Machu Picchu

For many this is the main reason to make the pilgrimage to Peru. Situated on a single mountain high in the Andes (2450m) this archaeological site was luckily never discovered by the Spanish and therefore survived their destructive wrath. Located 120km northwest of Cuzco in the Sacred Valley, it is only accessible by train or foot.

The archaeologist Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu in 1911 and despite years of investigation its purpose is still unclear. One of the leading theories is that it was the principal ceremonial centre of the Inca world, due to the concentration of temples, high quality of stonework and abundance of ornaments.

Its location atop forest-covered steep mountains is supreme and the wonder of the architecture and building technique, where massive stones appear to melt into one another, offers a glimpse back to a lost civilization. The Intihuantana (hitching post of the sun or sundial) serves as an astronomical calendar, reflecting the Inca understanding of the skies and still today shows the winter and summer solstices using the angle of the pillar.

The trip to Machu Picchu can be staged from Cuzco in several different ways both with or without walking, see below for different suggestions. See our Inca Trail page for more details on the classic trek. However we can tailor any tour to suit your requirements.

Visiting Machu Picchu

Here are some of the best ways for seeing Machu Picchu.

Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco

This is a full day trip to the site and back. Depart early on the train from Cuzco passing through the sacred valley, the fortress town of Ollantaytambo and snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. On arrival at Aguas Calientes we board a bus for the 25 minute ride up to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu, where you will be guided through the ruins.

Huayna Picchu mountain provides an impressive backdrop while you have lunch beside the site, followed by some time to explore the ruins on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes to catch the 3pm train back to Cuzco, arriving in the early evening. The train ride itself is a highlight in a day full of superlatives.

Cuzco - Machu Picchu - Cuzco 2D/1N

We take the train to Machu Picchu where overnight accommodation is your choice, either in the town of Aguas Calientes (hot waters) where you can bathe in the hot springs, or in the Machu Picchu sanctuary lodge next to the ruins. You can choose to trek on the first day or arrive directly to the ruins.

On the first day you have the option of a half-day guided walk to bring you to the ruins - a mini Inca Trail. This beautiful trek starts at the 104km point of the railtrack where the train drops you with your guide. From here a 3hr ascent through highland grasses and small valleys brings you to Winay Wayna, an impressive archaeological ruin close to Machu Picchu. The trail then traverses across and up through cloud forest to Intipunku, the sun gate, with a spectacular view of the citadel of Machu Picchu below.

Day 2. Today we recommend an early start to watch the sun rise over this mystical site and wander around the ruins before the first tourist train arrives, allowing you to photograph the site without many visitors. Your guide will then take you around the site before leaving you to explore more on your own, or, if you still have the energy, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, the famous mountain that acts as the backdrop to the ruins. We return to Cuzco on the late afternoon train.