Planning Your Machu Picchu Citadel Tour

The layout of the ruins changed recently to protect the stones. Every Machu Picchu citadel tour now follows a set path. You cannot roam freely across the entire site anymore. It is vital to book your entry months in advance. The official Ministry of Culture site is the best place for current rules. Expect to show your passport at the main entrance gate.

We recommend arriving in Aguas Calientes the day before your tour. This allows you to start your morning early and fresh. High-altitude walking is tiring and requires good physical condition. Wear comfortable hiking boots and bring a rain poncho. The weather in the cloud forest changes very quickly. Most tours take between two and four hours to complete fully.

12 Best Sights on a Machu Picchu Citadel Tour

Below are the top attractions to include in your itinerary. These cover the archaeological site and the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. Use these quick picks to help plan your time.

• Best overall: Circuit 2 (Classic Citadel)
• Best for families: Machu Picchu Site Museum
• Best rainy-day: Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
• Best free: Artisan Market

1. Name: Circuit 2 (Classic Citadel)
   Type: sight
   Why go: This is the most complete route through the ruins. It visits the Sun Temple and the Intihuatana stone.
   Best for: Photographers and history buffs.
   Where: Main archaeological sector.
   Time: 3 hours.
   Cost: Approx. $45 USD.
   Getting there: Bus from Aguas Calientes.
   Tip: Book this specific ticket 3-4 months in advance.
2. Name: Huayna Picchu Mountain
   Type: activity
   Why go: This is the iconic steep peak behind the citadel. It offers bird-eye views of the ruins.
   Best for: Adventurous hikers without a fear of heights.
   Where: North end of the citadel.
   Time: 2-3 hours.
   Cost: Approx. $60 USD (includes site entry).
   Getting there: Specific entrance gate inside the ruins.
   Tip: Use the handrails on the "Stairs of Death."
3. Name: Sun Gate (Intipunku)
   Type: experience
   Why go: This was the original entrance for Inca Trail hikers. It provides a stunning panoramic view.
   Best for: Those wanting a moderate, scenic walk.
   Where: High above the citadel south side via hiking to Sun Gate.
   Time: 2 hours round trip.
   Cost: Entrance ticket required.
   Getting there: Follow the path past the Caretaker’s Hut.
   Tip: Go early to avoid the afternoon clouds at the summit.
4. Name: Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
   Type: experience
   Why go: The town is named after these medicinal thermal baths. They are perfect for relaxing sore muscles.
   Best for: Relaxing after a long day of hiking.
   Where: Upper part of town at Aguas Calientes hot springs.
   Time: 1-2 hours.
   Cost: Approx. $5 USD.
   Getting there: Walk up the main hill in town.
   Tip: Rent a towel nearby if you did not bring one.
5. Name: Inca Bridge
   Type: sight
   Why go: This narrow plank bridge shows incredible Inca engineering skills. It sits on a cliff edge.
   Best for: Interesting photos and easy walking.
   Where: West of the main ruins via hiking to Inca Bridge.
   Time: 1 hour round trip.
   Cost: Included with Circuit 1 or 2.
   Getting there: Clearly marked trail from the upper terrace.
   Tip: You cannot cross the bridge for safety reasons.
6. Name: Mandor Waterfalls
   Type: nature
   Why go: This lush garden area features exotic orchids and butterflies. The waterfall is peaceful and quiet.
   Best for: Nature lovers seeking a break from crowds.
   Where: A 45-minute walk from town at Mandor waterfalls and gardens.
   Time: 3 hours total.
   Cost: Approx. $3-5 USD.
   Getting there: Walk along the train tracks toward Santa Teresa.
   Tip: Bring insect repellent for the many sandflies here.
7. Name: Machu Picchu Site Museum
   Type: museum
   Why go: It houses many artifacts found during the early excavations. The botanical garden outside is beautiful.
   Best for: Deepening your knowledge of the site.
   Where: Near the Ruiz Bridge at Machu Picchu site museum.
   Time: 1 hour.
   Cost: Includes site entry or sold separately.
   Getting there: Walk 30 minutes from the town center.
   Tip: Visit the museum after your tour to clarify details.
8. Name: Putucusi Mountain
   Type: activity
   Why go: It provides a unique lateral view of the citadel. The hike involves climbing vertical ladders.
   Best for: Extreme thrill-seekers and experienced hikers.
   Where: Adjacent to Aguas Calientes via Putucusi mountain hiking guide.
   Time: 3-4 hours round trip.
   Cost: Free.
   Getting there: Entrance is near the train tracks.
   Tip: Do not attempt this during or after rain.
9. Name: Alcamayo Waterfalls
   Type: nature
   Why go: It is a hidden gem with fewer tourists. The trail feels like a jungle adventure.
   Best for: A quick morning or afternoon hike.
   Where: End of a local trail at Alcamayo waterfalls hiking trail.
   Time: 2 hours round trip.
   Cost: Approx. $3 USD.
   Getting there: Follow the path near the train station.
   Tip: Wear waterproof shoes as the path can be muddy.
10. Name: Temple of the Condor
    Type: sight
    Why go: The rock is carved in the shape of a condor. It was likely used for sacred rituals.
    Best for: Seeing the spiritual side of Incan culture.
    Where: Lower sector of the citadel.
    Time: 15 minutes.
    Cost: Included in Circuit 3 or 4.
    Getting there: Part of the lower urban circuit.
    Tip: Look at the ground to see the bird's head.
11. Name: Temple of the Sun
    Type: sight
    Why go: This is the only semi-circular building in the citadel. It features perfect masonry and solar alignment.
    Best for: Understanding Incan astronomy and religion.
    Where: Upper urban sector.
    Time: 20 minutes.
    Cost: Included in Circuit 2.
    Getting there: Follow the main circuit path downward.
    Tip: You can only see it from an overlook above.
12. Name: Sacred Plaza
    Type: sight
    Why go: It contains the Main Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows. The views of the valley are spectacular.
    Best for: Classic architecture and vista photography.
    Where: Central archaeological zone.
    Time: 30 minutes.
    Cost: Part of most entry tickets.
    Getting there: Central point of the upper terraces.
    Tip: Notice how the windows align with the sunrise.

Essential Logistics for Your Peru Trip

Getting to your Machu Picchu citadel tour requires several steps. Most travelers fly into Cusco first to adjust to the altitude. From Cusco, you take a train to Aguas Calientes. The train ride offers beautiful views of the Urubamba River. There is no road access to the town for regular cars. You must travel by rail or hike from Hidroelectrica.

Once in Aguas Calientes, you must buy bus tickets to the ruins. The buses leave every few minutes from the town center. The ride takes about 25 minutes up a winding mountain road. Some people choose to walk up the steep stairs instead. This walk takes about 90 minutes and is quite strenuous. Always carry water and sun protection during your journey.