Best things to do in Machu Picchu
Find out more about those top places in Machu Picchu
Discovering Machu Picchu: A Journey into the Heart of the Inca Empire
Machu Picchu is, without a doubt, one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth and a top bucket-list destination in South America. Tucked away in the cloud-kissed Andes of Peru, this mystical Inca citadel continues to captivate travelers from every corner of the globe. But what exactly makes Machu Picchu so legendary? Is it the breathtaking views, the intriguing history, the mysterious atmosphere, or a bit of everything?
In this ultimate travel guide, you'll find out what to do in Machu Picchu, the best tourist attractions in and around the site, where to stay, and essential tips for making the most of your journey. And because travel shouldn't be boring, we’ll spice it up with a little humor and insider advice to keep you entertained while you plan your great Inca adventure.
What to Do in Machu Picchu: Highlights of the Lost City
At around 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, Machu Picchu is perched dramatically on a mountain ridge, gazing over the lush Urubamba Valley. Built in the 15th century by the Incas (possibly under the order of Emperor Pachacuti), it’s a masterpiece of engineering, architecture, and natural harmony.
Here’s what not to miss once you’re inside this bucket-list-worthy UNESCO World Heritage Site:
1. Visit the Main Temple and Central Plaza
Start your exploration at the heart of the city: the Main Temple and Central Plaza. With its precisely cut stones fitted together without mortar, the temple is an architectural marvel that still baffles modern engineers. The Central Plaza, meanwhile, is the perfect place to take in the landscape and ponder how the Incas pulled off this incredible feat—without bulldozers, cranes, or YouTube tutorials.
2. Hike Up Huayna Picchu for the Best View Ever
That sharp peak towering behind Machu Picchu in every postcard? That’s Huayna Picchu. And yes, you can climb it. The trail is steep, narrow, and not for the faint of heart (or the faint of thigh), but the reward at the top is a jaw-dropping view of the entire citadel nestled among the mountains. Just make sure you book your Huayna Picchu ticket in advance—it sells out faster than llama-shaped souvenirs.
3. See the Mysterious Intihuatana Stone
One of the most sacred and enigmatic places in Machu Picchu is the Intihuatana Stone, a carved granite rock believed to have served as a solar calendar or astronomical device. Its name roughly means “hitching post of the sun,” and the Incas aligned it perfectly with celestial events. Whether or not you believe in ancient cosmic energy, standing next to this monolith is a humbling, almost mystical experience.
4. Stroll Through the Terraces and Agricultural Areas
Machu Picchu isn’t just stone buildings—it’s an entire ecosystem built with intelligence and care. The agricultural terraces are an engineering marvel in themselves, designed to prevent erosion while producing food for the city’s inhabitants. As you walk along them, you’ll get incredible views and maybe even spot a llama or two acting like they own the place (because, well, they sort of do).
Best Places to Visit Near Machu Picchu
While the Inca citadel is obviously the main attraction, the surrounding region is filled with incredible spots that will make your trip even more memorable.
1. Aguas Calientes: More Than Just a Pit Stop
Aguas Calientes, the closest town to Machu Picchu, is where most travelers stay before and after their visit. While often overlooked as just a launchpad to the ruins, this charming little town has its own appeal. Check out the natural hot springs (the town is named after them!), indulge in Peruvian cuisine at a local eatery, or stroll through the market for some alpaca wool goodies.
2. The Sacred Valley: A Living Museum
If you have time, don’t miss the Sacred Valley, a fertile and culturally rich region stretching from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Explore traditional towns like Pisac with its famous artisan market, and Ollantaytambo, a remarkably well-preserved Inca fortress town. The valley is dotted with ruins, salt mines, terraces, and culture—it’s basically a history buff’s Disneyland.
3. The Inca Trail: The Most Epic Hike of Your Life
Feeling adventurous? The 4-day Inca Trail is the ultimate pilgrimage for trekkers, taking you through cloud forests, ancient ruins, and jaw-dropping mountain vistas before arriving dramatically at Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate at sunrise. It’s challenging, breathtaking, and unforgettable. Just don’t forget to train your legs... and your camera battery.
Where to Stay in Machu Picchu
While you can’t sleep inside the ruins (sorry, no camping with the llamas), Aguas Calientes offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every traveler’s style and budget.
