The best time to visit Machu Picchu is between May and October, the dry season. During November and December many do not recommend it because it tends to rain intermittently. I went on December 24 and although it was drizzling for a while in the morning, the sun came out at noon and the day was unbeatable. From January to April, it is not advisable since it is the rainy season. Generally, the whole month of February the park is closed for refurbishment and conservation.Travel to machu picchu
Tickets to Machu Picchu:
Very important fact! Tickets are not sold at the entrance to the ruins. If you get there without them, you are in big trouble because you are not going to get them.
Where to buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at the following points of sale:
Tourist agencies, if you hire a complete and programmed excursion.
Online at www.machupicchu.gob.pe, via credit card.
At the Dirección de Cultura de Cusco (Casa Garcilaso – Calle Garcilaso s/n), with credit card or cash. You can pay in dollars. I bought them there and it was great because it was cheaper!
In the town of Aguas Calientes, only with cash and in Soles.
There are three types of tickets, depending on what you want to visit.
- Inca City of Machu Picchu: It gives you access to the ruins of the citadel.
- Inca City of Machu Picchu + Machu Picchu Mountain: It also includes access to climb the Mountain and the Sun Gate.
- Inca City of Machu Picchu + Wayna Picchu: The most coveted, includes the ruins and access to Wayna Picchu Mountain and the Temple of the Moon.
- In all cases, you must take them in advance. I recommend you do it a few days in advance, especially if you want to visit the “Wayna Picchu” option, as it is the most required and there is an entry quota of 200 people per day for better conservation.
Entrance fees to Machu Picchu
Updated – March 2021
Foreigners:
- Machu Picchu Ruins: 152 soles. Students: 77 soles.
- Machu Picchu Ruins + Machu Picchu Mountain: 200 soles. Students: 125 soles.
- Machu Picchu Ruins + Wayna Picchu Mountain: 200 soles. Students: 125 soles.
Peruvians:
- Machu Picchu Ruins: 64 soles. Students: 32 soles.
- Machu Picchu Ruins + Machu Picchu Mountain: 112 soles. Students: 80 soles.
- Machu Picchu Ruins + Wayna Picchu Mountain: 112 soles. Students: 80 soles.
Discounts for Students: As you will see, students have a very convenient price to enter Machu Picchu. To access it, they are required to present the international ISIC card. This is mandatory, it is not useful the passbook of your university, or the certificate of regular student, or any other paper. You will only receive a discount with the ISIC card (they also have discounts for many other places in Cusco and Peru).
None of these tickets include a guide. There are many at the entrance to the park with whom you can reach an agreement and negotiate time and price.
Access Hours:
The sanctuary opens at 6 am and you can enter until 4 pm. The park closes at 5 pm. Within these hours you can stay as long as you want, you can even leave and re-enter as many times as you wish.
I recommend you to get up early in the morning and go early in the morning to see how the early morning mist dissipates as if the curtain is drawn on the most awaited postcard. It is undoubtedly a magical moment!
