I have a knee that was injured years ago and replaced, but I still have trouble on ups and downs. Just wondering how much I can see in MP and if there are any relatively level areas?

Those classic views are just a little ways up. Then it is level. You can stand easily, or sit, while taking in the magnificent sight. My notes indicated a few hundred yards of initial climbing are needed. Those yards were going up (and then down) stairs made of rock. I did see people who obviously had trouble walking taking their time going on the stairs. Since there is no rush--MP is not going anywhere--you can take as long as you need to ascend, spend as long as you wish admiring MP, then give yourself plenty of time to descend before the area closes.

You can use walking sticks. Those were common. Lots of people had them. Get them prior to arriving in Machu Picchu.

Having someone help you along would be a good idea, whether a hired guide or your travelmates. I'd ask various guides or Peru travel specialists what they'd recommend too.

If Machu Picchu is what you want to see, go for it! Good luck to you!

Thanks so much for responding. That really helps a lot and is what I was hoping to hear.

Recommend going this year if possible. The local authorities are proposing to require everyone to go with (and stick with) a guide so this may limit your ability to tour at your own pace and ability.

I recommend going with guides. One guide waits for the last person to descend. The guide gauges the speed to sightsee depending on the abilites of the participants. I cannot imagine visiting MP without a guide to explain the descriptions of the buildings and the history lessons. A book cannot substitue. We just returned from a Gate 1 Tour and it was terrific. Thank you so much Gate 1.