Discover the wonder of Machu Picchu

March 31, 2025

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At the heart of the mystery surrounding Machu Picchu is the absence of any ancient records or names of the site, suggesting that the Incas were secretive about it. Our knowledge of Machu Picchu comes from archaeological excavations. Evidence indicates that pre-Inca settlements inhabited the area before the 15th century. Artifacts such as cave paintings and petroglyphs found nearby suggest that these early settlers were Amazonian tribes or members of the Tampu community.

In 1440, Inca ruler Pachacutec began a campaign to conquer the Urubamba Valley. Later, in 1450, he commissioned the construction of the citadel we now recognize as Machu Picchu. While the exact timing of its construction is uncertain, historians estimate that builders spanned 20 to 30 years to complete it. Skilled laborers from conquered ethnic groups, such as the Collas, Lupacas, Chimus, Cañaris, and Chachapoyas, contributed their expertise in stone carving and goldsmithing to the project.

Historians believe that the original name of the site may have been Patallacta, which means “city of steps” or “high citadel,” according to historical accounts. Sixteenth-century chronicles support this theory. María Carmen Rubio, Federico Kauffmann Doig, and Luis Guillermo Lumbreras confirm that Atahualpa, the last Inca king, wanted to be buried in Patallacta, now known as Machu Picchu. In 1471, his followers honored the mummified remains of King Pachacutec at Machu Picchu after they buried him in his palace at Patallacta.

However, Spanish colonizers sought to eradicate Inca religious practices, leading them to conceal or destroy numerous mummies, including Pachacutec’s. Ultimately, they lost or transported the mummies to Lima during the colonial period.

Main attractions in the citadel of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu divides into two main sectors: the agricultural sector and the urban sector. A dry moat and a colossal wall separate these areas, and the main entrance to the urban area sits at the top of the wall.

The agricultural sector features the main terraces, known as andenes, where people grew various crops.

It contains the Qolcas (storehouses), the Guardian’s House and the main viewpoints of Machu Picchu.

The urban sector includes temples, plazas and houses. Among the most notable structures are the Intihuatana Stone, the Temple of the Sun, and the Hall of the Three Windows. These buildings highlight the Incas’ advanced knowledge of astronomy and their religious practices.

The Inca Trail

The famous Inca Trail reaches Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, from where you can enjoy fantastic views. This incredible trail connects Machu Picchu with the Sacred Valley, Cusco, Vilcabamba and the Amazon. It passes through different places like high mountains and cloud forests and reaches the edge of the jungle. On this unforgettable hike you will see ancient Inca settlements, tunnels and ruins. The Inca Trail takes you to Machu Picchu through Intipunku, which means “sun gate” in Quechua. This exciting entrance to Machu Picchu is perfect for your first glimpse of the site.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu, the imposing peak seen behind Machu Picchu in iconic photographs, offers an exciting hike for the adventurous visitor. Known for its steep and narrow path, the trail is full of steps and stairs carved directly into the rock. Despite the challenge, the climb takes only 40 to 60 minutes and rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. Booking in advance ensures that you can enjoy this unforgettable experience. The effort to reach the top is well worth it for the breathtaking scenery and unique perspective of the ancient citadel.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Machu Picchu Mountain rises as the highest peak in the area and serves as an excellent alternative if you cannot secure tickets to climb Huayna Picchu. The hike is challenging, but offers fantastic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding countryside. The trail is easy at the beginning, but becomes steep with stairs at the end. The top of Machu Picchu is 3061 meters (10,043 feet) above sea level.

Huchuy Picchu Mountain

Huchuy Picchu Mountain is located next to Huayna Picchu and offers a shorter and more accessible trek. To fully appreciate its beauty, hike to the top and enjoy fantastic panoramic views. Although the hike is short, it can be strenuous and requires some planning – Huchuy Picchu is definitely worth including in your visit to Machu Picchu!

Sun Gate in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate (Intipunku) is one of the most important archaeological sites in the region. During the Inca Empire, the army protected it as the main entrance to Cusco and played a key role in the annual summer solstice celebrations. Today it is one of the entrances to the citadel that many tourists visit. Located at the top of a long staircase, the Sun Gate offers breathtaking panoramic views of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and the Urubamba River, making it an ideal place to take photographs.

When approaching Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you will find several stairways leading up to the Sun Gate can be challenging. However, reaching the top rewards you with spectacular views of Peru. On a clear day, you can see Machu Picchu below, surrounded by majestic mountains. Exploring the Sun Gate is an enriching experience and one of the best activities to do while visiting Machu Picchu.

Inca Bridge

Builders constructed an ancient bridge in one of the narrowest areas carved in granite stone, using logs and stones that they can easily destroy to deny access to opponents. Machu Picchu offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore lesser known corners through the Inca Bridge. It is not far from the main site and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Don’t miss it, check it out: this incredible feat of Inca engineering is definitely worth it!