Luxury Lodges
Want to wake up in the middle of the jungle with birds singing and a view that could make a grown adult cry? Book yourself a room at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, an eco-luxury haven with lush gardens and Andean charm. Or go full-on Inca-royalty at Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located right at the entrance of Machu Picchu. Yes, it’s pricey—but how often do you get to sleep next to a wonder of the world?
Mid-Range Hotels
If you’re looking for comfort without sacrificing your wallet, Hotel Tierra Viva Machu Picchu and Casa Andina Standard offer excellent service, comfy beds, and great locations. Perfect for relaxing your legs after a long day of hiking.
Budget-Friendly Hostels
Backpacking on a budget? No problem. Supertramp Hostel and Hostel Flower’s House are fantastic options with dorms, private rooms, and a lively vibe where you might just meet your next trekking buddy. Bonus: some have rooftop terraces to soak in the view with a Pisco Sour in hand.
Top Travel Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu
Planning your trip smartly will make a huge difference. Here are some essential travel tips to make your Machu Picchu adventure as smooth as an Inca stone wall:
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Book in advance: Entry to Machu Picchu, especially for Huayna Picchu or the Inca Trail, is limited and sells out quickly.
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Acclimate to the altitude: Spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before visiting the ruins to avoid altitude sickness.
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Wear proper gear: Think comfortable shoes with grip, layers for changing weather, sunscreen, and a rain jacket just in case the mountain gods decide to test you.
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Follow the rules: To preserve the site, don’t touch or climb on the ruins, don’t bring tripods or drones, and absolutely no jumping selfies on temple walls (yes, that’s a real rule).
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Travel light: You can’t take big backpacks inside, so pack the essentials in a daypack.
Why Machu Picchu Is More Than Just a Tourist Site
Machu Picchu isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. It’s the kind of destination that changes the way you look at the world (and maybe even yourself). Whether you're marveling at the ancient stonework, gasping at the views from a mountain peak, or sharing a knowing nod with a llama, Machu Picchu connects you to something timeless.
So if you're planning a trip to Peru, make sure this wonder of the modern world is at the top of your list. The stories you’ll tell, the selfies you’ll snap, and the memories you’ll make will last a lifetime.
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Intipunku
Known in English as the Sun Gate, Intipunktu offers the picture-perfect image of Machu Picchu, which is seen across the world in television programs, photographs and movies. The Sun Gate is the precipitous end of the world-famous Inca Trail and has panoramic views of the hilltop citadel that are simply breathtaking – you really have to see it to believe it.
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Principal Temple
The architectural highlight of a tour of Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the Principal Temple. When it was first built the building’s masonry was equal in standard to that found in Europe and the gigantic geometric block walls still stand today. Within the temple complex is the intricately carved Sacristy, which was once used to store precious objects.
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Intihuatana
At the top of the rugged hill overlooking Machu Picchu is Intihuatana, an Inca astronomical device that was used to predict solstices. While much of the site’s history remains a mystery, its elegant form and ease of use make it a highlight of any tour of the Inca citadel.
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Inca Drawbridge
Just a short stroll from Machu Picchu itself is the Inca Drawbridge, which was built to control access to the citadel. While no one is allowed onto the precipitous bridge-cum-cliff walk, the views from nearby are simply astonishing with spectacular vistas of the city itself and the jungle-clad peaks.
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Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock
The Hut of the Caretaker of the Funerary Rock is one of the few buildings that have been restored to their original state at Machu Picchu. Complete with thatched roof and colorful interiors, the building is the starting point for many tours of the Inca citadel and is also a useful place to shelter from the tropical rains.
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Wiñay Wayna
A half-day trip from the crowds of Machu Picchu is the ruined Inca town of Wiñay Wayna, which sits precipitously on the side of a steep hillside overlooking the Urubamba River. For the more adventurous, the site can also be reached by the thrilling Inca Trail hiking route.
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Temple of the Three Windows
Flanking the Sacred Plaza is the Temple of the Three Windows, one of Machu Picchu’s most iconic locations. The massive windows from which the temple gets its name provide jaw-dropping views of the rugged Andean landscape and offer the perfect photo opportunity.
