10 Things Nobody Tells You About Machu Picchu

We've run daily tours at the citadel for years, and there are details almost no guide mentions. Here they are, straight up.

1. There are no restrooms inside the citadel

The last restrooms are at the entrance, before the ticket checkpoint. Once inside, the circuit can last 2-3 hours with no facilities. Plan ahead.

2. Tickets sell out weeks in advance in high season

Between June and August (and around Peru's Independence Day in July) circuits with access to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain sell out 1-2 months ahead. If your date is fixed, book early or check availability with us.

3. It's colder than you think at 5-6am

If you catch the first bus, the line in Aguas Calientes waits outdoors with little sunlight yet. Bring an extra layer you can remove later.

4. There's almost no phone signal up there

Aguas Calientes has patchy signal, and inside the citadel there's practically no coverage. Download maps or info offline before heading up.

5. Circuits are one-directional — you can't improvise the route

Since 2019 entry works through numbered one-way circuits. You can't "go back" for something you missed — choose your circuit wisely based on what you want to see (see our tickets and circuits guide).

6. The sun is strong even when it's cold

You're at 2,430 m (7,970 ft) with thin atmosphere filtering UV radiation. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen even on cloudy days.

7. There's a different rate for foreigners vs. Peruvians/Andean Community citizens

If you're traveling with a Peruvian or someone from an Andean Community country, entry pricing differs (and requires valid ID at purchase).

8. The train isn't the cheapest part of the trip

Many people budget for the entrance ticket and the tour, but the train (PeruRail/IncaRail) is usually the biggest expense of the day. Compare options in our train to Machu Picchu guide.

9. You can visit without an official guide for some circuits

Since 2024, regulations only require a guide for specific circuits, not all of them. Details in can you visit Machu Picchu without a tour?

10. The best photo isn't where everyone stands

The classic viewpoint (the postcard shot) gets crowded fast. If you're in one of the first groups of the day, there are lesser-known angles with far fewer people — we cover them in our best photo spots guide.

Want to experience it with guides who know every corner? Check our Machu Picchu tours or write to hola@danfertourscusco.com.

How to plan the day so none of this catches you off guard

Knowing these ten things helps little if the day is badly planned. Here's how we set it up for our travelers:

The night before

• Sleep in Aguas Calientes if you can. Doing Machu Picchu as a day trip from Cusco means leaving before dawn and getting back at night. With a night in town, you go up early and rested. That's the idea behind our Machu Picchu 2D/1N.
• Pack a small bag: original passport, entrance ticket (printed or downloaded on your phone), water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a warm layer and a snack.
• Check the forecast: if rain is expected, bring a poncho. Big umbrellas get in the way on narrow paths.

In the bus line

The line for the bus up forms early, especially from June to August. Use that time to go to the restroom (the last one before the circuit is at the entrance) and double-check you have everything.

Inside the citadel

• Take the circuit slowly: since you can't go back, stop at every viewpoint before moving on.
• Listen to the guide at the main temples: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana and the Temple of the Three Windows only make sense with context. To come prepared, read our guide to the meaning of Machu Picchu.
• Save energy if you're climbing a mountain: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain have fixed entry times. Compare them in Huayna Picchu vs Machu Picchu Mountain.

On the way down

Have lunch in Aguas Calientes before your train back. Watch the clock: the train won't wait, so leave at least an hour between the bus down and your train departure.

What people should tell you: the total cost

Many travelers are surprised when they add up the entrance, train, bus, guide and hotel separately. That's why we offer all-inclusive packages: the Machu Picchu Full Day for those short on time, and the 2D/1N at US$280, with tourist train, bus, entrance, guide and a hotel night with breakfast. You know exactly what you'll spend from the start.

Frequently asked questions

Is there wifi at Machu Picchu?

Not inside the citadel. Aguas Calientes has wifi at some restaurants and hotels, but mobile data signal is unreliable.

Can I re-enter the same day if I leave?

No. Entry is single-use per ticket and assigned time slot; there's no same-day re-entry.

How long does the visit actually take?

Between 2 and 3 hours depending on the circuit, not counting transfer time from Aguas Calientes.