Quick Facts
- Location: Eastern Cordillera, Southern Peru
- Elevation: 2,430 meters (7,970 feet)
- Built: Mid-15th century
- UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1983)
- Site Area: 32,592 hectares
- Best time to visit: April to October (dry season)
- Daily Visitor Limit: 4,044 people
- Nearest Town: Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
Overview
Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas," stands as a testament to Incan engineering and architectural brilliance. This 15th-century citadel, perched dramatically between two mountain peaks, showcases the sophisticated urban planning, agricultural innovation, and astronomical alignment capabilities of the Inca civilization. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, it has become not just Peru's most visited attraction but one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites.
Getting There
Train Access
- Cusco to Aguas Calientes: 3.5 hours via Peru Rail or Inca Rail
- Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: 1.5 hours
- Services: Expedition (Budget), Vistadome (Panoramic), Hiram Bingham (Luxury)
Hiking Routes
| Trail | Duration | Difficulty | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | 4 days | Challenging | 26 miles (42 km) |
| Short Inca Trail | 2 days | Moderate | 7.5 miles (12 km) |
| Salkantay Trek | 5 days | Strenuous | 46 miles (74 km) |
When to Go
- Dry Season (April-October):
- Clearest skies and best photography conditions
- Peak tourist season (June-August)
- Cold nights but stable weather
- Wet Season (November-March):
- Fewer crowds and lush vegetation
- Morning mists create mystical atmosphere
- Risk of trail closures due to rain
- Best Time of Day: Early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) for fewer crowds and best light
Key Site Features
- Temple of the Sun
- Intihuatana Stone
- Royal Tomb
- Principal Temple
- House of the Priest
- Temple of the Three Windows
- Agricultural Terraces
- Sacred Plaza
- Optional Hikes:
- Huayna Picchu (Limited to 400 visitors daily)
- Machu Picchu Mountain
- Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
- Inca Bridge
Personal Narrative
Our journey to Machu Picchu began not just with anticipation but with a train ride that felt like stepping into a living postcard. Departing from Cusco aboard the Peru Rail...
To read the full narrative about our trip to Machu Picchu, click the button below:
Read MorePractical Tips
- Tickets:
- Book well in advance (especially for Huayna Picchu)
- Bring passport (matches ticket name)
- No re-entry allowed on standard tickets
- What to Bring:
- Water (no plastic bottles allowed)
- Sun protection
- Rain gear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Small backpack only
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
Help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site for future generations:
- Stay on marked paths
- No touching or climbing on ruins
- Pack out all trash
- Use designated restrooms (none inside the site)
- Follow "Leave No Trace" principles
- Respect closure times and restricted areas
- Support local communities in Aguas Calientes