Machu Picchu: Practical Information
What is Machu Picchu?
The famous Inca citadel Machu Picchu was likely built around the year 1450, during the glory years of the Inca Empire. In this period the Empire was ruled by the Inca’s Pachacutec Yupanqui (1438-1471) and Tupac Yupanqui (1472-1493).
Due to the impressive cultural and natural attractions of Machu Picchu and the spectacular surroundings, the Peruvian state declared them a Protected Natural Area in 1981. Shortly after, in 1983, the UNESCO declared the Sanctuary a World Heritage Site.
Within the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, you can find 350 bird species, 200 orchid species, ten different ecological zones (from glacial peaks to tropical forests), a network of Inca highways, and several archaeological sites. And last but not least, the legendary city of Machu Picchu.
Where is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is located 80 km (50 miles) northwest of the city of Cusco (Peru) at an altitude of 2,430 meters, 450 meters up from the Urubamba River. It is about 112 kilometres from Cusco by railway. The Inca site is surrounded by impressive and steep mountain ridges on three sides, separated by narrow valleys and deep ravines. The National Park of Machu Picchu is important, not only because as it’s archaeological value but also because of the variety of ecosystems within its boundaries.
Travel to Machu Picchu
No trip to Peru is complete without visiting Machu Picchu ("Old Mountain" in Quechua). Since the Spanish conquistadors never discovered Machu Picchu, it was never destroyed; this is one reason why it is one of the most important Incan ruins. In a worldwide internet poll in 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
»Read more about getting to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu Tours.»
Archaeologists say that the city of Machu Picchu was most likely abandoned by the Incas because the invasion of the Spanish conquistadores caused the death of most royal Inca people, while others went in hiding.
Opening Hours
The ruins of Machu Picchu open from 6 am until 5 pm.
Entrance tickets & Circuits in Machu Picchu
To manage visitor numbers, anyone visiting Machu Picchu must choose one of three circuits, which include a total of ten different routes through the Inca citadel. There is a different entrance ticket for each circuit:
Circuit 1 - Panoramic
This circuit offers four routes featuring panoramic views of Machu Picchu and its sacred mountains, connecting visitors with Andean spirituality. The paths lead to the site's highest points, offering breathtaking scenery beyond the classic postcard view. Each route varies in physical difficulty but rewards hikers with stunning architecture and a deep harmony with nature.
Route 1-A: Machupicchu Mountain Route:
This route takes you up Machu Picchu Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Inca city and surrounding cultural landscape, including the snow-capped Salkantay and Pumasillo mountains. The round-trip hike covers about 3.8 km.
Route 1-B: Upper terrace route:
This route features a panoramic viewpoint of Machu Picchu, perfect for capturing the iconic photo. Along the way, you can also see the Vilcabamba Batholith and the winding Vilcanota River. The 1.6 km round trip requires moderate physical effort.
Route 1-C: Portada Intipunku Route (available only during high season):
This route leads to the iconic Intipunku (Sun Gate), the historic entrance to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail. It offers unique panoramic views of the city from a different angle. The 3.4 km round trip requires moderate physical effort and is available during the high season.
Ruta 1-D: Ruta Puente Inka (available only during high season):
This route leads to the Inka Bridge, built with stone and wood. From here you can see the beautiful Vilcanota valley. The round trip is approximately 2.6 km long. It requires medium physical effort. This route is available in high season.
Circuit 2 - Classic circuit
This circuit combines a visit to the mid-level agricultural terraces and the full urban area of Machu Picchu. You'll explore ancient dwellings and ceremonial spaces once used for star observation. It includes two routes that require moderate physical effort.
Route 2-A: Classic designed route:
This route takes you through the main sectors of Machu Picchu’s urban area. Starting in the agricultural zone with a full view of the site, it continues past landmarks like Llaqta Punku (main entrance), the Temple of the Sun viewpoint, the main square, Sacred Rock, and water mirrors. The 2.5 km round trip requires medium to high physical effort and is ideal for capturing the classic Machu Picchu photo.
Route 2-B: Lower terrace route:
This route starts in the agricultural sector, ascending to the lower terrace—an ideal spot to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu. It continues through Llaqta Punku (Main Entrance), the stone quarries, the Main Square, the Sacred Rock, and the Water Mirrors. The round trip covers about 2.7 km and requires medium to high physical effort.
Circuit 3 - Machupicchu Royalty
This circuit includes four routes that explore the most sacred and significant areas once used by Inca royalty, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inka’s House, and the Temple of the Condor. It generally involves low physical effort, but if you choose to hike Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu, or visit the Great Cavern, be prepared for greater physical exertion and additional time.
Ruta 3-A: Ruta Montaña Waynapicchu:
This route begins in the agricultural sector, offering the opportunity to take the classic photo near the urban area. It includes visits to the Temple of the Sun, the Inka’s House, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Tres Portadas sector. From there, the path leads up to Waynapicchu Mountain for stunning views of the city. On the return, you'll pass by the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is about 2.4 km and requires high physical effort.
Route 3-B: Designed royal route:
This route begins in the agricultural sector, where you can admire the terraces and take the classic photo close to the urban area. It continues through key sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inka’s House, the Ceremonial Fountains, the Tres Portadas sector, and the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is about 1.3 km and requires moderate physical effort. Part of the circuit is accessible for visitors in wheelchairs or those needing mobility assistance.
Route 3-C: Great Cavern Route (only available in high season):
This route begins in the agricultural sector, where you can admire the terraces and take the classic photo near the urban area. It continues through the Temple of the Sun, the Inka’s House, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Tres Portadas sector, then leads to the Great Cavern. On the return, you'll visit the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is approximately 3 km and requires high physical effort. This route is available during the high season.
3-D Route: Huchuypicchu Route (only available in high season):
This route starts in the agricultural sector, offering views of the terraces and the chance to take the classic photo close to the urban area. It continues through the Temple of the Sun, the Inka’s House, the Ceremonial Fountains, and the Tres Portadas sector, then leads to the entrance and summit of Huchuy Picchu Mountain, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Inca city and surrounding landscape. On the way back, you’ll visit the Temple of the Condor. The round trip is approximately 1.7 km.
Circuit 2 is the most popular circuit and tickets well out many weeks, sometimes even months in advance.
Luggage in Machu Picchu
You are not allowed to bring a big backpack into the archaeological site. The maximum size allowed is 25 litre. You can leave luggage at the guarded storage next to the entrance, where you pay 3-5 $ per bag for the whole day.
»Read more about Inca Trail regulations and Machu Picchu rules.»
Remember you can take a small daypack, and water, but no food. Neither tripods, drones, and selfie sticks are allowed.
Passport Stamp
Just after the entrance, on your left-hand side, you find a small office where you can get a map of the archaeological site, that includes the three different main circuits to walk.
In this office, you can also put a stamp of Machu Picchu in your passport.
Cost: USD $ 0.25
Toilet
There is a toilet at the entrance of Machu Picchu - be sure to visit the toilets before you enter. There are no toilets inside the Inca city. The cost is approx. 0.50 USD.