Machu Picchu is open every day of the year. In Peru, winter (May through October) is the driest season, making it the best time of year to visit Machu Picchu. June, July, and August are the most popular months for Machu Picchu tours. Machu Picchu is always busy, but if you visit the site during that period, you’re likely to encounter crowds of travelers on their own Machu Picchu trips.

Most tours to Machu Picchu start in the town of Aguas Calientes, which is considered the gateway to Machu Picchu. Most travelers on tours of Machu Picchu arrive in Aguas Calientes by train from places such as Cuzco, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo. They then make the final leg of the journey, from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, by bus. (Our Machu Picchu tour packages include transportation to the site by private coach. The ride typically takes about 20 minutes each way. Some adventurous travelers on trips to Machu Picchu choose to walk it, which can take an hour or two each way.)

The Machu Picchu citadel itself is shrouded in so much history, and the best way to take it all in is by exploring alongside one of our expert guides. They know the best spots to see, the historical highlights, and where to snap the most stunning photos.

Read our staffers’ favorite memories of visiting Machu Picchu.

Here are a few packing essentials for travelers on tours to Machu Picchu:

· Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes. They’ll allow you to navigate steps, pathways, terraces, and other types of terrain.

· Light layers. Early mornings at Machu Picchu can be quite cool, mid-day can get hot, and rain can fall at any time.

· Long pants—and tall socks. Insects at Machu Picchu can be aggressive; don’t tempt them with bare legs.

· A small backpack. Skip the bulky tote bag and bring a small backpack that will keep your essentials close—and your hands-free for holding on to rails and snapping countless pictures.

· Sun protection. Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and SPF to keep your face, ears, neck, arms, and hands protected from Machu Picchu’s strong sun.

A few of the notable sites you’ll see on our guided Machu Picchu trips—like our Grand Tour of Peru: Machu Picchu to Lake Titicaca tour—include:

• Huayna Picchu mountain, the tall, pointy peak that’s visible in those iconic shots of Machu Picchu
• The ruins of the ceremonial center, cultivation terraces, and guard house
• Funeral Rock, the Main Temple, the Chamber of Ornaments, and the Sacred Plaza
• The Temple of the Three Windows

Depending on their preferred pace of exploration, some travelers on Machu Picchu tours find spending a single day at the site sufficient. Other travelers on Machu Picchu trips prefer to take their time and explore over the course of two days. Travelers on our Ancient Peru & Machu Picchu tour can choose to visit the site on a single day, or add an excursion to return to the ruins the day after their initial visit.

Travelers booking Machu Picchu tour packages should keep in mind that tickets are required to visit Machu Picchu, and they often need to be purchased months in advance to secure the desired date. But not to worry! An advantage of going on one of our guided Machu Picchu trips is that we’ll get your tickets for you—and we’ll take care of everything else, too!