Machu Picchu
Cusco, Peru
The lost city of Machu Picchu is the most famous tourist attraction in Peru, if not all of South America. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed collection of temples, terraced hills, and plazas was once the mountaintop citadel of the ancient Inca empire. Although Machu Picchu is now world-famous, questions remain about the mysteries behind its construction, function, and eventual demise.
The basics
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this famous archaeological site is a must-visit for many travelers to Peru. You must enter with an official tour guide, and group sizes are capped at 16 people. Entry is permitted in hour-specific time slots and is limited to 4 hours.
If you’re short on time, you can visit the ancient ruins on a day trip by train from Cusco. However, the 4-day trek along the legendary Inca Trail is another popular option. Some multi-day tour options also visit other regional highlights, such as Lake Titicaca and the Amazon rainforest.
Things to know before you go
Machu Picchu tickets sell out early, especially in the Peruvian winter (May to September). Book well ahead of time.
All travelers must visit with a licensed guide and organized tours make it easy to visit this popular destination.
Selfie sticks, tripods, and strollers are not allowed at Machu Picchu. Security check bags at the gate.
Hike to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain for fantastic views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River Valley.
Expect a full-day tour from Cusco to last upwards of 13 hours.
Machu Picchu is not wheelchair accessible.
How to get there
The quickest way to Machu Picchu is by rail (train tickets are available through PeruRail or IncaRail) from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, it’s a short bus ride or steep hike to the Machu Picchu site.
For some, hiking the Inca Trail is as much a part of the Machu Picchu experience as the ruins themselves. This busy trail isn't the only trekking route. Others such as the Salkantay trek or Lares route provide off-the-beaten-path alternatives
When to get there
In high season between late May and early September, the Lost City of the Inca allows a maximum of 2,500 people to visit each day. June, July, and August are the busiest and driest months at Machu Picchu. January is the wettest and February sees the closure of the Inca Trail. Spring and fall strike a nice balance between pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
Tips for the Inca Trail hike
If your dream Machu Picchu experience includes hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley, book well ahead of time. The number of hikers is limited to 500 per day (including guides and porters), and spots do sell out.
This difficult trail requires a fair amount of physical fitness, particularly given the high altitude in the Andes mountains. Give yourself at least two days in Cusco to acclimatize, and buy some coca leaves to help with any altitude sickness. Pick up a pair of walking sticks too—you'll be glad you did.
Ways to explore
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this famous archaeological site is a must-visit for many travelers to Peru. You must enter with an official tour guide, and group sizes are capped at 16 people. Entry is permitted in hour-specific time slots and is limited to 4 hours. Hiking the Inca Trail means you’ll be one of the first people to enter Machu Picchu when it opens just before sunrise, making it well worth the effort.
If you’re short on time, you can visit the ancient ruins on a day trip by train from Cusco. However, the 4-day trek along the legendary Inca Trail is another popular option. Some multi-day tour options also visit other regional highlights, such as Lake Titicaca and the Amazon rainforest.
Accessibility
Machu Picchu is not wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Altitude sickness medication, camera for llama selfies
What to wear
Layers—the temperature at this high altitude is changeable.
Not allowed
Selfie sticks, tripods, strollers; security will check all bags at the gate.
Amenities
Restrooms, luggage storage, snack bar, shuttle buses
Address
For some, hiking the Inca Trail is as much a part of the Machu Picchu experience as the ruins themselves—but this busy trail isn’t the only trekking route. Others, such as the Salkantay trek or Lares route, provide off-the-beaten-path alternatives.
Driving
The closest you can get to Machu Picchu by car is by driving to Ollantaytambo. From Cusco, it’s a 1.5-hour drive via the scenic CU-110 road.
Public transportation
The quickest way to Machu Picchu is by rail (train tickets are available through PeruRail or IncaRail) from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes. From here, it’s a short bus ride or steep hike to the Machu Picchu site.
Best times to visit
Arrive first thing in the morning to watch the sunrise and see the clouds clear at the iconic mountain.
Best days to visit
Sunday is the quietest time to visit, as many people visit the Sacred Valley’s Inca markets on this day.
Best months to visit
The shoulder season months of April–May and September–October offer the perfect combination of good weather and low crowds.
Special events
The Machu Picchu Anniversary Party takes place on July 7 and celebrates the day the archaeological site was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
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