I visited this WHS in June 2019. When visiting World Wonders or top WHS, I like to allow more time to visit and possibly revisit. Undoubtedly, Machu Picchu is Peru's most iconic and famous WHS, even though I must say that most of the other WHS I visited in Peru were top notch too.

As things stood till my visit, the confusion and difficulty of actually getting hold of the right entrance tickets, of organising your way to get there, and the general misinformation on the internet, all contribute to lowering the number of visitors, which in itself isn't a bad idea. Most visitors seem to opt for the Inca Trail while the others rely on the Peru Railway System with different levels of comfort (normal Peru Rail train, Voyager or Vistadome) and different points of departure/arrival (Cusco, Ollantaytambo or Aguas Calientes). I really hope that the international airport project underway in the Inca Sacred Valley never materialises. As it is, Peruvian authorities are already struggling to lower the number of visitors, but at least other areas with Inca sites of significant importance in the Sacred Valley benefit from tourism. The already expensive entrance tickets to Machu Picchu are now only valid for a maximum of 6 hours even though nobody was really checking; however, if you get hungry or need to use the toilets re-entry is NOT allowed!

For that reason I decided to pay for 2 entrance tickets, a morning one valid from 8am with a Huayna Picchu climb start from 10am-11am and another one valid from noon. Moreover, I opted to stay for 2 nights in Aguas Calientes, arriving with the last train from Ollantaytambo late in the afternoon just before my visit and a return train in the afternoon to allow for another visit had I got unlucky with the weather. As Els rightly pointed out in her review, the site seems to be mostly crowded around 11am and in my case too, the first sun rays shone bright on Machu Picchu as of 9:30am. So as soon as I arrived, I explored the ruins first, then I headed towards the agricultural terraces and panoramic viewpoints. Facing Huayna Picchu, the ones to the right, closest to the exit, are great for morning photography, while the ones to the left, towards the 'Inca bridge' are great for afternoon photography.

Since there is no single iconic structure that stands out, and most visitors come in groups, it was always relatively easy to find quiet spots or else stop for a while and wait for the groups to head towards the shaded areas. At around 10:15am, I was happy enough with the countless photos I took and had explored the ruins before the crowds early in the morning, so I headed towards the ruins once again to start my Huayna Picchu climb. It's really great that only 400 are allowed to climb every day at 2 different slots, 7am when in my opinion you risk clouds or fog obstructing the view and 10-11am. The climb is relatively easy if you're in shape and only moderately difficult because of the lack of railings or steel rope at times. The only place were I met other people was obviously on the top but you can easily enjoy the same view just a few metres below the boulders at the top. If you're claustrophobic or not too good with heights, I'd suggest heading back down from the same way (just next to the top Inca structure) - that way you'll avoid the last narrow and steep steps (which are worse going downwards) as well as the dark 'cave'. The view is worth the effort but same as from the Machu Picchu entrance, the 'combination' of man-made structures and nature is what makes this WHS so special and unique.

After the climb, since I had paid for a second entrance ticket, I could go outside to use the toilets as well as have lunch at the expensive Sanctuary Lodge. The buffet lunch was very good but they offer a la carte too if you want. Already from the restaurant, I could notice that in the afternoon there were significantly more buses going down than buses coming up. By 14:30, most of the groups who skip staying in Aguas Calientes, have to catch the train back so Machu Picchu was not so crowded anymore and after another hike towards the 'Inca bridge' trail, I found a very quiet spot where I was practically alone most of the time with gorgeous views and excellent light. The grazing llamas and alpacas apparently noticed that there were less people in the afternoon and ventured more towards Huayna Picchu and the ruins.

On my way back to Cusco, I followed Nan's advice to catch a cab and visit Moray, Maras and I added Chinchero were it was nice to meet with rural communities with old women still wearing tall white hats in the countryside. The archaeological sites, the rural atmosphere and the mountain views were indeed spectacular. 

Without the excellent natural surroundings, I wouldn't have given Machu Picchu 5 stars. In fact, I must say that I enjoyed the archaeological sites of Pisac and Sacsayhuaman more as an ensemble of sites or as a single cultural site. But when you look at Macchu Picchu and the surrrounding natural scenery for the first time (and all the countless other times after that!), you can't but feel amazed at such a true world wonder!