Machu Picchu Holidays
Machu Picchu
Holidays
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World — the Lost City of the Incas at 2,430 metres in the Andes
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Flight Time
12–14h to Lima, then 1h to Cusco + train
Best Time
May to October (dry season)
Country
Peru
Suppliers
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Machu Picchu Holiday Guide
Machu Picchu is one of the most extraordinary places on earth — an Inca citadel built at 2,430m in the Andes, abandoned in the 16th century and rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. The site sits on a narrow ridge above the Urubamba River gorge, surrounded by cloud forest and the dramatic peaks of the Andes.
Getting there: The standard route is to fly to Cusco, acclimatise for 2 nights, then take the train from Cusco (Poroy station) or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (1.5-3.5 hours). PeruRail and Inca Rail both operate the service. From Aguas Calientes, buses run every 30 minutes up to the citadel (25 minutes, book in advance). The walk from Aguas Calientes to the citadel takes 1.5 hours on a steep path.
Entry tickets must be booked in advance on the official government website (machupicchu.gob.pe) — daily visitor numbers are strictly limited and tickets sell out weeks ahead. You must specify your entry time slot and whether you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (separate tickets, very limited numbers).
Acclimatisation is essential — Cusco is at 3,400m and altitude sickness is common. Spend at least 2 nights in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours and eat light meals. Coca tea is freely available and helps with altitude symptoms.
The best time to visit is May to October (the dry season) — clear skies, minimal rain and the best conditions for photography. June and July are the busiest months. The Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. We search across Travelpack, Emirates Holidays and JTA Holidays for the best Peru holiday deals.
Popular Areas in Machu Picchu
Average Temperatures
Jan
18°C
Feb
18°C
Mar
18°C
Apr
19°C
May
18°C
Jun
17°C
Jul
17°C
Aug
18°C
Sep
18°C
Oct
19°C
Nov
19°C
Dec
18°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Machu Picchu
The ancient citadel, mountain climbs, dawn viewpoints and Inca engineering marvels that make Machu Picchu the most extraordinary archaeological site in the Americas.
Machu Picchu Citadel — The Lost City
The Machu Picchu citadel is divided into two main zones — the agricultural terraces (andenes) that cascade down the mountainside, and the urban sector with the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, the Room of the Three Windows, the Principal Temple and the residential quarters. The site covers 32,592 hectares and contains over 200 structures. The classic postcard view — the citadel with Huayna Picchu rising behind — is from the Sun Gate or the Guardhouse.
Huayna Picchu — The Iconic Peak
Huayna Picchu is the dramatic peak that rises behind the citadel in every classic Machu Picchu photograph — a 360m climb on steep, narrow Inca steps to extraordinary views over the citadel and the Urubamba gorge. The climb takes 45-90 minutes each way and is strenuous. Entry is strictly limited to 400 people per day (two time slots of 200 each) and tickets sell out months in advance. Not suitable for those with vertigo.
Sunrise at Machu Picchu
Sunrise at Machu Picchu is one of the most magical experiences in South America — the citadel emerging from the morning mist as the sun rises over the surrounding peaks. To see the sunrise you need to be on the first bus from Aguas Calientes (departing 5:30am) or walk the 1.5-hour path from Aguas Calientes to the Sun Gate. The first entry slot (6am) gives the best chance of seeing the site before the crowds arrive.
The Sun Gate — Inti Punku
The Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu from the Inca Trail — a 45-minute uphill walk from the citadel to a pass at 2,720m with the most dramatic first view of Machu Picchu. Inca Trail trekkers arrive here at dawn on the final day of the trek. The walk from the citadel is accessible to all visitors with a standard entry ticket and offers the best panoramic view of the entire site.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain (Montaña Machu Picchu) is the higher and less-visited alternative to Huayna Picchu — a 600m climb to 3,082m with extraordinary views over the citadel, the Sacred Valley and the surrounding Andes. The climb takes 1.5-2 hours each way and is less steep than Huayna Picchu. Entry is limited to 800 people per day. The views from the summit are arguably better than Huayna Picchu.
Aguas Calientes — Machu Picchu Pueblo
Aguas Calientes (officially Machu Picchu Pueblo) is the gateway town at the base of Machu Picchu — a small, lively town in the bottom of the Urubamba gorge, accessible only by train or on foot. The town has a good selection of hotels and restaurants, the Machu Picchu Museum (free with site entry), the Jardín de Orquídeas orchid garden and the municipal hot springs (termas) — a welcome soak after a day at the citadel.
The Inca Trail — South America's Greatest Trek
The Inca Trail is the most famous trek in South America — a 4-day, 43km walk through cloud forest, alpine tundra and Inca ruins, culminating in the Sun Gate with the first view of Machu Picchu at dawn on day four. The trail passes through extraordinary scenery and several Inca sites including Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca and Wiñay Wayna. Permits are strictly limited to 500 people per day and sell out months in advance.
Inca Engineering & Architecture
Machu Picchu is one of the greatest achievements of Inca engineering — built without mortar, iron tools or the wheel, using only stone hammers and human labour. The precision of the stonework is extraordinary — the stones fit together so perfectly that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them. The site has a sophisticated water management system, earthquake-resistant construction and astronomical alignments including the Intihuatana stone (a ritual sundial) and the Temple of the Sun.
Explore Machu Picchu on the Map
Key areas, beaches and attractions across the island.
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