Guardian’s house in Machu Picchu

The Guardian’s House was an important place to watch over the area and control who could enter Machu Picchu. It is at the top of the agricultural terraces, so it has an excellent view of the whole place, the valley below, the arrival of the Inca Trail and the access through the Inca Bridge. This building was very important to keep Machu Picchu safe, as it allowed the guards to monitor and control the flow of people entering and leaving the city.

Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu

This sacred site, located in the heart of the city, is very important to the local people. The builders constructed this monument as an offering to Inti, the Inca god of the sun, in Quechua. Pilgrims used it as a place of pilgrimage. They built it with granite and included a large staircase leading up to it. The design also features a space inside the wall where they could display statues or other objects.

There are two ways to get to this place:

Circuit 2: From the top you can admire this building and enjoy a magnificent view at sunrise.
Circuit 3: You can enter the Temple of the Sun itself and walk around its walls.

Inca Palace in Machu Picchu

The Inca Palace is one of the most emblematic buildings of Machu Picchu. It was the home of the Inca Pachacutec and his family. Today it is one of the most famous tourist sites of the citadel, which fascinates visitors with its rich history and beautiful architecture.

Water Sources

The Incas designed Machu Picchu’s 16 water fountains as part of an advanced hydraulic system. These fountains, connected to natural springs, provide a continuous and reliable supply of water to the city’s inhabitants. The system includes a series of canals and stone basins that distribute the water throughout the city. The inhabitants not only used these fountains, but they also held them in ceremonial significance, as they considered water sacred.

Granite Chaos (The Quarry)

In this area of Machu Picchu you can see a collection of large rough granite boulders. It is believed to have served as a quarry where the Incas extracted the stones from which they constructed the city’s impressive buildings and terraces. The huge boulders scattered throughout the area are an example of the Incas’ incredible stone-working skills. Walking through the granite chaos, visitors can see the raw materials that went into the finely crafted stone structures that make Machu Picchu so extraordinary.

Sacred Square

Located in the central part of the citadel, it is one of the most important areas. Surrounded by important structures such as the Temple of the Three Windows and the Main Temple, this open space was probably used for central meetings related to religious and ceremonial activities.

Intihuatana at Machu Picchu

In the center of Machu Picchu is an altar carved into the rock known as Intihuatana, which means “Mooring Post of the Sun” in Quechua. This important stone structure was widely known and appreciated by the Incas, who used it as a sundial and astronomical calendar. On September 23, during the vernal equinox, the sun is directly above the equator, making day and night equal in length. At Machu Picchu, the shadows cast by the Intihuatana disappear on this date, marking the change of seasons, something crucial for agriculture and Inca ceremonies.

The Intihuatana has an elongated shape that resembles a structure topped by a pyramid inclined at 13°, which points directly at the sun during the equinox. Experts are not sure of the exact use of the Intihuatana stone, but most agree that it served as an astronomical instrument, as its rectangular markings could have marked astronomical events.

The Intihuantana altar was permanently closed on June 2, 2024 as an extreme measure to preserve it. From Machu Picchu you can see the site from a distance.

Sacred Rock

The Sacred Rock is a significant spiritual landmark of Machu Picchu, located at the northern end of the site. This large carved stone resembles the silhouette of nearby Mount Yanantin, symbolizing a connection to the natural world. It is believed that the Sacred Rock was a focal point for religious ceremonies and offerings.

Water Mirrors

The water mirrors are small pools carved in a convoluted shape at Machu Picchu. These pools were filled with water to create reflective surfaces that allowed Inca priests to observe the sky. They were probably used for astronomical observations, which were crucial for determining agricultural cycles and the dates of important ceremonies.

Temple of the Condor

The Temple of the Condor in Machu Picchu is a special place with a rock carving that looks like the head and wings of a condor, a bird sacred to the Incas. The natural rock walls form the body of the bird.

Behind the carving are several connected caves and windows that may have been used for ceremonies or to house mummies. Bones of llamas have been found, indicating that sacrifices were made with these animals. In Inca culture, the condor represents the link between the earthly world and the heavens, underscoring the spiritual importance of the temple.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

After the discovery of the ancient Inca city, a village was built at the foot of the hill to receive the many curious people who were attracted by this wonder, and later tourists. It is known as Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo. The bad thing is that it is not accessible by road, so the most comfortable is to use the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo, but it is the most expensive option (about 120 USD per person round trip).

There is an option to make transportation cheaper, but be prepared to spend a couple of hours by bus and shared taxi, and then hike 11 km.
This is the famous Hydroelectric Route.

The more adventurous can join a multi-day route, such as the popular 43 km Inca Trail, which can be done in 4 days and 3 nights, its shorter version, 2 days and 1 night, or the alternative Salkantay Trail, 5 days and 4 nights.

How to get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Buses leave Aguas Calientes at 05:30 a.m. and travel the winding 3 km road to the entrance of Machu Picchu. The trip costs 12 USD and the ticket must be bought at the ticket office with your passport (you cannot buy it on the bus).

