Guide to exploring Machu Picchu

Nestled in the Andes, shrouded in mist, Machu Picchu reveals a glimpse of the mysteries of the Inca Empire, standing at 2,430m above sea level in the middle of lush rainforest.

Built during the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacuti, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. UNESCO calls it the ‘most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height’. The walls, terraces and ramps look as though they’ve been cut naturally into the escarpments. It’s believed to have been in use from A.D. 1420 to A.D. 1530.

Read on to discover more about Peru’s most famous destination – and the world’s most dreamed about.

How to Get to Machu Picchu

Ready to satiate your wanderlust? To get to Machu Picchu from the UK, you need to hop on a flight to Peru. No UK airline flies directly to Machu Picchu, so the best route is London Heathrow to Lima – it’s also the most affordable airport in Peru to fly into.

Cusco to Machu Picchu

Once in Lima, you can catch a connecting flight to Cusco. Then get a taxi to the train station, as it’s actually in the nearby town of Poroy, and head to Aguas Calientes. The 3.5-hour trip traverses the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It’s incredibly scenic, running along the Urubamba River with dramatic canyon views on each side.

Once at Aguas Calientes, you can either catch a 30-minute bus to the entrance of the ruins or start your Machu Picchu hike and walk to the top. The walk takes between 90 minutes and two hours.

Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu

It’s a 1.5-hour journey from Ollantaytambo train station to Machu Picchu. Then, you’ll have the same choice – either take the bus or hike up to the citadel.

The Inca Trail

Another way to get to the archaeological site is via a Machu Picchu trek tour along the Inca Trail. The route involves just a section of the hundreds of Incan roads that were built as the empire grew.

The trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – crossing through cloudy forests, jungle landscapes and areas free from any human presence. Some Machu Picchu tours involve other activities like biking, rafting and zip-lining, so thrill seekers can get a slice of action too.

If you have the time, the 24- to 26-mile Machu Picchu trek is a four-day route that takes you through scenic and archaeological glories and involves camping overnight along the way. Many choose to capture the sunrise over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) on the last morning of trekking.

Please note the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance every February and permits are also required for all hikers, to help prevent overcrowding and overuse of the historic trail. You’ll need to book your guided hike well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Planning Your trip to Machu Picchu

It’s time to plan your trip to Machu Picchu. Read on to learn when to visit, where to stay and what to pack.

Best Time to Visit

Weather has a big impact on the best time to visit Machu Picchu. Peru’s dry season runs from May to September, so a good time to visit is in April or May. There’s less rainfall and it’s not as busy as the tourist season of June to August, so your Machu Picchu trek experience will be quieter.

May and October are cooler months and typically clear and dry – so can be the best time of the year to visit Machu Picchu. But don’t forget, the Amazon is only 100km away so you should always have rain gear to hand.

Ticket Types

As of June 2024, there are three main circuits to choose from, with 10 sub circuits:

• Circuit One or Panoramic Circuit – is spilt into four sub circuits, all of which allow visitors to enjoy the classic photocard shot of Machu Picchu from the Guardian’s House viewpoint. The routes include additional wonders of the citadel, which vary based on the option you choose, including Machu Picchu Mountain, The Sun Gate or Inca Bridge.
   
• Circuit Two or Inca Citadel Circuit – this circuit offers two sub circuits (one slightly shorter than the other) both of which allow you to get the iconic photo of Machu Picchu, but from a lower terrace. The tours continue through the religious and urban sector, offering a chance to explore the Temple of the Sun, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows and much more.
   
• Circuit Three or Royalty Circuit – this circuit offers four sub-circuits, all of which focus on the royal buildings in the lower part of Machu Picchu. They also allow you to see the religious sector of Machu Picchu, or, depending on the route, the Great Cavern in the Huayna Mountain. One route also allows a hike to the Huchuy Picchu mountain.

You can buy your ticket online or from official ticket offices – but it’s recommended to book in advance as they can sell out.

Make sure to check when buying if you need to purchase a separate entrance ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu Mountain or Inca Bridge.

Where to stay

If you want to stay at the centre of the action, aside from actually camping on the Inca Trail, the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel are on the doorstep of the entrance to Machu Picchu and offer enviable views.

There are plenty of accommodation options at Aguas Calientes, from elegant hotels to affordable backpacker hostels if that’s more your style. There are also a number of options to choose from in Cusco too.
 

What to Pack

Packing the right gear is an important part of your Machu Picchu planning. There are some regulations you need to follow, as set out by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Visitors can only bring a bag, purse or backpack with a maximum size of 40 x 35 x 20 cm.

