The visit is a walk on stone, not a museum with a coat check at the door. Pack for steps, sun, and a change in the cloud. The ticket does not include the train, the bus, or a guide.
Shoes and a small bag
The paths and steps are stone. Some of it is polished, and rain makes it slick. Wear closed shoes with a tread. Leave the large bag at the hotel in Aguas Calientes. A small pack is enough for water, a layer, and the passport.
Layers, rain, and sun
- A shirt you can walk in, and a light sweater for the early slot.
- A rain shell from November through March, and do not be surprised by a shower in the dry months either.
- A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The ridge is about 2,430 meters, and cloud does not stop the sun.
The same morning can start cold in the mist and turn warm once the sun is on the terraces. Carry the layer. You will not want it the whole time.
The document that matches the ticket
The gate checks the ticket against a passport or other photo ID. The name has to be the one you gave us, spelled as printed. Bring that document. Children under 3 are free and still need a named ticket and an ID. Tell us in the note. They are not a line on the form.
What the ticket leaves out
The train and the bus are separate purchases. So is a guide. This form sells the citadel ticket only. Carry water. A standard circuit is about two to three hours, and you should not count on buying much once you are out on the route.
More to read
When to visit Machu Picchu
Dry months at Machu Picchu are busier, rainy months are greener, and the citadel stays open every day. How to choose an entry hour.
Machu Picchu weather
Machu Picchu weather is mild cloud-forest weather: cooler at dawn, warmer in the sun, and wetter from November through March.