Nestled high in the Peruvian Andes is the ancient Inca citadel, Machu Picchu. Known for its awe-inspiring views and impressive engineering and architecture, Machu Picchu is one of the great jewels of South America and the world.
With its terraced construction, intricate architecture and century-old significance, this historical and wondrous place is now considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, making our list of the 50 most beautiful places in the world to visit in 2025.
If you're planning a trip to Peru in the coming months, set aside at least a few days to explore Machu Picchu and the surrounding area. Our Peruvian vacation packages can help you plan and discover Peru's most important places while exploring Peruvian culture.
Top Reasons to Visit Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu isn’t just simply a destination. This ancient citadel feels like it was carved straight from the clouds, filled with mystery and wonder. The journey there is part of the magic: winding trains through lush valleys, misty mountain trails and that first breathtaking glimpse of stone terraces clinging to the cliffs. It’s a place that speaks to adventurers, dreamers and history lovers alike.
So, is Machu Picchu worth visiting? If you crave wonder, mystery and a little altitude with your awe, Machu Picchu might be a place to add to your bucket list.
Here are some of our top reasons to add Machu Picchu to your travel itinerary:
1. Join a Day-Tour to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located in the Andes mountains. Many visit Machu Picchu by taking day trips from Cusco, a nearby city, or by signing up for private tours with experienced guides. Some people take tours from Agua Calientes, the closest town.
Guided tours typically come with a knowledgeable guide, transportation to and from Machu Picchu, and a complimentary meal.
Machu Picchu is very popular, and tours fill up quickly. Book your tour months in advance to get the day, time and tour you prefer.
2. Enjoy a Day at Agua Calientes
Aguas Calientes is a small town near Machu Picchu. Many people who come to Machu Picchu stay overnight at Aguas Calientes, then hike or ride the bus to Machu Picchu in the morning.
Until a few years ago, Aguas Calientes was barely a stop on the way to Machu Picchu. Recently, its proximity to the site has made it a popular place for people to stay. Today, it is filled with restaurants, hotels and more. People who stay at least one night in Aguas Calientes have the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs, shop at the handicraft market, visit a butterfly farm and bear conservation center, see the Machu Picchu site museum and more.
3. Walk the Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a hiking trail that leads to Machu Picchu. The hike is approximately 24 miles long and takes about four or five days. Although the hiking trail is not dangerous when compared to many other famous mountain hikes, the terrain can be difficult and the air is thin. People who hike the trail should be fit and adapted to the high altitude.
Those who would like to get a flavor of the Inca trail without spending four to five days in the wilderness can opt to hike a part of the trail with a tour guide. Find a trusted local tour operator for this adventure. The Peruvian government limits how many people can hike the Inca trail at once, so if this hike is important to you, make your reservations well in advance.
4. Tour the Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is the land situated halfway between Cusco and Machu Picchu. While Machu Picchu gets a lot of attention from tourists, the Sacred Valley is also worth a trip. Sign up for a Sacred Valley tour to see some of the most awe-inspiring archeological sites in the world.
There are many unique tourism opportunities in the Sacred Valley, including visiting the salt mines by ATV, meeting and dining with locals and learning weaving techniques. Don't forget to visit the agricultural Terraces of Moray or the imposing fortress of Ollantaytambo.
5. Take a Peruvian Cooking Class
Peruvian cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavors and unique ingredients. If you're looking to elevate your culinary skills, why not immerse yourself in a hands-on Peruvian cooking class led by a professional chef during your vacation?
This experience includes a guided tour of a local market, insights into indigenous food products, crafting traditional cocktails like the iconic Pisco, sampling exotic Peruvian fruits and much more.
6. Visit Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain is a breathtaking natural wonder, featuring 14 different colorful minerals that create a stunning visual display. This natural masterpiece can only be visited by booking a tour with an official tour company.
During your Rainbow Mountain tour, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring panoramic views, numerous photo opportunities and the chance to witness diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.
7. Learn How to Make Chocolate
If you love chocolate and cooking, participating in a chocolate workshop can be a great opportunity. During this 2-hour workshop at the ChocoMuseo in Cusco, you'll learn every step of the chocolate making process-starting from the cocoa tree.
You'll also learn more about the history of chocolate, and discover why Peru is famous for its fine chocolates. When you're done, you'll have your homemade chocolate to take with you!
