The closest villages are setup for tourism, hotels, restaurants all over the place, ugly buildings built just for the purpose (often unfinished) in an otherwise beautiful valley.
I am aware I was one among many but I wish the Peruvian government would regulate an protect more the site.
I am guessing now it is the moment to go there though...
I don't see how it's a tourist trap. It's definitely hard to get there but it's completely worth it. I literally cried when I got there.
Go to a lot of the museums and sites near Cusco before going there, they are great and you learn the imperial history.
You can also climb up Huayna Picchu, the tall, sharp spire that sits behind the ruins from the classic vantage point. There are ruins at the top too, and you feel like you're floating in the sky.
If you do decide to go, you should consider the Inca Trail, which (historically) has sold out ~6mo in advance as the govt limits # of people on the trail. We were among the first people to enter the ruins in the early AM and we had the place to ourselves briefly.
The place was overrun with tourists within an hour and it was quite jarring after being able to enjoy the peace and beauty of the mountains for a few days. The journey to get to Machu Picchu was better than just visting the ruins alone, imo.