Practical Information

Each year, nine out of ten guests choose Birds Hotel Molino as their base for visiting Machu Picchu. Conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from Ollantaytambo's train station, we offer the perfect starting point for a day trip that begins and ends at our hotel.

Although we don’t offer guided tours to Machu Picchu, we are more than happy to provide advice on the most efficient and cost-effective way to organize your visit. We can also help with any questions you might have regarding the best time to visit, altitude, and physical preparation required.

ENTRANCE

• Train Ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: From Aguas Calientes, you will take a bus to Machu Picchu. Buses run frequently, and tickets are easily available. However, train tickets can be quite expensive.
• Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu: Both your train and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu can be purchased online. We recommend booking as early as possible, as there are limited spaces, and tickets often sell out quickly.

ACCOMMODATION

We recommend staying at Birds Hotel Molino the night before your visit. After a breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take you to the Ollantaytambo train station, where you’ll board a direct train to Aguas Calientes. From there, you’ll catch a bus to Machu Picchu. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the main site and, if you wish, hike either Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu.

In the afternoon, you’ll return by train to Ollantaytambo and then be brought back to Birds Hotel Molino for a relaxing evening and a well-deserved rest.

Machu Picchu, which in the native language of the Incas means „ancient summit”, is one of the best-preserved Inca cities in Peru, situated around 100 kilometers away from Cuzco. Every year, many are looking to visit Machu Picchu which, combined with the caps on the number of daily visits imposed by the authorities means one needs to book their tickets weeks in advance. We prepared this short travel guide to help you better navigate this ancient Peruvian city.

First of all, is Machu Picchu a must see?

Modern Peru is a vibrant, multicultural nation where age-old traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary life. Visiting the country, one can't help but admire the deep respect for history and ancestral customs that continue to shape its culture. The enduring symbol of the republic is the ruins of the ancient Inca city—its Quechua name echoing across the world.

Machu Picchu is a unique and one-of-a-kind place that provides a host of attractions and experiences. Machu Picchu is Peru’s iconic landmark, celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the most renowned attraction in Latin America. Nestled high in the Andes, between 2,090 and 2,400 meters above sea level, it is encircled on three sides by the winding Urubamba River and guarded by the towering peak of Huayana Picchu. Despite extensive research over the years, the true purpose of this enigmatic city remains uncertain, with only theories suggesting its role in ancient times.

How long does a visit to Machu Picchu take?

If you're considering a 5-day Inca Trail trek and further exploring the Cusco region, budget 10 days. This will give you enough time to adjust to the altitude, discover the city of Cusco, tour the Sacred Valley, complete the Inca Trail, and experience Machu Picchu — all at a comfortable pace.

Peru is an excellent destination for a two-week trip or even longer! Beyond Machu Picchu, southern Peru has plenty to offer. With extra time, you can also visit Lake Titicaca and its Floating Islands, explore the Colca Canyon, discover the capital city, Lima, and perhaps spend a day in the Amazon jungle or in the fertile valleys of the North.

Is Machu Picchu accessible to beginner trekker?

Yes, Machu Picchu is accessible to nearly everyone, but there are some important aspects to keep in mind:

• If you choose to hike the Inca Trail, you'll need to be in a good physical shape, as the trek is challenging and involves steep ascents.
• An easier and more comfortable option for reaching Machu Picchu is to take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride from Aguas Calientes.
• Make sure to drink plenty of water and use sun protection while hiking and exploring.

How to reach Machu Picchu?

Cusco – Urubamba – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes: this is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach Machu Picchu, though it comes at a higher cost. The train departs from Cusco, specifically the Poroy station, with a journey time of around 4 hours. Alternatively, you can board in Ollantaytambo from here, the trip takes about 2 hours.

In addition to the above route, for the more adventurous, there is an alternative option: Cusco - Santa Maria - Santa Teresa - Hydoelectrica - Aguas Calientes. This route is divided into three parts: first, a bus or taxi ride from Cusco to Santa Maria; next, a shared taxi (colectivo) journey along winding gravel roads to Santa Teresa; and finally, an 11-kilometer walk along the railway tracks from Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes. On the final stretch, it's important to stay alert for passing trains, particularly when walking through tunnels, as these situations can be quite hazardous. Completing the entire route typically takes around 10 to 11 hours.

What to do in Machu Picchu town?

Machu Picchu offers plenty of experiences. The ideal approach is to spend an entire day there —wandering through the ruins, taking in the breathtaking scenery, and uncovering the site’s rich history and mysteries. You can choose to explore either with a guide or independently, and enhance your visit with optional hikes to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Here are some places that might interest you while visiting:

• The Temple of the Sun - The Temple of the Sun stands out as one of Machu Picchu’s most iconic buildings and served as the center of the city’s spiritual activities. Constructed on a raised platform, it was the site of ceremonies dedicated to the sun, the principal deity in the Inca belief system.
• Museum Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón sheds light on how and why Machu Picchu was constructed, as well as why the Inca chose such a remote and dramatic natural setting for their citadel. Tucked away at the end of a long dirt path near the base of Machu Picchu, it’s about a 30-minute walk from Aguas Calientes. This museum plays a vital role in uncovering the mystery behind one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Through a range of exhibits and interactive displays—in both English and Spanish—it guides visitors through the history, culture, and context surrounding the creation of this extraordinary place.
• A one- or two-day excursion to the Sacred Valley from Cusco or Ollantaytambo is highly recommended. Along the way, you can explore highlights such as the traditional market and ancient ruins of Pisac, the impressive Ollantaytambo fortress, the circular agricultural terraces of Moray, and the striking salt pans of Maras.
• Those fortunate enough to ascend Huayna Picchu can take the trail leading to the Temple of the Moon, situated on the mountain’s far side. This ceremonial site was constructed within a cave, featuring impressive stonework and niches that were likely used to hold mummies.

When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

The best time to visit Peru is the dry season, which runs from May to October. However, the ideal time slot to visit Machu Picchu and trek the Inca Trail would be July and August, when the weather is most likely to be clear and dry. Nevertheless, since this coincides with summer holidays in many parts of the world, the site tends to be crowded with tourists. To secure your spot, it's highly recommended to book entrance tickets well ahead of time – oftentimes weeks or even months.

Keep in mind that in such an area the weather can be very surprising, so there is never a 100 percent certainty of no rain and clear skies.

With all that being said, there is nothing left to do but to plan a trip and see this magical world for yourself! And if you are looking for a comfortable, short stay, take a look at our lodging options: we are one of the best hotels in Sacred Valley, Peru.