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Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Historical Site

High-altitude Inca citadel above the Urubamba Valley, visited for stone terraces, Intihuatana ritual stones and trekking the Inca Trail; archaeological tours and panoramic mountain views draw hikers and history-minded travelers.

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In this guide

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu essentials

Address: Machu Picchu, Urubamba Province, Cusco Region, Peru
Website: machupicchu.gob.pe
Hours: Daily 6:00am-5:30pm (entry by timed ticket)
Admission: Entrance: from 152 PEN (~$40) for foreigners (general adult ticket) - additional fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbs; train and bus costs separate.
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About Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, renowned for its dry-stone construction and mountain-top setting. It is an outstanding example of Inca engineering and town planning built on a ridge above the Urubamba River valley.

Construction is attributed to the Inca state in the mid-15th century, commonly linked to the reign of Pachacuti, and the site functioned as a royal estate and religious center. It was largely abandoned during the Spanish conquest in the 16th century and remained largely unknown to the outside world until the early 20th century when it was brought to wider attention.

Machu Picchu is located in the Department of Cusco in southeastern Peru, above the Urubamba River and within steep Andean terrain; the nearest town with regular transport access is Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo) in the Urubamba valley, reached by train from Cusco approximately 70 kilometers to the southeast.

  • Altitude and access: Sits at approximately 2,430 meters above sea level; altitude and steep paths mean visitors should allow time to acclimatize and wear sturdy footwear.
  • Entry requirements: Permits and timed entry are required for access to the site to limit daily visitor numbers-book ahead during high season.

What to See#

  • Citadel (urban core): The main urban sector or citadel contains plazas, residential sectors, and religious buildings arranged on a ridge, with agricultural terraces descending the slopes and a clear separation between urban and agricultural zones.
  • Intihuatana: A stone carved ritual pillar known as the Intihuatana is located on a raised platform and is one of the site’s principal ceremonial stones.
  • Major temples and ritual structures: The Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows are masonry ritual complexes featuring precise stonework and trapezoidal doorways and niches.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Best visited during the dry season (May-September) for clear views, with April/October recommended for fewer crowds and reasonable weather.

Dry season
May-September · 5-20°C
Clear skies and the best visibility; cold nights and crowded days, especially June-August.
Shoulder seasons
April and October · 8-21°C
Fewer crowds than peak season and generally stable weather; ideal compromise.
Wet season
November-March · 10-22°C
Frequent rains and occasional trail closures; verdant landscapes and fewer visitors.

Weather & Climate near Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Climate

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1272 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 61 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 10° - 23° 17° 209 mm overcast 86% 1.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.7h
February Good 10° - 23° 17° 229 mm overcast 87% 1.6 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.4h
March Good 10° - 23° 17° 195 mm overcast 87% 1.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 10° - 24° 17° 101 mm partly cloudy 85% 1.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.7h
May Excellent 9° - 24° 16° 31 mm some cloud 82% 1.4 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.4h
June Excellent 8° - 23° 16° 18 mm some cloud 78% 1.4 m/s 1.9 very high 11.2h
July Ideal 8° - 24° 16° 24 mm mostly sunny 75% 1.5 m/s 1.9 very high 11.3h
August Excellent 9° - 24° 17° 34 mm some cloud 70% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.6h
September Excellent 10° - 24° 17° 50 mm partly cloudy 72% 1.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 11.9h
October Very Good 10° - 25° 18° 89 mm partly cloudy 76% 1.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.3h
November Very Good 10° - 25° 18° 114 mm partly cloudy 78% 1.9 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.6h
December Good 10° - 23° 17° 178 mm overcast 84% 1.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.8h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

Most visitors reach Aguas Calientes (Machupicchu Pueblo) by train from Cusco (Poroy or Ollantaytambo stations) or from Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. PeruRail and Inca Rail operate frequent services (1.5-3 hours depending on origin). From Aguas Calientes, buses run up the switchback road to the Machu Picchu entrance (25-30 minutes). Alternative: a multi-day hike via the Inca Trail (permit required) or alternative treks to the site.

Tips for Visiting Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

  • Book Machu Picchu tickets and time slots well in advance (especially for Huayna Picchu) - slots can sell out months ahead.
  • Take the earlier time slots (6am entry) to see the site in soft light and to avoid mid-morning tour-operator surges.
  • Buy tickets only from the official website (Ministerio de Cultura) or authorized vendors to avoid scams; keep the printed or digital ticket and passport with you at entry.
  • If altitude is a concern, spend at least one night in Cusco (3,400 m) or the Sacred Valley before ascending to Aguas Calientes.