Machu Picchu represents the most famous archaeological site in all of South America and one of the most-visited sites worldwide that captivate all who visit it with its beauty and mystery.
The spectacular collection of temples, terraced hills, and plazas remain the mountain top citadel of the Inca under Pachacutec and Tupac Yupanqui, until the coming of the Europeans with Pizarro. It may boast the most familiar name, but Machu Picchu has refused to reveal many of its mysteries, including the secrets of its construction, function, and demise. US historian Hiram Bingham discovered the overgrown ruins in 1911, and the quality of the stonework hints that it was an extremely significant ceremonial site.
The remains are thought to date from around 1450, built at the height of the Inca Empire, and as they escaped being plundered by the Spanish, they include semi-intact icons and shrines that were defaced or removed at other sites. Entering the site, a set of steps leads to the ruined Temple of the Sun and a series of altars and niches. Highlights include the remains of ceremonial baths, the Sacred Plaza with its tremendous views.
Today you will enjoy further Private Guided Tours of Machu Picchu. You may start at Dawn or as you wish. All tours are included and you are only limited by your time and energy.
The Sun Gate (2 Hours) - The Sun Gate marks the entrance to Machu Picchu. It is a one-hour uphill hike to the southeast of the Sanctuary, climbing more than 300 meters. The hike is on the original Inca trail and is paved with Inca stones. There is a spectacular view from the gate.
Machu Picchu Mountain (4 to 5 Hours Roundtrip) - The hike to the summit of Apu Machu Picchu is 2 ½ hours and can be relatively steep in places. This trail, accessed from Machu Picchu, joins parts of the Inca trail leading to the Sun Gate before climbing to the mountain's highest point. From there, enjoy the view of soaring eagles as well as Machu Picchu and other significant ruins in the area, such as Putukusi, Huayna Picchu, Salkantay Mountain, and the Vilcanota River view.
This is a breathtaking hike, with lots of orchids along the way, birds in the bushy areas, and with every stop, the view gets better and better. The climb is 600 meters uphill, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Access to Apu Machu Picchu is limited by special tickets, which need to be purchased in advance by us. Access is 07:00 – 11:00. Please ask to obtain these tickets included in your tour if desired***
Inka Bridge (Bridge 1 Hour Round Trip) This hike is to the south-west of Machu Picchu, a nice unknown trail that overlooks the Aobamba valley and the Hydroelectric plant. The Inca Bridge is a part of a mountain trail that heads west from Machu Picchu. The trail is a stone path, part of which is cut into a cliff face. A twenty-foot gap was caused in this section. A 1,900 feet drop that could be bridged with two tree trunks. When the tree trunks were removed then the trail became impassable to outsiders. The path is narrow and paved with original Inca stones.
Huayna Picchu (3 - 4 Hours) - Is the mountain you see behind Machu Picchu. Towering above the north end of Machu Picchu this steep mountain is repeatedly seen as the backdrop to the classic photos of the ruins. The mountain is steep, but stone steps are laid along most of the way, and where the mountain is steeper you will find steel cables used as handrails. For fit people, it is not an arduous climb.
Very Limited Access!
Only 400 people are allowed to hike Huayna Picchu each day. You have to sign in at the entrance gate. The first 200 tickets are for the 8:00 AM hike. The second 200 are available at 10:00 AM. You should purchase these special tickets in advance with us to be sure you will have space for this hike.
After the tour, you will stop at a local restaurant for a buffet lunch. Afterward, you will enjoy a little time to explore the town of Machu Picchu Pueblo before boarding your train back to Cusco.
Explore the majestic and owe inspiring Machu Picchu, there are multiple informative tours for you to get stuck into!
Activities