Machu Picchu
Ruins Inca citadel perched on Andean mountain ridge
High above the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu preserves Inca terraces, temples and stonework. Visitors arrive by train or the Inca Trail to follow archaeological circuits, watch sunrise over the ruins and climb Huayna Picchu.
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Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel set on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River valley in Peru, built around 1450 and later abandoned. It sits at roughly 2,430 metres above sea level and is one of the best-preserved examples of Inca urban planning and stone masonry.
The site is divided into agricultural terraces, urban sectors, plazas and ritual structures, including the Intihuatana stone and the Temple of the Sun; the adjacent peak Huayna Picchu is a popular separate hike. Visitor numbers are managed with timed entry and climbing Huayna Picchu requires a separate permit.
Scholars attribute the site’s construction to the Inca state under Pachacuti and his successors; the citadel was largely unknown to the wider world until Hiram Bingham publicized it in 1911. Conservation and archaeological work have focused on stabilizing terraces and structures while accommodating tourism.
Machu Picchu lies in the Department of Cusco, above the Urubamba River canyon; the nearest town serving visitors is Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo), accessible by rail from Cusco.
- Entry permits: Entry uses timed tickets with daily visitor limits and separate permits for the Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain hikes, both of which sell out in high season.
- How to get there: Most visitors reach the site via train to Aguas Calientes followed by a shuttle bus; approaches on foot are available via the multi-day Inca Trail and other trekking routes.
What to See #
- Intihuatana: A carved plaza and ritual stone believed to have served astronomical and ceremonial functions, located on a raised platform within the urban sector.
- Temple of the Sun: A semicircular stone structure with carved niches interpreted as an important ceremonial temple aligned with astronomical events.
- Main Plaza: The main open area of the citadel that divides the agricultural terraces from the residential and ritual sectors.
- Huayna Picchu: A steep peak overlooking the ruins that requires a separate, ticketed hike and offers panoramic views of the citadel and surrounding valley.
- Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The trail and stone gate used by the original Inca approach, located along the Inca Trail and offering the classic entrance viewpoint to the site.
How to Get to Machu Picchu #
Machu Picchu is reached via Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). From Cusco take a train (PeruRail or IncaRail) either from Poroy or from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; from Ollantaytambo the train ride is the most common option. From Aguas Calientes a frequent shuttle bus climbs to the Machu Picchu entrance (about 20-30 minutes); many visitors also walk the steep path from town to the entrance (roughly 1.5-2 hours). Road driving from Cusco is not possible all the way to the site-overland travel is to Ollantaytambo (~75 km by road from Cusco) and then by train.
Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu #
- Book your Machu Picchu entry, any Huayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain tickets, and train/bus transfers months ahead - daily visitor quotas and limited mountain slots sell out, especially in high season.
- Aim for the earliest entry (the 06:00 slot) and stay overnight in Aguas Calientes so you can catch the first buses and beat the mid-morning crowds and typical cloud cover.
- Don't skip the shorter hikes from the main site: the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and the Inca Bridge routes offer quieter viewpoints and are accessible with the standard Machu Picchu ticket, so plan time for them rather than just the main circuit.
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu #
Best visited in the dry season (May-September) for clearer skies and more reliable trekking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Machu Picchu #
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 10°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1517 mm/year), wettest in February with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Heavy rain (244 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (269 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Heavy rain (229 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 22 mm.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Heavy rain (204 mm).
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