Because of its popularity, and the limited number of visitors allowed on the site each day, it pays to plan your Machu Picchu Tour ahead; tour operators can be an invaluable help. If you book with a tour operator in your home country you will have the advantage of planning well in advance, however, you may pay more than if you plan the trip when you are in Peru.

Tours of Machu Picchu can be arranged in Cusco. Most local operators offer a one day excursion from Cusco to Machu Picchu, which includes all transport and a professional guide. If you’re visiting Macchu Picchu as part of a day tour, you’ll usually spend about 4 hours at the ruins. Two of these hours are spent as part of the guided tour. If you want to stay longer, or see the ruins at sunrise (highly recommended) spend the night in nearby Aguas Calientes, or in the expensive Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge—the only hotel adjacent to Machu Picchu.

During the day, there are always guides available at the entrance to Machu Picchu. The ticket office is located next to the entrance. The ruins are open daily from 7 A.M. to 5 P.M and evening hours are also available from 6 P.M. to 10 P.M. Be aware there are no ATMS in the area, so be sure to bring enough cash before you arrive.