Information About Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places in the world. The Inca citadel is located in the edge of the jungle and shows a perfect harmony between the mountains, the plants, and the incredible buildings. It was built in the 15th century and became known to the world in 1911. Since then, thousands of travelers have organized trips to discover the Lost City of the Incas. Today, many people want to visit Machu Picchu.
To fully enjoy this wonder, there are different types of tours to Machu Picchu. These include the traditional train trip to Machu Picchu, the famous Inca Trail, and luxury trips in Peru that include a visit to Machu Picchu.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MACHU PICCHU
From June 2024, there was a change in the different access routes to Machu Picchu. The Cusco Cultural Directorate, responsible for managing the Historical Sanctuary, established 3 visitor circuits, each with different routes.
- CIRCUIT I
This circuit offers 4 different routes, allowing you to enjoy an amazing view of Machu Picchu and take the classic photo.
- Classic Photo Route: Enjoy the view of Machu Picchu and take a guided tour, along with the classic photo. Available all year round.
- Machu Picchu Mountain Route: Take the classic photo and hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain (approx. 6 hours). You might also spot the spectacled bear and various orchids along the way. Available all year round.
- Intipunku Gate Route: After taking the classic photo, hike (approx. 3 hours) to the famous Sun Gate, or Intipunku, where Inca Trail hikers get their first view of Machu Picchu. Available from June 1 to October 15.
- Inca Bridge Route: Take the classic photo and hike (approx. 4 hours) to the Inca Bridge, a unique site that will make you admire the skill and knowledge of the ancient people. Available from June 1 to October 15.
- CIRCUIT II
This circuit has 2 different routes and allows you to explore the inside of the Inca citadel, visit different temples, and enjoy a guided tour (approx. 3 hours).
- Designed Route: Enjoy a guided tour inside the citadel and take the classic photo from the upper terrace. Available all year round.
- Lower Terrace Route: Visit the lower terrace, take the classic photo, and explore the Machu Picchu citadel. Available all year round.
- CIRCUIT III
This circuit allows you to explore the lower part of Machu Picchu, offering an impressive view from the religious and agricultural areas. You can also visit the Sun Temple, the Inca House, the Condor Temple, and other important spots.
• Waynapicchu Mountain Route: Discover the agricultural part of Machu Picchu, visit temples in the lower part, and take the classic photo in the agricultural area. Available all year round.
• Designed Waynapicchu Route: Explore the lower part of Machu Picchu, visit important temples, and hike to the top of Waynapicchu Mountain (approx. 4 hours). Available all year round.
• Great Cave Route: After exploring the lower part of Machu Picchu and visiting the temples, hike (approx. 5 hours) to discover the famous Great Cave or Moon Temple. Available from June 1 to October 15.
• Huchuy Picchu Route: After visiting the lower part and the temples, hike (approx. 3 hours) to discover the Huchuy Picchu Mountain.
BEST PLACES
Inca Trail: The Inca Trail is a network of roads that connects different regions and countries in South America. However, today the Inca Trail is a 41 km path that crosses the Quechua region and leads to the edge of the jungle, where the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is located. Along the way, you can see amazing archaeological sites that show the advanced knowledge of Andean people in engineering and architecture, with buildings constructed on steep slopes and high mountain peaks.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: Huayna Picchu is one of the most iconic mountains, providing a stunning backdrop to Machu Picchu. This mountain has ceremonial spaces used during the Inca period. Many travelers hike to the top of Huayna Picchu to see Machu Picchu from a different angle and feel the thrill of crossing the famous “Stairs of Death,” a challenging path that leads to the top and offers breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu:
The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary covers an area of 32,592 hectares. It was created in the 1980s to protect species like the spectacled bear and the Andean cock-of-the-rock. It also aims to preserve the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which is a favorite destination for local and international travelers. The sanctuary maintains harmony between the natural landscape and the structures built by the ancient Andean people. During your Machu Picchu tour, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sanctuary and, if lucky, see a spectacled bear roaming around the citadel.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
Every experience designed by Travel Quest Perú’s agents is authentic and allows you to fully enjoy your visit. Our Machu Picchu packages are created with your expectations, interests, and needs in mind.
We offer different options to help you explore the best of Machu Picchu and discover the landscapes of the Historic Sanctuary. You can choose the traditional route with a classic train journey to Machu Picchu, the famous Inca Trail tour, or a luxury trip to the site.
TIPS IF YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL TO MACHU PICCHU
Plan your trip: If you plan to visit Machu Picchu on your next vacation, we recommend that you organize your visit to Peru. Choose your travel dates at least 3 months in advance to secure the best tour circuit for Machu Picchu and to find better deals on flights, accommodations, and optional activities.
Make sure you have your passport: If your Machu Picchu trip is soon, and you are visiting from the United States, Canada, Europe, or Latin America, check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry to Peru. Peruvian laws are strict, and you will not be allowed to enter the country if your passport doesn’t meet this requirement.
If you are visiting from a member country of the Andean Community (Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru), you only need to present your ID card.
