Just north of Cusco lies Peru's most famous and dramatic archeological site to date, the lost city of Machu Picchu. Set in a mystical landscape of forests and high mountains, travelers have the chance to discover the ancient civilization that once ruled the continent and attempt to comprehend their way of life by walking through the beautiful city.

Upon entering the ruins the first important site is the Temple of the Sun, a tower-like wall that displays the finest stonework of the Incas. Straight through to the center of the site is the Three-Windowed Temple, which opens up to views of the eastern Mountains of the Urubamba River Valley. At the northern end of the site is the sacred mountain of Huayna Picchu, and if you are reasonably energetic, it would be worthwhile to make the hour climb to the summit for the amazing view point of the ruins and surrounding mountains.

The Ruins are open daily from 6am to 5:30 pm. Ticket prices are $20 almost for everyone except for Peru nationals. Guides are readily available. A few years ago there was the possibility of viewing Machu Picchu after sunset for guests that stay at the nearby Sanctuary Lodge. That option no longer exists because of the large numbers of people that now visit the lost city of Incas.

Machu Picchu didn't come into the international spotlight until 1911 when it was discovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. It was one of the most important discoveries of the century, especially since it was one of the few sites that weren't ravaged by the Spanish conquistadors.

There are several options for reaching the ruins. The most popular option to reach Machu Pichu is to take a 4 hour train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, that is the gateway town near Machu Picchu. There are multiple classes of service and train times, but please be careful planning your trip because of extreme demand and train operator "idiocincracies". Please read our traveling to Machu Pichu by train section.
Trains to Machu Picchu

The most adventurous option is to make the 2 to 5 day hike along the Inca trail either on a guided trek offered by the many tour operators or with an official guide. There are also a number of other interesting treks in the area. If you can't make the hike, the scenery can be quite enjoyable from the comforts of a train. There is also the Salcantay trail that leads to Machu Picchu in a similar manner as the Inca Trail.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes, and therefore Machu Picchu, has no cars or any other road transportation access. The only options to travel to Machu Picchu are the two listed above.

The luxurious Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel in the immediate area and is conveniently located next to the entrance of the ruins. In nearby Aguas Calientes, about a half hour bus ride from Machu Picchu, you will find many lodging options ranging from 5 star to budget accommodations.

Map of Machu Picchu

Map of Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu

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Machu Picchu Overview

  Travel to Machu Picchu:
    Trains to Machu Picchu

    Treking Overview
      The Inca Trail
        Inca Trail Ruins
        4-day Inca Trail
        2-day Inca Trail

      Salkantay Trail
      Lares Trek
      Choquequirao Trek

  Nearby Highlights:
    Cusco
    Sacred Valley
    Aguas Calientes

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