Machu Picchu

Shrouded by mist and surrounded by lush vegetation and steep escarpments, the sprawling Inca citadel of Machu Picchu lives up to every expectation. In a spectacular location, it’s the most famous archaeological site on the continent, a must for all visitors to Peru. Like the Mona Lisa or the pyramids, it has been seared into our collective consciousness, though nothing can diminish the thrill of being here. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the Spanish colonizers and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

In the most controversial move in Machu Picchu since Hiram Bingham's explorations, the Peruvian authorities changed entries from daily visits to morning and afternoon turns in 2018. Visitors must plan more carefully than ever to seize the experience. Though an expanded limit of 5940 people are now allowed in the complex (including the Inca Trail) daily, demand remains insatiable.

Explore Machu Picchu

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Intipunku
The Inca Trail ends after its final descent from the notch in the horizon called Intipunku (Sun Gate). Looking at the hill behind you as you enter the…
I
Intihuatana
This Quechua word loosely translates as the ‘Hitching Post of the Sun’ and refers to the carved rock pillar, often mistakenly called a sundial, at the top…
S
Sacristy
Behind and connected to the Principal Temple lies this famous small building. It has many well-carved niches, perhaps used for the storage of ceremonial…
H
Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock
An excellent viewpoint to take in the whole site. It’s one of a few buildings that has been restored with a thatched roof, making it a good shelter in the…
P
Principal Temple
The ‘temple’ derives its name from the massive solidity and perfection of its construction. The damage to the rear right corner is the result of the…
T
Temple of the Sun
Just above and to the left of the ceremonial baths is Machu Picchu’s only round building, a curved and tapering tower of exceptional stonework. This…
T
Temple of the Three Windows
Important buildings flank the remaining three sides of the Sacred Plaza. The Temple of the Three Windows features huge trapezoidal windows that give the…
I
Inca Drawbridge
A scenic but level walk from the Hut of the Caretaker takes you right past the top of the terraces and out along a narrow, cliff-clinging trail to the…
S
Sacred Plaza
Climbing the stairs above the ceremonial baths, there is a flat area of jumbled rocks, once used as a quarry. Turn right at the top of the stairs and walk…

I
Intipunku
The Inca Trail ends after its final descent from the notch in the horizon called Intipunku (Sun Gate). Looking at the hill behind you as you enter the…
I
Intihuatana
This Quechua word loosely translates as the ‘Hitching Post of the Sun’ and refers to the carved rock pillar, often mistakenly called a sundial, at the top…
S
Sacristy
Behind and connected to the Principal Temple lies this famous small building. It has many well-carved niches, perhaps used for the storage of ceremonial…
H
Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock
An excellent viewpoint to take in the whole site. It’s one of a few buildings that has been restored with a thatched roof, making it a good shelter in the…
P
Principal Temple
The ‘temple’ derives its name from the massive solidity and perfection of its construction. The damage to the rear right corner is the result of the…
T
Temple of the Sun
Just above and to the left of the ceremonial baths is Machu Picchu’s only round building, a curved and tapering tower of exceptional stonework. This…
T
Temple of the Three Windows
Important buildings flank the remaining three sides of the Sacred Plaza. The Temple of the Three Windows features huge trapezoidal windows that give the…
I
Inca Drawbridge
A scenic but level walk from the Hut of the Caretaker takes you right past the top of the terraces and out along a narrow, cliff-clinging trail to the…
S
Sacred Plaza
Climbing the stairs above the ceremonial baths, there is a flat area of jumbled rocks, once used as a quarry. Turn right at the top of the stairs and walk…

