Where is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu sits in the Andes Mountains of Peru about 50 miles northwest of Cusco in the Urubamba Province. You’ll find it perched on a narrow ridge between steep peaks just above the Sacred Valley. The elevation is around 7,970 feet above sea level which puts it right where the Peruvian Andes meet the edge of the Amazon Basin. That steep mountain you see in most photos is Huayna Picchu which rises even higher behind the main site.

Is Machu Picchu one of the Seven Wonders of the World?

Yes. Machu Picchu was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and natural importance. Then in 2007 it was officially recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a well-earned title and one that highlights the scale, setting and preservation of the site.

When was Machu Picchu built?

The Inca built Machu Picchu in the mid-1400s during the rule of Emperor Pachacuti. Historians think it may have been a royal retreat or ceremonial center. It was abandoned about a century later around the time of the Spanish conquest although the Spanish never found it. That helped preserve the site. It stayed mostly unknown outside the region until 1911 when explorer Hiram Bingham arrived and shared what he saw with the world.

What’s the best way to get to Machu Picchu?

Most travelers start by flying into Lima then taking a domestic flight to Cusco. From there, you can board a train—often from Ollantaytambo—to Aguas Calientes, the town below the ruins. The train ride is scenic and popular routes like Inca Rail’s Voyager Premium offer great views of the Urubamba Valley. If you’re looking for adventure, consider the 4-day Inca Trail hike with companies like Trexperience which includes stops at ancient sites like Wiñay Wayna and Intipata. There’s also a budget route that involves taking a bus to Hydroelectrica and walking the tracks to Aguas Calientes.

Do you need a ticket to enter Machu Picchu?

Yes, all visitors need an entry ticket to access Machu Picchu and these must be booked in advance. Tickets are sold for specific time slots and often sell out weeks ahead, especially during the dry season. You can choose from several options including general entry, entry with a hike to Huayna Picchu, or entry with a hike to Machu Picchu Mountain. Tickets are available online through Peru’s official government site or via licensed tour operators. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail, the permit includes your entry. Always bring your passport on the day of your visit — it’s required at the entrance.

What should you pack for Machu Picchu?

Pack layers that are easy to add or remove — mornings can be cold, midday is often warm, and rain can come and go. A lightweight rain jacket is essential, even during the dry season. Good walking shoes with grip are important for uneven stone paths. You’ll also want sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, and a hat for sun protection. If you’re doing any hiking, bring snacks, trekking poles (if needed), and a small daypack. Large bags aren’t allowed inside the ruins but can be stored at the entrance.

Is Machu Picchu accessible for people with limited mobility?

Access to Machu Picchu can be difficult for travelers with mobility challenges. The site includes uneven stone steps, steep paths, and limited seating or shaded areas. There are no paved walkways or ramps inside the archaeological zone. That said, some areas near the entrance have flat ground and short viewing loops which may be manageable with assistance. The bus from Aguas Calientes drops off close to the entrance and walking poles can help with balance. If you or someone in your group needs support, talk to your tour provider in advance to arrange guided assistance.

Where can you stay when visiting Machu Picchu?

Most travelers stay in Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of the ruins. It has a range of options from hostels to boutique hotels. Staying there means you can catch one of the earliest buses to the site and beat some of the crowds. Popular mid-range choices include Tierra Viva Machu Picchu and El MaPi Hotel, while luxury travelers might look at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. If you want more time to acclimate or explore, you can also stay in the Sacred Valley — towns like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba offer quieter stays and easy train access.

What should I know before visiting Machu Picchu?

Altitude is one of the biggest things to plan for. Cusco sits at 11,152 feet and the Inca Trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, climbs to 13,828 feet. Spend a few days in Cusco first to adjust. Weather can shift quickly in the mountains so pack layers and rain gear. Permits for the Inca Trail can sell out months in advance so book early if you want to hike. Even train tickets and entrance times for Machu Picchu itself can fill up fast, especially in peak season.

When is the best time to go to Machu Picchu?

May through October is the dry season which brings the most reliable weather for visiting Machu Picchu. Clear mornings and fewer rain showers make it easier to walk the site. June to August is the busiest stretch with higher prices and more people. April to May and September to October are quieter with similar weather. The rainy season from November to April has fewer crowds and greener hillsides but there’s a higher chance of trail closures due to wet conditions.

How high is Machu Picchu?

The ruins are about 7,970 feet above sea level which is lower than Cusco but still high enough for some visitors to feel the effects of altitude. You might notice headaches or shortness of breath especially if you haven’t acclimated yet. From the site you can hike higher. Huayna Picchu climbs to 8,924 feet while Machu Picchu Mountain reaches 10,111 feet. Both hikes take effort and reward you with wide views over the valley.

