Machu Picchu

One of the 7 World Wonders of the World

Lose yourself in the magic of Machu Picchu—ancient Inca stonework clinging to misty mountain ridges, terraces that tumble into emerald cloud forest and vistas that stop you mid‑breath. Whether you conquer the Inca Trail or glide in by train, arrive at dawn to watch the golden sunlight spill across the citadel, hear the silence of a civilization’s masterpiece and capture moments that feel impossibly timeless. It’s history, adventure and pure awe rolled into one unforgettable mountain escape.

Machu Picchu Travel Guide 

Machu Picchu is famous for its exceptional state of preservation and its breathtaking high-altitude location in the Andes. The remarkable Inca engineering and architecture has profound historical and cultural significance to the Inca civilization and is internationally recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient "Lost city of the Incas" that was never found by the Spanish conquerors - making it the most intact Inca city ever found - combined with its beautiful natural setting, solidifies its reputation as a sacred and secret place that is a must see to make your experience truly unforgettable.  

Machu Picchu is a high‑demand, regulated site where thoughtful planning turns a stressful trip into a moving, seamless experience. 

Here are some hot tips in our Machu Picchu Travel Guide to help you on your way and to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Where is Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu sits 2,430m (7,972feet) on a narrow saddle between the peaks of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, in the Machu Picchu District of Urubamba Province, Cusco region. 

History of Machu Picchu

Often referred to as "The Lost City of the Incas" this 15th century Inca citadel is one of the most iconic symbols of the Inca civilization and a major archaeological site in the Americas. Built around 1450, it is believed to have served as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. In the late 16th century, Spaniards were gaining control of the area, but never found Machu Picchu, thus making it the most remarkable archaeological find of an intact, untouched Inca city. To learn more about Inca History, Ancient Daily Life, Agricultural Activity and the Discovery- visit Machu Picchu -Wikipedia

How to Get There

Cusco is the launching point for your adventure. To get to Cusco, you can fly from Lima direct or take a bus. 

HOT TIP - If your time permits, consider taking the bus from Lima to Cusco. This would allow you to climatize to the higher elevation gain and enrich your Peru experience by hopping off in the different towns along the way.

Once in Cusco, the best way you can travel to the heart of Aguas Calientes is by train.  Taking the train turns a long mountain transfer into a scenic, stress‑free part of your adventure: dramatic river‑cut gorges and cloud‑forest transitions roll by your window while comfortable seats, large viewing windows and reliable schedules save your energy for the incredible ruins. In addition, trains also offer faster, safer access than road alternatives, straightforward luggage handling and flexible service classes (budget to luxury) so you can choose comfort, photography‑friendly vistas for a more memorable journey as part of the experience. 

If you are fit and want to experience the magical wonders of Peru, multi-day hikes are also available to Machu Picchu from Cusco.

Once in Aguas Calientes, you can take a shuttle bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu (recommended) or take the short hike straight up the mountain.

Hiking Paths

Choosing to hike to Machu Picchu turns your trip into an epic adventure: you follow original Inca stone paths through high mountain passes and misty cloud forests, earning each breathtaking terrace view with every step. The challenge amps up anticipation, keeps crowds at bay until the final reveal and forges lasting bonds with fellow trekkers. By walking in the footsteps of ancient Inca engineers, you immerse yourself in history and nature—and arrive at the Sun Gate as a true explorer.

From classic multi-day treks following ancient Inca routes to shorter hikes that reveal hidden viewpoints, here are paths you can take to reach and explore Machu Picchu: Classic Inka Trail, Short Inca Trail, Salkantay Trail (National Geographic has named it as one of the 25 best treks in the world) and Lares Trail.

Altitude and Health

Machu Picchu sits at 2,430m (7,972feet). Altitude sickness is something that you should consider, especially if you have health concerns. It is one of those things that most people don't tell you or really don't think about, but really should.

Acclimatization requires days, not hours. Scheduling 1–2 buffer days in Cusco may help prevent altitude sickness from wrecking the highlights of your trip and keeps you safe and energetic for hikes. Consider - hydrating, avoid heavy exertion on arrival days and bring altitude remedies like prescribed medication if you're prone to altitude sickness or you can drink the Coca Tea offered at many restaurants. Pack a basic first‑aid kit, motion‑sickness remedies for winding roads and any personal prescriptions.

Local Logistics and Accommodation

Choose whether to base in Cusco and take a day trip or stay overnight in Aguas Calientes for an early or late visit. Both options have tradeoffs in travel time and atmosphere. Confirm train times, transfer providers and whether your hotel offers breakfast or shuttle services. Allow buffer time for slower mountain travel and possible schedule shifts. Good planning converts long transfers and tight connections into relaxed, enjoyable travel days.

Weather and Seasonal Strategy

Peru’s mountain weather changes fast. Planning by season and having flexible days protects against rain delays and lets you visit in the shoulder months for better light and fewer people. The best time to visit Machu Picchu for favorable weather is during the dry season - from April to October - with peak months being June through August for clear skies, comfortable temperatures and ideal hiking conditions. However, these months also see the most crowds, so consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April, May, September or October for a balance of good weather and fewer people.  Decide whether you want the sunrise rush or the calmer late‑afternoon light—sunrise is epic but busiest, later slots feel quieter and still offer brilliant views. If hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, secure those separate, limited permits early to avoid disappointment.

