How many days do you need to visit Machu Picchu

To visit Machu Picchu, the minimum recommended is to dedicate a full day to the citadel (about 2 to 3 hours of guided touring), but ideally you should plan 2 to 4 days in the Cusco area. That way, you’ll have time for train and bus transfers, to acclimatize to the altitude, include a visit to the Sacred Valley and, if you want, add extra hikes such as Huayna Picchu or Montaña Machu Picchu with good planning and without rushing.

Minimum and Recommended Time to Visit Machu Picchu

These are the most common scenarios, from a quick 1-day visit to a more complete multi-day experience.

Absolute minimum: 1 day from Cusco

This option is especially for travelers who have very little time to visit Machu Picchu. It’s a tour that usually starts between 3:00 and 4:00 a.m., traveling from Cusco to Machu Picchu by bus and train. You do the classic circuit in approximately 2 to 3 hours, and return to the city of Cusco between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Ideal time: 2 days and 1 night

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, 2 days and 1 night is the ideal option. On the first day, you travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, arriving in the late afternoon or evening. You spend the night there, and the next day you have enough time to visit Machu Picchu calmly, take photos, and return to Cusco in the afternoon.

Complete experience: 3–4 days

This option offers a more complete experience, where you can go beyond the classic route and enjoy Machu Picchu without rushing. On the way to Machu Picchu, your trip is more relaxed; you spend a night in Aguas Calientes and, in addition to the traditional route, you can choose alternative circuits such as Huayna Picchu or the Great Cavern, which are unique and different ways to explore the site.

Factors That Determine How Many Days You Need

These are some key points to consider before planning your trip to Machu Picchu.

Your starting point (Cusco, Lima, or another city)

It’s important to consider where your journey begins:

• If you are already in Cusco, you’re in the ideal place, since most tours to Machu Picchu depart from this city.
• If you’re coming from Lima, you should add at least one extra day to your itinerary to travel to Cusco.
• If you’re traveling from another city in Peru, remember to factor in the travel time to reach Cusco before starting your experience to the world wonder.

Need for altitude acclimatization

Many travelers feel the effects of altitude when they arrive in Cusco. If this might be your case, it’s best to arrive 1 or 2 days earlier to:

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids (such as coca tea)
• Do light sightseeing in the city before visiting Machu Picchu

Your travel style (fast-paced or relaxed)

It all depends on how you like to travel:

• If you prefer a fast-paced style, visiting the main highlights and then moving on, you can visit Machu Picchu in just one day.
• If you prefer a slower, more relaxed experience, tours of 2 or more days are the best option.

Available budget

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, the most economical option is usually the 1-day tour to Machu Picchu. If you have a more flexible budget, you can stay extra days in Cusco, add the Sacred Valley, and include more nearby excursions in addition to your visit to Machu Picchu.

Whether you want to see only Machu Picchu or the whole region

• If your goal is only Machu Picchu, you can plan your visit in 1 or 2 days.
• If you want to experience the entire Cusco region, including places like Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake and several archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, then the ideal is to stay at least 4 days or more.

Our Final Recommendations

Entrance tickets

Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu must be purchased well in advance (usually 1 to 4 months ahead, depending on the circuit), especially during high season (April–October).

For travelers with limited time

Our recommendation is always to visit as much of the Cusco region as possible to see magical landscapes and better understand Inca history. However, if you’re traveling with limited time, you can still visit the main highlights of Cusco and Machu Picchu in just 2 days.

For the best overall experience

For a calm and well-rounded experience at Machu Picchu, a good plan is: Stay 2 days in Cusco to acclimatize and visit nearby archaeological sites. On the 3rd and 4th day, visit the Sacred Valley and finish your trip at the magical wonder of Machu Picchu.

To explore the whole region

To enjoy a more exciting and complete experience, we recommend staying around 6 days in the Cusco region. This allows you to visit all the main archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and more.