Machu Picchu

A breathtaking 8,000 feet above sea level, veiled in cloud atop the mountainous columns of the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive historical sites in the Americas.

Spared by the conquistadores and their plundering that destroyed most other Inca sites, Machu Picchu is unique in its dramatic mountaintop setting and in its excellent state of preservation. Remaining hidden for centuries until it was rediscovered by an American explorer in 1911, the “lost” city of Machu Picchu was a secret local treasure for centuries.

The Incas began construction around 1430 but the city was soon abandoned as the empire began to crumble, immediately before the arrival of the conquistadores. Machu Picchu’s original purpose remains a topic of speculation; theories range from a high security prison to a sacred temple (due to its precise astronomical alignment).

The site is one of the best remaining examples of the outstanding Inca architecture and stonemasonry. The city was crafted from huge blocks of stone, carved with incredible skill to fit together without the need for mortar or cement.

There are few sights in the world that compare to the swirling mists parting at dawn as the sun rises over the mountaintops to illuminate this mystifying city, a lasting testament to the power and ultimate tragedy of the Inca empire.

What to do in Machu Picchu

Your tour to Machu Picchu will take you through the most important sites comprising the citadel, where you can learn more about the incredible Inca civilization. Within Machu Picchu there are a number of specific treasures that you can explore at your own pace. There are over 150 different palaces, temples, dwellings, and other structures within the citadel. Take time to get lost in its 75 acres of wonder and climb some of the citadel’s 10,000 steps.

Separated into three areas -- agricultural, urban, and religious -- the structures are arranged so that the function of the buildings matches the form of their surroundings. Famous Machu Picchu attractions include the Intihuatana stone, which points toward the sun at the winter solstice and may have acted as an astronomical calendar, and the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of Three Windows, both of which were devoted to the sun god Inti.

The central buildings of Machu Picchu use the classical Inca architectural style of polished dry-stone walls. The Incas were masters of this technique, called ashlar, in which blocks of stone are cut to fit together tightly without mortar. Many junctions in the central city are so perfect that it is said not even a blade of grass fits between the stones.

Don´t miss the Funerary Rock Hut, where the Inca trail starts and where you will enjoy the most dramatic view of the whole citadel. From here you can trek back down the stairs and enter the Royal Tomb, where Inca kings were mummified.

When to visit Machu Picchu

The best time to visit the stunning Machu Picchu citadel is during the dry season from April to October. Temperatures in Machu Picchu vary from the upper zone to the canyon bottom; generally speaking, however, the climate is mild. The mildest months in Machu Picchu are May and June. During your visit, try to visit during the early morning or late afternoon – crowds are smaller at these times.

If you are planning on hiking the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, be aware that the trail is closed for maintenance in February during the rainy season. You can still visit Machu Picchu of course, and other fantastic treks are available in the area, such as the Lares trek or Salkantay trek for those daring to face the rain.

If you are looking to avoid the crowds of tourists, make sure you visit the citadel very early in the morning. The first buses to Machu Picchu start at 5:30 a.m. so you can easily make it to enjoy the beautiful sunrise.

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