if you’re planning a trip to Peru, the main attraction is exploring the Inca citadel and marveling at its ancient constructions. We assure you Machu Picchu offers adventures for every taste.
This location is one of the most visited dream destinations worldwide. When you arrive at the Citadel, you'll have such an extensive and vast archaeological park. You might not know where to start. And that's ok! Because Machu Picchu houses temples, walls, terraces, dwellings, and many other Inca constructions. In addition to what you can do and see in the Citadel, there are other natural attractions around that will enrich your trip.
Get ready to discover a wide variety of activities that will enhance your experience. Machu Picchu promises to be an unforgettable adventure. You can take challenging hikes and explore the rich biodiversity of the region.
Tip: Going to the sanctuary early in the morning is a good idea because the sun is lower and there's an increased likelihood that the city will be less crowded. We recommend going on your trip to Machu Picchu with a guide, that way, you'll be able to have a deeper understanding of what this citadel has to offer.
You can also discover all the fascinating nuances and peculiarities of the constructions. Here, we'll present various activities you can enjoy in this historic place, ensuring that your trip to Machu Picchu is as rewarding as it is exciting.
This archaeological site is in the heart of the Andes. They built it atop a mountain, with narrow streets, and remarkably carved stones.
In the Urubamba River valley, it stands at an altitude of about 2,430 meters above sea level. People believe it served several important purposes during the Inca era. These purposes included religious, administrative, and military functions.
Currently, the archaeological site has implemented four routes, known as "circuits." These circuits allow visits to specific places.
Circuit 1 is the traditional route for touring the Machu Picchu archaeological site. It takes roughly two hours to complete. During this circuit, you can visit some traditional Inca citadel locations. You can get the iconic photo of Machu Picchu with the Huayna Picchu mountain as the backdrop.
1 See and take lots of pictures from the famous viewpoint: When you enter Machu Picchu, the first thing you have to do is see the breathtaking landscape. Take as many photos as you can.
Almost all postcards and pictures are taken at this famous place. It is located at the Guardian’s house, as you may expect, and is often crowded with tourists. However, by afternoon, most of the groups have already gone.
The Guardian’s house is a small, stone-made building. You can have and take the most breathtaking pictures of Machu Picchu there. Keep in mind that people are not allowed to go inside this picturesque house.
2. The Sacred Plaza: This is a polished stone place. It consists of the priest's house and the sacred Temple of the Three Windows. The temple represents the three worlds of the Andean cosmovision: Hanan Pacha, Kay Pacha, and Uku Pacha. The plaza also includes the room of the high priest. The Acllahuasi is a building used for virgins of the sun, females dedicated their lives to religious purposes.
3 Temple of the Sun: This is an enclosure built by the Incas for religious purposes. You’ll find windows, niches, and an entry door inside the circular building. Many people believe that the famous Inca emperor Pacahactuec was buried there.
4 Intihuatana: This is a stone linked with the astronomical calendar, also called a solar clock. Some theories said it aligned with the sun’s position during the winter solstice. Others say that this rock was used in sacrifices or putting mummies of their ancestors over it.
When you’re there, it’s highly recommended to touch the stone so you can feel the sun’s energy all over your body.
5 Temple of the Condor: The Condor is one of the biggest birds in the world and an important part of Andes culture. An enormous stone, carved to resemble the shape of a landing condor, is one of the most iconic places in Machu Picchu.
6 The Inca Bridge isn't a popular tourist spot. However, you may want to visit on your Machu Picchu trip, this ingenious bridge is made of two thick pieces of wood based on two huge stones. It was used as a limit of the ancient citadel. The hike is going to take you around 30 minutes.
7 See the camelids: People of the Inca Empire used them as pack animals. They also harvested wool from them. This wool served as raw material for clothing and other fabrics. The Camelids you can see in Machu Picchu are the famous llamas, vicunas, and alpacas. The Andean People domesticated all of them. Don’t miss the chance to take a selfie with these fluffy and sociable creatures.
