Machu Picchu

5.0

Address

Peru

Website

https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/

Telephone

(084) 582030

Fun Facts

1. Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, though locals knew about it for years.
2. Despite its popularity today, Machu Picchu wasn’t known to Spain during their conquest; it remained hidden due to its isolated location.
3. The Sun Gate at Machu Picchu aligns directly with the sun on the summer solstice.
4. Machu Picchu was built without wheels or iron tools, utilizing a dry-stone technique where stones fit together without mortar.
5. Llamas are often seen roaming freely around Machu Picchu; they help keep the grass trimmed.

Tips

1. Best Time To Visit: The ideal time to visit Machu Picchu is from May to September. This is the dry season in Peru, providing the best conditions for hiking, sightseeing and climbing Huayna Picchu. It's also less crowded in May and September.

2. Budgeting: Traveling to Peru can be expensive primarily due to the costs of flights and entrance tickets to Machu Picchu. To save money, you can opt for group tours, which are cheaper than private ones. Also, try booking well in advance especially during peak season to secure the best prices.

3. Popular Spots & Itinerary Planning: Besides the Machu Picchu ruins, other must-see spots include the Inca Trail, the Sun Gate and the Inca Bridge. If time allows, you can visit Aguas Calientes town which houses fascinating museums and markets. A two-day itinerary is usually sufficient for a visit to these sites, including the time for climbing Huayna Picchu.

4. Dining: Local cuisine is a highlight in Peru. For dining, Aguas Calientes offers a variety of restaurants serving traditional Peruvian food like Alpaca and Cuy. For budget travellers, the local markets often offer cheap and delicious options.

5. Health & Safety: One of the major challenges at Machu Picchu is the altitude. To avoid or ease altitude sickness, try to spend a day or two acclimating in Cusco before going to Machu Picchu. Also remember to pack and apply sunscreen, as the sun can be intense due to the high altitude.

Reviews

1) Positive Review: A customer praised Machu Picchu for its mesmerizing, historical beauty. They were struck by the intricate ancient architecture and lush surrounding landscapes. The guide's deep knowledge and storytelling greatly enhanced their mystical experience.

2) Positive Review: Another customer was incredibly satisfied with their visit to Machu Picchu. The sunrise view left them speechless, and the hiking trails provided great exercise and stunning viewpoints. They highlighted the helpful staff and excellent onsite facilities.

3) Constructive Feedback: One customer suggested the administration limit the number of visitors as there were overcrowding issues. They felt this took away from the intimate experience and preservation of the site. Despite this, they still enjoyed their visit.

Nearby POI

Google Map

Runkurakay, Runkuraqay Tambo, Runkurakay

AI

Machu Picchu: Often touted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley.
Inca Trail: Offering stunning mountain scenery, subtropical jungle and a rich history, the trail leading to the sacred Inca city is a must-do.
Intihuatana Stone: Located inside the Machu Picchu site, the stone is one of many ritual stones in South America. Its name is derived from the Quechua language, meaning 'Hitching Post of the Sun'.
Huayna Picchu: This peak overlooks Machu Picchu and provides amazing views of the surrounding area. It is also home to the Temple of the Moon, one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area.
Temple of the Sun: An iconic round building atop a large rock provides a distinctive image of Inca architecture and is particularly popular for its stone craftsmanship.
Sacred Valley: Just a short distance from Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley was once the heartland of the Inca Empire and is lined with stunning landmarks such as the Pisac Ruins and Ollantaytambo.
Aguas Calientes: The closest town to Machu Picchu offers hot springs, a handful of museums, and plenty of restaurants and hotels.
Sanctuary Lodge: The only hotel located within the very sanctuary of the Machu Picchu Inca citadel. An oasis of calm after a day of exploring the ancient Inca ruins.
Terraces of Pumatallis: These striking terraces offer excellent photo opportunities and views of the surrounding area.
Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu: Declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, it's a significant cultural and natural site.