First Time in Machu Picchu: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning your first time in Machu Picchu, you’re probably doing what I did: saving photos, reading travel guides, asking friends for advice, and trying to figure out how much you actually need to plan in advance.

Machu Picchu had been on my travel list for years, and when I finally went, I realized there were quite a few things I wish someone had explained to me beforehand.

From choosing the right ticket and understanding the different circuits to dealing with altitude, trains, luggage, and what to wear, there is more to planning a trip to Machu Picchu than simply buying an entrance ticket.

So, if this is your first time in Machu Picchu, here are the things I think are actually worth knowing before you go.

Book Machu Picchu tickets in advance

This is probably the most important piece of advice I can give you.

Do not plan your Peru trip assuming you can simply arrive in Cusco and buy a Machu Picchu ticket whenever you feel like it.

Tickets are associated with specific dates and routes, and some of the most popular options can sell out, especially during busy travel periods.

Before buying your ticket, take some time to understand the different circuits and routes available. The experience is not exactly the same depending on which one you choose.

And don’t automatically choose the most famous mountain just because you’ve seen it all over Instagram. Consider your fitness level, how much time you have, and what kind of experience you actually want.

My advice:

Choose your Machu Picchu route before organizing the rest of your itinerary.

It will make planning your train, hotel and transportation much easier.

Consider staying in Aguas Calientes the night before

Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Pueblo, is the town located at the base of Machu Picchu.

I highly recommend staying there the night before your visit instead of trying to arrive from Cusco on the same morning.

Why?

Because getting to Machu Picchu involves several moving parts: transportation from Cusco, the train, getting to your hotel, the bus up to the archaeological site and your entrance time.

Trying to do everything in one morning can make the experience unnecessarily stressful.

Staying in Aguas Calientes means you can wake up, have breakfast and head toward Machu Picchu without worrying about catching a train first.

There are plenty of hotels and restaurants in town, from simple accommodations to more upscale options.

Pro tip: If you are traveling with a larger suitcase, consider leaving it at your hotel in Cusco and taking only a small bag to Aguas Calientes.

That is exactly what I did, and it made the trip much easier.

Don’t underestimate Cusco

One mistake first-time visitors can make is thinking of Cusco as nothing more than the place where you catch the train to Machu Picchu.

Don’t.

Cusco deserves time on its own.

The historic center is beautiful, and there are museums, markets, restaurants, churches, archaeological sites and plenty of places to simply walk around and enjoy the city.

I recommend allowing yourself several days in Cusco rather than rushing through it.

And there’s another important reason: altitude.

Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude

Cusco is located at a much higher elevation than Machu Picchu, and altitude can affect people differently.

Even if you’re generally healthy and active, you might feel tired, dizzy, short of breath or develop a headache when you first arrive.

That’s why I would avoid scheduling a demanding activity immediately after landing in Cusco.

Your first day can be simple:

• Check into your hotel
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat something light
• Walk around slowly
• Rest
• Let your body adjust

And if you don’t feel well, don’t try to prove anything. Listen to your body.

Wear comfortable shoes

You don’t need a fancy hiking outfit for Machu Picchu, but you definitely need comfortable shoes with good grip.

There are stairs, uneven surfaces and plenty of walking involved, depending on the route you choose.

This is not the place where I would sacrifice comfort for a cute Instagram outfit.

That said, you can absolutely look cute and be comfortable. Layers are your friend.

Temperatures can change throughout the day, so I recommend wearing clothes that you can easily add or remove.

My basic Machu Picchu packing list:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight layers
• A light rain jacket
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat or cap
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle
• Small backpack
• Portable charger
• Your passport and ticket information

And remember that weather in the Andes can be unpredictable, so having a light rain layer is always a good idea.

Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent

You might associate Peru with cool mountain weather, but that doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen.

The sun can be strong, especially at higher elevations.

And once you’re closer to the tropical environment around Machu Picchu, insects can also be an issue.

