Machu Picchu Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Machu Picchu Tours & Trips

• So Is Machu Picchu Really One of the Seven Wonders?

  You bet it is - Machu Picchu got its official UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1983 which really shows how special this place is both culturally and naturally. Then in 2007 it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World which just confirms what everyone already knew about how incredible it is.

• What's The Best Way to Get There?

  Getting to Machu Picchu is quite an adventure actually. You can take the scenic train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes - Inca Rail's Voyager Premium train is really popular and gives you amazing views of the Urubamba Valley as you go. If you're feeling more adventurous you could hike the Inca Trail which is this incredible 4-day trek with Trexperience where you'll camp out see amazing Inca sites like Wiñay Wayna and Intipata just make sure you get those permits early. There's also a quicker way where you can bus it from Cusco to Hydroelectrica then walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.

• How Can I Really Experience the Culture?

  The best way is definitely through local guides - people like David Fredy and Eddy from Kantu Peru Tours who travelers just love. Learning some basic Quechua helps too like knowing "Machu Pikchu" means Old Mountain it really helps you connect with the place's heritage. Just remember to be respectful of local customs and sacred sites your guide will let you know what's appropriate.

• What Should I Know Before Going?

  The altitude's a big deal especially if you're hiking the Inca Trail which goes up to 4215 meters at Dead Woman's Pass. It's smart to spend a few days in Cusco first which sits at 3399 meters to get used to the elevation. Pack for any weather because mountain weather can change super quick. And definitely book everything well ahead especially those Inca Trail permits which can sell out months in advance.

• Where is Machu Picchu?

  Machu Picchu sits in the Andes Mountains of Peru about 50 miles northwest of Cusco in the Urubamba Province. You’ll find it perched on a narrow ridge between steep peaks just above the Sacred Valley. The elevation is around 7,970 feet above sea level which puts it right where the Peruvian Andes meet the edge of the Amazon Basin. That steep mountain you see in most photos is Huayna Picchu which rises even higher behind the main site.

• Is Machu Picchu one of the Seven Wonders of the World?

  Yes. Machu Picchu was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for its cultural and natural importance. Then in 2007 it was officially recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a well-earned title and one that highlights the scale, setting and preservation of the site.

• When was Machu Picchu built?

  The Inca built Machu Picchu in the mid-1400s during the rule of Emperor Pachacuti. Historians think it may have been a royal retreat or ceremonial center. It was abandoned about a century later around the time of the Spanish conquest although the Spanish never found it. That helped preserve the site. It stayed mostly unknown outside the region until 1911 when explorer Hiram Bingham arrived and shared what he saw with the world.

• What’s the best way to get to Machu Picchu?

  Most travelers start by flying into Lima then taking a domestic flight to Cusco. From there, you can board a train—often from Ollantaytambo—to Aguas Calientes, the town below the ruins. The train ride is scenic and popular routes like Inca Rail’s Voyager Premium offer great views of the Urubamba Valley. If you’re looking for adventure, consider the 4-day Inca Trail hike with companies like Trexperience which includes stops at ancient sites like Wiñay Wayna and Intipata. There’s also a budget route that involves taking a bus to Hydroelectrica and walking the tracks to Aguas Calientes.

• What should I know before visiting Machu Picchu?

  Altitude is one of the biggest things to plan for. Cusco sits at 11,152 feet and the Inca Trail’s highest point, Dead Woman’s Pass, climbs to 13,828 feet. Spend a few days in Cusco first to adjust. Weather can shift quickly in the mountains so pack layers and rain gear. Permits for the Inca Trail can sell out months in advance so book early if you want to hike. Even train tickets and entrance times for Machu Picchu itself can fill up fast, especially in peak season.

• When is the best time to go to Machu Picchu?

  May through October is the dry season which brings the most reliable weather for visiting Machu Picchu. Clear mornings and fewer rain showers make it easier to walk the site. June to August is the busiest stretch with higher prices and more people. April to May and September to October are quieter with similar weather. The rainy season from November to April has fewer crowds and greener hillsides but there’s a higher chance of trail closures due to wet conditions.

• How high is Machu Picchu?

  The ruins are about 7,970 feet above sea level which is lower than Cusco but still high enough for some visitors to feel the effects of altitude. You might notice headaches or shortness of breath especially if you haven’t acclimated yet. From the site you can hike higher. Huayna Picchu climbs to 8,924 feet while Machu Picchu Mountain reaches 10,111 feet. Both hikes take effort and reward you with wide views over the valley.

• Can a beginner visit Machu Picchu?

  Yes. Most people in decent health can visit Machu Picchu even without hiking experience. The bus from Aguas Calientes takes you straight to the entrance and walking the ruins doesn’t require intense effort. If you’d rather hike up from town it’s steep but doable if you take breaks along the way. Hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are tougher but manageable with some preparation. If you’re doing a multi-day trek like the Inca Trail you’ll need to train and take time to adjust to the altitude first.