Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, is quite possibly the reason you chose to travel to Peru in the first place! It was recently voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and we guarantee that this magical spot will not disappoint you.
Set on a ridge between two peaks – Machu Picchu (old peak) and Huayna Picchu (young peak) – in the middle of a tropical mountain forest (known poetically as ceja de selva, which means the eyebrow of the jungle), Machu Picchu has two main sectors: one agricultural and the other urban. Check out the ingenious terracing, the Temple of the Sun, the fountains and squares, or the Intiwatana solar observatory. It will flabbergast you how the Inca managed to get all the stones up there, let alone how they built such intricate structures that blend in with the natural rock formations, following natural curves and hills.
THE MAJESTY OF Machu Picchu IS BREATHTAKING
Hidden among the Andes, the Incas managed to keep Machu Picchu concealed from the Spanish conquistadores. It remained covered by vegetation for centuries and, while known about by the local population, it was only revealed to the world in 1911 by US explorer Hiram Bingham. The journey there is pretty worthwhile too as you go from Cusco high in the Andes down to the more tropical vegetation of the jungle. For the fit and adventurous, you can get there along the famous Inca Trail where you will pass ruins and walk through cloud forests, arriving to Machu Picchu in time to see the sunrise. There are also great alternative routes to Machu Picchu including the Salkantay Trail and the Lares Trail, if you don’t want to be stuck with crowds. If you feel you haven’t got the legs for that much walking, there’s always the train which will take you to the foot of Machu Picchu!
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WHAT NOT TO MISS
IN Machu Picchu
4 Day Traditional Inka Trail
The Classic 4-day Inca Trail is a fascinating hike to the Machu Picchu citadel and one of the most popular treks in the world. Covering a distance of 43km (26 miles), it is full of Andean valleys, Inca archaeological sites, breathtaking mountain scenery, snowcapped mountains and cloud forests. The hike starts early from the Sacred Valley, arriving to Machu Picchu in early morning on day 4, before the trains of tourists arrive.
2-Day Short Inca Trail
The 2-day trek captures the final leg of the 4-day Inca Trail. Taking the train until KM 104 you begin to hike into the mountains and cloud forest, hiking for around 8 hours total until around sundown. Arriving to Machu Picchu through the sun gate, trekkers will have time to briefly see the ruins before the park closes. The next morning, rise early to explore the ruins before departing by train back to Cusco.
Stay the night in Aguas Calientes
Machu Picchu opens its gates at 6am, which means you can’t quite make sunrise…but you can experience the clouds lift from these magnificent ruins. Buses leave as from 5.30am from Aguas Calientes, but expect lines. You can alternatively hike up to the entrance, depending how fast you are, this takes around 1 hour! But it is worth the effort to see Machu Picchu with fewer visitors and in all its early morning beauty.
Trains to Machu Picchu
Most visitors travel to Machu Picchu by train, which depart from both Cusco (4hrs) and the Sacred Valley (2hrs). There are 3 different trains, the more luxurious Hiram Bingham, 1st Class Vistadome which has plexiglas quarter panel windows to assist in viewing the scenery, and the backpacker explorer for those just looking to get to and fro. Above listed, least frequent to most.
Hike Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain (not to be confused with the Machu Picchu ruins) is the most spectacular yet one of the most overlooked optional treks available at Machu Picchu as most people just don’t know about it! An easier hike than Huayna Picchu, the mountain trek offers unparalleled views of the famous Inca sanctuary and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Hike Huayna Picchu Mountain
This vantage point offers views over the whole complex of Machu Picchu, can be done either in the morning or afternoon, and is restricted to 400 people each day. If it is booked up or if you’re looking for an easier hike, you can climb up Machu Picchu Mountain which also offers impressive views of the Inca Citadel. Both hikes give you a heavenly view of the citadel.
