The ancient city of Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain top, in the middle of the Peruvian Andes, 2360 meters high. The view is impressive and amazing. Why was this city built? Who built it and why in this particular place?
At first sight you can see that this city was not built as a fortress. The protective walls are missing. In the city there are fountains and small water basins, temples and altars made of granite.
How could a people who lacked the craft of ironwork, that the wheel did not know, create such a masterpiece?
What did Machu Picchu serve for and who were the inhabitants of Machu Picchu? An analysis of bone finds, new insights into the architecture of the Incas and the stories of their mummified kings provide the solution to one of the greatest secrets of the Incas.
A virtual journey through the cult sites of Machu Picchu
Discover Machu Picchu. On a virtual tour we show Machu Picchu in all its facets and beauty. Machu Picchu covers an area of about thirteen square kilometers and was inhabited by 750 to 1.200 people. Architecturally, Machu Picchu is divided into four sections, depending on the activities carried out there.
Machu Picchu – Construction technology full of fascination
Considering that Machu Picchu was built within 90 years, between 1450 and 1540, on a ridge of the Peruvian Andes at an altitude of 2,430 meters by a people who knew neither the wheel nor metal instruments, Machu Picchu is bordering on a wonder of the world.
What did Machu Picchu serve for?
Was Machu Picchu the final Inca refuge, royal spa or public place of worship? This biggest mystery about the Inca city will probably never be solved completely. Discoverer Hiram Bingham assumed for many years that Machu Picchu was the legendary last capital of the once powerful empire, the final retreat of the Incas from the Spanish conquerors. Historical and archaeological finds since then seem to have refuted this thesis – but the scientists are therefore not in agreement.
Travel tips Machu Picchu
As for any destination, there are many things to keep in mind for your Machu Picchu journey to spend a carefree time in this mysterious and fascinating Inca place. In our travel tips you can learn more about how to get here, the best time to visit Machu Picchu, the weather in Machu Picchu, acclimatization, health and the right travel clothes, costs and savings, the perfect Machu Picchu tour for every budget and many more insider tips directly from our Machu Picchu Travel editors!
The Inca Trail and three alternative ascents to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu can be reached from Cuzco on different ways: Comfortable by train and bus, but also on foot – just as its inhabitants and first explorers climbed it. Outdoor lovers all over the world dream of following the famous Inca Trail. However, it is by no means the only climbing path on which Machu Picchu can be reached. In the following we present four unique, scenic climbs to the famous Inca site of Machu Picchu and give many tips on how to make the hike an unforgettable experience.
Hiram Bingham III: Curriculum vitae of an explorer
Hiram Bingham was born in 1875 in the Hawaiian capital Honululu as the son of missionaries. He carried the heart of an explorer with him at an early age, but his parents wanted him to continue the religious family tradition. In his childhood he rebelled against it: ran away at home at the age of 12 to embark as a stowaway just to be intercepted in port, wanted to play football and explore the globe. But also the books were his world, those that took him into the world of adventurers and explorers.
Machu Picchu Tours & Excursions
Day trip Machu Picchu
Day trip to Machu Picchu from Cusco
Train ride to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World We arrive at Aguas Calientes station, where our staff help us board the bus to drive up the winding road to Machu Picchu, amidst spectacular views of the Urubamba River and its gorge. The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, will surprise us with its terraces, ceremonial shrines, staircases and districts.
Inca Trail Tour Machu Picchu
Classic 2-day tour over the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
This 2 day tour takes you to the surroundings of the beautiful Cusco to admire the existing Inca architecture, combined with a walk on the Inca Trail and a visit to the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. You will explore the impressive Inca city of Wiñay Wayna, the most beautiful city on the Inca Trail. You hike to the sun gate, from where you have the first view of Machu Picchu. You will then spend a day in the magical, mysterious and fantastic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Salkantay Hike
5-day Salkantay Hike Machu Picchu
Look forward to a 5-day hike to Machu Picchu. The Salkantay Hike is one of the 25 best hiking trails in the world and a great alternative to the traditional Inca Trail, according to the travel magazine National Geographic Adventure. Look forward to a unique experience and visit Machu Picchu as the culmination of your adventure. A professional guide and transportation are included in the price.
The discovery of Machu Picchu
The Andes in Peru. The sight of these mountains alone is enough to take your breath away. But in 1911 the Hawaiian Hiram Bingham discovered something even more spectacular on one of their peaks than anything he had seen before: the ruins of Machu Picchu, since then known as the lost city of the Incas. To this day, this Inca site is surrounded by many mysteries; it is still not fully developed historically and archaeologically. But when Machu Picchu was discovered by Hiram Bingham III in 1911, it was an even more mysterious find. Nobody could have guessed that the ruins, which were overgrown at that time, would become one of the most famous attractions in Peru and finally one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Photo Gallery Machu Picchu
In our picture gallery you will find some of the most beautiful photos of Machu Picchu.
Admission tickets
Ticket for Machu Picchu
If you already have your train and bus tickets and tour guides … and you only need the tickets, then this ticket is ideal for you!
New visiting hours
In July 2017 the visiting hours for Machu Picchu were changed. Due to the increasing number of tourists two tours were introduced.
1st guided tour: from 06:00 – 12:00
2nd guided tour: From 12:00 – 17:30
For Hayna Picchu and Montana Picchu the visiting hours have also changed:
Huayna Picchu:
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu 1st group: 7.00 – 8.00 am
Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu 2nd group: 10.00 – 11.00 am
Montaña Machu Picchu:
Machu Picchu + Montaña 1st group: 7.00 – 8.00 am
Machu Picchu + Montaña 2nd group: 9.00 – 10.00 am
Admission only with guide
The world cultural heritage is to be preserved. The existing rules of conduct for the visit were repeatedly violated, resulting in serious damage to the ruins. To ensure that the rules are observed, visitors are guided through Machu Picchu by a guide in groups of max. 16 people.
Tickets and Prices
The current price per person is 152 S./ (approx. 45,00 USD) for foreigners. Children under 8 years have free entrance, minors up to 18 years pay the student price. Tickets can be booked directly here at our partner.
Map
Videos
Machu Picchu: All about the Inca City – Perú Specialists – Peru