Choose a time of year to travel to Machu Picchu. Many travelers vacation in Peru from May to November, the dry season. Travel in the wet season, from December to April, to avoid crowds. Frequent rain and cool temperatures characterize the wet season months in Machu Picchu.
Book a flight to Peru. International flights from the United States arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru.
Travel by plane, bus or car from Lima to Cusco. Cusco is the largest city near Machu Picchu, making it a popular starting point for travelers interested in seeing the Inca city. LAN Peru, TACA or Star Peru have domestic flights from Lima to Cusco. Take a bus from the companies Cruz del Sur or Ormeno for a less expensive alternative to the plane.
Acclimate to the high altitude of Cusco, which is around 11,200 feet. Spend one or two days exploring the city of Cusco. Failure to acclimate to the altitude may cause altitude sickness.
Travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, a small town near Machu Picchu. Peru Rail offers several daily trains that connect the two cities. Stay overnight in Aguas Calientes.
Purchase a ticket to Machu Picchu at the Machu Picchu Cultural Center (no website; Av. Pachacútec, Aguas Calientes; 084/211-196). The center opens at 5:15 a.m. and requires you to purchase tickets in Peruvian soles. Take exact change to cover the ticket price.
Purchase a bus ticket from the ticket office near the Puente Ruinas train station in Aguas Calientes. Embark from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu early in the morning. Take the bus up the mountain to the ruins.
Enter Machu Picchu as early as 6:00 a.m. Check large luggage at the entrance.
Explore the ruins until Machu Picchu closes at 6:00 p.m. Purchase the services of a local guide to explain the significance of the ruins.
