Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas

Machu Picchu

The Inca city of Machu Picchu is considered a marvel of human engineering and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. The buildings, made of massive blocks of stone that are almost seamlessly joined together, fit perfectly into the terrain of the almost inaccessible mountain ridge in the Peruvian Andes. Even the Spaniards initially overlooked this hidden city at an altitude of 2450 meters when they conquered the region.

The Machu Picchu Inca city impresses with its size and mysticism. Southeastern Peru's remote Urubamba Valley draws travelers from all over the world to explore this unique relic of the proud Andean people. But the never-ending stream of tourists is becoming an increasing problem for the centuries-old Inca city. Those who want to experience Machu Picchu should be aware of the sensitivity of the place and follow the rules.

The discovery of a wonder of the world: Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is considered one of the last places where the Incas worked. Protected by jagged rock walls, at the foot of which the untamed Urubamba River rushes through the dense jungle, the settlement lies on a remote high plateau at an altitude of 2430 meters. In the mid-15th century, the proud Andean people erected an area of over 200 houses made of precisely shaped stones stacked on top of one another without metal tools, wagons or mortar. But what did they go to all that trouble for? Should a place of pilgrimage, a royal summer residence or an administrative center be built here? Everything would be conceivable, nothing definitively testable.

There are no surviving writings, because the Incas lived without them. Not even the original name of the settlement is known, which is now simply named after the mountain on whose back it is enthroned. Only recently two scientists came to the conclusion that the name Machu Picchu only became established after it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham. Until Hiram Bingham discovered the ruined city for the western world in 1911, it lay beneath gnarled lianas and moss-covered layers, because even the Spaniards had not found Machu Picchu on their plundering raids through the impassable mountains of Peru. And thus left the unique opportunity to fathom the big and small secrets of the Inca Empire between intact irrigation systems, residential buildings and temples.

World Heritage

Machu Picchu became famous around the world when the respected American magazine National Geographic Society dedicated its entire issue to the marvel of the Incas in 1913. Machu Picchu became a center of attraction for people from all over the world. To this day, the Inca city, which is difficult to access, is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the world. Every year hundreds of thousands of people make the difficult journey to the remote mountain town to experience some of the magic of this place. In 1983 Machu Picchu was declared a World

Heritage Site

Hiram Bingham became famous for his spectacular discovery. Presumably, his notes also served as inspiration for the films about the adventurer Indiana Jones.

Looted art – compensation?

Linked to Hiram Bingham's name is the long-standing dispute over who rightfully owns the treasures of the Incas. The government of Peru at the time had allowed the discoverer to bring them to the United States. The excavations of Machu Picchu were exhibited in the Bingham University Museum. From there they only returned to their place of discovery 100 years later. Before that, there had been many negotiations between the government of Peru and the museum. Today you can admire the pottery, jewelry and bone finds from the lost world of the Incas in a museum in the capital of Peru.

A current discussion

Other museums, such as the Linden Museum in Stuttgart, have also returned works of art and historical testimonies to the countries from which they originally came. The question of how different countries deal with art objects that were stolen in the past or otherwise disappeared from their countries of origin is still controversial today. Most of the discussions are about whether the art needs to be returned or whether reparations should be made in some other way.

Discrepancies in Incan chronology

When it came to dating the Inca city and its construction, archaeologists have so far primarily oriented themselves to historical records of the Spanish conquerors, including above all the 1586 chronicles. According to this, Machu Picchu was one of the royal settlements of the Inca ruler Pachacuti. He seized power in 1438 and gradually conquered much of the central Andean region, including the Urubamba Valley, which overlooks Machu Picchu. To cement his victory, Pachacuti is said to have commissioned the construction of the mountain settlement between 1440 and 1450.

In the meantime, however, radiocarbon dating of some other Inca sites raises doubts about the chronological sequences based on the Spanish traditions. So far, however, there have been no reliable dates for Machu Picchu. "The lack of such radiocarbon measurements was also related to the widespread belief by many archaeologists that such analyzes were redundant because the Spanish records allowed dating of Inca sites such as Machu Picchu," said Richard Burger of Yale University and his colleagues.

