We struggled for a long time, whether we visit the many negative recommendations (mass tourism) Machu Picchu - we did it (as of 04/2018)!
We booked a 2 day tour to Machu Picchu (including entrance 152S / adult from 06: 00-12: 00). Arrival Hidroelectrica about 15: 00, then began the march to Aguas Calientes. The trail along the tracks is hopelessly overcrowded. In Aguas Calientes a small room was booked for us. (Here's the tip: The tour guides are in the Plaza de Armas.)
As we wanted to walk upstairs, we got up at 3:30 the next morning and walked straight to the bottom entrance. So we stood at 4:00 clock with about 15 other visitors in front of the closed gates. Approximately 4:30 could not see the end of the snake in the dark anymore. The cafe at the entrance unfortunately closed at this time. Point 5:00 clock opened the bottom tour and after the ticket and passport control began the "migration" to the top. From 5:30 clock it is then at junctions between trail and road a bit dangerous, because then the buses in 5 minute drive up. The drivers know only the horn, the brake is on the way up seemingly without function. Arrived at the top inlet it was time to wait again and find the right guide (yes, another one again). Currently you have to "run" the first two hours with a guide the system, the remaining time "allowed" you go alone. The tour is interesting but due to the amount of groups really annoying. If a group lingers for just a few minutes at a point, the next group is already up and it gets chaotic. After the first 30 minutes, we successfully left the group and explored the facility alone. However, it should be noted that to guide the masses of visitors Machu Picchu is a one-way streets. So when you pass certain points, there is no turning back. Around 10:30 o'clock we made our way back to Hidroelectrica, because the tour bus started at 15:00 o'clock direction Cusco.
Conclusion: The nature and the grounds are absolute madness, the sheer amount of visitors completely robs you of the mood. We hope that this will put a stop to this mass tourism as soon as possible, even if this would mean that you have to register for a visit half a year before.