//
15th-century Inca citadel in Peru
Photo: Martin St-Amant (S23678), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Machu Picchu is the site of an ancient Inca city, high in the Andes of Peru. At 2,430 metres (8,000 ft) above sea level, this is often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”, is one of the most familiar symbols of the Incan Empire, and is one of the most famous and spectacular sets of ruins in the world.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Wayna Picchu
Towering above the north end of Machu Picchu is this steep mountain, often the backdrop to many photos of the ruins. It looks a bit daunting from below, and it is a steep and difficult ascent, but most reasonably fit persons should be able to make it in about 45 minutes. There are rough stone steps and in some places steel cables for holding. That said, expect to be out of breath, and take care in the steeper portions, especially when wet, as it can become dangerous quickly. There's a tiny cave near the top that must be passed through, it is quite low and a rather tight squeeze. Take care at the peak, it can be somewhat precarious, and those afraid of heights may want to hang out just below. The entire walk is through beautiful landscape, and the views from the top are stunning, including birds eye views over the whole site. The angle gives you a good sense of the layout of Machu Picchu. There's also a few ruins near the top. 400 tickets are available per day and must be reserved via the Machu Picchu website or via your tour company (at least a month beforehand). Tickets are purchased in one of two groups: 07:00-08:00 and 10:00-11:00. The later option sometimes has better views as it leaves time for the fog to clear. You must check in and out at the second ticket booth, and people start lining up about a half hour or even more before their start time.
Near the entrance of the site, it is appropriately overpriced given their captive audience, a meal is US$40 (Jan 2024).
A casual lunch buffet. The food is decent and the restaurant quite busy at peak times. A discounted train and buffet ticket is available on certain trains from Peru Rail. After lunch, do a circuit of the restaurant's poster-size photographs from Hiram Bingham's 1911 "discovery" of Machu Picchu.
Open to hotel guests only, also high prices.
This superbly over-priced hotel is the only option for sleeping at the park. There are two equally expensive restaurants on site, and 2 suites that have partial views of the ruins. If money is not a concern, consider staying here as it gives you more time to spend on the site, but otherwise you can find less expensive accommodation elsewhere.
By bus from Aguas Calientes
If arriving by train into Aguas Calientes, walk out of the train station and keep going roughly straight through the warren of handicraft stalls and over a foot bridge to the bus departure area.
By foot from Aguas Calientes
From Aguas Calientes to get to the ruins themselves it is also possible to walk along a route similar to the one that the buses run, which will take about 1½–2 hours up, and around an hour back down.
By foot via the Inca Trail
Hiking the Inca Trail is a great way to arrive as you first see the city through the Sun Gate (instead of arriving from below as you do from Aguas Calientes).
There are no vehicles of any kind in the park, so bring some comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to do any of the hikes such as Huayna Picchu.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Cusco · International · CUZ
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Machu Picchu and Peru.
ItinerariesIf you find yourself in Buenos Aires and want to do some overland travel in South America, why not make your way north, through northern Argentina and Bolivia all the way to the ancient city of Machu Picchu.
Wikivoyage
ItinerariesThe Inca trail to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", is a world-famous 45 km (28 mi) trek in Peru. It's the best known part of the Inca road system, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyBefore Europeans arrived in South America, the continent was home to a variety of flourishing civilizations and cultures. Some of these cultures remain today; others have left incredible ruins.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyAn archaeological site (or archeological site) is any place with physical evidence of past human activity. Such sites might be from pre-history as well as history, and the oldest sites can be considered paleontology.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.