A Complete Guide to Machu Picchu – the ‘Lost City of the Incas’

Nestled high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is one of the rare destinations that leaves customers in awe at first sight. Whether bathed in the morning mist or glowing in the afternoon sun, whether bustling with visitors or peacefully quiet, its dramatic stone temples and sweeping terraces surrounded by lush, jagged peaks never disappoint. Read on to discover what makes this ancient citadel one of the most visited tourist attractions in South America.

History of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD, during the height of the Inca Empire. Many believe it served as the royal estate of Pachacutec, their powerful ninth ruler. Some scholars also suggest it may have served as a sacred centre where the empire’s leaders gathered for religious, political, and economic purposes. 

Before construction began, the Incas carefully surveyed the mountaintop and developed a sophisticated system of canals to distribute freshwater across the site. Using only stone, wood, and bronze—without the wheel or metal tools—they built temples, terraces, and living quarters that still stand today.

The Incas constructed the walls of Machu Picchu using ashlar masonry, a technique in which stones are cut so precisely that they fit together without mortar.

About a hundred years after its construction, Machu Picchu was abandoned following the Spanish conquest. It remained hidden until 1911 when Yale historian Hiram Bingham came across the site while searching for the lost Inca city of Vilcabamba, the last refuge of resistance leader Manco Inca. With its rediscovery, the ancient city emerged from obscurity and was brought to international attention. 

Today, Machu Picchu has become Peru’s most visited attraction. It was honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Sanctuary in 1983 and proudly listed among the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Machu Picchu is often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”

How to get there

Reaching Machu Picchu involves getting to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town, and there are two main ways to do it:

• By train – This is the most popular and convenient option. The journey typically starts with a drive from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, followed by a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes. From there, a short bus ride takes you up the mountain to the entrance of the ancient city.
• Trek in the Inca Trail (a 3 to 5-day trekking route) – The trail leads directly to Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate (Inti Punku). Permits are limited and must be booked online around six months in advance.

Train to Machu Picchu

>>> Read more: What to explore in South America? 

What to explore in Machu Picchu?

Take in the iconic viewpoint

When you enter Machu Picchu, visit the famous viewpoint at the Guardian’s House. It is where most of the breathtaking postcard shots are captured, offering a sweeping panorama of the ancient ruins framed by dramatic mountain peaks. If you encounter morning fog or light rain, don’t worry — the weather often clears up later in the morning, revealing the full beauty of the scene.

The iconic viewpoint at Machu Picchu

Explore the ancient ruins

Machu Picchu is filled with fascinating structures, and the best way to truly appreciate its history and significance is with a knowledgeable guide. A guided tour can bring the site to life, offering insights into the purpose, design, and cultural meaning behind the ruins.

Don’t miss these key highlights during your visit:

• Huayna Picchu – the towering peak behind the citadel
• Inti Punku (Sun Gate) – the original Inca entrance to Machu Picchu
• The Temple of the Sun – a beautifully crafted structure used for astronomical and ceremonial purposes
• Sacred Rock – thought to represent a sacred mountain or spiritual symbol
• Royal Tomb – a finely carved stone said to have been used exclusively for the Inca nobility
• Temple of the Three Windows – a striking structure believed to represent three spiritual realms of the Inca religion

The Temple of the Sun

See the sunrise over the ancient city

Another must-try experience in Machu Picchu is to watch the sunrise over the ruins. For the best experience, you should visit during the dry season (late May to early October), when clear skies are more likely. While you might not see a vivid orange sunrise, the gradual illumination of the citadel is just as captivating. Soft light spills over the stone structures and surrounding peaks, creating a dramatic play of shadows and atmosphere. The ideal place to catch the sunrise is from the Sun Gate. Make sure to wear layers, as the early mornings in the Andes tend to be quite cold.

The sunlight slowly reveals the ancient city

Hike the legendary Inca Trail

The Classic Inca Trail is one of the most iconic trekking routes in the world, linking the Sacred Valley to the awe-inspiring ruins of Machu Picchu. This unforgettable journey takes you through cloud forests, across high mountain passes soaring over 4,000 metres, and past ancient Inca sites, before entering through the Sun Gate to the silent stone city of Machu Picchu.

You will trek for 3 to 5 days and must join a licensed guide. Permits are required and strictly limited by the Peruvian Government, so it is essential to book well in advance if you want to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

A traveller on the Inca Trail

Meet the llamas

As you explore Machu Picchu, you will likely spot llamas wandering freely among the ruins. Native to the Andes, llamas have played a vital role in South American culture for thousands of years. The Incas domesticated llamas from guanacos, using them to transport goods through the rugged mountains.

Today, people no longer use llamas for transport or farming. These animals appear there to help recreate the atmosphere of Inca times. They offer a glimpse of what Machu Picchu looked like in its majestic days, with llamas grazing.

Llamas roam freely among the ruins of Machu Picchu

Best time to visit Machu Picchu

Planning your visit to Machu Picchu? Make sure you consider the best time for a comfortable journey. The peak travel months are from June to August, when the weather is generally dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C. However, this is also the busiest period — expect large crowds and higher prices for travel services.

Alternatively, for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons in April, May, September, or November. During these months, the weather remains pleasant, with temperatures between 18 and 22°C. You will encounter fewer tourists and enjoy more affordable travel costs.

The misty cloud covered the ancient Incan city

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