8. Go Horseback Riding
Peru is a wild and exciting place, so it's fitting that you should see it on horseback. While tours may vary, some will have you experiencing panoramic views of Cusco, exploring archaeological sites like the Temple of the Moon, trekking on Chacan mountain and learning about Peru from a knowledgeable guide, all while riding a horse.
9. Tour Cusco
Not far from Machu Picchu is Cusco, a place that was once the capital city of the Incan empire. Today, it's known for its beautiful churches, enjoyable museums and narrow cobbled streets. Cusco is also near many Incan ruins in the surrounding hills. It's a place of mystery, beauty and intrigue.
This vibrant city is known for its historical significance, cultural festivals and markets. The best way to see Cusco is via a tour of Cusco with an experienced guide who can tell you more about the city and culture.
10. Visit Humantay Lake
One of the most important lakes in Incan mythology was Humantay Lake. Known for its turquoise color, Humantay Lake gets its unusual hue from the glacier above. As the water runs off the glacier, it collects minerals that reflect a bright blue/green color. On the right day, Humantay Lake almost looks like the Caribbean Sea.
11. Shop at the Market
There are many shopping opportunities in Cusco, including the Pisac Market. Pisac Market is one of the most famous markets in the area, drawing visitors from far and wide. At the market, people from the indigenous Quechua community sell produce, while other merchants sell everything from jewelry to ponchos, hats, souvenirs, alpaca products and gifts.
Not far from the main square in Cusco is the San Pedro Market, where you can shop for meats, cheeses, fresh produce, chocolate, bread, vegetables, flowers and more. Both markets are an excellent place to buy authentic Peruvian wares.
12. See the Animals at Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary
Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary is a rescue for wildlife animals recovered from illicit trafficking. Many of the animals will never be re-released into the wild, as they often arrive injured in ways that would make them easy prey, even after recovery. Cochahuasi is an excellent place for animal lovers and families.
13. See the Museums
Cusco is a place with multiple museums, including the Inca Museum, where you can view a collection of mummies, tools, weapons and more.
If you're an art lover, the Pre-Columbian Museum puts art from the Inca Empire on display. The extensive collection at the Pre-Columbian Museum houses artifacts of symbolic meaning.
14. See the Stars at Planetarium Cusco
The Andes Mountains are one of the best places in the world for star gazing. If you love the night sky, you've got a perfect opportunity to see the stars at the Cusco planetarium. The planetarium staff provides round-trip transportation to the star-gazing site.
How to Get to Machu Picchu
Getting to Machu Picchu can be difficult, but the destination is quite worth the journey. Although Aguas Calientes is connected to Machu Picchu via a road up the mountain, there are no roads that connect Aguas Calientes to Cusco. Therefore, the only way to reach Machu Picchu is to take a train to Aguas Calientes or to hike the Inca Trail. Here are some tips on how to make your journey to Machu Picchu:
- Train/Bus to Machu Picchu: PeruRail offers a budget option (Expedition), and an upgrade (Vistadome) and there is a luxury train as well (Hiram Bingham). After taking the train to Aguas Calientes, you'll still need to take a shuttle to Machu Picchu or hike up on the Inca trail. The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu is approximately 3 hours, and 6 hours round-trip. Trains have luggage restrictions, but many hotels in Cusco offer luggage storage options for guests. Once you reach Aguas Calientes, you'll walk to the bus stop at Aguas Calientes. The road up the mountain follows a zigzag pattern that takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Machu Picchu. If you pay for a tour of Machu Picchu, transportation will likely be included. Find out what your ticket includes before purchasing any transportation tickets.
- Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: The full Inca trail can be completed in four to five days, but the two-day Inca trail option is available for people who want to experience the trail without taking the full length of time. The Inca trail does require you to be physically fit, and travelers will need to climb many stairs to reach Machu Picchu. After arriving at Machu Picchu, you can return to Cusco via train.
- Renting a Car: There is no way to take a personal rental vehicle to Machu Picchu, and the streets of Cusco are very bumpy. Cusco is somewhat walkable, and taxi transportation is inexpensive. For many people, car rental in Peru is not worthwhile.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu experiences warm days and cooler nights. The area has a rainy season and a dry season. During the rainy season from November to March, tourism slows down and prices are often lower. The trade-off at this time of year is the wet weather, which can be unpredictable. Bring rain gear and plan accordingly.