Machu Picchu was already finished in 1420

To clarify the discrepancies, archaeologists have now used accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon dating (AMS) to date the remains of 26 Incas buried at Machu Picchu. "The dead buried in the burial caves of Machu Picchu show few signs of heavy physical work such as agriculture or construction," Burger and his team report. They, therefore, assume that these deaths were among the palace servants who looked after the Inca ruler and the elites of Qosqo (Cusco) during their stay and looked after the property in their absence. However, this also means that these people probably only came to the mountain after the completion of the Inca city.

Machu Picchu Inca City

The entire complex of ruins is laid out roughly in a south-north direction, has a length of around 800 to 1000 m and a width of up to 500 m. HIRAM BINGHAM divided the complex into city sectors. He gave the individual buildings specific names, but their actual function is largely unclear. The Upper Town in the western part of the city is formed by the Palace Quarter and the Temple Quarter. The entrance is a well-preserved city gate. Important buildings in the palace district are the Inca Palace (Incahuasi), the Palace of the Princess (Palacio de la Ñusta) and the Palace of the High Priest (Palacio del Willac Umu).

The Inca Palace (Royal Palace) consists of several rooms with walls made of granite blocks and a trapezoidal gate. The princess's palace was a magnificent two-story structure surrounded by simple outbuildings. It is assumed that they served as accommodation for the servants. The High Priest's Palace is located on the elevated holy place. As a magician, high priest and supreme sun servant, he was just as powerful as the Inca ruler.

Outstanding buildings in the temple district are the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple and the Sun Stone (Intihuatana). The Temple of the Three Windows has three walls and has three large trapezoidal windows on the east side made of huge blocks of stone.

The main temple also has only three walls, finely grouted from huge blocks of stone. It was dedicated to the sun god. Nearby, at the highest point of the temple district, stands the Sun Stone on a hilltop. This 1.80 m high stone consists of a rock base from which a square spur rises in the middle. The four corners mark the four cardinal points north, south, east, west. The sun stone was used for astronomical observations, to calculate and check the calendar, to determine the rainy season and the most favorable time for sowing. Chroniclers report that the course of the sun, the time of day, the constellations and planetary orbits could be determined with the sun stone. It was used as a sundial and "solar observatory".

In the lower town in the eastern part of the city there are several quarters that are separated from each other by high walls. These include residential, artisan, agricultural, warehouse and storage districts, and a prison district.

It is believed that the entire city complex consisted of about 220 buildings and that about 400 residents were permanently present. However, Machu Picchu could at times accommodate up to 3000 people, provide pilgrims with water and food.

The residential buildings, palaces and temples of the 14 sectors of the city are laid out on terraces and connected to each other by large and small staircases. In the south of the city complex there were extensive terraced fields with a sophisticated irrigation system. To the west and east, the terraced slopes descended almost vertically down the ridge into the rocky region. Potatoes and corn were mainly grown.

To the north of the complex of ruins, at the end of the ridge, rises the mountain spur that gave the city its name, Machu Picchu (3140 m). This is a local term meaning "Old Peak". In front of it is the Huayna Picchu (“Young Summit”, 2700 m).

Above the ruins of Machu Picchu in the south-east, at an altitude of about 2745 m, there is a mysterious structure, the "Sun Gate" . The first rays of the rising sun "fall" through the sun gate on Machu Picchu and reach the sun stone (Intihuatana) standing high on the western part of the ridge.

Why was Machu Picchu built?

It is the goal of almost all Peru trips: Machu Picchu! We have all seen Machu Picchu hundreds of times in photos and are happy to stand in front of this impressive backdrop. We know there are a lot of ruins in Machu Picchu, the site was built by the Incas, is a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We may also know that Machu Picchu was discovered by American scientist Hiram Bingham in 1911 and Machu Picchu went undiscovered before the Spanish.

Admittedly, it is an enigmatic subject that leaves a lot of room for speculation and daring theories. Archaeologists and scientists are still discussing the meaning of Machu Picchu to this day, and every guide who leads his gangs of tourists through the complex has his own theory about the Machu Picchu phenomenon up his sleeve.

