Machu Picchu

Nature
The wow factor for nature - does it show nature at its best? Doesn't need to be the wildebeest migration or diving with hundreds of hammerheads. Rather make you pause as you realise just how awesome the natural world can be
9
Culture
How much does this experience showcase some of the better and finer things that us humans can offer? Sure, it can be ancient ruins and renaissance churches, but it can also be festivals or soaking up some of the great modern cities of the world
10
Fun factor/activity
Very simple - was it fun? This is usually linked in with doing some kind of activity - i mean, walking along some cliffs is nice, but paragliding from them, now that is fun. Its a vastly underrated factor in a truly great experience
4
Avoid the crowds
Big tour groups and being surrounded by loud fellow tourists can sap the life out of even the greatest of travel experiences. This score is to reflect just how much you can avoid this. But. . . The score also takes into account if the crowds actually add to the experience, such as with a party town or a bustling local market
1
World famous
How world famous is the experience?
10
unique
How hard is it to have a similar experience in other places round the world?
10
Overall TE Score
The overall travel experiences score:  fun factor + avoid the crowds + (best of nature or culture) + (best of world famous or unique). Then convert into a score out of 100
62 *What the scores mean and where do they come from
RANKING
How this travel experience ranks compared to all the other experiences on this site, based on the travel experience (te) score
260th/454
Top 60%
continent
South America
country
Peru
Length of time
1 day or less
Typical daily price
This gives you a rough idea of the daily price based on 2 people travelling where they can split costs like accommodation. It excludes travel there and back, and factors in inflation the numbers in brackets show the price range for the full time of the experience (so not necessarily daily). It is a range to reflect different budget vs higher end
$90 (typically $80 - $110)
Time of year visited
May
Primary Tags
Click on any of the tags to see all travel experiences with the same tag
Mountains Rice terraces / terraces Wonder of the World
All Tags
Altitude Ancient ruins Cliffs Hilltop towns Inca sites Temple complex UNESCO world heritage site
Wow Factor
The wow factor reflects just how much you’re likely to say “wow”. As there’s a lot of experiences in the world, and a lot of wows, i’ve gone with a simple ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ to ⭐️ score, and a separate category for the truly "gash"
⭐⭐⭐

Summary

Mysterious.  Awe-inspiring.  Majestic.  There are near endless superlatives for Machu Picchu, and rightly so.  The combination of its location in amongst some of the most beautiful mountains anywhere in the world, its cultural significance in the Inca civilisation and its sheer fame as a Wonder of the World, make Machu Picchu stunning for any first time visitor.  And, quite frankly, a must visit site for this part of the world.

 

But, I think it needs to be experienced in the right way to get the most out of it, and in particular to avoid it feeling a bit like many other famous world sites – overcrowded, a tick-box exercise and a bit energy-sapping.  Its for these reasons that I give it “only” a Wow ⭐️ rather than a higher Wow score.

 

I’ve listed below the three main tips to help you get the most out of the experience, along with some more general tips on the area.

 

Machu Picchu - views across the green grass fields of the famous site in the foreground with the stunning mountains in the background

 

Table of Contents

Highlights

Machu Picchu - the classic view

#1 Seeing THAT world famous view

Machu Picchu #2 Wandering around the gorgeously well preserved grounds and, of course, the customary llama

#2 Wandering around the gorgeously well preserved grounds and, of course, the customary llama

Machu Picchu - #3 The view from the Sun Gate early in the morning - ideally on the final day of the 4 day / 3 night Inca Trail, but also just by heading up there on a simple day trip to Machu Picchu

#3 The view from the Sun Gate early in the morning - ideally on the final day of the 4 day / 3 night Inca Trail, but also just by heading up there on a simple day trip to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu - #4 The stunning surrounding mountains - some of the most impressive mountains I've seen anywhere in the world

#4 The stunning surrounding mountains - some of the most impressive mountains I've seen anywhere in the world

Machu Picchu - #5 Seeing the various terraced housing that shows how the normal Inca lived here

#5 Seeing the various terraced housing that shows how the normal Inca lived here

Machu Picchu - #6 The insanely accurate Inca engineering using interconnecting stone

#6 The insanely accurate Inca engineering using interconnecting stone

3 Travel Tips to get the most of Machu Picchu

 

#1 tip – Get the Inca Context

 

Read up a bit on Machu Picchu’s history and the broader Inca context before your visit.  For sure a visit to the site will be impressive even without the history – the fame and setting wow you on their own.  But having the background makes you appreciate the significance and brings the site to life.

