About Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a stunning Inca fortress from the 15th century that sits high in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, on a mountain crest that is 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) high. This ancient wonder is located in the Machupicchu District of the Urubamba Province, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Cuzco and above the Sacred Valley. Renowned for its classical Inca architecture with meticulously polished dry-stone walls, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in South America and a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Majestic architecture, spiritual and astronomical significance, and its legacy as a pinnacle of Inca civilization.
History of Machu Picchu
Built around 1450 under the rule of Inca Emperor Pachacuti, Machu Picchu exemplifies the Inca Empire’s architectural and engineering brilliance. The citadel was a royal estate and a place for religious retreat. It had new ideas including terraced farming and advanced techniques for managing water. Abandoned during the Spanish conquest, Machu Picchu remained hidden from the world until its scientific rediscovery by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Mesmerizing Views of Machu Picchu
Why Visit the Machu Picchu?
Routes for Machu Picchu
Step 1: Reach Cuzco
Your journey to Machu Picchu begins in Cuzco, a historic city in southeastern Peru and the former capital of the Inca Empire. Cuzco is accessible by:
Flight: Daily domestic flights from Lima (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes)
Bus: Long-distance buses from cities like Arequipa or Puno (10–20 hours)
Step 2: Travel from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)
From Cuzco, there are two main ways to get to Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu:
Option 1: Train Route (Most Popular & Comfortable)
Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours
Operators: PeruRail, Inca Rail
Route:
Cuzco to Ollantaytambo (1.5–2 hours by taxi, shuttle, or bus)
Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5–2 hours)
✅ Tip: Some trains also depart directly from San Pedro Station in Cuzco (seasonal availability). Book tickets in advance, especially in high season.
Train Classes:
Expedition or Voyager: Budget-friendly, scenic
Vistadome: Panoramic windows and onboard service
Hiram Bingham: Luxury experience with gourmet meals and live music
Option 2: Inca Jungle Trek + Hike (Adventure Route)
Duration: 3–4 days
Includes: Biking, rafting, hiking, zip-lining
This multi-adventure route combines travel by van from Cuzco to Santa Maria, then biking and trekking through the jungle to reach Aguas Calientes. Ideal for adventure seekers.
Option 3: Inca Trail Trek (Classic Hiking Route)
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Distance: ~43 km
Requires a special permit and guided tour. Hikers traverse high mountain passes, cloud forests, and ancient ruins before entering Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at sunrise.
🚨 Note: Limited to 500 people per day (including guides and porters). Book 6 months in advance.
Step 3: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Ruins
Once in Aguas Calientes:
Bus Ride: 25-minute shuttle ride up the mountain (operates every 10 minutes starting at 5:30 AM)
Hike: 1.5–2-hour steep trail through lush forest for those seeking extra challenge
🎟️ Tip: Arrive early for sunrise views and fewer crowds. Carry your ticket, passport, and bus ticket if taking the shuttle.
Route Summary
| Route | Steps | Duration | Cost Range (USD) | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Most Popular) | Cuzco → Ollantaytambo (by car) → Aguas Calientes (by train) → Machu Picchu (by bus or hike) | 4–5 hours total | 80 - 150 | Scenic ride, fast & comfortable | Families, first-time visitors |
| Direct Train from Cuzco (Seasonal) | Cuzco (San Pedro Station) → Aguas Calientes (by train) → Machu Picchu | 3.5–4 hours | 120 - 200 | Direct, no transfers | Luxury travelers |
| Inca Trail (Classic Trek) | Cuzco → Inca Trail (multi-day hike) → Machu Picchu | 4 days / 3 nights | 500 - 700 | Ancient ruins, mountain passes, Sun Gate entrance | Adventure lovers, hikers |
| Inca Jungle Trek | Cuzco → Santa Maria (by van) → Santa Teresa (bike/raft/hike) → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu | 3–4 days | 300 - 450 | Biking, rafting, jungle trekking | Budget backpackers, thrill-seekers |
| Hike from Aguas Calientes | Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu (steep uphill trail) | 1.5–2 hours hike | Free - 10 | Forest hike, early sunrise view | Fit travelers, nature lovers |
Facts about Machu Picchu
Interesting Facts About Machu Picchu You Should Know Before Visiting
- Rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu remained hidden from the outside world for centuries, preserving its mystery and beauty.
- Annual Visitors: Approximately 1.2 million tourists visit Machu Picchu every year, making it one of the most visited archaeological sites in South America.
- Architectural Marvel: The site features over 150 buildings, including temples, palaces, terraces, and aqueducts, all crafted without mortar using the precise Inca stone-cutting technique known as ashlar masonry.
- Astronomical Importance: Machu Picchu contains several structures aligned with solar events, such as the Intihuatana stone, which acted as a solar clock and calendar for the Incas.
- World Heritage Site: In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and historical significance has earned it international recognition.
- Altitude: The citadel, which is 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, provides breathtaking views of the Urubamba River below as well as the surrounding Andes Mountains.
- Engineering Genius: The site’s complex drainage system prevents flooding and erosion, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced understanding of hydrology and civil engineering.
- Preservation Efforts: Due to concerns about environmental impact and overcrowding, visitor numbers are now regulated, with daily limits imposed by Peruvian authorities.
- Mystery of Purpose: Despite extensive study, the exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains debated, with theories ranging from a royal estate, religious site, to a strategic military outpost.
Plan Your Visit: Machu Picchu
Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Machu Picchu: Stay Options, Activities, and Packing Tips
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to explore Machu Picchu. During this period, the skies are clearer, and there is minimal rainfall—ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
Accommodation
Aguas Calientes, the gateway town, offers a wide range of lodging—from cozy budget hostels to luxurious hotels. Early booking is advised, especially during the peak season (June–August).
Activities
Explore the Archaeological Site: Walk through ancient temples, plazas, and terraces.
Hike the Inca Trail: A bucket-list trek that offers cultural immersion and unforgettable views.
Visit Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss the Sacred Valley, Huayna Picchu, and the hot springs in Aguas Calientes.
Things to Pack
A valid passport (required for entry)
Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
A refillable water bottle and light snacks
Camera and binoculars for wildlife and panoramic shots
Fun Facts About Machu Picchu
The name "Machu Picchu" means "Old Peak" in Quechua.
Despite being over 500 years old, much of the citadel remains intact due to superior construction methods.
No wheels were used in the construction—stones were pushed and levered into place.
The Intihuatana Stone is believed to have been used as a solar clock or calendar.
Final Tips
Visitors should follow local regulations to preserve this fragile site:
Do not touch or climb on the ruins
Avoid carrying large backpacks or using trekking poles with metal tips
Book tickets in advance as entry is limited to reduce environmental impact
Whether you're a history buff, an adventurer, or a cultural enthusiast, Machu Picchu travel promises an unforgettable journey through time, mystery, and breathtaking landscapes.