Machu Picchu, Perú is one of the 7 wonders of the world most visited by tourists, it has beautiful stone-based constructions, which were carved with great precision and detail, it is the most important work for the Incas because it was built on a mountain wild and inaccessible, divided into two large sectors, urban and agricultural, separated by a great wall that descends the slope of the hill until it reaches the banks of the Vilcanota river.
Why visit Machu Picchu, Perú?
There are few places that offer you magic and a special connection with the environment. With the first step in Machu Picchu, Perú, you will know that it is a wonder of wonders. One more reason to realize how imposing the Incas were when making their constructions. Nature and history together to dazzle us.
Due to its location, it was a place that was kept hidden from the sight of the Spanish, that is why it is an intact wonder until Hiram Bingham decided to communicate to the world that here in Cusco, paradise was found.
Are you going to miss this paradise? Check the vacation packages to Peru and Machu Picchu and discover this ancient citadel.
Location
The archaeological zone is located on the left bank of the Vilcanota river, in the Kusi Chaka ravine, up to the mouth of the Aobamba river. In the district of Machu Picchu, province of Urubamba, department of the northwest of Cusco at 112.5 km. northeast of the city of Cusco in Peru.
History of Machu Picchu
Archaeologists estimate that it was built during the 15th century AD by the Incas, but its function remains a mystery. It is also known that it was populated by a large number of inhabitants, but only by nobles, priests and the “aqllas” (virgins of the sun). There was also a population of peasants who worked the fields but did not live within the citadel.
Acoording to the History of Machu Picchu, the city is divided into 3 areas: 2 populated areas and the agricultural sector, which is a vast system of terraces and irrigation canals. The urban sector was divided into two neighborhoods, in one of them are the most important temples such as that of the Sun, as well as the royal bedroom.
In the other neighborhood are the houses of the nobles and the convent of the “virgins of the sun”. Between both neighborhoods there is a huge esplanade like a square. The surroundings are impressive, the citadel is built on top of a hill surrounded by the Urubamba River and a mountain range, it seems the center of a ring of mountains.
Perhaps the greatest attraction of Machu Picchu, Perú is the level of technological development achieved by its builders in terms of architecture and stonework. The joints of the stones in some of the rooms are so tight that not a pin could be inserted. The most significant stone is the “Intihuatana” or solar calendar, which allowed the Incas to know precisely the seasons and the climate throughout the year. However, many find in Machu Picchu more than history and ancient technologies, but also an energy and peace that surrounds everyone who arrives and visits such a mysterious place.
Height of Machu Picchu, Perú
It is 2490 meters above sea level, taking as a reference the Main Square of the archaeological site. According to some scientists, this may have been created 36 thousand years B.C.
Weather
Because it is in a subtropical area, it has a temperature that ranges between 8º to 22º C. The rainiest months go from December to April.
Machu Picchu Facts
Here we mentioned some interesting Machu Picchu Facts that you should know:
- Currently, there is a family that claims Machu Picchu as their property by inheritance. The dispute with the Peruvian state is in the courts of Cusco.
- Machu Picchu was built with a stone assembly technique called ‘Sillar’. The perfect fit of its walls and its slight inclination still remain despite its location between two geological faults.
- Unesco has established a limit of visitors per day. The objective is to preserve the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu in the face of excessive tourist traffic.
- Machu Picchu is still a mystery. Recently a secret door was discovered where the tomb of Pachacutec would be found, the Inca who had the Inca City built.
- From the top of Machu Picchu you can see a human face in profile in the conformation of the mountain. The face of an Inca!
Access to Machu Picchu
Cusco is the main access point to Machu Picchu. From Cusco, you must get to the town of Aguas Calientes.
You can get to Aguas Calientes by train, walk, or a combination of bus and walk. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu will be waiting for you at the top of the mountain above the small town.
Get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
There are 3 options to choose from:
- Make a trek from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
- Take the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes
- Take the bus from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (not recommended)
Get from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Climb the steep hill (about 2 hours, semi-difficult)
- Take a bus (quite expensive for a short trip)
Note: If you book a tour to Machu Picchu (through a walk or by train), most companies will have a local guide who will help you get from Cusco to Aguas Calientes and then to Machu Picchu.
Important: To access Machu Picchu, you MUST have an entrance ticket purchased in advance. Tickets are NOT sold at the entrance to Machu Picchu. Tickets are generally included as part of any tour to Machu Picchu, or you can purchase a ticket online (not recommended if you are doing a tour). Tickets are limited, so we recommend that you book a tour or buy the ticket in advance and book only from a reputable company.Machu Picchu tickets
Machu Picchu Tickets
Do you dream of visiting Machu Picchu? Do you want to know how, when and where to buy the Machu Picchu tickets? We have everything you need to know about the trip to Machu Picchu and buying tickets. Live any of the 3 different experiences that Machu Picchu offers you. Choose the ticket of your preference! You will be able to know the incredible Inca city, live the maximum adventure of climbing Wayna Picchu, or tour the beautiful trails of Machu Picchu Mountain, and if you want to know more about its history, the Site Museum will be the perfect complement. Knowing Machu Picchu has never been so easy.
Choose the Machu Picchu Tickets you prefer
In total there are 3 kinds of Machu Picchu Tickets. Two of them also include the tour of the Huayna Picchu and Machupicchu mountains. There is also another optional ticket that allows you to visit the Machupicchu site museum, which exhibits some Inca objects found there. Visiting hours to this cultural venue are from Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. at 4 p.m. A good idea is to add to the 3 types of tickets, the entrance ticket to the museum.
These are the hours and advantages of each of the tickets:
Machu Picchu Tickets
What includes?
- Visit to Machu Picchu.
- Hike to Intipunku.
- Walk to the Inca Bridge.
Schedule
- 1st. Machu Picchu schedule (Entry from 6 a.m. / 7 a.m. / 8 a.m.).
- 2nd. Machu Picchu schedule (Entry from 9 a.m. / 10 a.m. / 11 a.m.).
- 3rd. Machu Picchu schedule (Entry from 12 p.m. / 1 ??p.m. / 2 p.m.).
- 2500 spaces per day.
Entrance Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
What includes?
- Visit to Machu Picchu.
- Visit to Huayna Picchu.
- Visit to the Temple of the Moon.
Schedule
- 1st. Group (Entrance Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. / Huayna Picchu, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.).
- 2nd. Group (Entrance Machu Picchu from 7 a.m. / Huayna Picchu, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.).
- 3rd. Group (Entrance Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. / Huayna Picchu, from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.).
- 400 spaces per day.
Entrance Machu Picchu + Mountain
What includes?
- Visit to Machu Picchu.
- Visit to Machu Picchu mountain.
- Treks in Machu Picchu.
Schedule
- 1st. Group (Entrance Machu Picchu from 6 a.m. / Mountain, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.).
- 2nd. Group (Entrance Machu Picchu from 7 a.m. / Mountain, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.).
- 3rd. Group (Entrance Machu Picchu from 8 a.m. / Mountain, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.).
- 800 spaces per day.
Ticket prices to Machu Picchu
Ticket Machu Picchu Solo
- Adult: 65.00 USD
- Student, Child: 39.00 USD
Ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
- Adult: 80.00 USD
- Student, Child: 54.00 USD
Ticket Machu Picchu + Mountain
- Adult: 80.00 USD
- Student, Child: 54.00 USD
Machu Picchu Site Museum:
- Adult: 7.00 USD
- Student, Child: 7.00 USD