Machu Picchu
The spectacular collection of temples, terraced hills and plazas was the mountain-top citadel of the Inca under Pachacutec and Tupac Yupanqui, until the coming of the Europeans with Pizarro.
It may have the most familiar name, but Machu Picchu has refused to reveal many of its mysteries, including the secrets of its construction, function and demise. The overgrown ruins were discovered by US historian Hiram Bingham in 1911, and the quality of the stonework hints that it was an extremely important ceremonial site.
The remains are thought to date from around 1450, built at the height of the Inca Empire, and as they escaped being plundered by the Spanish they include semi-intact icons and shrines that were defaced or removed at other sites.
Entering the site, a set of steps leads to the ruined Temple of the Sun and a series of altars and niches. Highlights include the remains of ceremonial baths, the Sacred Plaza with its tremendous view across the Urubamba River valley, a rare shrine to the sun, and a labyrinth of passageways and cells.
One of the best ways to visit Machu Picchu is on an all-inclusive Day Trip from Cusco, with scenic rail transport, entry and informative guide included.
Practical Info
Buses leave Aguas Calientes every 10 or so minutes from 5:20am, and the last bus back to Aguas Calientes leaves at 5:30pm. Remember to buy your entry ticket to Machu Picchu before you head off - tickets aren’t sold at the site, only at the Machu Picchu Cultural Center in Aguas Calientes.
Machu Picchu can also be reached by the legendary four-day Inca Trail, following a majestic route across mountains and valleys. A scenic alternative to the Inca Trail would be the Salkantay trek.
Tours & Tickets
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco
Take an all-inclusive day trip to breathtaking Machu Picchu from Cusco. Visit the world-famous Incan ruins and learn about the city, its history and the people ... Read more
Location:
Cusco, Peru
Duration: 14 hours (approx.)
5-Day Salkantay Trek and Machu Picchu Tour from Cusco
Hike for four days on the Salkantay Trek, a scenic alternative to the more traditional Inca Trail, and visit the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu – a UNESCO World ... Read more
Location:
Cusco, Peru
Duration: 5 days (approx.)
7-Day Lima and Cusco Tour with Overnight at Machu Picchu
Discover the very best of both Lima and Cusco on a 7-day tour of Peru. Visit the famous landmarks and government buildings of Lima before heading south to ... Read more
Location:
Lima, Peru
Duration: 7 days (approx.)
The Inca Trail: 4-Day Trek to Machu Picchu
Take on the Inca Trail, known as one of the most sacred pilgrimages around the world, on this 4-day trek through the Urubamba Valley towards the citadel of ... Read more
Location:
Cusco, Peru
Duration: 4 days (approx.)
Private 2-Day Tour of Cusco and Machu Picchu
Get the most out of Cusco and Machu Picchu on a 2-day private tour, and enjoy the personalized attention of a private sightseeing experience! This tour is ... Read more
Location:
Cusco, Peru
Duration: 2 days (approx.)
Viator Exclusive: 6-Night Inca Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu
Retrace the steps of Peru's ancient civilization on an exclusive six-night journey along the Inca Quarry Trail to legendary Machu Picchu. Following an ... Read more
Location:
Cusco, Peru
Duration: 7 days (approx.)
7-Night Tour of Lima and Cusco Including the Inca Trail
Discover the mysteries of Machu Picchu on a seven-night tour through Peru! Retrace the steps of the Inca Empire from Lima to Cuzco, including the Sacred Valley ... Read more
Location:
Lima, Peru
Duration: 8 days (approx.)
Sacred Land of the Incas: 14-Night Tour of Peru and Bolivia including the Inca Trail
Embark on the trip of a lifetime with a 14-night journey from Peru to Bolivia, including Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Travel from the coastal ... Read more
Location:
Lima, Peru
Duration: 15 days (approx.)
