Machu Picchu

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Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

9.8
4.6/5
179 reviews
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu means "old mountain" in Quechua and is often called the "lost city of the Incas." This mountain citadel, built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century, sits on a steep ridge in the Andes at an elevation of approx. 2,400 m, overlooking the rushing Urubamba River valley. Hidden among mountains and clouds, it eluded Spanish colonizers and was abandoned with the empire's fall until its rediscovery in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, led by a local guide. The city is constructed with precisely fitted dry-stone walls that have withstood centuries of weather and earthquakes. Visitors can explore two main areas: the agricultural terraces and the urban sector. The Temple of the Sun's windows align with the summer solstice sunrise, reflecting Inca sun worship; the Temple of the Three Windows, with its massive stonework, and the central plaza formed the religious core. The Intihuatana, a finely carved monolithic stone, is believed to have served astronomical purposes, giving rise to its name meaning "hitching post of the sun." The viewpoint near the Guardian's Hut frames the ruins with the towering Huayna Picchu peak—a classic photo spot—while alpacas often wander into shots on the terraced lawns. Morning mists clearing at sunrise, with sunlight bathing the stone walls, create a magical scene, so early arrival is recommended. Due to the high altitude and strong UV rays, sun protection and warm layers are essential. For the adventurous, hiking the Inca Trail for days and glimpsing the citadel from the Sun Gate remains an unforgettable arrival for many trekkers.Urubamba · 77m from Machu Picchu
Intihuatana, Urubamba

Intihuatana, Urubamba

4.4
3.9/5
24 reviews
One of the greater mysteries at Machu Picchu is a massive stone carving called the Intihuatana, Urubamba. Some archaeoastronomers speculate that this exquisite, quadrilateral stone carving on a raised platform in the plaza is a sundial, while others say it was used for some form of astronomical observation. Although there is no consensus on its purpose, almost all archaeologists agree that the Intihuatana, Urubamba is one of the most sacred structures within Machu Picchu. How do you identify the Intihuatana, Urubamba? If you see a group of tourists from afar surrounding a large stone, reaching out their hands without touching it to feel the energy released by the stone, that is the Intihuatana, Urubamba. This Intihuatana, Urubamba has three very peculiar features. First, there is a corner next to the Intihuatana, Urubamba; this protruding corner points due north. You might want to bring a compass to verify the exquisite calculations of the Incas in the mid-15th century. The second peculiar feature is the upright stone on top of the Intihuatana, Urubamba. The cross-section of the stone has four corners that look somewhat irregular, and these four corners point exactly to the cardinal directions. The corner pointing due north aligns perfectly with a peak called Huayna Picchu, and the opposite direction, due south, also aligns with a peak. Similarly, the due west direction also aligns with a peak, but there is no peak to the east. Why? Because the sun needs to shine in. The Incas built this "City in the Sky" at such a high altitude to welcome the rising sun from the east, so how could there be a mountain blocking it? This is another peculiar feature, which is enough to show that the Incas were very wise.Urubamba · 63m from Machu Picchu

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Featured Food & drink in Machu Picchu

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From Cusco: Humantay Lake Tour + Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
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Cusco: Walking Food Tour & City Tour
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Cusco: Peruvian Cooking Class, Cocktails & Local Market Tour
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Cooking class and market tour with a local chef
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Cusco: ChocoMuseo's Chocolate Workshop
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Aguas Calientes: Lunch at Cafe Inkaterra Restaurant
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Unlock the Secrets of Pisco: A Hands-On Tour in Cusco
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Featured Day tours in Machu Picchu

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Machu Picchu Private Archaeological and Historical Guided Tour
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Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco by Train
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1-day tour to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu from Cusco, Peru, including admission ticket, train ticket, and guide service
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Day Tour to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu from Cusco, Peru (1 person minimum, daily departures, admission ticket included)
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Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco by Train | Circuit 2
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City Tour Cusco Half Day & 4 Archaeological Ruins
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Featured Culture & history in Machu Picchu

