The definitive guide to Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu in Peru is an experience that will always stay with you. One of the most renowned ancient sites in the world, Machu Picchu dates to the 15th century and was constructed by the mighty Inca empire. While much of its story is steeped in mystery, it's understood that Machu Picchu served as a religious and royal complex. Today, almost one million people visit Machu Picchu every year.

 

This ancient citadel can be visited by train, shuttle bus or on foot. Regardless of how you choose to visit, Machu Picchu draws in countless visitors from across the world.

 

Machu Picchu is located around 100km from Cusco and around 500km from the Peruvian capital of Lima. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

 

Joining a small group tour is the best way to explore Machu Picchu, as you'll travel with an expert local tour leader who will tell you everything you need to know about the ancient site, plus the itinerary is all arranged for you so you can focus on soaking up the beauty of Machu Picchu.

Nestled between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin, Machu Picchu sits perched high in the Andes Mountains. It sits on a mountain ride in the Eastern Cordilera range of Peru, a point which offers endlessly stunning views. The eastern slopes of the tropical Andes transition into the tropical lowland forests, featuring diverse landscapes such as Puna grasslands, cloud forests and Polylepis thickets.

 

How high is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu sits at an elevation of 2,430 metres (7,972 feet) above sea level. The site is situated on a ridge above the mountain town of Aguas Calientes in southern Peru, and is divided into a lower and upper part with a large square between the two.

 

The surrounding area

The area that surrounds Machu Picchu is wonderfully diverse, marked by lush tropical forests, steep mountains and deep valleys. Cloud forests support a variety of flora and fauna, from orchids to the Andean condor. The Urubamba River flows through the valley below, while Huayna Picchu is a mountain that rises behind Machu Picchu.

The Urabamba River (or Sacred River) flows through a deep valley and connects the highlands with the lower Amazon basin, adding to the region's rich and diverse ecology. One of the most rewarding ways to reach Machu Picchu is via the Inca Trail, winding through the mountains, a range of landscapes and other ancient Incan ruins along the way.

When was Machu Picchu built?

Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century, during the reign of Inca emperor Pachacuti. While it was previously thought that the site was built between 1440 and 1450, new research - as recent as 2021 - indicates it could have been occupied as early as 1420, due to the analysis of human remains found there. 

Good to know: Machu Picchu translates to “old peak” in the native Quechua language.
 

Who discovered Machu Picchu?

Following its abandonment in the 1530s, Machu Picchu remained known to local inhabitants - but to the outside world, it became a 'lost city' for centuries. But did you know that Machu Picchu was actually rediscovered by accident? In 1911, American explorer and historian Hiram Bingham was in search of another lost city, Vilcabamba, but local farmers helped guide him up to a Peruvian mountain ride. There, as he looked across the landscape, he saw for himself the lost city of Machu Picchu. A second expedition followed in 1912.
 

Why was Machu Picchu built?

It's believed that Machu Picchu was built as a royal estate for emperor Pachacuti and as a ceremonial centre. Yet as the Incas left no written records, we don't have the full answers and others still wonder why it was built. It likely played a role in their understanding of astronomy, using structures (like sundials) to track the movements of the sun and stars.
 

When was Machu Picchu abandoned?

With its sheer impressive architecture, location and clear significance, it's hard to believe that Machu Picchu was abandoned only a hundred years after it was constructed. It's widely accepted that the ancient citadel was abandoned in the 1530s, around the time when the Spanish began their conquest of the Incas; while we don't know if they reached the mountaintop citadel, the arrival of European diseases could have contributed to the decline and abandonment of Machu Picchu.

From Cusco to Aguas Calientes

There are a few different ways to get to Machu Picchu. The easiest way is taking the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, the mountain town closest to the site. It's advised to book your ticket in advance and depending on the route, the journey takes between 1.5 and 3.5 hours.

You can also take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo or from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; both options take up to two hours. On our Upgraded - Discover Peru + the Amazon tour, you'll take the 360 train to Aguas Calientes before joining a shuttle bus to Machu Picchu. 

The Inca Trail and other trekking routes

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most adventurous way to visit this historic sanctuary. It will take preparation and you'll need a permit (see more below), but it's the ultimate rewarding hike. Check out our fully-supported four day treks along the Inca Trail.
 

Planning your trip and booking permits

We can help you plan your trip to see Machu Picchu with our range of guided tours. Our best-selling Inca Trail Trek takes four days, where you'll follow the likes of Kusichaca River, crossing it to reach Wayllabamba (a quiet village of Inca origins), hike through cloud forest and arrive into the 'lost city' with fantastic views of Machu Picchu.

Our second Machu Picchu trail sees you first visit Palccoyo, the 'alternative' Rainbow Mountain with its landscape of muti-coloured layered mountains, before commencing the Inca Trail. You'll arrive into Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate - where endless views await.

Finally, consider our Peru in Depth and the Inca Trail trek. You'll camp at the ruins of Llaqtapata, cross 'Dead Woman's Pass' and finally walk through an Inca tunnel to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca ruins before continuing onto Machu Picchu.

