Machu Picchu Tours: How to Visit the Lost City of the Incas
The Most Dramatic Ruins in the World
Perched 2,430 metres above sea level on a ridge between two mountain peaks, Machu Picchu is so theatrically placed it seems designed by a film director rather than 15th-century Inca engineers. Rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911, it remains one of the world's great archaeological mysteries.
How to Get There
Inca Trail (4 Days)
A 43km trail through Andean cloud forest, past dozens of Inca ruins, through the Sun Gate and to Machu Picchu at dawn. Limited to 500 people per day. Book 6–12 months in advance — permits sell out in February for October departures.
Train + Bus (1 Day)
Cusco → train to Aguas Calientes (1.5–3.5 hours) → bus up the switchback road (25 minutes) → Machu Picchu. The most popular option. Staying overnight in Aguas Calientes is recommended over a day trip.
Alternative Treks
Salkantay Trek (5 days) and Lares Trek (3–4 days) offer spectacular scenery with fewer crowds and no permit lottery. Both end with a train to Aguas Calientes.
At the Site
Key structures: Intihuatana Stone (solar clock), Temple of the Sun, Room of the Three Windows. A certified guide (mandatory from 2024) takes 2–3 hours for the main circuit.
Practical Tips
- Acclimatize to altitude in Cusco (3,400m) for 2–3 days before visiting Machu Picchu (2,430m).
- Entry tickets: book online at the official Peruvian government site. Sells out weeks in advance in high season.
- The citadel opens at 6am — first-light entry is the best experience of the day.