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Cusco half-day city tour: Qoricancha & four Inca archaeological sites
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Cusco Highlights Audio Tour: Inca & Sacred Cusco
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Cusco self-guided audio walking tour (8 stops, approx. 2 hrs)
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What travelers say about Machu Picchu

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shanghaiboyuAugust 27, 2025
5.0
Machu Picchu boasts 140 structures, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences, as well as over 100 stairways, numerous fountains, and a comprehensive water system. Abandoned during the Spanish invasion and the fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was discovered by Yale University professor Hiram Bingham in 1911. The ruins consist of two main areas: an urban area and an agricultural area, separated by a stone wall. Beyond the wall lie terraced agricultural areas, divided into high and low terraces depending on the terrain. The urban area is divided into three zones: the sacred area, the area for priests and nobles, and the southern area for commoners.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

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乖小咪September 12, 2019
5.0
This Inca Trail in Cusco has a history of more than 2,000 years. It was the trade route for the ancient Incas to travel between cities. Most of the roads along the way are mountains and ridges, and the road is very rugged. There are also many relics of Inca culture along the way. Now it is a great hiking route.

Inca Trail

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DEAR张小球May 17, 2020
5.0
Huayna Picchu is on the other side of the mountain from Machu Picchu. There are relatively few tourists here. It takes some time and energy to get there from Machu Picchu. It's a different feeling to see this mountain city from another high place.

Huayna Picchu

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东张西望望东西April 12, 2020
5.0
The Sacred Stone is a must-see when entering Machu Picchu. The Sacred Stone may be given more religious power in the local area, so it is more special. Of course, for us it is just a big stone, but respecting local beliefs and culture is absolutely necessary.

Sacred Rock at Machu Picchu

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apabaruSeptember 7, 2026
3.0
After visiting the Sun Gate at the Machu Picchu ruins, I returned to Machu Picchu village and, having some free time in the afternoon, went to the pool. It's a short 20-minute uphill walk from the town center. I brought my swimsuit, but forgot to bring slippers, though they are sold near the entrance. I bought some for 10 soles. The entrance fee is 20 soles, and there's a waterfall at the top, but that's an extra charge. There are lockers, and you get a locker key in exchange for your ID (passport). The pool is like a swimming pool with slightly lukewarm water. It's a little cloudy, but I managed to tolerate it and got in. About 80% of the people there are locals, and it seems like a place where children are having fun.

Machu Picchu HotSprings

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泰宁根吴承恩May 1, 2020
5.0
The Sun-Suppression Stone is located at the highest point of Machu Picchu. It is a stone that looks simple but full of mystery. From here you can see the entire view of Machu Picchu. The scene is very spectacular. The Inca civilization is really a treasure of mankind.

Intihuatana, Urubamba

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quqkyOctober 14, 2020
3.0
It doesn't seem to be that famous, and the outline of the temple is not easy to associate with anything religious, because there are not many things left, but this place is still quite important in the local religion.

Temple of the Condor

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A730May 30, 2016
5.0
It's spectacular, and the style is different from others.

Templo Principal

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chinadesk1July 21, 2022
5.0
The Temple of the Three Windows is one of the attractions in Machu Picchu. In ancient times, it was used to worship the sun god, and this place may have been a place for religious ceremonies. The huge stones are neatly stacked, as if they were strictly measured. Many places in Machu Picchu are hard to imagine and full of mystery.

Temple of the Three Windows

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Machu Picchu?

Don't miss these attractions in Machu Picchu: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and The Temple of the Sun. If you like Food & drink, try From Cusco: Humantay Lake Tour + Breakfast and Buffet Lunch. If you enjoy Day tours, try Machu Picchu Private Archaeological and Historical Guided Tour.

You can give From Cusco: Humantay Lake Tour + Breakfast and Buffet Lunch and Cusco: Walking Food Tour & City Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Machu Picchu Private Archaeological and Historical Guided Tour, The Best Private Sacred Valley Tour in Cusco ( with Pisac), and Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco by Train. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 4, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Machu Picchu is around EUR 19.86 – EUR 667.7. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.