Practical Planning and Permits

Book your Machu Picchu entrance ticket, train or Inca Trail permit and any guided tour well in advance—seasons sell out and permits are limited. Match your entrance time with transport schedules so you don’t waste a day and keep printed or offline copies of all confirmations. Factor in extra days for flexibility in case of weather or transport delays. Recommended to book a tour guide for Machu Picchu as local guides transform ruins into stories, pointing out hidden features, explaining Inca engineering and cultural meaning and taking you to the best vantage points for photos while keeping your visit efficient and within site rules. They also handle logistics, help you navigate and connect you with authentic local insights that turn a checklist visit into a very memorable, deeper experience.

Secure Entry and Transportation

Machu Picchu sees about 2,000-4,000 visitors daily, so tickets, trains, and Inca Trail or Huayna Picchu permits sell out months ahead. For most of the year, standard entrances to Machu Picchu are booked out 6-8 weeks in advance. Last minute purchases might be possible due to "no shows", but longer waits of a day or two might be expected depending on the time of year. Locking these in early avoids last‑minute price spikes and delays, lengthy reroutes or the heartbreak of missed permits. HOT TIP: The main entrance does have bathrooms, but you need a few SOL's to use.

Machu Picchu Circuits — Overview

Machu Picchu now uses a regulated circuit system to manage flows and protect the site. There are three main circuits to decide on (Circuito 1 Panorámico, Circuito 2 Clásico, Circuito 3 Realeza) with multiple route options across them. Circuits are one‑way and strictly enforced. You cannot retrace steps and which circuit you pick determines which features you’ll see. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain require separate permits and may be combined with certain circuit tickets. Choose Circuit 1 for the classic viewpoint, Circuit 2 for a comprehensive tour, and Circuit 3 if you want the royal/ceremonial highlights.

Circuito 1 Panorámico

Short, upper‑terrace loop built for the iconic postcard view of the citadel with Huayna Picchu rising behind it - ideal if your priority is the classic photo and panoramic vistas.

Circuito 2 Clásico

A reworked “classic” route that visits parts of the upper terraces then sweeps around the lower terraces - it gives a broad overview of the main archaeological zones and is the most all‑round option for first‑time visitors.

Circuito 3 Realeza

Focused on the ceremonial and royal sector (Temple of the Sun, Royal Palace, Temple of the Condor) and mainly runs through the lower terraces for visitors wanting deeper architectural and ritual context.

What to Pack and Prohibited Items

Bring layered clothing: mornings can be cold and sun strong by midday and a lightweight rain shell is essential during the wet season. Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip for steep, uneven stone steps and a small daypack with water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a power bank. Large backpacks,  umbrellas, walking sticks, portable chairs, tripods, selfie sticks or drones are  not allowed and should be left at your hotel. For more information on prohibited items and code of conduct, please visit The Ministry of Culture - Peru.

Hikes and Permits

Give your trek the best chance of success by planning ahead. Book your hike with a trusted company such as Alpaca Expeditions or Salkantay Trekking, then spend at least one or two days in Cusco to acclimatize. Arriving rested and adjusted to altitude means you’ll tackle those high-passes with more energy and less risk of sickness. Booking a hiking company for Machu Picchu hands off every tricky detail— transportation, permits, equipment, porters, campsites and timing—to seasoned professionals, so you conquer high-altitude passes safely with expert local guides, savor gourmet meals around the campfire and sleep in quality tents. You’ll gain insider Inca history and cultural stories, stress-free logistics, and reliable support on steep trails, transforming a gear-heavy trek into a seamless, unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

Here are iconic sights at Machu Picchu:

• Sun Gate (Inti Punku): original Inca Trail entrance that frames the sunrise over the ruins and the Urubamba Valley below

• Huayna Picchu: the towering peak behind the citadel offering the classic bird’s-eye postcard view (advance permit required)

• Central Plaza and Terraces: the grassy heart dividing ceremonial and residential zones, often graced by grazing llamas against stone-   

          built terraces

• Temple of the Sun: a semicircular, windowed sanctuary used for astronomical observations and Inca sun-god worship

• Watchman’s Hut (Caretaker’s Hut): perched above the ruins, this lookout offers panoramic site-wide vistas through its famous 

          “window”

• Inca Bridge: a secret military path carved directly into a cliff face, engineered with a fatal gap to thwart unwanted visitors. This is not a             very well known feature and is approx. 30 min (0.82km) walk from Machu Picchu.

Respect, Sustainability and Culture

Follow all site rules, stay on designated paths and pack out trash. Every visitor helps preserve Machu Picchu for the next generation. Consider supporting local guides, artisans, and small restaurants to enrich your visit and give back to the community. Learn a few basic Spanish phrases and cultural norms to show respect and improve interactions.