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Package · Machu Picchu
Discover when to travel, how to get there, which tickets you need and choose the perfect tour from Cusco. Up-to-date information from our local team + the best packages to visit the most famous Inca citadel in the world.
Machu Picchu is the most important Inca citadel in the world, located at 2,430 meters above sea level in the Cusco region of Peru. It was built in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca Pachacútec and remained hidden from the Spanish conquistadors, being officially revealed to the world in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham.
Its name means "Old Mountain" in Quechua and it is believed to have served as a ceremonial, astronomical and residential center for Inca royalty. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Today it is the most visited tourist destination in Peru, receiving more than 1.5 million visitors a year, drawn by the perfection of its architecture, the magic of its natural setting and the mystery that still surrounds its origin and true purpose.
At Inka Planet Adventure we have been guiding travelers from all over the world through this unique experience since 2017. As a local agency based in Cusco, we know every detail of the journey and design packages that adapt to your pace, budget and interests.
We are a local agency based in Cusco, direct operators since 2017. We take care of every detail so you can focus on enjoying.
Official operators with a DIRCETUR license. We are not intermediaries. We design, operate and accompany your trip directly.
Professionals with a university degree in tourism, fluent in Spanish and English and with deep knowledge of Inca culture.
We buy your tickets months in advance when needed. You will never have to worry about availability.
A dedicated advisor on WhatsApp from before your trip until your return. Any question or change, we solve it together.
From the classic Full Day to multi-day packages with Cusco and the Sacred Valley. All include tickets, transport and a certified bilingual guide.
The weather in Machu Picchu varies sharply between the dry season (May-October) and the rainy one (November-March). These are the honest facts so you can choose based on your real priority.
Climate statistics: less than 10mm of rain per month. Clear skies almost 100% of days. High season, book in advance.
Low season: tickets, hotels and trains up to 30-40% cheaper. It rains more, but mornings tend to be clear.
Shoulder season: still dry weather but with ~50% fewer visitors than June-August. Crowd-free photos and a better experience.
The only viable time for trekking. The Inca Trail stays closed all of February for official maintenance. Salkantay is also recommended only in the dry season.
The classic route from abroad goes through Lima, Cusco and ends with a panoramic train. Here are the exact 4 steps with real times and options.
Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) is the main entry point to Peru. It receives direct flights from most capitals in the Americas and international connections from Europe, Asia and North America.
Domestic flight of ~1h 20min to Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). We recommend morning flights for better views of the Andes and early acclimatization.
Ground transfer from Cusco (3,400m) to Ollantaytambo (2,800m), crossing the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A scenic route that helps with acclimatization as you drop in altitude.
Panoramic train by PeruRail or IncaRail to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town). From there, a 25-minute bus winds its way up to the citadel. It is the most magical stretch of the trip.
The citadel covers 32,592 hectares and is divided into agricultural and urban sectors. These are the 8 must-see points you should visit and why each one is unique.
The only circular building in the complex. Its windows align with the winter solstice (June 21), showing Inca astronomical knowledge. Only visible from outside due to its fragility.
A carved stone with precise astronomical orientation. Its name means "where the sun is tied". It was a ceremonial altar to measure time and the seasons.
The main ceremonial space with privileged views. It surrounds the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple and the Priest’s House. It is the spiritual heart of the citadel.
Its three perfectly carved trapezoidal windows represent the three Andean worlds (Hanan Pacha, Kay Pacha and Uku Pacha). A masterpiece of Inca architecture.
A 2,693m mountain rising behind the citadel. A 1h climb with spectacular views. Requires an extra ticket and sells out months in advance.
The original entrance to the complex from the Inca Trail. A 1h walk from the citadel with the most iconic view of Machu Picchu at sunset. Free access within the route.
Presumably the residence of emperor Pachacútec. Built with polished stones perfectly fitted without mortar, an example of the imperial Inca architectural style.
A cascading terrace system that showcased advanced Inca agricultural techniques. They allowed more than 50 varieties of corn and potato to be grown across different ecological levels.
There are 5 official circuits with different routes, duration and price. Only official tickets from Peru’s Ministry of Culture are sold. IPA manages all tickets for you.
We check the official Ministry of Culture system for you. Message us on WhatsApp and we instantly confirm whether there are spots available for your preferred date and circuit.
What our guides recommend after accompanying more than 3,000 travelers. Small details that make the difference.
Cusco sits at 3,400m. Arrive 1-2 days early to avoid altitude sickness. Coca tea, constant hydration and walking slowly help a lot.
The weather changes fast: cold mornings (8°C), warm afternoons (22°C). Bring a light jacket, a waterproof poncho and shoes with good grip.
No copies or digital photos are accepted. It must be the same passport you used to buy the ticket. No passport, no entry.
Bring a reusable bottle (plastic ones are banned). There are hydration points. Drink 2-3 liters a day due to the altitude.
At 2,430m the sun is very intense. SPF 50+ is a must, plus a cap or hat and UV sunglasses. You can burn in under 20 minutes.
Drones are banned. Tripods are not allowed. Bring spare batteries: with the cold and altitude their life drops by half.
The route has steep steps with no handrails in some areas. It is not for rushing. Better to take it slow and enjoy.
For snacks, tips and public restrooms (~$1 USD). In Aguas Calientes some places don’t take cards. Exchange money in Cusco beforehand.
A selection of real moments captured by our guides and travelers. Each photo tells a different story of the sanctuary.
More than 2,800 verified reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. These are some of the most recent from travelers who discovered Machu Picchu with us.
"We visited Machu Picchu with IPA and the experience was flawless. Our guide Hernán knew Inca history like an open book. The Vistadome train is pure magic. 100% recommended."
"I did the 4-day Inca Trail with IPA. Perfect logistics, porters treated with dignity, delicious food up in the mountains. Reaching Inti Punku at sunrise was a transformative experience."
"We traveled as a family (6 people) and the service was personalized from start to finish. Our advisor Carlos answered WhatsApp even on Sundays. Details like the included lunch in Aguas Calientes made the difference."
The 10 most frequent questions we have answered over these 8 years guiding travelers to the sanctuary.
Tell us when you travel, with whom and what you love. We design the perfect itinerary with you and handle every detail. No commitment.