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
How much time you spend at Machu Picchu depends on the route indicated on your ticket and your level of physical fitness. If you have a ticket for the short route, we recommend getting a tour guide to enhance your experience 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 – One Perfect Day
Planning the ideal day at Machu Picchu begins with an early start and a well-structured itinerary. After spending the night in Aguas Calientes, take one of the first buses to the archaeological site to enter around 6:00 AM, when the citadel is quieter and the sunrise creates a breathtaking atmosphere. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, present your documents and proceed toward the Guardian House, one of the most iconic viewpoints. Spend about 30 minutes here taking in panoramic views and capturing photos of the ancient citadel nestled among the Andean peaks.
Continue with Circuit 2, where a guided tour of approximately two hours will lead you through the most important sectors of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, the Main Plaza, and the Room of the Three Windows. Your guide will explain the spiritual significance and architectural brilliance of the Inca civilization.
After completing your visit, you will exit the main circuit. From here, you can choose to extend your adventure by exploring optional hikes such as Huayna Picchu, Mount Machu Picchu, or Huchuy Picchu, each requiring an additional ticket and offering spectacular bird’s-eye views. If you prefer a more relaxed option, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
Once in Aguas Calientes, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at one of the many local restaurants before boarding your train back to Cusco or continuing your journey to the next destination. This itinerary ensures you experience the best of Machu Picchu in a single, unforgettable day.
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. 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. Machu Picchu Train (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.