Machu Picchu Peru: Information

Machu Picchu is the most important attraction of Peru trip. Since its discovery back in 1911, by the American researcher Hiram Bingham, there have been many hypotheses regarding the construction of the city. However, it is known that the Incas built the city in this rough area of the jungle to avoid access and possible attacks from their enemies. It was the most important Incan center for worship and astronomic observation.

It has two big important areas: to the south, the agriculture area is made up of terraces, aqueducts, etc. To the north, the urban area is the city with its temples, observatories, workshops, and sacred burial plots.

The most impressive way to get to the citadel is trekking the route known as the "Inca Trail" (a fouth day journey). The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular routes in the world, part of the 23,000 kilometers of road that the Incas built all around South America.

Machu Picchu is located where

Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, in the Urubamba Province. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley, which is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of the city of Cusco. The citadel lies at an altitude of about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level.

Machu Picchu: Guided Tour of the Circuits

Guided tour of circuit 1 Machu Picchu 

The guided tour of Circuit 1 was changed in July 2025. This circuit permits visitors to view the Inca citadel from the Guardian House for 2 hours and 30 minutes, during which you can take the classic picture of the citadel and walk around the circuit. You cannot walk inside the Inca citadel. If you want a more immersive experience, you can also visit the Inca Bridge, Intipunko (Sun Gate), or Machu Picchu Mountain. With these additional experiences, your Machu Picchu ticket will include more hours for hiking.

• Machu Picchu Mountain Tickets: 7 hours
• Intipunko (Sun Gate) Machu Picchu Tickets: 4 hours
• Puente Inca (Inca Bridge) Tickets: 3 hours

Guided tour of Circuit 2 Machu Picchu

Circuit 2 is the classic guided tour of Machu Picchu, with tickets available between 06:00 and 15:00. This circuit begins at the Guardian House, where you can enjoy the most beautiful views of Machu Picchu from above. We recommend taking lots of pictures, as these tickets allow only one-way access, and you cannot return to the starting point.

It is also very important to book Machu Picchu Circuit 2 tickets in advance, as there is a limited number available each day. To get there, first head towards the 'Sun Gate' and then turn right towards the 'Guard House.' As long as you haven't started the tour (the path down to the ruins), you can stay up there in peace, take photos, and enjoy the view. The tour guide can provide you with some tips in advance.

The Machu Picchu tour can start in the morning or afternoon, depending on your scheduled tickets, and you will return to the exit in 2 to 3 hours. There are two tickets available:

• Route A: Circuit 2 Classic
• Route B: Circuit 2 Lower Terrace

Guided tour of Circuit 2 Machu Picchu

Circuit 3 is the second most popular Machu Picchu ticket. This circuit allows you to explore the lower part of the Inca citadel and walk inside the citadel. If you want a more immersive experience, we recommend adding one of the mountains available with this circuit. There are two mountains and one cavern you can visit:

• Route A: Huayna Picchu Circuit
• Route C: Huchuy Picchu Circuit
• Route D: Great Cavern Circuit

#Dato: If you are doing the Short Inca Trail, you will generally arrive at Machu Picchu in the afternoon. You will first visit the Guard House to take pictures and view the Machu Picchu city. After the guided tour, you will go to Aguas Calientes and spend the night. The next day, you will visit the lower part of the citadel via Circuit 3. You will not return to the Guard House. The same applies to the 4-Day Inca Trail. Initially, you will view Machu Picchu from the Guard House, then walk outside to the Machu Picchu control point, check your documents, and re-enter Machu Picchu to visit the lower part of the citadel.

For more information, visit Machu Picchu New Rules 2025

Mountain Machu Picchu vs Huayna Picchu

There are two mountains peaks which tower over the Machu Picchu archaeological site. To climb one of the mountains you need to purchase a pass in combination with your entry ticket-passes, it cannot be purchased separately from entry ticket, and once entry ticket has been purchased a mountain pass cannot be added or cancelled.

Huayna Picchu Mountain

The climb to the Huayna Picchu is another highlight in this magical place. The name Huayna Picchu means "young mountain", compared to Machu Picchu "the old mountain". From the top of the young mountain you have an extraordinary view of the archeological complex and of the path that leads to the terraces on the edge of the abyss as well as of some small ruins of temples. Beyond the myths is the testimony of the knowledge and the greatest artistic expression of the Incas. This city catches the attention of all its visitors who admire its magnificent beauty.