You'll need booking permits for the Inca Trail, and make sure you book these well in advance - see more below. You'll also need entrance tickets to Machu Picchu; see each trip page for details.

The Sun Gate

The Sun Gate in Machu Picchu's is one of the ultimate must-sees (well, you can't miss it). For Inca Trail trekkers, it's the first spot where you'll see the citadel after completing the hike. It's a steep climb to the top, and you may initially be greeted with misty clouds; but this all adds to the rewarding feeling as the clouds lift to reveal a spectacular vista of the once-lost city ahead of you, especially at sunrise when the site is bathed in golden light.
 

Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun is the most significant structure at Machu Picchu. Built with precisely cut stones, the structure was dedicated to the sun god, Inti, and at the centre of the temple is a carved stone that served as a shrine. It's thought that only the Inca emperor, royal family and priests were allowed inside.
There are two windows which accurately observe the solstices and equinoxes, adding to the belief that the Temple of the Sun served as a site for sun worship, marking the solstices and other celestial events in the Inca calendar.
 

Intihuatana Stone

The Intihuatana Stone, whose name translates to 'hitching post of the sun' in the Quechua language, likely served as a calendar or ritual site. This monolith stands between 1-2m tall and roughly 2m wide, with two staircases leading to the stone.
Symbolising the Incas relationship with the cosmos, the Intihuatana Stone was an essential part of Machu Picchu, and its use as a sundial allowed the Incas to use time and measure agricultural seasons. Offerings to the gods were also made here, symbolising the link between humans and the divine.
 

The terraces of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu's terraces are a series of stepped platforms built into the mountainside around the site. They were originally built by the Incas to develop agriculture - to grow crops like maize and potatoes - and remove the risk of landslides, by using rainwater for crop irrigation.  The platforms were made using three layers: mulch, sand, gravel, which allowed the rainwater to be absorbed or run down the slope through their channels. Today they continue to form an aesthetic part of the site.
 

Hidden gems for adventurers

While Machu Picchu is packed with iconic structures like the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana Stone, there are several lesser-known spots that reveal more about this ancient site. Near the western edge of the site lies the Inca Bridge, built into the steep cliffs and once designed to be a defensive structure. Today it offers a dramatic viewpoint of the mountains and valleys.

Near the entrance to Machu Picchu and behind the main temple complex lies the Quarry, which shows where the stones for Machu Picchu's construction were extracted. It's a good way to see the Incas impressive feats of engineering, as it includes unfinished blocks of stone. Some of our itineraries include walking along the Quarry Trail, too.

On the northeastern side of Machu Picchu stands a small, circular stone structure called the Watchtower. Despite its unparalleled vista of the entire site, the Watchtower is often overlooked by many tourists.

Huayna Picchu is a lesser-known but equally striking gem of Machu Picchu's historic sanctuary. Its steep, narrow stairs - nicknamed the 'stairs of death' - rewards you with more ancient temples and terraces to take in. And, of course, more stunning views of the mountains, valley and Machu Picchu too. Huayna Picchu sits at approximately 2,693m (8,835 feet) above sea level, and requires an additional entry ticket to visit.

The dry season vs the rainy season

The dry season (April to October) is considered the best time to visit Machu Picchu. Clearer skies mean better panoramic views (including the surrounding mountains) and less rainfall makes access slightly easier - especially if you're doing the Inca Trail Trek. However, as the dry season is such a popular time to visit, this means peak tourist season, with larger crowds, higher prices and busier trails.

The rainy season (November to March) can still be a good time to visit, as fewer visitors allows for a quieter experience at Machu Picchu. But frequent rain can lead to muddier trails and limited visibility, and there are usually closures along the Inca Trail for maintenance and safety reasons.
Perhaps the best month to visit Machu Picchu is in May or September, as these months form some of the shoulder season - meaning fewer crowds but, for the most part, more comfortable weather.

Whenever you visit, note that at high altitudes, sunny day temperatures can drop dramatically and conditions can change suddenly.

 

Avoiding peak times

Avoiding peak times at Machu Picchu can dramatically enhance your visit. Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds, visit during the rainy season (November to March) or shoulder season (April-early June or late September-October), or plan your visit for the late afternoon when the crowds tend to dwindle after the midday rush.

You can also avoid visiting over the weekends or during school or national holidays, which are other busy periods. 
Another option is to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. Many visitors arrive from Cusco on early trains, so you can gain a head-start on the crowds with a visit first thing in the morning. If you're up for it, consider hiking the Inca Trail, where you'll arrive at the Sun Gate (or Inti Punku).

These two options provide an immersive experience into Machu Picchu and around and provide more unforgettable memories. 

 

Seeing the sunrise/sunset

Watching the sunrise at Machu Picchu is a magical experience. As the first rays of sunlight gently illuminate the ancient citadel, the site is bathed in a honey-hued glow, casting long shadows across the ruins and surrounding landscape. The sun generally rises between 5.30-6.30am - your tour leader will be able to advise you more.

However, watching the sunset at Machu Picchu is slightly more complicated. Sunset hits between 5.30-6.30pm, but the site closes around 5.30pm. So while it's possible to see some of the sunset, you have to follow a circuit track, meaning you'll have already passed the upper viewpoints to see it in its full beauty.

