Entrance tickets often sell out: buy them in advance in Cuzco. Guests can only enter until 4pm though those inside are not expelled until 5pm. Check for changes in online purchasing: it is possible to use debit cards, but only for adult entry (to the ruins, Wayna Picchu and Cerro Machu Picchi). Student and child admission cannot be purchased online.
The site is limited to 2500 visitors daily, with 400 paid spots for hiking Wayna Picchu and Mt Machu Picchu. While the government has tried enforcing set, limited hours for each visit, at present entrance remains more loosely controlled.
Plan your visit early or late in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds. A visit early in the morning midweek during the rainy season guarantees you more room to breathe, especially during February, when the Inca Trail is closed.
Walking sticks or backpacks over 20L are not allowed into the ruins. There are baggage check offices outside the entrance gate (S5 per item; 6am-4pm).
Local guides (per person S150, in groups of 6 to 10 S30) are readily available for hire at the entrance. Their expertise varies, look for one wearing an official guide ID from DIRCETUR. Agree on a price in advance, clarify whether the fee is per person or group, and agree on the tour length and maximum group size.
For really in-depth explorations, take along a copy of Exploring Cuzco by Peter Frost.
