Why Go to Machu Picchu
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
You've seen the photos, but nothing prepares you for the feeling of seeing Machu Picchu in person. The Lost City of the Incas sits nearly 8,000 feet up, perched on a ridge between two dramatic green peaks above the Urubamba River. Built in the 1400s and hidden from the outside world for centuries, it's one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk among the terraces, temples and stone dwellings, including the Temple of the Sun and the carved Intihuatana stone. For the adventurous, climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for jaw-dropping views from above, and hike to the Sun Gate, where trekkers on the classic Inca Trail get their first glimpse of the city. Many visitors make the journey by scenic train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of the mountain.
Entry is limited by timed tickets and set circuits, and they often sell out months ahead, especially for Huayna Picchu and the Inca Trail. U.S. travelers fly into Lima, then connect to Cusco. I'll secure your permits, train and guide and build in time to acclimate in Cusco.
BEST FOR
History lovers, hikers, photographers, bucket-list travelers and adventurers
BEST MONTHS
April to October
EXPLORE
- Aguas Calientes: The town at the foot of Machu Picchu.
- Sacred Valley: Inca sites and peaceful resorts.
- Cusco: The former Inca capital.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Machu Picchu
South America › Andean Heights › Peru › Cusco Region
The lost city of the Incas, high in the clouds of the Peruvian Andes.
Mountain & Alpine
Ancient
Hiking
Adventure
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book Machu Picchu entry tickets, trains and any Huayna Picchu or Inca Trail permits months ahead; tickets are timed, assigned to specific circuits and limited each day.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Hire a licensed guide to understand the site's history.
The Citadel
Explore the Inca city's temples, plazas and terraces on a guided tour along one of the official circuits.
Book your permit months in advance.
Huayna Picchu
A steep hike up the peak behind the citadel, with breathtaking views.
Start early and bring water.
Machu Picchu Mountain
A longer, less crowded hike with panoramic views of the site and valley.
Check which circuits and tickets include the Sun Gate.
Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
The traditional entrance for Inca Trail hikers, with views over the citadel.
Look for the precise stonework.
Temple of the Sun
A curved stone temple aligned with the solstice sunrise.
The only hotel at the entrance to Machu Picchu, ideal for early and late visits.
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Machu Picchu entrance
Hotel Tags
A lush eco-lodge set in cloud forest gardens, with orchids and birdwatching.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes
Hotel Tags
A luxurious hotel with river views, a spa and an excellent restaurant.
Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel
Aguas Calientes
Hotel Tags
A modern, stylish hotel close to the train station.
El MaPi by Inkaterra
Aguas Calientes
Hotel Tags
A riverside resort with its own train station to Machu Picchu.
Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Sacred Valley
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Machu Picchu
High 72°F · Low 46°F · Rain 3.1 in
The rainy season begins with afternoon showers.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is April through October, during the dry season, when skies are clear. June to August is the busiest period. The rainy season from November to March brings afternoon rain, and the Inca Trail closes each February.
Best Times to Visit Machu Picchu
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Peruvian cuisine is among the world's best, and the Cusco region offers delicious Andean dishes.
- Andean dishes: Try alpaca, quinoa soup and roasted potatoes.
- Peruvian classics: Enjoy ceviche, lomo saltado and ají de gallina.
- Must-try: Lomo saltado, alpaca, quinoa, chicha morada and a pisco sour.
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Walking
Aguas Calientes is small and easy to explore on foot.
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Private Drivers
Private drivers connect Cusco with the Sacred Valley.
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Hiking
The Inca Trail and alternative treks lead to Machu Picchu on foot.
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Buses to the Citadel
Shuttle buses climb from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu; buy tickets in advance.
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Trains
PeruRail and Inca Rail run scenic trains from Cusco and Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.
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Flying In
Fly into Cusco's Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) from Lima.
Most travelers fly into Cusco, then take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. From there, buses climb to the citadel, or you can hike the trail.
Getting Around Machu Picchu