You’ll need:

• Hiking boots and socks
• Thermal base layers
• Hiking clothing
• Fleece
• Headband
• Scarf
• Gloves
• Underwear
• Nightwear
• Swimsuit
• Flip flops

In your day bag you should pack:

• Water bottle
• High energy snacks
• Suncream
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Thermals
• Waterproof jacket or poncho
• Camera or smartphone
• Passport (will be needed as you start the trail)
• Cash in the local currency
• First aid kit

It’s also wise to have these toiletries for your Machu Picchu trek – especially if you’re camping:

• Medication (if needed)
• Insect repellent
• After sun
• Water purification system
• Toilet paper
• Ziplock bags
• Blister care
• Painkillers
• Anti-sickness and anti-diarrhoea medication
• Deodorant
• Wet wipes

Other useful items include:

• Torch or head lamp
• Safety whistle
• Power bank
• Travel journal

Best Time to Visit

There are several things you’re not allowed to take with you. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Food
• Kitchenware
• Knives or weapons
• Umbrellas
• Alcohol or illegal substances
• Walking sticks, portable chairs or hiking poles
• Drones
• Aerosols
• Musical instruments or speakers
• Hard soled or heeled shoes

Top Things to See and Do at Machu Picchu

High in the Andean Hills, Machu Picchu offers a rich tapestry of spellbinding views and mystery. Here are some of the main sights if you’re considering a Machu Picchu tour:

The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

A favourite among tourists, the Sun Gate is a spectacular spot to watch the sunrise. It served as a guardhouse, and the stairs leading to it are thought to have been used as a control port for those entering and leaving the city.

Try to plan your visit during the dry season and arrive at dawn to catch the best views.
 

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu stands above Machu Picchu, offering unparalleled views of Machu Picchu and the glorious nature that surrounds it. Situated directly behind the city, this mountain offers a rigorous but rewarding climb and sweeping panorama. If you’re after the famous bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu, this is where to find it.
 

The Inca Bridge

Despite its namesake, Inca Bridge is not a bridge, but a stone path carved out of the cliff face. It’s believed to have been built as a covert entry for the Incan army. The defence mechanism is integrated seamlessly into the natural landscape and features removeable wooden planks to evade intruders.

Bear in mind that navigating the narrow trail with sheer drops requires some nerve!
 

The Temple of the Sun

The Temple of the Sun boasts some of the finest stonework of Machu Picchu and showcases the Inca’s astronomical and architectural mastery. The curved walls set this temple apart from the traditional Incan straight lines.

The construction is built over a large granite rock and features a tower with a trapezoidal window. It’s believed to have been a place of worship to the Inca Sun God, Inti.
 

The Temple of Three Windows

The Temple of Three Windows concretises the Inca’s world view with its three trapezoidal windows, symbolising the underworld, the earthly realm and the heavens. The windows were crafted to welcome the morning light, thought to be for solar worship or astronomical means.
 

The Central Plaza

The Central Plaza is a grassy area that separates the residential buildings from the functional buildings. It acted as the vibrant centre of Machu Picchu and showcased the community’s colourful dynamics and rich culture, with activities that stemmed from celebration to commerce.

Now visitors can appreciate it as a calming respite amid the ruins, with local lama grazing peacefully.
 

Sacred Rock

The Sacred Rock follows the shape of Pumasillo Mountain – and is located directly in front of it. The construction stands out from other rocks in the citadel for its sheer size, and location in a space once reserved for religious ritual.

Now, visitors believe the rock radiates energy and ask the stone for good luck.

Travel insurance for visiting Machu Picchu

Now you know when to travel, what to pack, what to see and where to go, the next step is organising travel insurance before you jet off to Peru.

Whatever travel insurance you choose, you need to ensure your policy covers you for hiking at high altitude.

At Sainsbury’s Bank, we offer three types of travel insurance, depending on what suits you best. Plus, if you’re a Nectar member, you can make the most of our member discount.

Our travel insurance policies include:

• Single trip – ideal if you’re planning one big annual holiday
   
• Annual multi-trip – perfect for jetsetters, with more than one trip in the works
   
• Extended trip – designed for long adventures, offering up to 548 days of cover

Currency for visiting Machu Picchu

The official currency of Machu Picchu is the Peruvian Nuevo sol, also known simply as sol. It’s sub-divided into 100 cents – use our travel money calculator to see our exchange rate on Peruvian Nuevo sol. Some Machu Picchu tour also companies also accept US dollars.

It can be useful to have a mixture of cash and card on a trip to Peru. Tipping is not particularly common in Peru, but it doesn’t hurt to tip tourist guides, taxi drivers and restaurants for good service.