Can a beginner visit Machu Picchu?

Yes. Most people in decent health can visit Machu Picchu even without hiking experience. The bus from Aguas Calientes takes you straight to the entrance and walking the ruins doesn’t require intense effort. If you’d rather hike up from town it’s steep but doable if you take breaks along the way. Hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are tougher but manageable with some preparation. If you’re doing a multi-day trek like the Inca Trail you’ll need to train and take time to adjust to the altitude first.

Machu Picchu Tours & Trips

565 Results565 Result

View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Hiking & Trekking
Machu Picchu: Inca Trail hike 4 days & Vistadome Train
5.0 (203 traveler reviews) award winner
"This Inca trail trek was SO much fun. I'd highly recommend it. The food was AMAZING."
Sayler, traveled in December
Destinations
Cusco, Patallacta, Runkuraqay Mountain, Sayacmarca,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+2 more
Age Range
12 to 70 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
20% Off
Duration
4 days
From $759
US$607
$200 now + easy payments of $25
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$200
25 easy payments$25
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$200
25 easy payments$25
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 4D/3N
4.9 (27 traveler reviews)
"Our trip started in beautiful Cuzco and then we were on the adventurous trek of Salkantay to Machu Picchu. It was one of the best experience of my life."
IdaAndersen, traveled in February
Destinations
Cusco, Mollepata, Colcapampa, Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Ollantaytambo+2 more
Age Range
16 to 100 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuSalkantay Trek+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
20% Off
Duration
4 days
From
US$758
$85 now + easy payments of $40
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$85
19 easy payments$40
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$85
19 easy payments$40
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Galapagos & Peru Adventure (from Quito to Desaguadero)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"A fantastic place to go when you wanna experience nature close up."
Jakob, traveled in January
Destinations
Ecuador Peru Bolivia
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonasMachu Picchu GalapagosAmazon RainforestPacificLake TiticacaPeruvian AmazonAmazonian BasinGalapagos Islands+9 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
Duration
24 days
From $8,475
US$6,780
+$230 local payments
$400 now + easy payments of $422
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Jul 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$422
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 04 Jul 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$422
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Best of Peru
4.8 (32 traveler reviews)
"The hotels we stayed at were great - they were clean and had good food options."
Lisa, traveled in April
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Moray, Maras, Sacred Valley, Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+1 more
Age Range
10 to 99 year olds
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
LimaTours
10% Off
Duration
7 days
From $1,168
US$1,052
$292 now + easy payments of $52
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$292
17 easy payments$52
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$292
17 easy payments$52
View tour
View Map
In-depth Cultural
6 Days of Adventure: Cusco, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain
4.9 (84 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was good."
Laura, traveled in September
Destinations
Cusco, Chinchero, Moray, Maras, Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain+3 more
Age Range
10 to 89 year olds
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Waman Adventures
25% Off
Duration
6 days
From $1,014
US$761
$152 now + easy payments of $29
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$152
21 easy payments$29
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$152
21 easy payments$29
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
04 Day Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu - Small Group Service
5.0 (54 traveler reviews)
"We couldn't ask for a better tour operator. We highly recommended."
Maurizio, traveled in July
Destinations
Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Patallacta,Runkuraqay Mountain,Sayacmarca,Machu Picchu,Aguas Calientes+4 more
Age Range
8 to 60 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Inkayni Peru Tours
25% Off
Duration
4 days
From
US$850
$425 now + easy payments of $20
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$425
21 easy payments$20
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$425
21 easy payments$20
View tour
View Map
Active
Peru Encompassed
4.8 (140 traveler reviews)
"Well organised, experienced, unique and authentic experiences with exceptional service."
Adrienne, traveled in December
Destinations
Lima, Pisco, Paracas, Ballestas Islands,Paracas National Reserve,Nazca,Huacachina,Arequipa,Misti Volcano,Cusco,Chivay,Puno,Taquile Island,Saqsaywaman,Pisac,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Pachar,Huarocondo,Pacaymayo Valley,Sacred Valley,Vilcabamba,Sayacmarca,Winay Wayna,Urubamba,Puerto Maldonado+23 more
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Physical Rating
Active
Regions
Andes MountainsColca CanyonMachu PicchuPeruvian CoastAmazonasAmazon RainforestLake TiticacaPeruvian AmazonAmazonian Basin+8 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
Duration
20 days
From $4,405
US$3,304
$400 now + easy payments of $235
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 05 Jul 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$235
