🏔️ Cusco Region, Peru
Things to do in Machu Picchu
The lost Inca citadel high in the Andes
A favourite for honeymoons
Machu Picchu is the iconic 15th-century Inca citadel perched on a ridge high above the Urubamba valley — terraces, temples and stonework wrapped in cloud forest, with the peak of Huayna Picchu behind. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s the headline of any Peru trip, reached from Cusco by train (or the multi-day Inca Trail).
A sunrise over the lost Inca citadel — a bucket-list romantic adventure.
Time needed
1 long day from Cusco, or 2 days with a night in Aguas Calientes
Best time
May–September (dry season) for clear skies and hiking; the Inca Trail closes each February
Region
Cusco Region, Peru
Don’t miss
The citadel with a guide
Explore the terraces, the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone with a guide who unlocks the history. Entry is by timed ticket on set circuits — book well ahead, as daily numbers are strictly capped.
Check availability on GetYourGuideTop things to do in Machu Picchu
- Climb Huayna Picchu for the classic aerial view (limited permits).Find tours
- The Sun Gate (Inti Punku), the Inca Trail’s dramatic finish.Find tours
- The multi-day Inca Trail trek to the citadel (permits required).Find tours
- The scenic train from Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley.Find tours
- Shorter Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu tours for limited time.Find tours
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How to get to Machu Picchu
From Cusco, take the train (PeruRail/Inca Rail) from Ollantaytambo or Poroy to Aguas Calientes, then the shuttle bus up to the entrance — or hike the multi-day Inca Trail (book months ahead). Everything — train, entry, bus — should be booked well in advance.
Best time to visit
May–September (dry season) for clear skies and hiking; the Inca Trail closes each February. April and October balance weather and crowds. Mornings can be misty — and magical.
Machu Picchu tips
- Book entry tickets, the train and the bus well ahead — daily entry numbers are strictly capped.
- Acclimatise in Cusco or the Sacred Valley first; Machu Picchu itself is lower, but the trip involves altitude.
- Bring your passport, water and sun protection; large bags aren’t allowed inside.
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Opening hours, prices, transport and entry rules change — always verify before you go, and check your government’s current travel advice. Some links are affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.