Machu Picchu

The multi-colored stepped terraces that surround this ethereal city takes the form of a cradle fashioned for fortunate adventurers who dare explore the magnificent and veiled Incan Ilkaytambo of Machu Pichu in Peru. Yet, the perfect combination of the farming areas with their stunning terraces, complicated stone structures and the breath-taking one-of-a-kind beauty- that is what UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts to the wide world about, which comes only after putting a lot of effort and emphasis on the logistics part. Below, you’ll find a detailed step by step practice to get to the famous Machu Picchu. Along with this you’re contended with the best city travel tips where you’ll experience both Cusco and Aguas Calientes which all three cities are popular among tourists en route.

Climate & Weather

Machu Picchu sits at the crossroads of the Andes and the Amazon, where the temperate subtropical climate offers warm days and cooler nights. Additionally, humidity levels tend to be higher compared to Cusco and the Sacred Valley.

Seasonal Variations: Dry Season vs. Rainy Season

Weather patterns at Machu Picchu are characterized by rapid and often unpredictable shifts throughout the year. While the region does experience distinct dry and rainy seasons, these transitions are not as clearly delineated as in other high-altitude areas of Peru. The dry winter period typically spans from April to October, while the wetter summer season lasts from November to March. It’s important to note that the seasons in the northern and southern hemispheres are opposite.

Best Time to Visit

Machu Picchu experiences its peak season during June, July, and August, aligning with the region’s dry season when sunny weather prevails, making it widely regarded as the optimal time to visit. However, due to the popularity of these months, accommodations, entry tickets, and other services tend to book up quickly, necessitating advanced reservations.

Conversely, the low season for Machu Picchu falls between December and February, coinciding with the rainy season. During this period, tourist numbers diminish, resulting in less crowding within the citadel. Nonetheless, the downside is the heightened likelihood of rainfall, emphasizing the importance of packing appropriate rain gear.

Geography & Map

Machu Picchu is situated approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Cusco within the Urubamba Province of Peru. This location marks the convergence of the eastern Andean slopes with the expansive Amazon Rainforest. Perched atop a lofty mountain ridge, the Inca ingeniously constructed their city, commanding panoramic views of the verdant cloud forest enveloping the region. Far beneath, the Urubamba River meanders through the valley floor, traversing Aguas Calientes along its course.

History

Contrary to the majority scholars views, the Machu Picchu building started during the height of the Empire of the Inca in 1450 AD. Some archaeologists even assert that it would have served as the royal castle for the ninth king, Pachacutec, while others draw a different conclusion that it could have been a religious center for the educated and spiritual elite of the Incas.

Before the actual construction began, significant surveys were done on the mountain top site. Just as the Inca built an intricate canal system to funnel fresh water to the relevant areas of city, so too did they create a multi-dimensional jungle. Also worth to mention that the Inca Empire achieved all their accomplishments without the use of iron or steel tools, or even the wheel, basing only on the primitive material like stone, wood, and bronze. They built huge and well-constructed terraces aligned with mountain slopes. This offered the opportunity to create shelters that could withstand the earthquakes and torrential rain that arrived in the region repeatedly every year.

The cities threw into symbolic disappearance, Machu Picchu, only a few decades after the City’s foundation, in the 1530s, within the turmoil of the Spanish Conquests. Following the general knowledge of the city was forgotten and by the officials it and the time passed, after that it was known only in local legends.

In 1911, what we call the accidental discover of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham, a Yale history professor searching for the legendary city of Vilcabamba where the resistance leader Manco Inca took refuge from enslaving Spanish army, occurred. By rediscovering it, the place sauced by nostalgia burst into the world attachment with its previous years of oblivion.

Today, Mucu Picchuis that is UNESCO World Heritage Sanctuary and ranks as the most visited siteis of Peru. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism indicated a figure of 800–200 as the tourists inside Machu Picchu in the year 2007 was when it was recognized as one of the world’s seven New Wonders. Since that time, visitor numbers have grown by more than 100 percent to reach the impressive amount of 1,585,300 people from around the world who were enchanted by the famous Inca ruins as of 2019.

Things to Do

Sun Gate

The Sun Gate, also referred to as Inti Punku, served as the primary entrance to Machu Picchu in ancient times. Nowadays, adventurers embark on their memorable journey through the Sun Gate during the concluding leg of the Inca Trail (Camino Inca), marking their triumphant arrival at the citadel.

Huayna Picchu

The trail ascending Huayna Picchu, the iconic dome-shaped peak towering over the Inca citadel, stands as Machu Picchu’s most sought-after hike. The ascent to the summit typically spans about an hour, offering breathtaking vistas of the ruins as your ultimate prize. Yet, be mindful that the upper segments of the trail narrow and boast steep drop-offs, making it unsuitable for those with a fear of heights. Access to this trail is restricted to 400 hikers daily, necessitating reservation alongside your entry + hike ticket purchase in advance, ensuring your spot if available.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu mountain offers yet another exhilarating hike within the ancient Inca ruins, standing nearly twice as tall as its neighboring peak, Huayna Picchu. The challenging ascent to the summit, spanning one and a half to two hours, demands stamina, featuring numerous lengthy stretches of stone steps. However, your perseverance will be handsomely rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama awaiting at the peak. Access to Machu Picchu Mountain is similarly restricted, requiring advance reservation alongside the purchase of your entry ticket + hike pass to secure your spot.

