Introduction
When most people think of Machu Picchu Peru, they think of the ancient Incan ruins. But there is so much more to this UNESCO World Heritage Site than meets the eye. Situated high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply want to take in the stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Machu Picchu. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit:
1. Explore the ruins of Machu Picchu
2. Visit Huayna Picchu Mountain
3. Spend a day in Aguas Calientes
4. Take a hike through the Sacred Valley
5. Learn about the local culture
6. Enjoy the views
Where To Stay At Machu Picchu Peru
There are a few different accommodation options available near Machu Picchu. The most popular option is to stay in Aguas Calientes, which is the town at the base of the mountain. There are plenty of hotels and hostels to choose from here, as well as restaurants and souvenir shops. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can also stay in one of the nearby villages, such as Santa Teresa or Hydroelectric. There are fewer tourist amenities in these towns, but you’ll be able to experience Peruvian culture more directly.
Best Things To Do In Machu Picchu Peru
The best things to do in Machu Picchu are:
1. Explore the ancient ruins
2. Take a hike to Huayna Picchu
3. Visit the Temple of the Sun
4. Enjoy the views from Inti Punku
5. Learn about the Inca culture
See the iconic viewpoint
Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, and for good reason. The ancient Incan city is located high in the Andes Mountains, and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. One of the best ways to experience Machu Picchu is to hike to the top of Huayna Picchu, a nearby mountain. The hike takes about an hour, and the views from the summit are truly incredible. If you’re looking for an even more challenging hike, you can try climbing Mount Machu Picchu itself. The trail is steep and rugged, but the views from the top are worth it.
Explore the ruins
Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Peru, and for good reason. The Incan ruins are a sight to behold, and there’s plenty to explore.
There are a few different ways to get to Machu Picchu. You can take a bus from Cusco, which takes about four hours. Or, you can take the train from Aguas Calientes, which takes about an hour and a half. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even hike the Inca Trail, which takes four days.
Once you’re at Machu Picchu, there’s plenty to do. You can explore the ruins, of course. But there’s also a museum on site that gives you more information about the history of the area. And if you want to get away from the crowds, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area that will give you breathtaking views of the ruins.
Meet the llamas
If you’re heading to Machu Picchu, you’ll definitely want to meet the llamas! These friendly animals are a staple of Peruvian culture, and they’re sure to make your trip even more memorable.
There are plenty of opportunities to meet llamas in Machu Picchu. You can find them wandering around the ruins, grazing in the nearby fields, or even hanging out in the town square. Be sure to say hello and give them a pat on the head – they love attention!
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, you can even take a llama trekking tour. These tours take you into the stunning countryside surrounding Machu Picchu, and you’ll get to bond with your furry friend as you hike along. It’s an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Hike Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is one of the most popular hikes in Machu Picchu. The hike takes you through a variety of landscapes, from the dense jungle to the exposed summit. The views from the top are incredible, and you can see all the way to Huayna Picchu itself. The hike is challenging but it is definitely worth it.
Hike Machu Picchu Mountain
If you’re looking for an adventure while visiting Machu Picchu, look no further than hiking Machu Picchu Mountain. The 2,430-meter (7,972 ft) peak is the highest point in the park and offers stunning views of the ancient ruins and surrounding landscape.
The hike to the summit takes about 4 hours round trip and is considered moderate to difficult. It’s recommended to start early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat, and to bring plenty of water and snacks. There is a small entrance fee to enter the mountain area.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Huayna Picchu Mountain, and Mount Salkantay. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do in Machu Picchu.
Hike Huchuy Picchu
Hiking is one of the best ways to see Machu Picchu. There are several trails that lead from Aguas Calientes up to the citadel, and the most popular is the Inca Trail. This trail takes four days to complete, and hikers must be accompanied by a guide.
If you don’t have four days to spare, or you don’t want to hike the Inca Trail, there are other options. You can take a bus or a taxi up to Puente Ruinas, and from there it’s a three-hour hike to Machu Picchu. Or, you can take the train to Aguas Calientes and hike for two hours on the Camino del Inca trail.
Whichever route you choose, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu once you arrive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of incredible Incan ruins, and it’s easy to spend an entire day wandering around and taking it all in.
See the Sun Gate
There’s no better way to start your Machu Picchu experience than by seeing the sun gate. As the name suggests, this is where the sun rises, and it’s an absolutely incredible sight. The best time to see it is early in the morning, so make sure you get up early! You can also catch a glimpse of the sun setting behind the mountains, but it’s not quite as spectacular.
See the Inca bridge
The Inca Bridge is one of the most iconic and popular tourist attractions in Machu Picchu. The bridge is located near the main gate of the city and spans across the Urubamba River. It is believed to have been built by the Incas in the 15th century and is one of the only remaining examples of their engineering prowess. The bridge is made of stone and has a series of steps leading up to it, making it a bit of a challenge to cross. However, the views from the top are worth it!
Explore Machu Picchu Town
Machu Picchu town (Aguas Calientes) is the gateway to Machu Picchu. It’s a small but lively town with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The main attraction in Aguas Calientes is the thermal baths, which are said to have healing properties. If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, this is the place to do it!
If you’re planning on visiting Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes is the best place to stay. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from, and the town is centrally located so you can easily get to all the nearby attractions.
Hike the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the world. The trail leads up to the ancient city of Machu Picchu, which is located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The hike can be challenging, but it is well worth it for the incredible views and experience. There are a few different routes that you can take on the Inca Trail, so be sure to do some research before you go.
