A collage of Machu Picchu, a female backpacker and a photographer taking a photo.

Machu Picchu

Explore one of the world's greatest wonders with our private and small group Machu Picchu tours. Enveloped within a dramatic landscape where the Andes meet the Amazon basin, the ancient city of Machu Picchu was built to perfection by the mighty Inca Empire. You can arrive at Machu Picchu via train or an unforgettable multi-day trekking expedition. Once you step foot into this UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll discover its refined architecture, spiritual meaning and astronomical importance. You will be accompanied by an expert, local, English-speaking guide who will bring the ruins to life through its fascinating oral history.

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Let our team of expert travel advisors help build your dream trip to Peru. Our fully customizable South America vacation packages allow you to hand-pick the destinations you wish to see at the exact pace you wish to see them. All of our offerings are also vetted firsthand by our team to ensure top quality and comfort. Contact our knowledgeable Peru experts today to plan your trip, with excellent tours, hotels and transfers throughout.

What to See at Machu Picchu


Discover Peru’s most emblematic landmark, the “Lost City of the Incas”. You’ll learn about the history, Incan mythology, and the mystery that surrounds this breathtaking Inca ruin atop the mountains: Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu

Hike to the top of Huayna Picchu for extraordinary views of Machu Picchu as well as the chance to visit an extra set of ruins on the way. Entrance tickets for Huayna Picchu are limited, so be sure to reserve yours in advance.

Machu Picchu Mountain

Another popular hiking option, Machu Picchu Mountain offers incredible panoramic views of the ruins and the surrounding Andes Mountains. Like Huayna Picchu, entrance tickets to Machu Picchu Mountain are limited so be sure to reserve yours in advance.

Sun Gate

The iconic Sun Gate (called Inti Punku in Quechua) is the entrance through which Inca Trail hikers enter the Machu Picchu citadel. It is also possible to visit this attraction as an additional hike for those visiting Machu Picchu on a day trip.

Guardhouse

One of the first attractions you’ll visit on your Machu Picchu tour, the Guardhouse (also known as the House of the Guardians or Guardian’s hut) was once used by sentinels watching over the citadel, but nowadays it makes a great spot for sweeping panoramic photos of the ruins.

Sacred Rock

The enormous Sacred Rock (also called a Wank’a in Quechua) bears a striking resemblance to the mountain peaks behind it, and is considered a powerful spiritual symbol of Machu Picchu.

Temple of The Three Windows

One of Machu Picchu’s most iconic places, the Temple of the Three Windows overlooks the Sacred Plaza and consists of three windows in the typical Incan trapezoidal style.

Inca Bridge

A popular additional hiking destination inside Machu Picchu, The Inca Bridge (Puente Inca) is a thin wooden plank crossing a mile-high precipice found at the end of a narrow stone pathway. Designed as a secret exit, its precarious nature helped to limit access to the citadel.

Temple of the Condor

This natural rock formation which was carved by the Incas into the shape of an Andean condor was an object of worship and represents one of the most striking examples of Inca stonemasonry.

“Stairway of Fountains”

The engineering ingenuity of the Incas can be seen in the 16 fountains built within the Machu Picchu citadel. Likely used by the residents of Machu Picchu, these Incan water fountains still flow with water sourced from a spring near the Sun Gate or Inti Punku.

Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun is a semicircular ruin within the Machu Pichu citadel. This site was one of the most sacred temples within the fortress. The trapezoid window is positioned so that on the winter solstice (June 21st), the sun’s rays shine directly into the temple.

Temple of the Moon

You’ll have to hike Huayna Picchu mountain, within the Machu Picchu citadel, to see the Temple of the Moon. This shadowy temple contains a throne carved into the stone and was used only by the Inca priests for ceremonial purposes.

Intihuatana

The famous Intihuatana, whose Quechua name is often translated to English as “The Hitching Post of the Sun,” is a carved stone which is thought to have possibly been used as a type of sundial.

Machu Picchu Hotels


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Sumaq Machu Picchu

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Avenida Hermanos Ayar Mz 1 Lote 3, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

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El MaPi

★ ★ ★ ★

Av. Pachacutec 109, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

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Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu

★ ★ ★

Prolongacion Imperio de Los Incas E - 34, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu

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Hotel Pucara

★ ★

Alameda los Artesanos 1508, Machu Picchu

Peru Highlights


Peru is filled with archaeological ruins, scenic landscapes, and delicious flavors. Must-see places in Peru include:

Inca Trail

Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in four or two days. The Inca Trail is a 500-year old pathway where the elite Incas once entered into the “Lost City of the Incas”. Plan with your Peru for Less travel advisor in advance, Inca Trail permits tend to sell out even 6-months in advance.

Amazon Rainforest

Step into the lush Peruvian Amazon Rainforest and witness a spectacular array of wildlife in its natural habitat. Lodges in Puerto Maldonado are ideal for excursions and daily activities. Those looking for a more luxurious Amazon experience would love an Iquitos Amazon River cruise. Colorful macaws, giant tarantulas, and playful river otters are among the sights you’ll behold.

Cusco

Cusco city has it all, archaeological ruins, colonial buildings, top-rated restaurants, and countless places to explore. Your Cusco City Tour will take you to the top highlights like Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, the Cusco Cathedral, and more.

Arequipa

Arequipa is a picturesque town and also the second-largest city in Peru. Local markets, beautifully built colonial architecture, and El Misti volcano are among the things you’ll see while walking the cobblestone streets of the white city.

Lake Titicaca

Sail on the deep blue waters of Lake Titicaca and step on the reed Uros and Taquile floating islands. Some of the best weavers are found in this area so pick up some Peruvian textiles here for unique souvenirs.

Nazca Lines

The Nazca Lines are mysterious geoglyphs and geometric shapes drawn onto the desert floor hundreds of years ago by the Nazca culture. Little is known about them nevertheless, the Nazca Lines inspire awe in those who take a flight over them.

Lima

Lima is a mixture of modern city living and historical significance. Here you’ll find Central restaurant (ranked #6 by 50 Worlds Best), UNESCO World Heritage sites like Historic City Center with the San Francisco Convent, and the best shopping in Peru.

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