Temple of the Sun

Locating the Temple of the Sun within Machu Picchu is a breeze, as it stands out with its unique semicircular design. During the winter solstice, the southeast-facing window of the temple perfectly aligns with the rising sun, casting its light upon the sacred rock positioned at its center. Numerous scholars speculate that this temple served as a site of reverence for the high Inca priests, dedicated to honoring Inti, the revered sun god.

Intihuatana

The Intihuatana was meticulously carved from a single block of granite and likely served as a device for tracking astronomical phenomena through shadow casting. In Quechua, Intihuatana translates to “the hitching post of the sun,” directly alluding to its strategic placement atop a prominent elevation within Machu Picchu.

Sacred Rock

The Sacred Rock stands as an imposing granite monolith situated just prior to the entrance checkpoint for Huayna Picchu. Its summit bears intricate carvings mirroring the distinct outline of Yanantin Mountain, located across the valley from Machu Picchu. Revered by the Inca, the surrounding mountains were believed to house sacred spirits, suggesting that the Sacred Rock likely served as a site for significant spiritual ceremonies.

Temple of the Condor

The Temple of the Condor exemplifies the Inca’s adeptness at imbuing natural rock formations with spiritual significance. Utilizing two granite boulders positioned at angles to form the bird’s expansive wings, the Inca adorned the temple with carefully placed stones to represent its head and neck feathers, complemented by surrounding stone walls. Certain scholars hypothesize that the condor’s head may have served as an altar. Furthermore, the discovery of a mummy within the natural cave chamber beneath one of the condor’s wings hints at the site’s potential use for burial rituals.

Stairway of Fountains

The Inca engineered an elaborate network of canals to distribute water throughout Machu Picchu, drawing from rain-fed springs located on the northern slope of Machu Picchu Mountain. Central to this sophisticated hydraulic infrastructure is the “Stairway of Fountains,” where water perpetually courses through. This array of sixteen fountains is interconnected by stone channels, cascading gracefully down the mountainside. Machu Picchu, a sprawling cityscape, boasts over 170 structures, in addition to over 600 terraces, countless stone stairways, temples, and the notable inclusion of 16 fountains.

How to Get to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu resides in a secluded area of Peru, where transportation options are scarce. There are no direct roads linking Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Aguas Calientes, leaving travelers with just two choices: either opt for a train journey or embark on a trek.

Train to Machu Picchu

Many visitors opt for the train as their preferred mode of transportation to Machu Picchu due to its time-saving convenience and comfortable travel experience. PeruRail provides various train services catering to different preferences and budgets, ranging from the budget-friendly Vistadome and the upgraded Expedition to the luxurious Hiram Bingham. With multiple departures available throughout the morning and evening, travelers have flexibility in planning their journey.

Passengers have the option to board the train either at Cusco’s Poroy Station (a 20-minute taxi ride from the city plaza) or in the Sacred Valley at Ollantaytambo Station, continuing along the tracks to Aguas Calientes. Upon reaching Machu Picchu Station, the final stretch of your journey entails a 20-minute shuttle bus ride (ticket required) or an uphill walk to the main entrance of Machu Picchu.

Routes & Travel Times:

• Cusco to Machu Picchu: 4 hours by train
• Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu: 2 hours by train
• Urubamba to Machu Picchu: 3 hours (*limited weekly departures)

Train Luggage Restrictions:

Due to limited onboard storage space, travelers are advised to pack lightly when journeying to Machu Picchu by train. Each passenger is permitted one carry-on bag weighing no more than 11 lbs (5kg). Many hotels in Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer complimentary luggage storage services, allowing you to leave behind any additional belongings not needed for this segment of your trip.

Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Only a 5.5mile (9km) walk away, Aguas Calientes sits 1,310 ft (400m) lower than that of Machu Picchu archaeological site, at the shadow of the mountain. The buses, which ferry people from town to the ruins, can be found at a bus stop which is just a 3 to 5 minute walk from the train station in Aguas Calientes. The town has many small streets which can be a bit difficult for visitors to navigate, but there are quite a few money changers and travel agencies on Av. Pachacútec that can help exchange your money and organize However, this mini-bus is often getting into a tangle by being piled on the switchback rule, going up and down the mountain side, which is very steep. Contrary to this, nearly all coming tours to Machu Picchu give over priced ticket to tour by bus. It is also possible to buy the tickets of the bus in Cusco or adjacent to the bus stop itself near Aguas Calientes.

Is Machu Picchu Open, the first buses commence their journeys at 5:At 30 am, coming to immediate entrance of Machu Picchu Quarter of an hour before the gate opens at six o’ clock in the morning. The morning hours, particularly between 5:During these hours, be prepared to meet the long lines, as well as during the early morning and mid-morning train that comes from Cusco and the Sacred Valley, usually from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Trekking to Machu Picchu

For those who have an adrenaline rush, a trek to Machu Picchu shall definitely be their kind off thing! Hikes are also offered, affording you the opportunity to get to the world famous archaeological site and on the way back home to the station in the train.

