Machu Picchu: reviews, price and practical tips

+20
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4.8/5 11 reviews
Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, 08680 Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru
Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes, 08680 Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru
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Machu Picchu
Vue des 3 fenêtres
El arbol del Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu

It is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu is the kind of site that dominates your itinerary, a place every traveler hopes to see in person. Perched at an altitude of 7,972 feet in the mountains, these ruins are the defining icon of Peru. Roughly 800,000 visitors make the trek here every year to experience the scale of this site, which is steeped in history and mystery.

The history of a forgotten city

Machu Picchu stands out for its unique past. The city was built in the 15th century by a prominent emperor of the Inca civilization named Pachacútec. It was a site of impressive scale that included numerous temples, an academy, and the private residence of the emperor. Terraced farms once covered the mountainsides immediately surrounding the city. By the end of the 15th century, the Incas of Vilcabamba were pushed to their final defensive positions within Machu Picchu. The Spanish invader Pizarro decimated the population, showing no regard for the majesty of the city. He was interested only in gold, and Machu Picchu was deemed too difficult to access for permanent settlement. The city fell into obscurity for three centuries until it was brought back to global attention by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Practical guide to visiting Machu Picchu

The classic route to reach Machu Picchu is the famous Inca Trail. This trek takes two to four days and requires a hired guide. Agencies typically charge between 750 and 1,500 PEN (about $200 to $400) for the hike, and there are strict regulations in place to limit the number of tourists on the path. Fortunately, there are many other ways to reach Machu Picchu on foot. Various agencies offer treks along the Coquequirao, Huchuy Qosqo, or Lares trails. Some of these paths can even be navigated by mountain bike for those looking for a more intense physical challenge.

If you prefer to skip the long hike, there are other ways to visit Machu Picchu. From Cusco, you can take a bus to the train station in Ollantaytambo. From there, you board a mountain train bound for Machu Picchu Pueblo. This town is located at the foot of the mountain and serves as the final transit point before reaching the ruins. You can also contact a local Peruvian agency to arrange a custom itinerary.

To enter the site of Machu Picchu, you must pay an entry fee of at least 260 PEN (about $70). Many travelers choose to book through an agency that handles the logistics of the trip. Book your ticket well in advance, as the Peruvian government limits entry to 2,500 people at any given time.

When to go

Machu Picchu is accessible year-round, but the peak season for tourists and tour operators runs from May through September. During these months, the risk of rain is low, providing more reliable conditions for hikers and photographers.

From $55*Booking recommended
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Opening hours

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM. You must select a specific time slot when you purchase your ticket.
Hours are indicative and subject to change

*Information subject to change

Reviews of Machu Picchu

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Summary of 11 reviews
4.8/5
Average rating
+20
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
4.5
As a couple
4.9
With friends
4.9

Avygeo ranking

#169
in the world
#8
in Americas
#1
in Peru
#1
in Machu Picchu Pueblo

A must-do once in your life!

I was lucky enough to visit Machu Picchu twice during my trip to Peru. Three years later, I still do not have the words to describe this experience, both mystical and magical! You have to see it to believe it, and most importantly, visit it with a guide to understand its history. I recommend getting there via the Salkantay Trek (62 kilometers) for more authenticity (and the pride of not having taken the train to get there!).

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Incredible

I see a lot of people saying it is very touristy and it is, but honestly, that does not take anything away from its beauty. I arrived after five days of walking on the Salkantay Trek, and that adventure made every step toward the site even more powerful. When I saw it in the early morning, surrounded by mist and mountains, I had tears in my eyes. It is a place filled with history, mystical. Despite the crowd, I felt something very special. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite memories from my world trip.

5
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The most beautiful wonder of the world

There will always be people who complain and say it is too touristy, too organized, spoiled, etc. The reality is that you have to enjoy Machu Picchu while it is still possible to do so. Aside from the Great Wall of China, I have seen all the wonders of the world and it is my favorite. It is not only a feat of humanity but also of nature, because the Inca site is nestled behind mountains covered in vegetation.
It is true that in 15 years, the visit has become very regimented and requires preparation. In 2009, I was able to hike up to Wayna Picchu spontaneously, which is no longer the case now.