destination map
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
Machu Picchu | 08680, Perú | Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas, is quite possibly the reason you chose to travel to Peru in the first place! It was recently voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and we guarantee that this magical spot will not disappoint you. Read more… |
Cusco | Cusco, Perú | Cusco is the jump off point for a trip into the surrounding Sacred Valley to the less visited ruins and brightly painted churches of the southern valley en route to Puno or to crop circles and Inca salt pans…and of course to the World Wonder of Machu Picchu! Read more… |
Sacred Valley | Valle Sagrado, 08670, Perú | Nestled deep within the Peruvian Andes, the Sacred Valley is home to charming Inca towns, impressive archaeological sites, and traditional local markets. It is also one of the best areas in Peru for a wide range of adventure activities while en route to Machu Picchu. Read more… |
Lima | Lima, Perú | Known as the ‘City of Kings’, Lima is a city of contrasts. A mix of the old world and the new; modernity and tradition…Lima is a chaotic yet fascinating capital city. As well as being Peru’s capital, it is also the capital of gastronomy for all of the Americas! Read more… |
Lake Titicaca / Puno | Titicaca | Legend has it that the children of the sun god, Manco Capac, and his sister, Mama Ocllo, rose from the depths of Lake Titicaca to build the Inca Empire. Explore the floating Uros Islands made from totora reeds and, discover the region’s authentic folklore. Read more… |
Arequipa & Colca Canyon | Chivay, Perú | Legend has it that the children of the sun god, Manco Capac, and his sister, Mama Ocllo, rose from the depths of Lake Titicaca to build the Inca Empire. Explore the floating Uros Islands made from totora reeds and, discover the region’s authentic folklore. Read more… |
Peruvian Amazon | Selva Amazonica, Perú | Early morning bird watching, late night jungle walking, fishing for piranhas, or a visit to the world’s largest macaw’s clay lick where hundreds of birds meet to feed – a truly colorful sight! There’s nothing like the wildlife that thrives in the Peruvian Amazon! Read more… |
Ica, Paracas, Nazca | Ica, Perú | Situated on Peru’s arid desert coastline, this region boasts an interesting mix of ancient local culture, spectacular natural beauty and adventure sports. Ica, Paracas, and Nazca makes a great stop off or break point on a coastal ride towards Arequipa. Read more… |
Trujillo & Chiclayo | Trujillo, Perú | |
Chachapoyas | Chachapoyas, Perú | |
Huaraz | Huaraz, Perú | Surrounded by jagged snowy peaks, glaciers and turquoise blue lakes, Huaraz is a real mountain adventure destination, not to mention home to ancient cultures and charming little villages. Read more… |
Depending on your client’s preferences, we can help you determine the best experiences tailored for your clients. From where to visit, when to go, what to do and how to get there safely, our travel experts will help you create an experience your clients will love.
Best times to
visit machu picchu
Machu Picchu is much lower than Cusco and is set in the upper jungle which means it is mild all year round. The best time to visit is between April and early December although keep in mind that June through to August are the busiest months. The site of Machu Picchu is usually at its most crowded between 10am and 2pm.
practical information
HOW TO GET THERE
Machu Picchu is only accessible by train (or by walking). Trains depart from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo. From Cusco it takes around 3 hours and from Ollantaytambo around 1 hour. PeruRail offers 3 different trains: the Expedition Train, Vistadome Train and the luxurious Hiram Bingham Train. The trains differ in comfort and view – the Vistadome and Hiram Bingham have larger windows allowing you to enjoy the scenery around you. The other difference is the timetable, where the more comfortable trains have slightly better departure times, allowing you to enjoy Machu Picchu for longer. For the best views on the way to Machu Picchu, sit on the left side of the train.
There is one alternative and cheaper way to get to Aguas Calientes: you can take also the shuttle bus to the hidro electric near Santa Maria. From there it is a 2 hour walk to Aguas Calientes. The drive from cusco to the Hidro Electric takes around 5 to 6 hours.
GETTING AROUND
Busses travel up and down from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The first bus leaves at 6 am. It takes about 30 minutes to get up the mountain.
You can also walk up, gates open at 5.30 and you hike you way up te stairs to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes itself is small and you can easily reach all hotels and restaurants walking. The train station is located in the middle of the town.
WHERE TO STAY
There is only one hotel at Machu Picchu itself and that is the luxurious Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Although it will cost you to stay there, it’s also the only place you can sit in a Jacuzzi and look at the Inca city long after the crowds have left.
In Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, you’ll find a range of cheaper hotels as well as a handful of more luxurious and boutique hotels although their prices are higher than you’ll find in the rest of Peru. Try to get a room with balcony that will give you enchanting views of the Río Urubamba.
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