I would rather carry a small bottle of repellent than spend the day wishing I had brought one.

Plan your train carefully

For most travelers, getting to Machu Picchu involves taking a train to Aguas Calientes.

There are different train companies and service categories, so prices can vary considerably depending on your dates, departure time and type of service.

Don’t just choose the cheapest option without checking the schedule.

Pay attention to:

• Departure and arrival times
• How long you will have in Aguas Calientes
• Your Machu Picchu entrance time
• The time of your return train
• How much time you have as a buffer

I recommend leaving yourself some breathing room rather than creating an itinerary where one small delay ruins the entire day.

You don’t necessarily have to take the bus up to Machu Picchu

Once you’re in Aguas Calientes, you have the option of taking the official bus up to the archaeological site or hiking up, depending on the regulations and route available to you.

The bus is the easiest option for most visitors and takes you directly toward the entrance.

If you’re considering walking, remember that you’re already going to be doing plenty of walking once you’re inside Machu Picchu.

For me, transportation should make the day easier, not turn it into an endurance challenge.

Understand the Machu Picchu circuits before you buy your ticket

This is one of the things I wish I had understood better before visiting.

Machu Picchu no longer works as one simple route where everyone follows the exact same path.

There are different circuits and routes, and the experience depends on the ticket you purchase.

Some routes focus more on the classic panoramic views, while others allow you to explore different areas or combine the citadel with one of the surrounding mountains.

So before buying your ticket, ask yourself:

What do I actually want to see?

Do you want the classic Machu Picchu experience?

Do you want a more physically demanding hike?

Do you care more about panoramic views?

Or are you simply happy to be inside the archaeological site and experience it without trying to check every possible attraction off your list?

There isn’t one “best” ticket for everyone.

Leave enough time between Machu Picchu and your train

This is another lesson I learned from traveling.

Don’t schedule your return train immediately after your Machu Picchu entrance time.

Things happen.

You may want to stay longer, the bus back may take time, you may want lunch, or you may simply discover that you’re moving much slower than expected after several hours of walking.

Give yourself a buffer.

You’ll enjoy the day much more when you’re not constantly checking your watch.

Don’t try to see all of Peru in one week

This is especially important if you’re traveling internationally.

It can be tempting to create a crazy itinerary that includes Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca, the Sacred Valley and several other places in seven days.

Technically, you might be able to do it.

But that doesn’t mean you should.

Personally, I would rather spend a little more time in fewer places than spend the entire trip checking into hotels, catching buses and running to airports.

For a first trip, I think 5–7 days around Cusco and Machu Picchu can give you a much better experience.

My ideal first-time Machu Picchu itinerary

If I were planning my trip again, I would do something along these lines:

Day 1 — Arrive in Cusco

Take it easy, check into your hotel and explore the historic center if you feel up to it.

Day 2 — Sacred Valley

Visit places such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo before taking the train toward Aguas Calientes.

Day 3 — Machu Picchu

Visit Machu Picchu early, explore your chosen circuit and return to Aguas Calientes for your train back.

Day 4 — Maras, Moray, Salineras & Chinchero

Explore the famous agricultural terraces of Moray, the Maras salt mines and Chinchero, combined with some of Cusco’s main sights depending on your tour.

Day 5 — Rainbow Mountain

A beautiful but physically demanding day. Make sure you’re feeling well enough for the altitude and early start.

Day 6 — South Valley

Visit places such as Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas, then enjoy a relaxed evening in Cusco.

Day 7 — Fly home

You can obviously adjust this depending on your flight schedule and what interests you most.

Machu Picchu is not necessarily easy

Photos can make Machu Picchu look like you’re simply going to walk through some ruins and take beautiful pictures.

The reality depends heavily on the route you choose.

There can be stairs, uneven terrain, heat, humidity and a lot of walking.

If you have mobility limitations or you’re simply not used to long walking days, research your specific circuit carefully before booking.

