An Adventurer’s Guide to Machu Picchu, Peru

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Machu Picchu is known as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Indeed, it is incredibly alluring and fills up the bucket list of a multitude of tourists. It is one of the most stunning and mind-blowing attractions to witness. Thousands of years of isolation in the Andes Mountains made this ancient Incan citadel a heritage to the modern world. However, the world of Machu Picchu was yet to be discovered. It was hidden in the Peruvian Andes under jungle cover before it was photographed.

The highlight of this breathtaking structure is not only the ruins themselves, but also the unique, stunning backdrop of pure green scenery filled with blue sky and fluffy white clouds encircling the citadel. The architectural mastery of the builders and stone carvers is made evident by the fine and exact cuts of the huge stone bricks. This citadel, sitting snugly between grand, endless mountains, was an unimagined spiritual haven for the Incas but has now become a magical home to the spirits of the past. As it is the number one touristic landmark in the entire country, Machu Picchu holds a very significant historical and cultural position in modern Peruvian folklore. After many decades of abandonment, this city was declared a World Heritage Site. In fact, Machu Picchu has become a symbol of the pride that its citizens have for their rich history. Unfortunately, overtourism and negligence from tourists have turned this cultural and historical site to dust and raised the call for “tourism of responsibility”.

History and Significance

The ruins of Machu Picchu were once a 15th-century royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. The site was a hub of agricultural innovation and development, with many of the ruins showcasing incredible feats of engineering. The preservation of the ruins to this day is believed to stem from the site’s sacred religious ritual that made the region far more important under Inca rule. However, Machu Picchu’s impressive construction, relative isolation, and the Inca Empire’s passing make it largely impossible to make a definitive guess of the site’s function or use. The site was likely built and inhabited for around a century before being consumed. Centuries of Spanish colonization and religious encroachment make Machu Picchu a region of relatively little interest compared to other areas in the 16th century and beyond. It all likely would have been forgotten if not for Hiram Bingham, who rediscovered the site in 1911. Machu Picchu became an iconic symbol of the Inca Empire at the beginning of the 20th century despite very little being known about it. The tourism helped sustain the city of Cusco. In 1983, UNESCO designated Machu Picchu a World Heritage site and named it one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Machu Picchu’s relevance is more than social and historical. It is considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world and possibly the most significant — considering the high status and consistent interest in its ruins — in the area once dominated by the Inca. The ruins are a focal point of ongoing research to uncover the personal details of the Inca people.

When’s The Best Time to Visit?

Machu Picchu’s distinct seasons can be as varied as the Andean landscapes they define. Local climate patterns and global tourism trends ensure that throngs of tourists seek out Peru’s prime attraction at specific points each year. The famous Inca citadel is open year-round, but the best (and worst) time to visit can depend on visitor preferences and travel plans. High Season: Machu Picchu’s high season is characterized by clear skies and extended full-moon nights, but also throngs of tourists and correspondingly high ticket demand. From May to October, average daily highs run from 72°F in May to 65°F in July, dipping down to 64°F in September. It’s worth noting that temperatures in Machu Picchu and surrounding valleys have been inching upward over the last ten years—don’t be surprised if it feels hotter than expected. Weather conditions and peak tourism largely define the best time to visit Machu Picchu.

For a combination of great weather, fewer crowds, and options for trekking, late April, May, and late September through the end of October are peak periods. Many travel experts recommend timing your visit to Machu Picchu during the dry season, with April and October flagged as optimal months. But this presents a catch-22: trekkers and altitude enthusiasts seeking to visit in the dry months may also face increased ticket demand. Optimal weather, but possible missed entry opportunities. Dry season wildlife: In the drier months, some understory vegetation loses leaves, offering better visibility for spying animals such as the Andean spectacled bear. Wet season wildlife: Since the dry months aren’t as protein-rich when it comes to flowers and fruit, many mammals are born and bumble about between November and April, making it an ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts heading to Machu Picchu’s cloud forest. Cultural festivals and events: Going to Machu Picchu in the rainy season gives you the chance to experience unique Andean culture at one of numerous regional fiestas in the Sacred Valley that are held in December, and again in the month or so after Lent. Caveat: High water levels can spawn closure of some Inca Staircase sections and possible landslides on the Inca Trail. Be flexible and able to adjust your plans. Weather, especially during the rainy season, can impact your visit in various surprising ways.

