Machu Picchu Travel Guide

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Machu Picchu

13° 09′ 48″ N, 72° 32′ 43″ E

Machu Picchu in a few words

Machu Picchu Peru is a centuries old city, hidden high away in the mountaintops of the Andes. Built by the innovative and mysterious Incas, this fascinating historical site attracts thousands of visitors each year from all over the world. Not only is the huge city remarkably intact despite the high altitude and exposure to the elements, but it is also a renowned example of the incredible feats of engineering the Inca managed to achieve in such an inhospitable location.

It's no wonder that Machu Picchu is the top destination in Peru on every traveller’s list!

You can visit Machu Picchu from the vibrant Peruvian city of Cusco where it is a good idea to spend a day or two to acclimatise to the high altitude. From here you can follow in the footsteps of an ancient civilisation and follow the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu which is a few hours drive from Cusco, or you can hop a train or bus. The Inca Trail is the most popular trekking route to Machu Picchu, but some travellers might prefer the quieter Salkantay, Lares, Vilacamba or Choquequirao treks which all journey through dense jungle, past scattered Incan remains and across the stunning slopes of these soaring mountains. We strongly believe a Machu Picchu hike is the best way to explore this enchanting destination to fully immerse yourself with the culture, history and climate of this indescribable region.

TRAINING GUIDE FOR MACHU PICCHU

A BRIEF HISTORY OF MACHU PICCHU

MACHU PICCHU PACKING LIST

18:50 GMT -5

local time

Cusco

capital city

325

area in km²

Spanish

main language(s)

Our local team

We think Peru is the greatest country in the world. We have towering mountains covered in thick forest, ancient ruins dating back hundreds of years and so much vibrant colour and music to go with it. Come and see it for yourself, we'll be happy to show you around!

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Highlights in Machu Picchu

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is a small green mountain overlooking the Incan city of Machu Picchu. Only a small number of people are permitted to the summit of this peak each day. Those who reach the top are rewarded with panoramic views of the historical city and the breathtaking landscapes of the Andean mountains beyond. The Huayna Picchu hike up this often-overlooked mountain in Machu Picchu is a truly unforgettable experience and highly recommended.

Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun Machu Picchu is one of the most famous sites within the ancient city. Dedicated to the sun god, Inti, the temple was used to celebrate important astrological events like the solstices and equinoxes, as well as an observatory and for sacred ceremonies where offerings were made to the god. It is the only circular structure within Machu Picchu and demonstrates a skilled understanding of building techniques that have withheld the tests of time, gravity and climate.

The Sun Gate - Inca Trail - Machu Picchu

Sun Gate or Inti Punku

The Machu Picchu Sun Gate, or Inti Punku, is the ancient gate to the city at the head of the Inca Trail. Historically, the Sun Gate would have served as the main entrance to Machu Picchu for those who had journeyed here in pilgrimage along the Inca Trail. Like the Temple of the Sun, the Sun Gate was dedicated to Inti, the sun god and built in a strategic location on the eastern ridge of the city to align with the sun. Well worth a visit, this incredible ruin sits at the point where history and nature meet and the hike up to it should not be missed.

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is an ancient route from the city of Cusco to the hidden city of Machu Picchu through the Andes Mountains. The ancient pathway takes around 4 days to trek, travelling through dense jungle and alpine tundra along a sometimes paved trail with uneven stone steps and the occasional unexpected Incan ruin. The number of people permitted to hike the Inca Trail is strictly limited to preserve this important historical route so booking your Inca Trail hike well in advance is a good idea.