Whether you arrive at Machu Picchu by foot or by rail, your first sight of these magnificent ruins stays with you. A masterpiece of ancient architecture, plan your journey to Machu Picchu, set above the Sacred Valley, with Scott Dunn:
Surrounded by dramatic forest-clad peaks and deep valleys, Machu Picchu, or ‘The Lost City’, is an ancient site that has drawn visitors from across the globe, with thousands traveling to the citadel every year. And with its well-preserved temples, houses, and palaces, which straddle the terraced plateau high above the lush valleys, it’s not hard to see why.
From guided tours through the citadel to hiking the Inca Trail or exploring nearby villages, there is plenty to experience here, whether you are visiting Peru on a family vacation, honeymoon, or active adventure.
Our travel specialists know the site inside and out and will arrange everything in advance, including securing the required permit and licensed guide, while helping you plan the highlights that best suit your vacation.
Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s one of the few places on Earth you can truly see the past take shape, while getting to experience unforgettable treks, romantic honeymoons or enriching family getaways. It’s a staple in any tour to Peru, adding a historic element to this culture and foodie-rich destination.
Machu Picchu was built high in the Peruvian Andes in the 15th century as a royal Inca retreat. It remained hidden from the outside world, untouched until its rediscovery in 1911, nearly 500 years later. Today, its finely carved temples, stone houses, and cascading terraces still cling to the mountain ridge, revealing the ingenuity and spiritual world of the Inca civilization, which originated in the 12th century and grew into one of the largest Empires in the world.
For many travelers, Machu Picchu sits firmly on the bucket list for vacations and honeymoons to Peru. Highlights include:
A family vacation to Machu Picchu offers plenty for young travelers to appreciate. Experience one-of-a-kind scenery and history in Peru:
Machu Picchu can be explored in several ways, from easy privately guided tours to active adventures through the Andes and nearby Sacred Valley.
Discover must-see landmarks and unforgettable experiences for your visit to Machu Picchu. Scott Dunn will personalize your vacation around what matters most to you, handling details behind the scenes so you can simply take it all in.
The Inca Trail remains the most sought-after approach when it comes to visiting Machu Picchu. Widely regarded as one of the world’s great hiking routes, it leads directly to the citadel along the same pathways once used by Inca messengers centuries ago.
The moderate-difficulty trail passes through a remarkable variety of landscapes, from snow-capped Andean passes to cloud forest and ancient archaeological sites. The classic four-day trek offers the most immersive experience, while a shorter two-day route allows travelers to combine the hike with exploring other destinations in Peru.
If you do plan to take on the Inca Trail, our travel specialists will handle all the admin, from finding you a licensed trekking operator to helping you secure a permit.
The Temple of the Sun is one of the most important ceremonial buildings within Machu Picchu. It was dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god, and played an important role in religious rituals.
The Temple of the Sun is known for its distinctive semi-circular shape, which sets it apart from much of the citadel’s architecture. Built with precisely cut stones fitted together without mortar, the temple demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship of Inca builders and remains one of the most impressive examples of their engineering skill.
At the heart of Machu Picchu lies the Sacred Plaza, a wide-open courtyard linking several of the citadel’s most important structures. Here you’ll find the Temple of the Three Windows, the main temple complex and the Intihuatana.
From this elevated viewpoint, visitors can appreciate sweeping views across the ruins as well as the Urubamba River winding through the valley far below. The plaza offers one of the best perspectives for understanding the scale and layout of the ancient city.
Among Machu Picchu’s characteristically simple architecture, the Intihuatana stands out as one of the most intriguing. Its name comes from Quechua and is often translated as “the place where the sun is tied”.
Located at the highest point of the Sacred Plaza, this carved stone pillar is believed to have been used by Inca astronomers to track the movement of the sun and mark seasonal events such as the solstice.
Rising steeply above the ruins, Huayna Picchu is one of the most recognizable peaks at Machu Picchu. The mountain forms part of the citadel’s dramatic natural backdrop.
Experienced hikers can climb the narrow stone steps to its summit. Be aware it is a challenging route that can take several hours, but it rewards visitors with panoramic views across the ruins and surrounding valleys. For those who take on the climb, don’t miss the Temple of the Moon partway along the trail. Built into the mountainside of Huayna Picchu, this secluded ceremonial site is believed to have played an important role in Inca spiritual practices.
On the banks of the Urubamba River lies Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. This charming town is a well-loved destination for its nearby natural hot springs.
Located just eight kilometers from Machu Picchu, it’s the final stop for visitors arriving by Inca Rail or PeruRail trains. Be sure to explore its lively handicraft markets, cafés and restaurants as a pleasant place to relax before or after visiting the ruins.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Machu Picchu, Peru
The best time to visit Machu Picchu and the surrounding areas in the Andes, like Cusco and Lake Titicaca, is from May to October, during the dry season.
When visiting Machu Picchu, it’s helpful to remember that Peru’s seasons run opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with winter from June to August and summer from December to February. Peru has distinct wet and dry seasons to keep in mind when planning sightseeing and hiking around Machu Picchu.
If you want to beat the crowds, keep in mind that June, July and August are the most popular months to visit Machu Picchu.
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