Visitors to Machu Picchu usually leave Cuzco, either on a day trip, or spend the night in Aguas Calientes, which allows you to visit the park early or late in the day and avoid the worst of crowds.

By bus

Buses upon arrival at Machu PicchuBuses upon arrival at Machu Picchu
From Aguas Calientes there are frequent buses that leave you to the ruins ($7 each way) starting at 5:30 in the morning. There is often a queue of people, so if you are determined to be on the first bus, you must arrive at least 90 minutes early. The journey takes about half an hour to the park.

Hiking

Trekking on the Inca Trail is a great way for you to get there and see the city through the Puerta del Sol (instead of coming from below as you do from Aguas Calientes). Travelers should be fit enough to walk for days and sleep in tents.

From Aguas Calientes, it is also possible to walk on a similar 8km trail on which buses run, which will take about 1-2 hours, and about an hour back. This route is mainly stairs, which connects the zigzag that the buses take. It is an exhausting and long walk, but it is very rewarding, it is recommended to start at 4 am to reach the top before sunrise. The descent is quite easy, only be careful when the steps are wet. Be on the lookout for buses, as drivers rarely use brakes on pedestrians.

Fees / Permits

Visiting Machu Picchu is not cheap. Admission costs S/126.00 at present and is steadily increasing, students with an ISIC card pay S/64.

Be sure to bring your passport, as it can be requested at the entrance and, more importantly, there is a booth where when you leave you are stamped and you can show your friends that you have been there.

Only small containers are allowed in the park (no more than 20 litres), but there is a luggage locker at the entrance most used by Inca Trailers. If your package is marked, any food you carry can be confiscated.

Transportation

There are no vehicles of all kinds in the park, wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to do any of the excursions such as Wayna Picchu. Sticks or poles are not allowed. The main ruins are quite compact and walking is easy.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator