Machu Picchu Peru

Machu Picchu Facts

Where is Machu Picchu Located

The famous Machu Picchu is located in a cloud forest  and accessible only by rail or trekking. It lies about 112km from Cusco, Cusco is the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and is the oldest continuing inhabited city in South America.

Machu Picchu Altitude is approximately 2,430 meters.

Machu Picchu History

The ancient capital of the Inca Empire. It was built around 1450 around the time of the height of the Inca Empire. Because of it's remoteness and inaccesiblity the Spanish Conquistadors didn't discover this Inca archeological treasure. It was re-discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1912. Since the name appeared on maps as early as 1860, previous attempts to find the site failed. Bingham assumed he had come across Vilcabamba, the last real stronghold of the Inca. In 1915 Bingham announced his discovery of the Inca Trail. As with Machu Picchu his 'discovery' was a little disingenuus. Locals knew about this trail, and how it had served as a supply route during Inca times. Parts of it were used by colonial and republican times as well. Bingham's huge efforts to find Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail was no easy feat. Look up from agua Calientes and you will not know it is there.

There are many theories about the history of Machu Picchu. It was likely a city of around two hundred homes and 1,000 residents, with agricultural terraces to supply the population's needs and a strategic position that overlooked- but could not be seen- from the valley floor. Another popular theory suggests it was the winter residence of the Inca ruler Patchacuti. It's great fun experiencing this magical place and imagining your own theory or two.

Machu Picchu Weather

How to get to Machu Picchu

Hiking to Machu Picchu

Book your Inca Trail Trek early, (four to six months ahead in the high season (June though August.) The Classic Inca Trail can be 4 or 5 days and includes a visit to Llactapata ruins as well. It is one of the  most famous treks in the world and there is a strict limit on the number of people, including guides and porters, that are allowed on the trail daily. February, the Inca Trail is closed for maintence. Being the peak of the wet season as well, it is not the time to trek through high muddy passes or very damp cloud forest.
 Alternative treks to Machu Picchu - include the 5 day Salkantay Trek. It is one of the most interesting and important Inca Trail alternatives due to its wide range of flora diversity, various ecosystems, remote Andean villages, views of Salkantay Mountain as well as the Lllactapata site laid onto of a mountain, just behind the Machu Picchu Mountain. It is a much less travelled trail creating an awesome and challenging experience on these stunning, remote Inca paths.

Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is more remote and slightly higher altitude than the Inca Trail. Several small villages are scattered in the mountain. There are opportunities to visit these Andean people and see and maybe buy some of their unique weaving. Also to see ancient farming practices cultivating and herding alpacas, llamas and vicuñas. The last afternoon there is a short train trip to the village of Agua Calientes near Machu Picchu. All travel or tour packages include the final day at Machu Picchu.

Putucusi to Machu Picchu is a 2 day tour package for people who want to do a shorter trek to Machu Picchu.

Cachicata to Machu Picchu Alternative short trek. Cachicata is located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. In this trek you will appreciate the Huarcondor terraces, the waterfall, Inca ruins, Intipunku (Sun Gate), original Inca trail, stone quarries and beautiful vistas of the Andean highlands. Continuing to hike to Ollantaytambo and it's massive ruins, where after an exploration you will catch the train to Machu Picchu.

The Train to Machu Picchu
The tourist trains run several time a day from Cusco. Pre-booking your train ticket the same time as your entrance fee to Machu Picchu is best, as there is a limit of numbers visiting this incredible site.
Many travellers do a day trip to Machu Picchu, however I like to stay longer in the little town of Agua Calientes the village nearest to Machu Picchu. There are hot springs, a lively town, waterfalls, a botanical gardens and of course more than one opportunity to visit the magical ruins of Machu Picchu.

Most everyone uses a tour service with a biligual guide versed fully in the known history. This is best booked with a professional company based in Cusco. Afterwards there is always plenty of time to do your own discovery or relax in one of the most stunning and mysterious places on the planet.
After getting your ticket stamped at the entrance, the first structures you see are the Storage houses and Inca terraces for growing produce and keeping erosion in check. The Guardhouse and Funeral Rock are about 20 minutes walk to the left. This is where royal Inca were preserved and dried before ritual funeral. The Temple of the Sun is a marvel of Inca stonework . On June 22nd (winter solstice in the southern hemisphere), sunlight shines through a small trapezois window and onto at large, flat granite stone presumed to be an Inca calender. Temple of the Condor, Intihuantana, The Sacred Rock, The Three Windows are some of the other special stone structures.
Think about checking this off your dream travel holiday now.

Machu Picchu Map

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

The high season is from June to September as most tourists visit from the Northern Hemisphere in their summer. However, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the low season (October to May) as the bulk of the tourists are not here and the climate is perfect.  The wet season is in progress, but Machu Picchu is a cloud forest so it can likely rain at any time for a short period, though not many tropical downpours. February, the wettest month the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance.