About Machu Picchu
Perched at 2,430 metres above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is the most iconic archaeological site in South America. Built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti, the citadel was abandoned and forgotten by the outside world until Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911. Today it draws visitors from every corner of the globe who come to marvel at its extraordinary stone architecture and breathtaking mountain setting.
Planning your Machu Picchu trip?
Machu Picchu tickets and trains sell out weeks ahead — book early.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Trip
Top Attractions in Machu Picchu
The Inca citadel itself — a masterpiece of dry-stone construction perched between two dramatic mountain peaks. Arrive at opening…
A 2-hour return hike from the citadel brings you to the ancient gateway through which Inca Trail trekkers first glimpse Machu Picc…
The dramatic peak visible in every photograph of Machu Picchu. A steep 45-minute climb rewards with vertiginous views directly abo…
The only settlement accessible to Machu Picchu sits in a steep-sided river valley with its own waterfall and hot springs. It's an …
Best Neighbourhoods in Machu Picchu
The only base for visiting Machu Picchu — there is no alternative. Choose between budget guesthouses and the luxury Inkaterra and Belmond Sanctuary Lodge properties.
The best neighbourhood to stay in Cusco — cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and stunning colonial architecture. All guesthouses are in converted colonial mansions.
The grand central plaza is surrounded by hotels at every price point. Convenient but noisy and more tourist-oriented than San Blas.
Staying in the valley (lower altitude than Cusco at 2,800m) is an excellent acclimatisation strategy. Some of Peru's finest luxury lodges are here.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Clear blue skies, crisp mornings, and excellent visibility. The busiest time but also the most reliable weathe…
Lush vegetation and fewer tourists, but afternoon rain is common (November and March–April better than Decem…
The transition from wet to dry season — vegetation still green but with improving weather. A good balance of…
Peak rainy season. Heavy rain, mudslides, and occasional trail closures. Some years the Inca Trail is closed f…
Top Tours in Machu Picchu
CulturalBest Hotels in Machu Picchu
LuxuryInkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Nestled within a cloud forest just minutes from Machu Picchu, the Inkaterra Pueblo Hotel is a collec...
LuxuryBelmond Sanctuary Lodge
The only hotel at the gates of Machu Picchu — the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is located metres from t...
BoutiqueTierra Viva Cusco Saphi
A warmly decorated boutique hotel in the San Blas neighbourhood — Cusco's most charming district o...