Latest Stories from Machu Picchu

Architecture 'The people of Peru are too kind' - the tourist who got Machu Picchu all to himself
Oct 15, 2020 • 2 min read
Japanese tourist Jesse Katayama lived out all our dreams last Saturday when Peru opened Machu Picchu especially for him.
History Machu Picchu: get to know Peru's icon of Inca civilization
Sep 16, 2020 • 6 min read
Get to know the history behind Peru's most famous site: the fascinating Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Wildlife & Nature Peru plans new Machu Picchu routes for 2020
Feb 10, 2020 • 1 min read
Peru is beginning work on new alternative routes to Machu Picchu this year in an effort to diversify the experience and integrate the local community.
Wildlife & Nature Landslide closes the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu early this year
Feb 6, 2020 • 3 min read
Nine days before the scheduled closure of the hiking path in Peru, a porter lost his life after rainy weather caused an incident near Pacaymayo Alto Camp
History Spending diary: what my family spent on a 3-day trek to Machu Picchu
Jan 29, 2020 • 7 min read
Writer Mary Kearl and her family spent three days traveling to and around Machu Picchu, here's what they spent.
History Peru deports tourists accused of damaging Machu Picchu
Jan 22, 2020 • 1 min read
Five tourists have been deported from Peru and a sixth arrested after being accused of damaging Machu Picchu.
Family Travel Where to travel with your tweens and teens
Oct 4, 2019 • 6 min read
Their independence is growing, so when you travel with tweens and teens be sure to think outside the box. Here are our suggestions to get the plan rolling.
Sustainable Travel Responsible trekking in Peru: What you should know about workers' rights for porters
Jun 28, 2019 • 5 min read
What if we didn’t have porters to help us achieve our bucket-list trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu? No one to help carry our clothes, tents, gear,…
Sustainable Travel Could Machu Picchu's new airport threaten sustainable tourism at the ancient Inca site?
May 16, 2019 • 3 min read
A new airport under construction near Machu Picchu is causing huge controversy among locals and academics who fear the destruction of the ancient Inca…
Art The long road to Machu Picchu for Inca Trail porters
Oct 30, 2018 • 5 min read
The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world, hosting thousands of hikers each year looking to experience the historic path that stretches…
Hiking Inca Trail essentials
May 12, 2018 • 3 min read
It's the most famous hike in South America – perhaps the world – and a must-do, life-changing experience. Hiking the Inca Trail through the Sacred Valley…
Public Transport See Peru like never before on the most scenic train journey to Machu Picchu
Mar 13, 2018 • 1 min read
For many, heading to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a dream come true but now tourists will be able to make the incredible journey with 360°…
Sustainable Travel Minding Machu Picchu: how to see Peru’s most famous ruins responsibly
Jan 21, 2018 • 6 min read
It’s one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites, yet Machu Picchu has become a victim of its own popularity, with the 2017 introduction of a…
Art Conquering Choquequirao: the long walk to Peru’s lesser-known ‘lost city’
Oct 12, 2016 • 5 min read
Rambling along the bumpy road from Cuzco out to Cachora, it becomes abundantly clear that I’ve left the feverish Machu Picchu crowds behind and am now…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Machu Picchu.

See
Intipunku
The Inca Trail ends after its final descent from the notch in the horizon called Intipunku (Sun Gate). Looking at the hill behind you as you enter the…
See
Intihuatana
This Quechua word loosely translates as the ‘Hitching Post of the Sun’ and refers to the carved rock pillar, often mistakenly called a sundial, at the top…
See
Sacristy
Behind and connected to the Principal Temple lies this famous small building. It has many well-carved niches, perhaps used for the storage of ceremonial…
See
Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock
An excellent viewpoint to take in the whole site. It’s one of a few buildings that has been restored with a thatched roof, making it a good shelter in the…
See
Principal Temple
The ‘temple’ derives its name from the massive solidity and perfection of its construction. The damage to the rear right corner is the result of the…
See
Temple of the Sun
Just above and to the left of the ceremonial baths is Machu Picchu’s only round building, a curved and tapering tower of exceptional stonework. This…
See
Temple of the Three Windows
Important buildings flank the remaining three sides of the Sacred Plaza. The Temple of the Three Windows features huge trapezoidal windows that give the…
See
Inca Drawbridge
A scenic but level walk from the Hut of the Caretaker takes you right past the top of the terraces and out along a narrow, cliff-clinging trail to the…
See
Sacred Plaza
Climbing the stairs above the ceremonial baths, there is a flat area of jumbled rocks, once used as a quarry. Turn right at the top of the stairs and walk…

Guidebooks

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