Mount Machu Picchu

Mount Machu Picchu is the second most popular mountain to climb for all adventure travelers. This mountain offers the most beautiful landscapes of the Machu Picchu citadel. During the hike, you will see part of the Vilcanota River, which resembles a snake winding around the citadel. In front of you, the Putucusi mountain, another mountain that enhances the beauty of the citadel, comes into view. As you continue hiking up, you will appreciate the Aguas Calientes Hydroelectric Plant, and if you have binoculars, you can see the Llactapata ruins, another observatory of the citadel. Once you reach the summit, you will be able to admire mounts of Machu Picchu; Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains, all of which frame the landscape of the citadel. This mountain was discovered by the Ministry of Culture, and they created an alternative hike to Huayna Picchu. 

Machu Picchu - World Heritage of Humanity

The entire Inca Trail (Camino Inca) area with its valleys, steep and paved Inca trails, historic stone steps, mountains, and Inca ruins - approximately 350 km² area - was placed under nature protection by the Peruvian government in 1981. This area has been declared the “Historical Park of Machu Picchu”.

In 1983, this protected area was included in UNESCO's World Heritage of Humanity. It is one of the few areas on earth where cultural treasures and the nature surrounding them are protected.

But this world heritage site is in danger. At the UNESCO symposium in March 2001, scientists from the University of Kyoto presented their long-term measurement results. As a result, the western part of Machu Picchu (upper town) is moving downwards (1 cm per month). This can be the preliminary stage of a landslide. Should the upper town fall into the Rio Urubamba, the lower town would be so destabilized that it could slide eastwards into the river.

Machu Picchu: Recognitions It Has Received

Over the years, Machu Picchu has received numerous prestigious titles and recognitions, making it one of the most sought-after travel destinations. Here we are mentioned some important recognitions of the Inca citadel:

In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu a World Heritage Site, recognizing it not only as a cultural and archaeological treasure but also as an ecological marvel, hence its title as the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

On July 7, 2007, Machu Picchu was selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World during a ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal.

In 2008, Machu Picchu topped the list of the 22 best-selling tourist destinations worldwide, according to iExplore, a website specializing in online sales of tour packages.

In 2009, it was voted the third most exotic destination preferred by British travelers in the Guardian and Observer Travel Awards, based on surveys conducted by readers of the prestigious British newspapers The Guardian and The Observer.

Adding to its list of accolades, Machu Picchu was included in the Peruvian version of the Monopoly game as the most expensive property on the board.

In May 2011, Machu Picchu ranked 25th among the best tourist destinations in the world in the Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards competition, organized by the esteemed travel portal TripAdvisor. It secured the same honor in 2013, remaining within the top 25 travel destinations globally.

National Geographic Traveler included Machu Picchu, along with the Peruvian Amazon, in its list of the 50 places of a lifetime, chosen by writers, editors, photographers, and explorers.

Machu Picchu was also recognized in Lonely Planet’s list of the 10 most iconic man-made structures in the world.

In 2014, Machu Picchu continued to earn accolades, being named one of the most photographed places in the world according to Sightsmap and Panoramio, both owned by Google.

Most recently, Machu Picchu was voted Best Tourist Attraction in South America in 2022 by the World Travel Awards. This marked the fifth consecutive year it received this prestigious recognition, having also won in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Machu Picchu Peru: Top Destination in the World Travel Awards - South America 2024

Peru has once again solidified its status as a top travel destination by receiving four prestigious awards at the World Travel Awards - South America 2024, the highest authority in global tourism. The country has distinguished itself as the leader in the region, celebrated for its rich culinary, natural, cultural, and historical heritage.

Peru was recognized in the following categories: "South America's Leading Culinary Destination 2024," "South America's Leading Cultural Destination 2024," "South America's Leading Destination 2024," and "South America's Leading Tourist Attraction 2024," the latter awarded to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

This new recognition for Machu Picchu, a Wonder of the Modern World located in the Cusco region, follows its win in the same category in 2023. The significance of this destination extends beyond its historical importance to Peru, representing a cultural treasure for the entire continent.