Getting to Machu Picchu

A common misconception of travel in Peru is that Machu Picchu and the neighboring town of Agua Calientes are one and the same. There are plenty of accommodation options in Agua Calientes, but it’s relatively easy to spend most of your time in Machu Picchu itself. Still, it is possible to stay at hotels right by the entrance to the site, and you should absolutely do so if you are quirky enough to book entry to the site for the sole purpose of arriving at it before the hotel check-in time. This guide will introduce the two major approaches for getting to Machu Picchu from Cusco, with a few ways to make the trip more or less challenging via the venerable Inca Trail.

The vast majority of travelers arrive at Machu Picchu in one of three ways: on the local train, the tourist-oriented train, or walking along the Salkantay Trail. Both trains depart from Cusco for Agua Calientes, the crowded tourist town that serves as a departure site for thoroughfares to Machu Picchu. The former leaves from the San Pedro train station in Cusco; the latter requires a bus transfer to the town of Poroy just outside the city. As a final option, visitors can arrive at Machu Picchu on foot by trekking along the classic or short Inca Trails. Each method of arriving at the site has its own pluses and minuses in terms of convenience and experience. It’s worth noting that booking a spot on the Inca Trail tour generally needs to be done at least six months in advance for the trekking permits to be secured. Individual travelers are generally discouraged since all trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide. Incan guides have a standard of providing direct tourist access, but arranging travel through them otherwise is more expensive. It is also possible to find comparatively good deals through vendors, while discussions on the qualities of various agencies and practices in Cusco are common. In whatever fashion you arrive, you will need to purchase separate entry into the ruins themselves.

Transportation Options

Getting to Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself, and one that often fills travelers with a mix of excitement and dread thanks to the variety of transportation options available, from luxurious trains to multi-day treks. The recommended way to reach Machu Picchu is by train from the city of Cusco to the town of Aguas Calientes, 10 kilometers away. From Aguas Calientes, you can easily take a bus or walk up to Machu Picchu’s entrance. There are several train services to choose from. Whichever train you take, it’s best to book as far in advance as possible to ensure all arrangements go smoothly.

If you’d like to see the Andean highlands surrounding Cusco, you can hike to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail or one of the alternative hikes that lead to the famed Incan Citadel. Trains arrive in Aguas Calientes throughout the day, offering several hours to explore the Machu Picchu site. Depending on your travel style, it might make sense to arrive the day before your ticketed entry to Machu Picchu instead of taking a crammed morning train from Cusco. Regardless of how you arrive in Aguas Calientes, it’s possible to take a bus or taxi to Machu Picchu. Several buses run from the bus and train station, though they can accumulate quite a long line. Tickets to the Machu Picchu buses can be bought in advance or in Aguas Calientes. A shuttle bus ticket covers the route between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu, round trip. Taxis are also available to take visitors to Machu Picchu from the town center. Most taxi drivers are willing to make a stop on the way up for pictures.

Hiking Trails

Machu Picchu is largely recognized as an incredible tourist attraction that is easily accessible to all types of travelers. Considered to be a destination for many visitors with various physical abilities, Machu Picchu also caters to those who prefer a more challenging hike through the mountains. If the idea of a multi-day hike to Machu Picchu excites you, then you are in the right place! The most famous multi-day trek to Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail. This part will go into great detail about this historic and typically booked six-day, five-night hike. However, there are alternative paths to Machu Picchu such as the Salkantay, Lares, Choquequirao, and Huchuy Qosqo treks that all offer a different adventure with the same rewarding destination. These trails are discussed further in this section as well.

When planning your trip to Machu Picchu, there is so much to consider. Taking into account the different ways to physically get to the Lost City is just the start. Once you have decided that a trek is for you, you need to know about all of the paths before you decide which trek is right for you. Most trekkers want a hassle-free hike through the Sacred Valley while also experiencing a diverse set of ecosystems. They should start preparing for their adventure following the Inca Trail. Allow yourself or plan at least two months before your trip to start your Inca Trail tour, and during low season make the arrangements at least three weeks in advance.

Exploring Machu Picchu

Assisting information to visiting Machu Picchu. Helping Machu Picchu, located in the Andes Mountains in southern Peru. The adventure to Machu Picchu is as rewarding as the site itself. In order to make our way to Machu Picchu, one would need to hike the Inca Trail. It is a popular hiking destination that stretches through the Andes Mountain terrains and mostly includes breathtaking views and encounters. Of course, it ends with the exploration of Machu Picchu itself. Regardless of whether one opts to hike the trail or take a different route to the Machu Picchu site, what one finds in either case upon reaching the site is truly unforgettable.