Complete guide to Machu Picchu entrance tickets

Circuit 1: Panoramic

Circuit 1 (Panoramic) offers breathtaking views and provides access to some of the highest points of Machu Picchu, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the entire site and its surroundings.

Route 1-A: Machu Picchu Mountain:

Panoramic Views, Lower Terrace, Upper Terrace, Machu Picchu Mountain

Route 1-B: Upper Terrace:

Panoramic Views, Lower Terrace, Upper Terrace

Route 1-C: Intipunku Cover (High Season):

Panoramic Views, Lower Terrace, Upper Terrace, Inca Trail to the Sun Gate or Intipunku

Route 1-D: Inca Bridge (High Season):

Panoramic views, Lower Terrace, Upper Terrace, Hike to the Inca Bridge

If you are willing to pay a little more, we highly recommend that you book the Machu Picchu Mountain Option. This route offers a unique and rewarding experience with breathtaking views from the top. It is a challenging hike, but the spectacular scenery makes it well worth the effort.

Recommended order for an unforgettable experience:
Sun Gate (Inti Punku): offers incredible panoramic views and great historical significance.
Inca Bridge: a fascinating structure built on a cliff.
Upper Terrace: a less demanding option with beautiful views from the upper terraces.

Circuit 2: Machu Picchu Classic

Circuit 2 (Classic Machu Picchu) covers the central and most emblematic areas of the site, focusing on the main archaeological features that attract the most visitors.

Route 2-A: Designed: Bottom view of the classic photo: Agricultural Sector, Main Gate, Temple of the Sun, Quarry, Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock and Water Mirror or Temple of the Condor.

Ruta 1-B: Lower Terrace: Highest point of the classic photo: Agricultural Sector, Main Gate, Temple of the Sun, Quarry, Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock and Water Mirror or Temple of the Condor.

Choose the Lower Terrace route, which will take you to a higher viewpoint. However, it will not make much difference to your experience if you purchase either ticket, as both offer incredible views and follow very similar routes. The only difference is that the Lower Terrace ticket takes you to a viewpoint on a higher terrace.

Circuit 3: Machu Picchu Royalty

Circuit 3 (Machu Picchu Royalty) explores some of the most exclusive and significant areas associated with Inca royalty and offers access to challenging treks with rewarding views.

Route 3-A: Huayna Picchu:

Among them are: Qolqas, Water Fountains, Temple of the Sun, House of the Incas, Three Gates, Sacred Rock, Huayna Picchu, Water Mirror or Temple of the Condor.

Route 3-B: Designed:

Among them are: Qolqas, Water Fountains, Temple of the Sun, House of the Incas, Tres Portada, Water Mirrors or Temple of the Condor.

Route 3-C: Great Cavern (High Season):

Among them are: Qolqas, Water Fountains, Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Three Gates, Sacred Rock, Great Cave, Water Mirror or Temple of the Condor.

Route 3-D: Huchuy Picchu (High Season):

Among them are: Qolqas, Water Fountains, Temple of the Sun, House of the Inca, Three Gates, Sacred Rock, Huchuy Picchu, Water Mirror or Temple of the Condor.

If you are willing to pay extra, the best option is the Huayna Picchu mountain. Be aware that the hike up this mountain is steep and not recommended if you are afraid of heights. The hike to the Gran Caverna requires a long trek and incurs an extra cost. It is a long hike and some parts are steep.

Recommended order to explore Machu Picchu: Huchuy Picchu: offers an additional trek and fantastic views of Machu Picchu from the northern area.
Designed Route: excellent option to explore the center of Machu Picchu, but it is also the shortest entrance option available.

Machu Picchu Train Types

Expedition Train (Peru Rail) This is PeruRail’s most economical and standard train. The designers decorate the carriages with Inca motifs to make you feel like you are in Machu Picchu.

Voyager Train (Inca Rail) The standard and most economical version of Inca Rail. These trains have comfortable seats and offer excellent service. You can also book trips from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

The Premium & Lounge (Inca Rail) This version has larger windows and more comfortable seats than the standard version.

Vistadome Train (Peru Rail) The Vistadome Train has much wider windows than the other trains, so you will have a panoramic view of the beautiful rural landscape along the Urubamba River. All tours include a round trip on this train.

360° Train (Inca Rail) This is the panoramic version of the Inca Rail, with glass windows on the roof and an observatory car. It is an experience in itself as it takes you through some of Peru’s most spectacular scenery, including the Sacred Valley and Aguas Calientes. The seats are more comfortable than the standard version.

Luxury trains to Machu Picchu

The Hiram Bingham is Belmond’s luxury train. When you travel on it, you will find an elegant dining room, a bar and an observatory lounge where you can enjoy the fresh air while sipping a traditional Peruvian cocktail and listening to live music. This luxury train to Machu Picchu is operated by PeruRail.

Private Train (Inca Rail): The only private chartered train to Machu Picchu with music, bar and food on board for small groups.

First class train (Inca Rail): the luxurious Machu Picchu train with maximum comfort. Includes an observatory lounge, live music and gourmet meals.