The trail itself could become the most coveted one in South America if the 4-day Inka Trail to Machu Picchu stands out as the most famous trek. This confer the traveler a breath-taking view of some Andean passes, it allows him to discover some wonderful less known Inca sites before you a gorgeous sceneries of the entry to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. For those who have less time to spare or want less-labor-demanding option the 2-day Inca Trail will be a substitute.

For anyone exploring the Inca Trail, anyone who intends to go there, need to first secure a permit followed by that. Nevertheless, not being able to secure a permit for the Inca Trail should not scare you; amazing other trails to Machu Picchu do exist that do not require permits for a hiking.

As an option to those nature lovers, the 5-day Salkantay Trek has presented a splendid pathway. It’s at this point, that you’ll start the Salkantay route which goes past the beautiful snow-covered peak of Salkantay, the tallest mountain (5,900 m) from which the path is named. Then, it crosses the high fields called pampas, before it goes down into the river valley with cloud forest and finally reaching Machu Picchu.

At the same time, 4-day Lares Trek will be reputed amongst those tourists who are passionate about culture and local adventures. You will be traveling through the Lares Valley along this route, being able to witness the quiet villages that are full of rich Andean traditions and at the same time will enjoy the unique views of the mountains around and less frequently seen Inca ruins, and the entire trip will finish on the last day at the summit of Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu rules 2024 UPDATE: Machu Picchu ticket prices are set for 2024. Also park staff installed 28 video cameras throughout the sanctuary and will soon implement a comprehensive monitoring system to control visitor traffic to prevent bottlenecks. Five turnstiles are being installed for smoother access to various circuits within the park.

Visitor Guidelines

Machu Picchu Tickets

Tickets to Machu Picchu are in high demand and must be secured well in advance. There are two types of tickets available: general entry tickets and those that include access to either Huayna Picchu (limited to 400 daily slots) or Machu Picchu Mountain (also limited to 400 daily slots). Demand for these additional hikes is particularly intense during the peak months of June, July, and August. Therefore, meticulous planning, sometimes up to 4 months in advance, is essential. Ensure to reserve your spot when purchasing your Machu Picchu tickets.

Passport stamp given upon entry to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a cherished memento of any journey through Peru.

Tickets are not sold at the main entrance. If you find yourself in a last-minute situation, your final opportunity is to acquire tickets at the National Cultural Institute (INC) office located on the main plaza in Aguas Calientes or tu boleto cultura pe

Time Allocation in Machu Picchu

Your entry time to Machu Picchu is predetermined when purchasing tickets in advance. You are granted one full hour to enter the archaeological site, according to the designated time on your ticket. We recommend arriving at the bus stop in Aguas Calientes at least one hour before your designated entrance time at the Machu Picchu ruins.

• An entry ticket to Machu Picchu grants you 4 hours of exploration.
• Entry combined with a Huayna Picchu ticket allows for 6 hours to tour Machu Picchu and complete the hike.
• Entry combined with a Machu Picchu Mountain ticket provides 7 hours for a guided tour and the longer hike. This hike offers more time within Machu Picchu compared to Huayna Picchu.

Walking Circuits around Machu Picchu aid in managing foot traffic. Routes 1 and 2 (marked in green and red on the map) traverse similar attractions but explore different sections of the agricultural zone near the main entrance gate. Route 3 (in blue) serves as an alternative walking route, ensuring visitors with hiking permits can access Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.

Types of Routes to Explore in Machu Picchu

Llacta de Machu Picchu (Circuit 1, 2, 3, or 4)

The most favored among the array of Machu Picchu tours, it provides a thorough overview of the site’s primary highlights. Set forth on a captivating voyage through the core of the Inca citadel, delving into iconic landmarks including Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Condor.

Circuit 4 + Waynapicchu

For daring and seasoned trekkers, the 4 + Wayna Picchu Circuit (also referred to as Huayna Picchu) offers a demanding yet gratifying adventure. Scale this towering peak that overlooks Machu Picchu, reveling in panoramic vistas of the citadel and the sprawling Urubamba River valley below.

Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3

Embark on an expedition into the heart of the Machu Picchu region with the Machu Picchu Mountain + Circuit 3 excursion. This demanding trek leads you to the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, providing unmatched vistas of the citadel and the awe-inspiring peaks of the Andes.

Circuit 4 + Huchuypicchu Mountain

The Huchuypicchu Mountain expedition will give you a chance to go beyond the safety of the well-beaten path. Climb a difficult Hiram Bingham climb (Quechua for Huchuypicchu, means young peak) which overlooks both Wayna Picchu (meaning young mountain) and Machu Picchu.

Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge

For those desiring a less strenuous yet enlightening journey, Circuit 1 or 2 + Inca Bridge offers a glimpse into the Inca’s remarkable engineering prowess. Traverse the Inca Bridge, a testament to ancient architectural ingenuity, and uncover the Inca’s skill in stonework and building techniques.