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Machu Picchu, Peru
The Machu Picchu Planning Guide
Our free, printable Machu Picchu planning guide — a downloadable PDF with tickets, circuits, trains, and where to stay. Everything we learned planning our family's trip, ready to take offline.
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Read The Ultimate 14-Day Peru Itinerary: Machu Picchu, Cusco & the Amazon
Who this guide is for
- First-time visitors — you'll arrive knowing exactly which circuit, ticket, and train to book, with none of the second-guessing.
- Families — we lay out the comfortable, train-based route (not the multi-day hike), with kid-friendly pacing and stops.
- Planners — a month-by-month timeline so every ticket, train, and hotel gets booked at just the right moment.
- Anyone the logistics have overwhelmed — we turn the confusing parts (the circuits, two rail lines, the altitude) into a few simple choices.
A Peek Inside
It's 24 pages, organized so you can plan front-to-back or jump straight to what you need. Here's what's inside:
Every pick is from our own trip — real recommendations, not a list of everything that exists.
First visit? Book Circuit 2 — it walks you right through the heart of the citadel and is the best choice if you want to hire a guide.
Pack light. Large suitcases aren't allowed on the train — most travelers leave big bags at their Ollantaytambo or Cusco hotel and bring just an overnight bag.
Book early. In the dry season (May–September) the popular circuits sell out — reserve your Machu Picchu tickets 4–6 months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far in advance should I book Machu Picchu?
- Four to six months for the popular circuits, especially in the dry season (May–September).
- PeruRail or Inca Rail?
- You really can't go wrong — both run between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes with big panoramic windows.
- We chose PeruRail, and the guide compares them side by side.
- Which circuit should first-timers choose?
- Circuit 2 for most people — you walk through the site itself and still get the classic Machu Picchu photo.
- Do I need to visit by train?
- This guide covers the train route (not the Inca Trail hike) — the most comfortable, family-friendly way in.
Ready to plan your Machu Picchu trip?
Grab the free, printable guide and have every step in one place.
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