The sheer architecture of Machu Picchu is quite a marvel. The buildings were incredibly intricate. These buildings, 200 in total, include homes, temples, storage buildings, and a primarily decorated area. Some of the structures’ labyrinthine gateways are each sculpted from solid stone, and the intihuatana stone has some of the complexly carved landmarks. The Temple of the Sun, which contains an inlay that supports the legendary stone of two windows, is an absolute must-visit. Taking the time to calmly study these structures is really essential as it aids the wonder of the almost surreal environment of this historical site. The views of the site are as impressive as the site itself, with the Andes Mountains surrounding it in a panorama of extraordinary magnificence. Hiking, sightseeing, and photography are just a few of the several ways to explore this region. You may like to explore Machu Picchu with a group, led by an expert native who can inform you all about the region. Alternatively, you can tour the city entirely on your own, with admission to the area. Finally, being peacefully present in the ancient city alone, taking in the beauty and quiet, is simply a magnificent experience. While visiting, remember to always be respectful. Machu Picchu is a perfect destination for landscape photography. If you’re going to take photos there, please do so responsibly.

Main Attractions

Intriguing and picturesque, Machu Picchu is packed with attractions, many of which have an educational focus, providing deeper cultural or historical knowledge about the city. These include the religious, ceremonial, or sacred, such as the Temple of the Sun, or the Intihuatana astronomical clock; the civil, symbolic, or public areas, represented by the fountain and the residential zone; the Inca stone craftsmen’s workshops or industrial area; the attractive agricultural terracing; and strategic jigsaw-like trapezoidal urban design. Even less-visited zones like the enigmatic Inca Bridge will reward your attention. The complex was built with remarkable precision using ingenious and unique techniques at the time, constructed with blocks made from the same rock that surrounded the area. They used stone and wood and planned intricate waterworks to irrigate the terraces and support the population. Not a single nail was used to put the city together. Still today, the mystery persists about why and how such an impressive city and its steep-sided citadel were built and what became of its population. A recommended itinerary for a visit could include arriving early at the site and ascending immediately at the time of sunrise to overview the “Sacred Valley of the Incas.” Then start a guided tour, which can be in a couple of different languages. If you are feeling more adventurous, it is also possible to walk by yourself around the ancient city, take distinct paths, and visit the more-visited attractions in a different order. To truly savor the experience, take your time and feel the place. It will enhance your enjoyment of the location and offer you an unforgettable trip. For advice and guidance while inside the site, there are always qualified tour guides available. It’s an extra charge, but it’s certainly worth it. Those who are truly adventurous can search for a quieter spot to observe the site.

Guided Tours

A guided tour of Machu Picchu will help explain the significance, history, and architectural techniques of individual structures within the Inca citadel. Historically, many visitors prefer to do their own unguided tours, but we are starting to see that more visitors appreciate the guidance of a knowledgeable guide, especially when the cost of admission is considered. If you have an opportunity to do a tour, it is more than worth the additional expense. There are two main types of group tours: early morning tours are guided in groups during your visit to Machu Picchu, and then allow you a short time after the tour to take a look around on your own. Private daily tours, including the return bus trip to Machu Picchu and entry tickets, are available.

Organized tour companies will provide a guide service and entrance ticket. These tours move quickly and make sure you see all of the ruins. It is worth deciding what kind of learner you are. If you prefer a very detailed and interesting explanation of each of the buildings, you could opt for this guided tour. For those new to visiting Machu Picchu and who might not like this kind of tour, there is good information available at the entrances to Machu Picchu to guide you around. If you want to participate in a tour after being at the site to answer some questions, this service is available at the entrance, or you could ask your tour guide at your hotel or accommodation to reserve your spot.

Responsible Travel Practices

A journey to Machu Picchu comes with ecological, social, and economic responsibilities. The mountains, river, land, and environment all contribute to preserving the site, safeguarding its legacy for future generations. The indigenous culture and history of a 15th-century yet captivating city are the intangible wealth. The local Quechua Llaqta people—the Incas’ descendants—have their own worldview and cultural mores. Visitors are expected to respect, value, and engage with them with courtesy and humility. Create a ‘beta traveler mindset’ and foster empathy among us for whom Machu Picchu is home.