Tip: Llamas have a powerful spit, so, if you don’t want to get spit, be friendly. But, don’t bother these fluffy ones if they don’t want to interact with you.
8 Hike the Inca Trail: The Inca Trail is the best trail that Peru has to offer. Almost all visitors come by train and then take the bus. However, this 1 to 7-day trek is another way to discover Machu Picchu.
9 Sun Gate: Also called Inti Punku in the Quechua language, is an important archaeological construction. It connects the sacred valley with the citadel. Even though it is located in Ollantaytambo, the trek is not that difficult or demanding. The views of Machu Picchu are different from this part and if you come from the Inca trail is one of your last stops to get to the lost Inca Citadel.
An essential piece of information is understanding that Machu Picchu is surrounded by mountains, which also form part of the archaeological site. You may visit three of these mountains:
Climb Huayna Picchu Mountain: It's the "young" mountain in the background of all the famous pictures of Machu Picchu. It requires a special entry ticket, but it's worth it because there are Inca ruins at the summit of the mountain. You can spend one to one and a half hours climbing, depending on your pace. It has an elevation of just over 200 meters.
The trail is narrow, and steep, and contains several narrow, potentially dangerous sections. But what an incredible view there is from the top! This is our suggestion if you have to pick one of the Machu Picchu mountains to climb!
Climb Machu Picchu Mountain: You might find the name strange. But it's the highest mountain around the archaeological site, about 3,080 meters above sea level.
We can use this mountain, located south of Machu Picchu, as a reference point for the traditional photo of Machu Picchu. It's a longer, harder trek than Huayna Picchu. It takes around two hours to climb and somewhat less time to descend, but it has less steep paths. You also need an additional ticket to climb Machu Picchu Mountain.
Climb Huchuy Picchu Mountain: It is a small mountain that is part of the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
It can be explored along a 1-kilometer circuit and is situated approximately fifty meters above Machu Picchu. This will be your best option if you'd like to see one of the mountains without having to put in much effort as the hike is easy. Huchuy Picchu Mountain requires a specific ticket to climb.
Machu Picchu Village, also called Aguas Calientes, is a tiny village. It has charming and interesting places such as restaurants, museums, and markets, you’ll find some other surprises, as you’ll see in the following list.
1 Hot Springs: After a long and exhausting Machu Picchu trek what you’ll need is to relax your body and your aching feet, that’s why this hot spring could be helpful.
The waters are produced by nature. They are directly derived from many volcanic sources and provide numerous medicinal qualities. This is the ideal spot for some relaxation while waiting for the return train after you visit Machu Picchu.
2 Visit the Butterfly Garden: “El Mariposario” in Spanish is 25 minutes away from Aguas Calientes. It features an intriguing collection of real butterflies in various stages of growth. This place houses almost 400 species. Volunteers will guide you through and they will be glad to help.
3 Machu Picchu Museum: It was built in the 1960s to display every aspect of the Inca Citadel's culture, this location is one kilometer from Machu Picchu. You must visit this site if you have any spare time while in the town of Aguas Calientes, like this you will learn more about the Inca culture and the discovery of Machu Picchu at this museum.
4 Mandor Gardens: These gardens feature flora, fauna, and a lot of vegetation. The gardens include a 30-meter-tall waterfall. It also offers a nice little stroll. Keep in mind that Machu Picchu Village is located 2 km away from the gardens.
5 Artisan Handcraft Market: Even if you don’t plan to buy something, it would be a good idea to come over to this place. You’ll find necklaces, souvenirs, purses, and typical clothes, as well as other handicrafts.
As you can see, there are many things to do in Machu Picchu. Exploring the Citadel is a fascinating experience. Machu Picchu also offers beautiful natural and cultural attractions. You'll love to discover them during your trip. We encourage you to add at least one of them to your travel itinerary. Now you know what to do while in Machu Picchu.
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