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu in two days.
Why stay more days in Machu Picchu?
If you're planning to visit the Inca Citadel and want to climb at least one of its two famous mountains, Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu, know that this can easily take half a day for entry, climbing, and coming down.
How hard the walk is depends on how fit you are. But climbing Huayna Picchu is known as one of the most challenging and steep mountain treks in the world. The view from the top is amazing, and the citadel looks grand from up there. However, exploring Machu Picchu is much more than just climbing. The climb can leave you tired, taking away your energy to see everything this place offers.
Because of this, choosing a 2 day tour to Machu Picchu is a great idea. You'll have more time to see the Sanctuary slowly, and you can also enjoy what Aguas Calientes offers: the Site Museum, the relaxing hot springs, hanging bridges, and other spots for easier walks.
Visiting the Sanctuary a second day has key benefits:
- It lets you climb the second mountain without being worn out from doing both on the same day.
- You have enough time to explore the most important parts of the citadel carefully.
- And, maybe most valuable, you can just sit and enjoy the surroundings peacefully.
In short, staying longer in Machu Picchu not only makes your visit better; it turns the trip into a deeper and more meaningful experience. Because sometimes, the most amazing thing isn't just what you see, but having the time to truly appreciate it.
Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town)
How long does it take to get to Machu Picchu?
To get to Machu Picchu by train you must book tickets online in advance. It is recommended to do so immediately after knowing the date of visit to the Wonder of the World.
Once in the city of Cusco (Peru), the visitor should approach the chosen train station (Poroy, Urubamba or Ollantaytambo station). It is advisable to be 30 minutes before the scheduled travel time.
All train services have as their final destination, the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). From there, you only have to board one of the buses that take you to the door of Machu Picchu in approximately 30 minutes.
The duration of the trip by train (one way) depends on the station where the train is taken:
- From Poroy Station (Cusco): The trip takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- From Urubamba station: The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- From Ollantaytambo station: The trip takes a little less than 2 hours.
If you want to know more information about the scheduales train and services, please visit: train from Cusco to Machu Picchu
How much time can you spend inside the Inca Citadel?
According to the new Machu Picchu rules, the permit to explore the Inca city of Machu Picchu is limited to a maximum of 3 hours. This allows you enough time to properly understand and explore its streets and squares, temples, residences, stairways, fountains, and other amazing structures. Take as many photos as you can, then you can choose the best ones later. The guided tour usually lasts 2 to 3 hours. The tickets are valid for a one-way circuit; you cannot return to the initial point.
Generally speaking, most people complete one lap of the tour with their guide.
How long should stay in Machu Picchu?
Circuit 1 Machu Picchu
Route A – Mount Machu Picchu: The hike and visit from the Guardian House to Machu Picchu Mountain take approximately 7 hours.
Route B – Panoramic: The visit duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can take the best pictures from the Guardian House and then return to the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Route C – Sun Gate: The hike and visit duration is 4 hours, allowing you to walk to the Sun Gate (Intipunko) and return to the Guardian House for a view of Machu Picchu.
Route D – Inca Bridge: The hike and visit duration is 3 hours. You can take a great postcard photo of Machu Picchu and continue to the Inca Bridge. Once finished, you can return to the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Circuit 2 Machu Picchu
Route 1 – Classic Machu Picchu: You can explore the Inca citadel for 2 hours and 30 minutes. This ticket is popular as it allows you to explore the entire Inca citadel.
Route 2 – Lower Terrace: The hike and visit duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing you to explore the Inca citadel.
Circuit 3 Machu Picchu
Route A – Huayna Picchu Mountain: The hike and visit duration is 6 hours, including the climb up to the mountain and the return trip to the Machu Picchu gate.
Route B – Royalty Designed: The hiking and visit duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes, allowing you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel.
Route C – Great Cavern: The hike and visit duration is 7 hours. You will explore the lower part of the citadel, visit the Great Cavern, and then return to the main entrance of Machu Picchu.
Route D – Huchuy Picchu: The hike and visit duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes. You will explore the lower part of the citadel, walk up to Huchuy Picchu Mountain, and then return to the Machu Picchu checkpoint.
Machu Picchu Peru
How long is the walking tour in Machu Picchu?
Most tourists buy the standard ticket for Machu Picchu, which currently costs 152 soles (approx. 62 dollars or 58 euros) per person. According to the new Machu Picchu rules, there are different circuits that permit visiting Machu Picchu. The Circuit 2 Machu Picchu ticket permits you to explore the entire Inca citadel for up to 3 hours. The other tickets have limited routes to visit the citadel.
- Circuit #1 is the shortest. These tickets only allow you to visit the upper part of Machu Picchu. You cannot explore inside the Inca citadel. This circuit involves the new route to Mount Machu Picchu, Intipunku (Sungate), and the Inca Bridge (Puente Inca). Depending on the mountain you select, you will have more time to explore the route, but this does not apply to the Inca citadel.