Machu Picchu: Highlights and photo spots

Due to the current changes to Machu Picchu, which lead you through Machu Picchu on a prescribed route, it is essential for photo freaks to find out about the various spots beforehand. Here we have summarized the most popular and well-known vantage points and photo spots for you:

Guard House

You can hardly miss the Guard House during your tour. It is the point where the tours meet and where you have the classic view of Machu Picchu. It's accordingly full here and you always have to wait in line for a photo. On the right and left of the meadow, there are also a few less crowded spots that are good for a photo. If you want to start from this point your visit. we recommend booking the Llaqta Machu Picchu circuit 1 and 2. 

On the way to the Inca Bridge

In we opinion, if you head from the Guard House in the direction of the Inca Bridge, you will get the most beautiful views of Machu Picchu, which are much less crowded. Especially in the morning hours there is always a quiet place where you can sit down and enjoy the view. The Inca Bridge itself is also worth seeing.

Sun Gate – sun gate

The Sun Gate is about an hour's walk above Macchu Picchu. This is where the Inca Trail ends and you can catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu on the hike. Since the ascent is quite strenuous and steep, there are correspondingly few people up there.

How to get to Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu by train:

If you have the short time to visit the seventh wonder, we recommend you to take a Machu Picchu train from Cusco. First you have to take a bus from Cusco to Ollantaytambo town, from Ollantaytambo is 2hrs and from Poroy station is 4 hrs aprox.

Machu Picchu Hikes

We recommend to take the Classic Inca Trail 4 day hike to Machu Picchu, is the most famous trek. In case there aren't any spaces available, we recommend the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu - Choquequirao to Machu Picchu trek. 

Recomendations for your trip to Machu Picchu

The weather:

It is advisable to visit during the dry season from April to October. If you visit during the rainy season, from November to March, be aware that weather conditions can vary. Upon arrival in Cusco, it is important to rest for at least two hours to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.

Visit Machu Picchu:

During the low season, fewer people visit Machu Picchu, allowing you to explore the Inca citadel without the crowds and take the best pictures.

Guide:

If you're visiting Machu Picchu for the first time, we recommend that you book a guide in advance. A private guide is ideal as it allows you to thoroughly explore the Inca citadel without interruptions. If you book at the last minute, you may get an inexperienced guide, which could affect your experience.

Travel:

In the past, we recommended staying an extra day in Aguas Calientes so that you could explore the Inca citadel all day. However, the regulations have changed and now visitors are only allowed 2 to 3 hours at the site. Therefore, we recommend that you plan your train ride based on your Machu Picchu entry schedule. You can return to Cusco in the evening or spend the night in Ollantaytambo. Keep in mind that Aguas Calientes is a small tourist town and prices are usually high.

While Aguas Calientes offers a few activities, Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer more places to explore. Don't waste too much time in Aguas Calientes if you can spend more time visiting other destinations.

Machu Picchu Last Minute:

If you don't have a ticket to Machu Picchu, we recommend arriving in Aguas Calientes three days in advance. You can take the train or the bus along the Amazon. On your first night, settle into your hotel and explore the city. The next morning, go early to the Ministry of Culture office and wait in line (about four hours) to purchase your ticket. Note that the ticket you get is for the next day, and you can't choose a specific time - just what's available.

Once you have your ticket, you are ready to visit Machu Picchu. Remember to bring extra money in soles.

Currency:

We recommend bringing 200 to 300 soles instead of US dollars, as the exchange rate is lower in Aguas Calientes. Some restaurants and hotels in Machu Picchu accept credit or debit cards, but there is often an additional service fee.

It is possible to withdraw cash from ATMs, but there are only two machines in Aguas Calientes and the lines can be long, which may take more time than expected.

Water:

Before visiting Machu Picchu, pack 1 to 2 liters of water in reusable bottles, as plastic bottles are prohibited. A 500 ml bottle of water inside the citadel costs 20 soles (about 8 USD).

Toilet paper:

It is important to bring your own toilet paper as the restrooms inside Machu Picchu are often not well maintained. We recommend that you use the bathroom at your hotel before visiting the citadel.

Mosquito repellent:

Bring mosquito repellent as there are many mosquitoes in the area that bite and suck blood. Staying protected will help you enjoy your trip without discomfort.

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