Macchu Picchu - how long do you need?

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Mrs. Obama rules!

I agree with one answerer in the fact that it is better to sleep in Aguas Calientes (there is a great hotel called Inka Terra) or even in Machu Picchi (Sanctuary lodge although is very expensive) to actually see the sunrise which is amazing and beat the tourists there by getting first. However, if you stay in Cuzco and go by train, stay one day there, two days would be a bit too much as you can see and experience all in one day. The government has passed a law which says that only 5,000 people can get into the sanctuary evey day so yes, book ahead, preferably from the States. If you're doing the Inka Trail, there is a quick route done in 2 days but the normal route is 4 days and that is booked for months so if you want to book it do it quickly.
Words of advice: Machu Picchu and Cuzco has a rainy season which makes it impossible to see everything properly. Avoid going from December to March. Best season is from April-May until November. Another thing, plastic bottles are not allowed in Machu Picchi so if you plan taking some kind of beverage do it in a metal container and if you leave some litter on the floor, be prepared to pay 100 dollars for every item you throw there!
When you arrive in Cuzco you need a couple of days to get used to the high altitude so to give you an answer to your question, be prepared to spend at least 5 days to do it properly. Beside, Cuzco has other fascinating ruins besides Machu Picchu and it is worth it to explore them too.

rckearth

You can take a train for ~$250-$300 and it takes only one day.
But, to do it properly, it's better to trek the inca trail.
You can do 2-day or 4-day.
If you have time, go for 4-day option.
The trail is great by itself and it makes the moment you see Macha Picchu in the morning is so memorable.
Now, thing to concern about Inca trail is that you have to book super early. If you go there in high season, you probably have to book it 2 months in advance.
No kidding!

Dendronbat Crocoduck

If you take the train to Machu Picchu, I recommend that you spend at least one overnight. That way you can enter the ruins early (gate opens at 7am) and enjoy them before the crowds of tourists arrive on the 9am and 9:30am trains. I wouldn't spend more than a single overnight; better to use some time to see the other interesting sights around Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

If you are hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, unless you are a very strong hiker above 13,000 feet, better to do the trek in 4 days rather than 3 days.

Jen

hey, i haven't actually been but have researched it so in depth i could tell you anything!
(i'm hoping to go sometime soon)
i would say to do it properly, allow for about 4/5 days.thats if you're relatively fit/good walker. i've know companies/people to do it from 1 day to about 8 days so it really depends what you want from the experience.
hope you have a great time.

blahblahblahblahblah

Hey, I was just there 2 weeks ago, and it is gorgeous!!! We only went for one day and had the opportunity to go back the day after, but we didn't. For me personally, once was enough for one trip, but if you are a backpacker person, I would say about 4-6 days if you are doing the Inca Trail. If you are just taking the train and the bus, I would say 1-3 days. And I highly recommend staying in Aguas Calientes for at least like 2-3 days, it is the cutest little town and its really close to Machu Picchu, you just take the bus up half an hour. bon voyage!

Signe H

If you want to do the Inca Trail (hiking for 4 days (or 1 day) ending in Macchu Picchu, instead of going directly to Macchu Picchu by train):
If arriving from sea level, it is recommended to spend at least 2 full days in Cusco (3 days is better) prior to commencing the trek to get acclimatized.

You also need to book in advance. Inca Trail Availability 2007:
"Since the number of trek permits is limited to 500 per day (about 200 tourists and 300 trekking staff) it is important to book well in advance. The trek permits are issued on a first-come-first-served basis up until all the permits have been sold out. In the low season (December & January) there are some days when there are still permits available 4 or 5 days in advance, but in the high season (May to September) it is recommended that you book at least 3 months in advance to guarantee a place. "

I found the information about the Inca Trail Availability 2007 at http://www.andeantravelweb.com/peru/treks/incatrail4.html
There you can also get a lot of further useful information about the Inca Trail.

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