Tickets and permits

You need to book an entrance ticket to visit Machu Picchu - these tickets are sold in timed entry slots. Machu Picchu has a daily visitor limit of about 2,500 people, with different ticket options depending on which sections and surrounding sites you want to visit.

The standard ticket entrance gives you up to four hours to explore Machu Picchu, either on a morning or afternoon visit. Availability sells out fast, so you'll want to buy your ticket months ahead of schedule - high season is considered between April and October. 

The same goes for the Inca Trail pass - find out more here.

Rules and regulations

There are certain rules and regulations in place to protect Machu Picchu's unique history and environment. Drones are strictly prohibited, guided tours are encouraged for a deeper understanding of the site, there are designated routes you must follow to preserve the fragile ecosystem, large backpacks, tripods and cameras are not allowed inside Machu Picchu, and no food or drink is permitted (except for water in reusable bottles).

You must have a valid entrance ticket and these are time-specific to morning or afternoon; you must also carry  form of ID used when purchasing the tickets as this will be checked at the entrance. Single-use plastic is prohibited, as is touching or climbing on the ruins. 

Essential clothing and gear

There's a lot of essential clothing and gear to pack - here's what to wear for Machu Picchu, especially if you're tackling the Inca trail:

Clothing:

• Warm clothing (fleece, thermal underwear, warm hat and gloves)
• Breathable lightweight waterproofs
• Shorts and long trousers
• Comfortable walking shoes (in fact, it's worth wearing them on the flight, just in case something happens to your luggage - you'll at least have this irreplaceable item!)

Gear:

• Torch
• Water bottle
• Essential toiletries: cloth bags, quick-dry towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet roll
• Insect repellent
• Suncream (at least factor 30) and lip salve
• Sunglasses
• Sunhat
• Reusable water bottle 

 

Health and Safety

Machu Picchu welcomes huge numbers of visitors each year without any problems. Our Machu Picchu tours see you travel with expert tour leaders and your safety is our number one priority. Your tour leader will have been expertly trained by us to deal with any unexpected situations.

Quechua culture & traditions

Quechua culture is deeply rooted in the Andean region of Peru. They honour Pachamama (Mother Earth) with rich traditions in language, oral storytelling, vibrant festivals and weaving intricate textiles. Get to know Quechua-speaking Inca descendants in Cusco - once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire - as you wander through cobblestone plazas with stalls and shops selling traditional textiles.

 

Nearby attractions

Once a small village with only a few houses, today Aguas Calientes is a bustling mountain town popular with travellers before and after visiting Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes offers a decent market, cafes and overall laidback vibe.

In Cusco, don't miss the Main Square with its well-preserved colonial architecture which stands atop the foundation stones of old Inca walls. There's also the Plaza de Armas and the Qoricancha complex, which was once the Inca's most sacred site, dedicated to the sun god.

Visit Ollantaytambo, an original Inca town, and take in the traditional houses and Inca terracing. This Inca archaeological site is known for its historical significance in the Sacred Valley.

 

Culinary delights to try in the region

• Guinea pig (or Cuy) is considered a delicacy in the Andes region of Peru. Seen as a valuable source of protein, it's cooked on a hot spit and served with potatoes or chips.
• Tuna fruit (or Prickly Pear) is a sweet, juicy fruit. Try it for yourself in Cusco.
• Aji de Gallina is a creamy chicken stew that can be linked back to ancient Incan cuisine; today, it's a staple Peruvian cuisine.
• Coca tea is believed to have medicinal benefits, which can help with any altitude-related nausea and headaches. Popular in the sky-high Peruvian Andes, coca leaves are infused in hot water to create this herbal tea.

Read our food and drink guide to Peru for more ideas

How long should I spend at Machu Picchu?

For most visitors, a three- to four-hour visit gives you enough time to explore the main area of the ruins, including the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, terraces and the plaza. As mentioned above, you can only book a morning or afternoon visit, so your time will be limited to one of those sessions.

On many of our Machu Picchu tours you'll join a guided visit, with the option to visit again the next day unguided. Note you'll need a separate ticket for each time you visit.

 

Can I visit Machu Picchu without a guide?

While you can visit Machu Picchu without a guide, it's well worth having an expert in their field showing you around. On our trips, you'll visit with your expert local tour leader who will be able to share interesting information about the history, culture and preservation of the site, and answer any questions you have. Plus, there aren't many informational signs at Machu Picchu, so it's very beneficial to go with a guide. 

 

Is Machu Picchu accessible for everyone?

Since 2019, wheelchair users are able to visit Machu Picchu, although this is currently restricted to the first 'floor'. As the site is located on a steep mountain with uneven stone paths and stairs, this can make access difficult for people with limited mobility. 

Many visit Machu Picchu by train, as it's more scenic and comfortable, and some lines offer wheelchair-accessible trains. If you're planning a visit to Machu Picchu - especially if it's via the Inca Trail Trek - do your research about the altitude and select the appropriate travel insurance for your trip.