Can You Visit Machu Picchu At Night?

Can You Visit Machu Picchu At Night?

Unfortunately it’s not possible to enter Machu Picchu at night, and for a number of good reasons too.

The sacred site has a strict timetable of pre-booked entries between 6:00am and 5:00pm all days of the year – with each ticket holder having their own fixed slot (which prevents overcrowding and other site issues). The gates then close before the evening, as the site can be unsafe to walk at dark due to minimal visibility and steep ravine edges, and also to prevent unauthorised entries, possible damage to the site or other incidents.

It’s important to know that while some tour companies can say you can head to Machu Picchu at night – what are they are referring to is heading to the town of Aguas Calientes and staying overnight there before your visit, and/or visiting the sacred site in the early morning around sunrise.

Alternative Ways To Experience Machu Picchu In An Authentic Way

While a night visit is not permitted, there are other ways to have an unforgettable experience here at Machu Picchu while avoiding the biggest crowds.

Visit Machu Picchu In The Early Morning

The ruins officially open at 6:00am all days of the year. Now while it’s not completely dark, it will be dark during your bus up to the site which gives that same feel of authentic adventure and discovery. Depending on the time of year, your entrance at this time could be just before or during the sunrise – which offers incredible golden light, louder sounds of surrounding wildlife and amazing photo opportunities.

Hike The Unforgettable Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu

By far the best way to experience ancient Inca ruins and scenery during the evenings and early mornings is by Hiking the Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Trek. Here there are few permits issued daily which ensures a remote feeling, where you will spend your nights camping in incredible Andean locations like Chaquicocha and Ayapata on the original stone steps laid out by the Inca. On the fourth day you will also do an early morning hike (usually starting around 5:00am-6:00am) up to the Sun Gate from Wiñay Wayna.

Stay At The On-Site Belmond Hotel

If being as close as possible to Machu Picchu is the most important factor for you (both during the day and night), consider staying at the luxury Sanctuary Lodge Hotel by Belmond. Situated right outside the entrance gate, tourists can enjoy luxury rooms and fine cuisine all included. While prices are premium and expensive, guests will be able to see certain parts of the ruins from designated viewpoints inside the hotel. 

Spend 2+ Days In The Aguas Calientes Town And Surrounding Region 

The town sitting just below the mountain where Machu Picchu is located on top of, Aguas Calientes is the main base for tourists visiting the site – and offers lots of hotels and restaurants to enjoy. Spending multiple days here, you can explore many incredible sites near Aguas Calientes such as Mandor Waterfalls, the Butterfly Sanctuary, as well as have a relaxing dip in the natural hot springs that sit right at the top of the scenic town.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Machu Picchu At Night

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get regarding the question of can you visit Machu Picchu at night, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Can You Spend The Night At Machu Picchu?

Camping or lodging directly within the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is strictly prohibited, and visiting the site at night is also not permitted. You can however stay at the hotel just outside the ruins for convenience (the Belmond Hotel), or at one of the many hotels in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes – which is a 30 minute bus ride up from the bottom of the same mountain.

Is 3pm Too Late To Visit Machu Picchu?

No, 3pm isn’t too late to visit Machu Picchu, given the ancient Inca site remains open until 5pm. In fact, it can be a great time to visit for less crowds than the late morning or early afternoon hours. When booking your Machu Picchu ticket, you will be able to see available time slots and choose the best one for you for the day that you visit the ruins. 

How Strict Are Machu Picchu Entry Times?

The overall operating hours for Machu Picchu are between 6:00am until 5:00pm all days of the year, and do not permit entries either before or after these hours. The time you get on your own entrance ticket is also strict and must be followed – with a tolerance of up to 30 minutes – and you won’t be allowed to enter the site at a different time past the extra half an hour of your slot.

Overview Of Can You Visit Machu Picchu At Night

And that’s all for this guide on whether you can visit Machu Picchu at night.

An easy day trip from Cusco which can be visited either with a tour or independently, Machu Picchu is a star highlight and worth adding to any itinerary around Peru. While it’s strictly forbidden to enter the site during the nighttime – as it’s outside the standard opening hours during the day – it is instead possible to visit early in the morning for peace and quiet, or to stay in the Belmond Hotel which is right outside the entrance gate.

Are you ready to book your unforgettable Machu Picchu Tour? Take a look at our Overnight Machu Picchu Tour Now, which includes an expert guide who will show you around the Inca citadel, as well as private transport, a hotel stay in Aguas Calientes and much more.