The trail takes about two and a half hours and is only possible as part of a guided tour. Guides can be booked both at the entrance to Machu Picchu and down in the valley in Aguas Calientes. - Circuit #2 is the longest route. You can explore the entire Inca citadel and follow the classic route to visit Machu Picchu. This ticket permits you to pass all the important buildings such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor. The path begins with a short, steep climb to the keeper's house. From there, you have the famous postcard view of the old Inca city, the Sacred Rock of Machu Picchu, and the Huayna Picchu gate. The path then leads downhill and across the citadel built on artificial terraces.
- Circuit #3 is not the longest or the shortest, but it offers an experience. This tour focuses on the lower part of the Machu Picchu citadel, where the royal buildings are located. The route passes through the religious sector, home to the main Inca temples and enclosures for the elite. Also, depending on the chosen route, whether it's the ascent to Huayna Picchu, the visit to the Great Cavern, or the ascent to Huchuy Picchu mountain, the total tour time can be extended considerably.
| Extra: Regardless of the route, the Circuit 2 Machu Picchu ticket entitles you to a three-hour visit within the admission time specified at the time of reservation. It should be noted that the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, and the Intihuatana Stone are only accessible by the hour, and from the "Plaza de los Templos," the path is only possible in one direction, so visitors are not allowed to go back. |
How can I get the circuits?
Here's a clear, step-by-step guide on how to get your Machu Picchu ticket:
1. Go to the official website - Visit "tuboleto.cultura.pe" and choose "Llaqta Machupicchu" to start buying your ticket.
2. Log in or create an account - You'll need to log in with your Joinnus account. If you don't have one, you can make it right on the platform.
3. Pick your date and circuit - Choose the date you want to visit and the circuit you'd like to explore. There are currently three circuits you can pick from:
- Circuit 1: Panoramic (Route: A, B, C, and D)
- Circuit 2: Classic (Route: A and B)
- Circuit 3: Royalty (Route: A, B, C, and D)
Each circuit offers different views and paths through the citadel.
4. Fill in visitor information - Enter the personal details for each visitor, including full name, type and number of ID or passport. Make sure all the information is correct, as tickets are named and cannot be transferred.
5. Make the payment - Go ahead and pay using the options on the platform. Once your payment is confirmed, you'll get your tickets as digital files.
6. Download and print your tickets - It's a good idea to download and print your tickets to show on the day you visit. You can also keep them on your phone.
When is the best time to visit Cusco and Machu Picchu?
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2025 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
How to travel to Machu Picchu?
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco city or Ollantaytambo in the "Sacred Valley of the Incas". Cusco is about 75 kilometers from Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo only 32 kilometers. The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes a good three hours, from Ollantaytambo one and a half hours. Providers for train journeys to Machu Picchu are Perurail and Incarail, which use trains of different types and equipment on both routes. The cheapest Machu Picchu tickets from Cusco to Machupicchu town, the starting point for most Machu Picchu tours, cost around U$ 76 per tickets, the most expensive around U$ 250 to U$ 500 dollars (Orient Express or Hiram Bingham Train: Luxury Train Cusco to Machu Picchu). Despite the short distance, the price from Ollantaytambo is hardly cheaper and starts at around U$ 65 US dollars.
From Aguas Calientes buses go up to Machu Picchu every few minutes. The eight-kilometre, winding journey takes just under half an hour. The sole provider for the bus rides is the company Consettur. Tickets cost is U$ 12 one way, round U$ 24 per person.
It should be noted that the waiting times for the bus both on the way there and on the way back can be up to several hours, depending on the number of visitors. I myself had to queue for an hour and a half on the outward journey and about 45 minutes on the return journey in September.
How many days do you need to hike Machu Picchu?
Trekking is the best way to have a complete experience, not only with the ruins of Machu Picchu, but also with the fantastic natural environment of the jungle and surrounding mountains. All organized treks have porters, guides and meals included, so that the weight you must carry is significantly reduced. Next, we will advise you How many days do you need to hike Machu Picchu?
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu; without any problem.
Classic Inca Trail
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days is one of those experiences that can change your life, unique and unforgettable; One of the best walks in the world. Walk for 4 days to enter the Inca City of Machu Picchu. The Inca trails will take you through beautiful landscapes, with mountains, rivers, exotic vegetation, and flooded with Inca sites; Although you need good physical condition, it is a simply wonderful experience. However, if you want your first vision of Machu Picchu to be from the Puerta del Sol (Inti Punku), but you don't want to walk for 4 days, you can choose the short Inca Trail (2 days).
Inca Jungle Trek
The Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days is one of the best alternative routes of the Inca Trail, which will take you on a combined route, between mountain biking, hiking and few sections by car, as well as optional adventures how; Rafting and zip line or zip line, for 4 days until arriving at Machu Picchu, definitely an unforgettable experience. You can also visit very little known archeological centers such as Inkatambo and Huamanmarca along the way you can appreciate the ecological diversity that Machu Picchu has.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
The Lares Valley is one of the best options for those who want to be in contact with nature and local people, see beautiful landscapes without bumping into many tourists, and if you are lucky at the highest point you can see one of the largest birds in the world: condors.
