How many hours should you spend at Machu Picchu? How long should you spend in Machu Picchu? These are common questions all travelers ask before visiting. Planning your visit to Machu Picchu involves not only booking tickets and following regulations but also making the most out of your time at this magnificent site. The number of hours you spend at Machu Picchu can significantly affect your experience, and crafting the best itinerary can help you fully appreciate the beauty and history of this ancient wonder.
How Many Hours to Spend in Machu Picchu
The time you spend at Machu Picchu depends on the circuit indicated on your Machu Picchu ticket and your physical fitness. If you have a ticket for a short route, we recommend you get a tour guide to enhance your experience of visiting the Inca citadel. If you have tickets for multiple routes, start with a guided tour and then explore the citadel on your own. Here’s a general guide:
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, where 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, where you can take the best 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 hiking 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 hiking 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 hiking 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.
The Best Itinerary for Machu Picchu
Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most out of your day at Machu Picchu:
Morning: Arrival and Initial Exploration
Early Start: Arrive at Aguas Calientes the night before and catch one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, aiming to enter the site around 6:00 AM. Early mornings are less crowded and offer stunning sunrise views.
Enter Machu Picchu: Once you are at the checkpoint of Machu Picchu, present your document and enter Machu Picchu. Walk up to the Guardian Houses, where you will start your visit to Machu Picchu.
Guardian House (30 minutes): Head to the Guardian House for the classic panoramic view of Machu Picchu. This is an excellent spot for photography.
Circuit 2 – Guided Tour (2 hours): Start with a guided tour to get an in-depth understanding of the history, architecture, and significance of the site. Focus on key areas such as the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Room of the Three Windows.
Ending the visit to Machu Picchu: Once you visit the Inca citadel, you should exit Machu Picchu. Then you have two options: the first is to continue visiting Huayna Picchu, Mount Machu Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, and other circuits (these visits have an extra cost), or the second option is to take a bus back to Aguas Calientes.
Return to Aguas Calientes: Catch a bus back to Aguas Calientes, where you can relax before your train journey back to Cusco or your next destination.
Lunch Break: Return to Aguas Calientes for a well-deserved lunch break. There are several restaurants catering to tourists where you can enjoy a relaxing meal.
Additional visited to Machu Picchu
1.- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (2-3 hours): For those with additional energy and a sense of adventure, hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain is a must. These hikes are more challenging but offer unparalleled views of the citadel and the surrounding Andes.
2.- Sun Gate (Inti Punku) Hike (1.5 hours): If you’re up for a moderate hike, take the trail to the Sun Gate. The hike offers beautiful views and a chance to see the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu.
3.- Inca Bridge (1 hour): After returning from the Sun Gate, visit the Inca Bridge, another engineering marvel of the Incas.
How Many Days to Spend in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Planning a trip to Machu Picchu involves more than just deciding how to get there; you also need to determine how many days to spend at this iconic site to fully appreciate its splendor. Depending on your interests, physical fitness, and time constraints, the number of days you spend at Machu Picchu can vary. Here’s a guide to help you decide how many days to allocate and the best itineraries for each option.
Best Trips to Machu Picchu
1. The Inca Trail (4 days): This classic trek offers a mix of stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and ancient Incan ruins along the way. The trail culminates at the Sun Gate, providing a dramatic entrance to Machu Picchu.
2. Salkantay Trek (5 days): A less crowded alternative to the Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek traverses high mountain passes and lush cloud forests, offering breathtaking views and a rewarding adventure.
3. Lares Trek (3-4 days): Known for its cultural experiences, the Lares Trek takes you through traditional Andean villages where you can interact with local communities and learn about their way of life.
4. Inca Jungle Trek (4 days): For thrill-seekers, the Inca Jungle Trek combines hiking with mountain biking and optional rafting, providing a diverse and exciting journey to Machu Picchu.
5. Train Journey (1-2 days): For a more relaxed approach, take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. This scenic route follows the Urubamba River and offers stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
By carefully planning your visit and choosing the itinerary and trip that best suits your interests and physical condition, you can ensure a memorable and fulfilling experience at Machu Picchu. Whether you’re there for a few hours or an entire day, the magic of this ancient wonder will leave a lasting impression.