The dry season is from April to October, with peak tourism seasons occurring during June, July and August. Peru is a great place to escape the winter chill, so hotels often fill up during this season, entry tickets sell out quickly and tours book up. Prices can be high this time of year, but the weather is very accommodating.
FAQs About Machu Picchu
Have some questions about a visit to Machu Picchu? AAA has answers to ease your mind. Here are some of the most FAQs about visiting this unique place:
What should I bring to Machu Picchu?
You'll need your passport and entry ticket to get into Machu Picchu. Only small backpacks can be brought to the site. Bring water, clothing layers, sunscreen and comfortable hiking boots.
You will not be allowed to bring large bags, alcohol and metal-tipped canes. If you have a baby, use a backpack-style carrier, as strollers are not practical.
Is Machu Picchu Safe?
Machu Picchu is a historical site with no permanent population, so there is very little or no crime in Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is not known for its crime. Pick-pocketing and other minor crimes can occur on trains, so watch your bags. Don't leave valuable items unattended.
Is altitude sickness a problem at Machu Picchu?
Altitude sickness is a condition that happens when the body struggles to cope with reduced oxygen at high altitudes. Machu Picchu is approximately 7,970 feet above sea level. People can experience altitude sickness in Machu Picchu and Cusco.
Symptoms vary but may include cough, fatigue, nausea, headache, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Talk to your doctor before leaving on your trip. Acclimatizing before walking the Inca trail is important. Watch for symptoms of altitude sickness. While altitude sickness does go away for some people after a few days, in some cases it can be a medical emergency.
Is a guide required at Machu Picchu?
Exploring Machu Picchu independently allows for flexibility, but having a guide enhances the experience by offering historical and cultural insights that deepen your appreciation of the site. Whether you choose to wander solo or opt for a guided tour, the magical charm of Machu Picchu is sure to leave a lasting impression.
How much time should I spend in Machu Picchu?
Most people visit Machu Picchu for one day, spend one or two days in Cusco, and visit the Sacred Valley for a day. If you choose to stay overnight in Aguas Calientes, you'll be able to take a more relaxed tour of Machu Picchu and can travel back to Cusco the next day.
Is Machu Picchu expensive?
Aguas Calientes can be more expensive than other areas because tourism is the town's only industry and shipping food and products to Aguas Calientes is difficult. Despite the higher costs, visitors are drawn to Aguas Calientes for its proximity to the ancient Incan citadel and breathtaking natural surroundings.
What's the weather like in Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is a tropical cloud forest with warm days and cool nights. Although there is a dry season, rain is always a possibility. The temperature in Machu Picchu ranges between 46°F and 80°F throughout the year. Humidity levels vary depending on the time you choose to visit.
What are some recommended places to stay in Machu Picchu?
There is no hotel on site at Machu Picchu. Many people stay the night at Aguas Calientes or Cusco. Note that if you do choose to stay the night at Aguas Calientes, you may not be able to bring all of your luggage. Most hotels in Cusco will store your luggage while you are in Agua Calientes/Machu Picchu.
Find more hotel rooms on Trip Canvas, available at the best prices. Below are some of the outstanding hotels in Cusco:
- For modern comfort with a historic vibe: Novotel Cusco
- For luxury with Incan inspirations: Palacio Del Inka A Luxury Collection Hotel Cusco
- For cozy and colonial charm: Wyndham Costa Del Sol Cusco
- For an elegant hideaway: Inkaterra La Casona
What are some of the best places to eat in Machu Picchu?
Peruvian cuisine is well worth the visit! The national dish is Ceviche, made from raw white fish, finely chopped peppers, salt and lime juice. The dish is served with red onions, sweet potatoes, corn and corn nuts.
Other interesting Peruvian dishes include cuy and alpaca. Here are some restaurants in Cusco to consider:
- For a stylish, artful take on Peruvian cuisine: Mare Restaurant- Cusco
- For Peruvian flavors with a warm atmosphere Casa Cusqueña
Looking for more great restaurants in Cusco? Find them on Trip Canvas.
Ready to Visit Machu Picchu?
You'll never see anything quite like Machu Picchu. If you're ready to start planning your trip, start with the AAA Travel Experts. We can help you find the best places to stay and also help you plan the best itinerary for your trip.
If you're a AAA member, you can visit Machu Picchu more affordably by taking advantage of discounts on rental cars, hotels, and more.