About Machu Picchu

Not a stone's throw away

But nestled high above on the Andean slopes Machu Picchu lies waiting to mesmerize. Here, the sun rises to remind mankind of his omnipresence since the beginning of time. And it is here that an ancient empire built a citadel without using mortar. Cut to perfection, wedged to wonder, the stones in Machu Picchu, which is situated on a fault line dance to the tremors of frequent earthquakes always settling back into place. If that isn't enigma, what is? The secrets of this civilization remain undisclosed with only the citadel bearing testimony to the fact that the Incas built Machu Picchu in 1540 only to abandon it during the Spanish conquest. It was revealed to the world by American historian Hiram Bingham and remains a wondrous remnant of history towering tall in the canyon of the Urubamba river. Lush jungles abound, unknown surprises lurk and nature and history merge to mesmerize and beguile. The dry stone walls are built in Classical Inca style with the Temple of the Sun lighting up in splendor with the first rays of sunrise. There are a secret temple and a hidden museum - find them and maybe the Incas will speak to you in more ways than one. 

Built in the 15th century and later deserted, high in the Andes Mountains in Peru is an Incan citadel, “ Machu Picchu”. The sophisticated dry stone walls fused together with huge blocks without the use of mortar are an amazing sight. What these buildings were first used for is still a mystery. In 1981 it was labeled a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu's status was elevated to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll. You have to visit here to experience and enjoy the atmosphere of Machu Picchu. Why delay?

Must See

  • The Sun Gate Huayna Picchu
  • Inca Bridge, Watchman's Hut
  • Funerary Stone
  • Temple of Sun
  • Royal Tomb
  • Fountains
  • Three Windows
  • Principal Temple
  • House of Priest
  • Central Plaza
  • Sacred Rock
  • Industrial Section
  • Prison Group
  • Terraces
  • Intihuatana
  • House of Ornaments
  • The ruins and their beautiful walls
  • The Intihuatana
  • The Temple of the Sun
  • The Temple of the Condor
  • The Temple of the Moon
  • The unfinished Temple
  • Huayna Picchu
  • Room of the Three Windows
  • The Sun Gate
  • The Inca Bridge
  • The 'Manuel Chávez Ballón' Museum
  • The Machu Picchu Mountain
  • The Urubamba River
  • The Great Cavern
  • The surrounding forest

How to reach

From Cusco, one first needs to travel to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo take either Peru Rail or Inka RailService to Aguas Calientes. This journey takes around 1 hrs 50 min. Trains operate from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is advisable to purchase the ticket well in advance. On arrival to Aguas Calientes take a shuttle bus ride or hike up to Machu Picchu.
The distance from Cuzco city center to Machu Picchu is 72.7 km. The bus or the train will reach you there in 3 hours 30 minutes. The one-way ticket cost is roughly about 244 SOL.

Tips

  • Do not visit the site during October through April as it’s the rainy season.
  • The peak season is between July and August where one should expect crowds.
  • Sundays are the most crowded days of all.
  • Since many people do not speak in English here, use a translation app to communicate.
  • Entry opens at 6 a.m.
  • Go there early to avoid the crowds and the aftrenoon sun.
  • Carry water and snacks.
  • Follow the hiking trails.
  • The Inca jungle trek is worth it.
  • Many tour operators in Cusco offer competitive prices. You need to investigate.
  • Many operators will offer added excursions. Be sure to grab them. 
  • Good shoes are a must. 
  • Walking poles and big backsacks are not allowed. They must be deposited at the entrance gate.
  • A Llama might greet you with curiosity. 
  • Pack comfortable hiking or walking shoes.
     

Visit Time

Machu Picchu opens in two shifts:

Sunday 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

Monday 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

Tuesday 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

Wednesday 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

Friday  6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

Saturday 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m

 

 

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Entry Fee: 150.50 SOL

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 9.67°C

 

Local Services in Cusco (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

More Information about Machu Picchu

Top Attractions in Cusco

Top Cities in Peru