Visit Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas
UNESCO-recognised and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of South America’s most iconic sites.
Discovered by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, this incredible ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is perched atop a mountain deep in the Andean countryside, surrounded by a spectacular landscape that will quite simply take your breath away. Often shrouded in cloud due to its high altitude, the slow reveal of its majesty as the mist clears only enhances its atmospheric setting.
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The Inca Trail
Trips to Machu Picchu like no other
The citadel of Machu Picchu is accessed from Machu Picchu Town (formerly Aguas Calientes) and can only be reached on foot or by a 3.5-hour train ride from Machu Picchu.
Once at Machu Picchu Town, it is a 20-minute bus ride up the mountain to the citadel. For those wanting more time to fully appreciate this world masterpiece, we recommend a stay in Machu Picchu Town. There is only a small selection of hotels here, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended!
The actual Machu Picchu site itself hosts only one hotel - the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge. One of the biggest benefits of staying in this beautiful hotel is the ability to beat the crowd's first thing in the morning and explore this incredible citadel in (almost) solitude.
Within the Machu Picchu site, there are a series of trails that take visitors around its temples, houses, storerooms and sacrificial sites, and there are various hikes to neighbouring peaks such as Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enabling you to enjoy different viewpoints of the magnificent ruins.
The Inca Trail
Perhaps the most well-known and iconic way to reach the citadel is to follow the Inca Trail. This four-day trek follows ancient pathways through outstanding scenery and past countless centuries-old ruins before finally reaching Machu Picchu at sunrise – an experience that we guarantee will stay with you forever.
While the Inca Trail is the most famous route, there are other hikes that offer equally impressive scenery, such as the Lares and Salkantay treks.
Any element of this holiday can be made Truly Individual to suit to your requirements, incorporating the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.
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Machu Picchu FAQs
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is open all year round, but the best time to visit may be during dry season between May and October. This is also the most popular time to visit, so if you prefer a less crowded trip but a higher risk of rain, you can visit outside of these months.
What is the altitude at Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is situated 2430m above sea level in the Andes Mountains, which may trigger altitude sickness for some visitors.
How long does it take to climb Machu Picchu?
This depends on the route you take, your level of fitness and the weather, but in general it should take roughly an hour and a half to two hours to climb Machu Picchu to the summit and another hour and a half to descend.
How long is the hike to Machu Picchu from Cusco?
There are three incredible hiking trails you can take with Latin Routes, the Inca Trail and the Lares Trail both takes four days while the Salkantay Trail takes five.
How long should I stay at Machu Picchu?
You can explore Machu Picchu in one day or you can choose to stay longer. Please note there is only one hotel located at Machu Picchu – the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
Do I need entry tickets to see Machu Picchu?
Yes, entry tickets are required to visit Machu Picchu and are included in the cost of your holiday if Machu Picchu is on the itinerary.
Do I need hiking boots for Machu Picchu?
Hiking boots are recommended, especially if you are taking a hiking trail from Cusco. At the very least, you should bring comfortable footwear that you can spend all day walking in that are sturdy and have good grip.