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Salkantay and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an incredible journey, which combines beautiful landscapes and ancestral routes.
On this Inca Trail, we will see different Inca archaeological remains that will help us understand Andean life and therefore the Inca culture.
On the last day of the trekking through the snowy Salkantay and Inca Trail towards Machu Picchu we will enter Machu Picchu through the Puerta del Sol with an impressive view of the citadel and the entire valley.
Inca Quarry Trek
The Inca Quarry Trail or Cachicata Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the new hiking trails offered in the Cusco region. Based in the area around Ollantaytambo, the Cachicata walk takes you through high waterfalls, Inca ruins and beautiful places. The highlight of this trip is the visit to the Inca site of Cachicata, the quarry that supplies the stones used in the construction of Ollantaytambo. With mummies, chullpas and well-preserved Inca buildings this is one of the most interesting places in the Cusco region.
How many days to spend in Cusco and Sacred Valley?
The days needed to make a Cusco and Sacred Valley trip like this are 4, although it can be done in up to 3 days, the best way to visit places like the ones you will see in Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley of the Incas is patiently, since the best thing to do the Incas made in their cities, and in a more subtle way, in the constructions made in the new cities founded by the Spaniards, are the details.
If you plan well your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Tour, it is likely to become the trip of a lifetime.
- Day 1: The city of Cusco and the surroundings
Take your first day in Cusco calmly, especially if you come from cities near sea level. You can make a City tour through the city of Cusco from noon, we recommend resting in the morning after your arrival, although we know that you will leave your things at the hotel and will leave as soon as possible to know the city. Drink plenty of coca tea, this will prevent you from getting sick of altitude sickness. You can buy the tourist ticket in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco, this will serve you not only to visit places like Sacsayhuaman, and other archaeological sites around the city, but to visit the churches of Cusco and the archaeological sites in the towns of the Incas' Sacred Valley.
The Cusco tourist ticket includes the best places in the city, the Cathedral of Cusco is probably the first place you visit in your journey through the ancient capital of the Inca Empire, then you can walk to the Coricancha. After going to the archaeological centers on the outskirts of the city, start with Sacsayhuaman then Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Most of the organized City tours end in the Main Square of Cusco, before 7 pm.
- Day 2: Full day excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Chincheros
In most cases, the tours of the Sacred Valley of the Incas start at 45 minutes from the city of Cusco, in the beautiful town of Pisac. The Inca ruins of Pisac will give you an idea of the advanced architecture achieved by the Incas, it is a kind of royal hacienda that apparently belonged to the Inca Pachacutec; here you can see andenería, residences, ceremonial places, canals and aqueducts. Another thing that can not be missed in Pisac, is its handicraft market, with unique and authentic products.
After half a day you can have lunch in Urubamba, the commercial center of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and if you did not know, the best white corn in the world is produced in this town. In addition, the rainy season brings delicious seasonal fruits that you can not taste anywhere else in the world.
Then visit the Inca ruins of Ollantaytambo, a military and religious agricultural center that served as a gateway to the Inca Trail that led to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu, here you can see residences, temples, terraces, towers and other amazing Inca buildings .
The way back is made by the town of Chinchero, known as the city of the rainbow; It is a colonial town that houses the church of Nuestra Señora de Monserrat, which began to be built in 1607, on what was the Tupác Yupanqui Palace.
- Day 3: Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu and Cusco
This day should start very early, 5:00 am is a good time to start moving from Cusco to the train station in Ollantaytambo, remember that you should book train tickets in advance, by 7:20 in the morning, this will take you through the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the Machu Picchu mountain and where the Inca city of Machu Picchu is located; You can take advantage to have breakfast, in Aguas Calientes there are many restaurants. Unless you want to go up to Machu Picchu walking, you will have to buy bus tickets to Machu Picchu, these are sold next to the train station just before Puente Ruinas, and just in front you will find the bus stop where you will have to board the buses to the entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Day 4: Back home
You can have breakfast at the hotel, at the airport or wherever you want, in Cusco there are hundreds of restaurants, just be sure to be an hour before at the airport.
Do you have more days in Cusco?
If you plan to stay several days, do not miss the opportunity to hike the Ausangate Trek 3 days. You will see incredible landscapes on that old path.
If you can, tour the Baroque Route in combi, which includes the town of Andahuaylillas and its church.
Choquequirao Trek 4 Days
The trek to Choquequirao is one of the most challenging in Cusco, for this reason we put at your disposal information about the trek to Choquequirao in order to carry out this beautiful trekking route.
The Choquequirao Trek pass through a winding road built in recent times by the Peruvian government, the road to Choquequirao from the second day of the tour is regularly demanding, however it is rewarded by the captivating landscape beauty and a welcoming climate that belongs to the ecological floor of the jungle eyebrow, and above all the charming archaeological park located on a rugged topography, which at the time of the height of the Incas was undoubtedly a place of greater importance in a political and administrative sense, probably with a lower category religious in front of Machu Picchu.