 

I’d recommend Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams – an easy read as the author re-creates the rediscovery of Machu Picchu and gives enough detail that any first time visitor would need.  For the broader context on the Incas and the other pre-Columbus American civilisations, I’d highly recommend 1491 by Charles Mann which will, I think, open your eyes to just how sophisticated these civilisations were before the arrival of the Europeans.

 

#2 tip – Visit the other Inca sites first

 

Make sure you check out the sights in and around Cusco (more details in the entry for Walking around some of the Inca sites near Cusco), the Sacred Valley (Driving through the Sacred Valley) and, ideally if you have a moderate level of fitness and the time, walk the Hiking the 4 day / 3 night Inca Trail before you visit Machu Picchu – I’d recommend the company Inca Trail Reservations.  Each on their own are world-class experiences and finishing with the jewel in the crown of Machu Picchu is a great way to round off a 7-10 day trip.

 

The mountains on the Inca Trail are, along with those around Interlaken in Switzerland, the most beautiful I've seen in the world 

The mountains on the Inca Trail are, along with those around Interlaken in Switzerland, the most beautiful I’ve seen in the world 

 

Marvelling at the Inca perfection at the likes of Pisac in the Sacred Valley

Marvelling at the Inca perfection at the likes of Pisac in the Sacred Valley

 

You'll fly into Cusco, but try to stay there for a day or two as there are plenty of beautiful Inca Ruins within 10mins walk of the city - aim for Saqsaywaman (yeah, pronounced a bit like "Sexy Woman")

You’ll fly into Cusco, but try to stay there for a day or two as there are plenty of beautiful Inca Ruins within 10mins walk of the city – aim for Saqsaywaman (yeah, pronounced a bit like “Sexy Woman”)

 

#3 tip – Head to the Sun Gate

 

The number of people allowed to enter per day is 5,940 which, because its a relatively small site, can feel quite crowded at times.  You’re naturally going to visit the busy spots like the main photos platform, but I’d suggest heading up towards the Sun Gate.  The hour or so walk puts off many people in the heat, yet has a series of places you can sit down and soak up Machu Picchu and its surroundings without the intensity of the crowds. Also, and have your entrance permit arranged in advance to avoid queuing for tickets.

Extra Tips

 

Great views – there are two extra areas you can walk to for great views – Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu mountain itself.  We didn’t hike these as we’d already seen some amazing views through the Inca Trail / Sun Gate, but they look well worth it if you are only visiting Machu Picchu for the day – will need to book the tickets in advance though as they are limited per day.

 

One day is enough – you only need one day unless you are a massive Inca boffin.

 

Weather – seems to either be glorious sunshine or pounding rain, so pack accordingly.

 

Time of year – we visited in early May which is the start of high season.  Fantastic weather, but of course busy.  Have heard of some people visiting during rainy season, which greatly reduces the crowds.

 

Take the bus – if coming from Aguas Calientes, get the bus up unless you are keen on a super steep hike up which will sap the energy you’ll need for the site.

 

You’ll be fine with the altitude – Machu Picchu is a good 1,000m (3,300 feet) lower than Cusco, which is most likely where you will have come from.

 

Passport – make sure you bring your passport as you’ll need it at the entrance – plus they stamp your passport which is kinda fun.

 

General Peru travel Tips

 

Altitude – Cusco is 3,300m / 11,150 feet which is high enough to give you altitude sickness (generally feeling a bit like a bad hangover, which isn’t fun).  You can do various things to help, such as take pills (we took Acetazolamide and felt like it helped), drink coca tea, take pain killers to help with the headache etc, but the best way is simply to give your body time to get used to the altitude.

