Machu Picchu walking tour & city guide

The citadel

Built around 1450 and abandoned about a century later, Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish. Its temples, terraces and houses fit perfectly into the mountain. The Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone are highlights, and Huayna Picchu offers a steep climb with views.

Getting there

Most visitors take the scenic train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then a bus up to the site. The classic Inca Trail is a four-day hike. Tickets are limited and must be booked in advance.

Planning your visit

Tickets to Machu Picchu are sold for specific circuits and time slots, and numbers are limited, so book well in advance, especially from June to August. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, the two peaks with views over the citadel, require separate tickets.

Most visitors take the train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, then a bus up the winding road. Arriving early often means mist rising from the ruins, while afternoons can be clearer. The Inca Trail, a four-day trek, must be booked months ahead with a licensed operator.