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Breathtaking

Remarkable site because of its dizzying location on high peaks, with monumental structures perched on rocky points in ways that defy explanation.

A must-see at least once in your life!

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An unforgettable moment

I was afraid of being disappointed by Machu Picchu, since I've seen it 10,000 times in photos and so on, but it was a marvel.

You are welcomed by llamas (that keep the site's lawns trimmed), then Machu Picchu gradually reveals itself before your eyes. You really get the feeling of being in a mythical and unforgettable place. You have to do this at least once in your life to truly grasp the grandeur of this site.

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Impressive

Breathtaking, dizzying views. You really have to wonder how the Incas managed to build all these structures in such a place.

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Incredible view

Perched high in the mountains, the sight of this archaeological site is truly spectacular. On the other hand, I was disappointed by the way visitors are treated like herds, pushed along at a pace that feels almost forced.

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The best time to visit Machu Picchu

To be able to enjoy this magnificent place while avoiding the tourist crowds, I really recommend choosing the first time slot of the day for your ticket. In fact, this way it is possible to be among the first to arrive and watch the sunrise over the site. Early in the morning, the mist gradually lifts, slowly revealing the ruins, which gives a magical character to this place. You do have to book early to get tickets for this time, since those are the first to sell out. You also have to be ready to get up early, as the first entry to Machu Picchu is at 6 in the morning.

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Spectacular but expensive and restrictive

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city built at a high altitude. The views are spectacular and will leave a lasting impression on you, unless you are truly insensitive.
But before you go, you need to know a few things to really enjoy it.

The trip from Cusco (train + bus) is expensive. The entrance ticket to the ruins is as well. Count on more than €100 (about $108) per person in total. You can save the cost of the bus by hiking up the mountain on foot. It is a 1.5 hour intense climb, but you will be rewarded with some pretty views, and you get to climb at your own pace.

Actually, on the Machu Picchu site itself, you do not get to go at your own pace, nor follow an itinerary of your choice. When you buy your ticket, you choose a time slot, and your time on site is limited! Most importantly, the path is mandatory, so no going back is possible :(

Other things to know: on site, there are no restrooms, no food, and no information about what you are looking at. In the end, even if it adds to the cost, hire a guide!

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Wow

Not sure it's necessary to describe Machu Picchu again, as it is exceptional in its grandeur and preservation. It is an unmissable stop for anyone visiting Peru, even if the site is inevitably a victim of its own success and the number of tourists is excessive... It is better to go in the afternoon, once all the tour groups have left!

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Welcome to the land of the Incas

Machu Picchu... a religious sanctuary and residence for at least one of the Inca emperors, it was reportedly built in the 15th century.

The site offers several options, whether you just want to see the city itself, see the city and climb Huayna Picchu (a mountain with a series of stairs that give you a view of the site from above), or finally, see the city and climb Machu Picchu mountain (another mountain, higher and known to be more difficult to access, which provides a 360-degree view). We opted for this last option, which is more difficult but less crowded.

Personally, I cannot take away how impressive the site is, but for me, the influx of tourists and the commercial side take away a bit from the site, which is otherwise magical and full of mysteries.

0
30/03/2016

Je suis d'accord avec ton dernier point. Néanmoins, c'est un aspect qui concerne tous les lieux les plus emblématiques à travers le monde : comment faire partie des incontournables, du patrimoine, tout en évitant les foules ?

30/03/2016

Je suis d'accord avec ton dernier point. Néanmoins, c'est un aspect qui concerne tous les lieux les plus emblématiques à travers le monde : comment faire partie des incontournables, du patrimoine, tout en évitant les foules ?

31/03/2016

C'est l'éternelle problématique du tourisme... :)

31/03/2016

C'est l'éternelle problématique du tourisme... :)

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