A complete and clear guide to help travelers plan their Visit to Machu Picchu with accurate, practical, and updated information for 2026. All services referenced below are provided by Sacred Tours Peru, including private transportation owned by the agency, highly trained drivers, and expert multilingual local guides who have extensive experience leading travelers from different countries.
Machu Picchu is an impressive Inca City located in the eastern region of Cusco. Travelers Visit this historic area to learn about its archaeological constructions, terraces, temples, and the legacy of the Andean culture. The site is regulated by entry schedules, visitor limits, and updated rules that apply throughout 2026.
Travelers usually reach the train stations of Ollantaytambo or Poroy using private transportation, which is owned by Sacred Tours Peru. The drivers are highly trained for Andean routes.
Approximate travel times:
Cusco to Ollantaytambo: 1.5 to 2 hours
Cusco to Poroy: 30 to 40 minutes
A guide from Sacred Tours Peru accompanies you from the start and provides clear explanations about the route, Andean traditions, and preparation for the Visit.
From the train station, the route continues toward Aguas Calientes, the town located below the Inca City. Trains operate throughout the year, although schedules may vary depending on the season.
From Aguas Calientes, travelers take a shuttle service that ascends to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The ride lasts approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
To Visit Machu Picchu, travelers must Buy one of the official tickets. For 2026, the main options include:
Machu Picchu Circuit 1
Machu Picchu Circuit 2
Machu Picchu Circuit 3
Huayna Picchu + Machu Picchu Circuit 4
Machu Picchu Mountain + Machu Picchu Circuit 3
Each ticket offers access to different Inca areas. Availability can change quickly, especially for Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Travelers should Buy their ticket in advance due to the daily limit of visitors. Sacred Tours Peru can assist with the purchase and provide updated availability for 2026.
Tickets have fixed entry times. These are usually divided into several groups between 06:00 a.m. and 04:00 p.m. The Visit duration depends on the selected circuit, normally ranging from 2 to 4 hours.
Travelers must present:
Physical or digital passport
Machu Picchu entry ticket
Train ticket (if applicable)
Passport information must match all tickets. If travelers renew their passport before arriving, they should inform the agency to update the documents.
The Visit is led by an expert local guide from Sacred Tours Peru. These guides speak several languages and have extensive experience directing travelers of all ages through the Inca paths, temples, and main constructions of the Inca City.
During the Visit, the guide provides:
Historical context of the Inca period
Architectural details of structures such as the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Three Windows, and Intihuatana
Andean worldview and its connection with astronomy
Conservation rules and recommended visitor behavior
Tips for taking advantage of the circuit without rushing
Meals along the route are prepared with natural, organic, and locally sourced ingredients. Dishes reflect Andean agricultural products such as corn, potatoes, quinoa, vegetables, and fruits from nearby valleys.
In Aguas Calientes, travelers can choose from local restaurants or request options with international gastronomy. Some selections may require additional costs depending on the establishment. For any specific request, travelers can contact the reservation team of Sacred Tours Peru for updated details.
This period tends to offer clearer skies and is preferred by many travelers. However, it is also considered a high-traffic season.
Rains can be frequent, especially between January and March. The site still receives daily visitors, and circuits remain open unless announced otherwise by authorities.
Passport
Entry ticket
Light jacket
Rain protection
Comfortable shoes
Water
Personal medication
Visits are regulated to prevent overcrowding. Travelers must follow the assigned circuit without returning to previously visited areas.
The following are not allowed:
Large backpacks
Tripods
Drones
Disposable plastic items in excess
Walking on non-authorized paths, touching structures, or disturbing wildlife is prohibited.
Some circuits have uneven surfaces due to original Inca construction. Travelers with mobility challenges should notify Sacred Tours Peru in advance to plan the most suitable route.
The ascent takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours round trip. This climb is steep and requires good physical condition.
This route offers another viewpoint of the Inca City. The walk lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours round trip.
Technical and steep. Travelers should only consider it with proper equipment and weather conditions.
Buy tickets as early as possible.
Carry the passport at all times.
Confirm train schedules 1 day before.
Stay hydrated due to altitude.
Avoid last-minute changes during high seasons.
Consult the Sacred Tours Peru team for updated 2026 regulations.
Private transportation owned by the agency, operated by highly trained drivers.
Expert local guides with extensive experience leading travelers from many countries.
Personalized assistance before, during, and after the Visit.
Clear information about tickets, circuits, weather, and seasonal adjustments.
Support in choosing restaurants, hotels, and additional activities.