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 05 Jul 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$235
View tour
View Map
Explorer
5 Day Cusco Travel Package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and Maras Moray.
4.9 (181 traveler reviews)
"I learned so many interesting facts about the Incan ruins. I also had the opportunity to climb Machu Picchu mountain."
Tosha, traveled in June
Destinations
Cusco, Saqsaywaman, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Moray,Maras+3 more
Age Range
3 to 80 year olds
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Kantu Peru Tours
25% Off
Duration
5 days
From
US$559
$280 now + easy payments of $13
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$280
21 easy payments$13
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$280
21 easy payments$13
View tour
View Map
Explorer
7 Day Cusco Travel Package: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lake, and Rainbow Mountain.
4.8 (142 traveler reviews)
"Very enjoyable and well organised."
Jennifer, traveled in June
Destinations
Cusco, Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu,Moray,Maras,Rainbow Mountain,Salkantay Mountain+4 more
Age Range
3 to 80 year olds
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Kantu Peru Tours
25% Off
Duration
7 days
From
US$669
$335 now + easy payments of $16
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$335
21 easy payments$16
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$335
21 easy payments$16
View tour
View Map
Explorer
A 10-Day Adventure in Peru and Brazil: From Machu Picchu to Rio de Janeiro
Destinations
Lima, Cusco, Rio de Janeiro
Age Range
2 to 90 year olds
Mountain
Machu Picchu
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
10% Off
Duration
10 days
From $4,199
US$3,779
$1,550 now + easy payments of $221
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 05 Jul 2026
Pay today$1,550
21 easy payments$221
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 05 Jul 2026
Pay today$1,550
21 easy payments$221
View tour
View Map
Explorer
INCA ADVENTURES - 7 Days (Lima and Cusco - Machupicchu) with Domestic Flights
4.8 (189 traveler reviews)
"It was a great experience and worth it in every sense of the word."
john, traveled in April
Destinations
Lima, Paracas, Ica, Cusco, Chinchero, Moray, Maras,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Rainbow Mountain+4 more
Age Range
10 to 89 year olds
Mountain
Andes MountainsMachu Picchu+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Waman Adventures
25% Off
Duration
7 days
From $1,827
US$1,370
$274 now + easy payments of $52
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$274
21 easy payments$52
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$274
21 easy payments$52
View tour
View Map
Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
Hiking & Trekking
5-Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu: An Unforgettable Journey
4.8 (79 traveler reviews)
"Great food! They also had warm rubber bags for us to sleep with and tea in the morning to wake up."
Andrea, traveled in May
Destinations
Cusco, Salkantay Mountain, Lucmabamba, Llaqtapata,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+2 more
Age Range
12 to 65 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuSalkantay Trek+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
TreXperience
50% Off
Duration
5 days
From $660
US$330
$200 now + easy payments of $18
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$200
25 easy payments$18
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$200
25 easy payments$18
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5D/4N
4.8 (57 traveler reviews)
"The views are incredible and we were happy we put ourselves up to the challenge."
Brian, traveled in November
Destinations
Cusco, Mollepata, Colcapampa, Santa Teresa,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu,Ollantaytambo+3 more
Age Range
16 to 100 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuSalkantay Trek+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
50% Off
Duration
5 days
From
US$797
$80 now + easy payments of $38
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$80
19 easy payments$38
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 07 Jul 2026
Pay today$80
19 easy payments$38
View tour
View Map
Hiking & Trekking
Hiking The Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu & Sacred Valley
4.9 (45 traveler reviews)
"Amazing experience with great food, comfortable lodging, and full service from the airport and along every step of the way."
Zoe, traveled in July
Destinations
Cusco, Moray, Maras, Chinchero, Piscacucho, Machu Picchu,Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes+2 more
Age Range
up to 70 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuInca Trail+2 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Inkayni Peru Tours
50% Off
Duration
8 days
From
US$1,399
$700 now + easy payments of $33
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$700
21 easy payments$33
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 06 Jul 2026
Pay today$700
21 easy payments$33
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Premium Peru
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Well organized, guide was amazing! Ollie tailored the trip slightly to meet the needs and desires of the two couples on the trip."
Deborah, traveled in June
Destinations
Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Cusco, Ollantaytambo,Aguas Calientes,Machu Picchu+2 more
Age Range
15 to 99 year olds
Regions
Andes MountainsMachu PicchuAmazonian Basin+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
10% Off
Duration
9 days
From $4,820
US$4,338
$400 now + easy payments of $231
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 05 Jul 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$231
Payment plans
No fees, no interest, no credit checks. For departure 05 Jul 2026
Pay today$400
21 easy payments$231
View tour