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Machu Picchu

  • Aguas Calientes, Cusco Region, Peru

Last updated: 18 March, 2024

Even if you’ve seen the view in a thousand pictures, you will be blown away: clouds drifting up the lush valley, the newly-risen sun burning them away and drawing the veil from the face of Huayna Picchu mountain and the cascade of ruin-strewn terraces below.

Welcome to one of South America’s most iconic sights: the remarkable Inca citadel that lay undisturbed for centuries, only to come to international attention after a National Geographic expedition in 1911.

This Inca City was lost for centuries in the cloud forest, until it was romantically ‘re-discovered’ by explorer Hiram Bingham (with the help of locals who always knew it was there). Straddling a high mountain ridge, it was famously bult as the Inca’s secret final refuge – but you can’t help thinking they chose the location for the view.

It was abandoned around the time of the Spanish Conquest, and remains relatively intact because it was never discovered by the Conquistadors.

Know before you go 

Covering ten hectares of cloud forest mountaintop, its outstanding architecture is made up of elaborate ceremonial centres – including a sun temple – as well as residential areas and agricultural terraces. At the north end is Wayna Picchu, the cone-shaped mountain that stands majestically over the site.

Built in two stages during the 1400s and made using natural raw materials, the site is one of the world’s great examples of architecture that blends into its environment: set on the steep pinnacle of a granite mountain, the vast walls and terraces appear as if they are a continuous part of the rock escarpment.

Logistics

Price from: £28
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Machu Picchu sits above the riverside village of Aguas Calientes. Arrive the night before and stay overnight to ensure catching the first bus up to the ruins (at 5.30am); for those dawn, crowd-free views.

Many people rely on tour operators to book tickets (train and entrance packages), but it’s also possible to buy tickets independently via the government website.

The most adventurous way to arrive in Machu Picchu is on the Inca Trail: a glorious Inca Road that winds 43km through the misty mountains past a string of spectacularly-located Inca ruins.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, seven days a week.

People visit Machu Picchu all year, but the peak dry season months (June to August) are best. Going in the shoulder season (April to May, September to October) means fewer crowds. Expect plenty of rain from November to March, so avoid if possible.

When it’s time to visit the site, go early. Magical Machu Picchu is at its best near dawn.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Cusco

Local experts for an easy way to visit Machu Picchu with a special cancellation poliy, all details are arranged: ticket train on premium departures from/to Machu Picchu, bus on shift to go up and down the citadel, morning shift entrance fee, and expert local guide. Feel the energy, hear the stories and history of one of the most attractive places over the World. VIPAC refund cancellation Policy: if you cancel your booking before 20 days of the tour departure, we will refund 80% of the total amount. Cancellations with less than 20 days prior of the tour departure are non refundable in 100%. Due to high demand of visitors to Machu Picchu and limited capacity, we suggest to book 60 days prior. Last minute bookings, less than 60 days, can be booked on midday and afternoon shifts.

Price $336

Min age 2

Rating 4.48 / 5 [1518 ratings]

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  • Cusco

Our Day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco is a beautiful way to see one of the World's New Seven Wonders. Happy Gringo offers you your best opportunity to visit this marvel of South America and the whole Earth. Machu Picchu Day Trip lets you experience the spectacular Citadel of Machu Picchu in just one day with a local tour operator. On our comfort service Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco, you’ll see the breathtaking Cloud City of Machupicchu with roundtrip train tickets to Cusco. You will also have a guided tour of the citadel and enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch at Machu Picchu Pueblo. The Machu Picchu Inca Sanctuary Day Trip lasts around 14 hours; our Machu Picchu one-day tour leaves every day at 4:30 am. We return to Cusco around 19:00 on Voyager or Expedition tourist trains, and our service is DOOR TO DOOR. Note—the Machu Picchu ticket and circuit are provided according to availability. We recommend booking your trip months in advance to get the best circuit.

Price $399

Min age 1

Rating 4.62 / 5 [605 ratings]

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  • Cusco

The Inca jungle Trail is a new route offered to Machu Picchu which involves biking, walking and just being. This multiple terrain trip includes recently discovered real Inca paths, archaeological ruins and a 60 kilometer bike downhill. This is done on brand new mountain bikes through the mountains from Abra Malaga to the green valleys below and the jungle base of Santa Maria. The four day, three night trip ends with a dawn view of the valleys below Machu Picchu.

Price $417

Min age 12

Rating 4.89 / 5 [402 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cusco

Machu Picchu, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most important destinations to visit in Peru. Experience a full day exploring the stunning Inca citadel on this all-inclusive tour. Surrounded by nature, you’ll immerse yourself in the fascinating mysteries of this magnificent site while accompanied by a professional guide throughout the journey. Enjoy a unique panoramic train ride with spectacular views of the landscape before arriving at Machu Picchu. Once there, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the site with your expert guide. The tour includes all entrance tickets and transportation: seamless round-trip transport from your hotel in Cusco, as well as entry to Machu Picchu. In just one day, you’ll visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World and experience an unforgettable adventure. Leave all the details to us and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Price $334

Min age 1

Rating 4.85 / 5 [313 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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