You don’t need to be an athlete to visit Machu Picchu, but knowing what you’re getting yourself into will make the experience much more enjoyable.

If you’re traveling solo as a woman

Peru is a popular destination for solo female travelers, but the usual travel precautions still apply.

Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and transportation hubs.

Use official transportation and reputable tour operators, and don’t feel pressured to accept services from people approaching you on the street.

Also, don’t underestimate the value of booking accommodations with good reviews and a location where you feel comfortable walking around.

For me, feeling relaxed during a trip is just as important as checking destinations off my list.

What about traveling with your dog?

If you’re a dog lover like me, you might naturally wonder whether you can bring your dog to Machu Picchu.

Unfortunately, Machu Picchu is not the kind of destination where you can simply bring your dog along for the day.

The archaeological sanctuary has strict rules regarding visitors and animals.

If you’re traveling with your dog, I would plan your trip around finding a comfortable, pet-friendly hotel and making sure your dog has a safe place to stay while you visit Machu Picchu.

You can still include dog-friendly experiences elsewhere during your Peru trip, but Machu Picchu itself needs to be treated as a separate part of your itinerary.

Stay connected with an eSIM

Having internet access while traveling in Peru can make things much easier, especially when you’re checking train schedules, using maps, communicating with your hotel or booking transportation.

I personally like using an eSIM because I don’t have to worry about finding a physical SIM card as soon as I arrive.

If you’re traveling internationally, you can check out Holafly and use my code CHRISTELLEPATT for a discount.

And yes, if you’ve purchased Holafly before, you can still use my code when eligible for the current promotion. So it’s worth checking before your next trip.

Get your Holafly eSIM with my code CHRISTELLEPATT

Book your hotels and transportation ahead of time

For a destination as popular as Machu Picchu, I wouldn’t leave everything until the last minute.

Compare hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes, check train schedules and make sure your Machu Picchu ticket works with the rest of your itinerary.

You can start comparing hotels and travel options here:

Search hotels, flights and travel options with Expedia

Your next trip…Mexico

If you’re spending time in Mexico before or after your Peru trip and you’re looking for an underground adventure closer to home, I also recommend looking into Río Secreto or Atik in the Riviera Maya.

Both offer very different experiences, but they’re great options if you love nature and want something beyond the typical beach day.

You can contact me directly through WhatsApp if you’d like information about booking:

Ask about Río Secreto or Atik via WhatsApp

What I would do differently now

Looking back, I think the biggest lesson from my first time in Machu Picchu is that you don’t need to make the trip complicated to make it memorable.

I would give myself more time to enjoy Cusco, leave more space between transportation connections and avoid trying to squeeze too many activities into every single day.

I’d also spend more time researching the different Machu Picchu routes before buying a ticket.

When you’re traveling somewhere you’ve dreamed about for years, it’s easy to focus on getting the “perfect” itinerary.

But sometimes the best travel memories happen when you aren’t rushing from one thing to the next.

Final tips for your first time in Machu Picchu

If you’re planning your first time in Machu Picchu, save these tips:

• Buy your Machu Picchu ticket in advance.
• Research the different circuits before choosing your ticket.
• Give yourself time to adjust to Cusco’s altitude.
• Stay in Aguas Calientes the night before Machu Picchu if your itinerary allows.
• Pack light and leave your larger luggage in Cusco when possible.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
• Dress in layers.
• Check your train times carefully.
• Leave a generous buffer between Machu Picchu and your return train.
• Don’t try to see all of Peru in one week.
• Choose activities based on your actual fitness level.
• If traveling with a dog, arrange safe pet-friendly accommodation for the Machu Picchu portion of your trip.
• Most importantly, give yourself time to actually enjoy the experience.

Machu Picchu is one of those places that can feel almost surreal when you finally see it in person.

And if you’re planning your first time in Machu Picchu, a little preparation can make the difference between spending the day stressed about logistics and actually enjoying one of the most memorable trips you’ll ever take.