History of the Inca – this part of Peru is all about the Inca as the real master builder civilisation so it adds a lot to the trip to know a bit about them.   I’d recommend Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams – an easy read as the author re-creates the rediscovery of Machu Picchu and gives enough detail that any first time visitor would need.  For the broader context on the Incas and the other pre-Columbus American civilisations, I’d highly recommend 1491 by Charles Mann which will, I think, open your eyes to just how sophisticated these civilisations were before the arrival, in particular, of Eurasian diseases.

Dogs! – when walking around on your own, just keep an eye out for local dogs.  We had a few run at us from a local farm just outside Cusco, which can be a little unnerving if not used to dogs.  Just remember not to panic, face them and back away slowly.  If they get super close and you feel like you need to defend yourself, give them a kick or see if you can pick up something nearby like a stick or rocks to scare them off.  I know, not fun – but unlikely they’ll be vicious and better to be prepared.

For tips on other great experiences in Peru and for an itinerary for a trip there, see 2/3 weeks for the highlights of Peru.

What to prioritise in Peru

Peru is an amazing country to travel around, but can be a little overwhelming as to what to prioritise. As a first time traveller, I would be thinking about the 3 main clusters of Lima, Cusco and Arequipa (in blue):

 

 

And I would prioritise the key activities this way:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hiking the 4 day / 3 night Inca Trail
43km hike that snakes its way majestically through a combination of dramatic Andes mountains and peaceful Peruvian countryside.  You’ll see perfectly maintained Inca ruins, thick misty cloud forest and end at the Sun Gate, the mountain entrance to the world famous ruins of Machu Picchu.  It is one of those rare travel experiences that really lives up to the hype and should be the focal point of your Peru trip. Hiking the 4 day / 3 night Inca Trail.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Lima
The food is world-class and the coastal neighbourhoods beautiful.  You’ll be passing through Lima on any Peru trip, so make sure to give yourself 2 days.  Lima – a weekend of world class restaurants, super cool neighbourhoods and rapid paragliding.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hiking the Colca Canyon 
A great 3/4 day trip from Arequipa.  Stunning scenery as the canyon is the second deepest in the world (twice the depth of the Grand Canyon) with majestic condors flying overhead, plenty of traces of the old Inca construction and a fraction of the tourists of the Inca Trail. Hiking and zip-lining in the Colca Canyon

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Driving through the Sacred Valley 
Gorgeous Inca sites such as Pisac, Moray and Ollantaytambo, stunning surrounding scenery and picturesque Peruvian villages.  Driving this is a beautiful thing to do before hitting Machu Pichu and the Inca Trail, but hire a driver rather than doing a tour. Driving through the Sacred Valley.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Machu Pichu 
A Wonder of the World and it lives up to the hype.  Wow views, constant gawping and easy to get to from Cusco. Its downside is the crowds, which are intense.  This is why the approach from the Inca Trail makes sense as you have the higher points largely to yourself and your fellow hikers.

 

⭐️⭐️ Arequipa 
Super pretty UNESCO World Heritage listed old town with beautifully maintained streets and white stone Baroque buildings.  Entry point for the Colca Canyon and surrounded by three majestic, dramatic, perfectly coned volcanoes.  Arequipa old town.

⭐️⭐️ Cusco 
Great sites abound as you walk around the Plaza de Armas, the grand Christian Churches and generally walking through the narrow cobbled streets.  Plus some of the smaller sites just to the north, which come as a really pleasant surprise for more Inca ruins.  You’ll pass through here on the way to Machu Pichu, the Inca Trail and the Sacred Valley, and its worth a day or so. A walk around some of the key Inca sites near Cusco.

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Score Detail

The scores above are the real point of this site.

Over 20+ years and 100+ countries, I’ve tried to rank the world’s best travel experiences — from genuinely mind-blowing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to the properly gash.

Every one of the 500+ places on this site has both a Wow Factor rating and a more analytical Travel Experience (TE) score based on the things that actually make travel memorable.

If you're curious about the thinking behind it, head to the About page.

Otherwise, explore the map above or on the Home page and see which places truly deliver maximum wow.

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