On a 2,400-meter-high Andean saddle between forested mountain peaks lies one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions: Machu Picchu, the city of the Incas. It impresses with its size and mysticism, nestled in the remote mountains of Peru and surrounded by an almost magical aura. When the Huayna Picchu mountain is immersed in deep fog and the first glimpse of the stone city of the Incas opens up, visitors from all over the world fall in love with Machu Picchu.
The exact purpose of this artfully built stone city in the Andes remains unknown. The journey to the Inca city is an event in itself: you can take the tourist train for a fast ride through the mountains or embark on a four-day trek along the ancient Inca paths. Regardless of how you arrive, Machu Picchu is an absolute highlight of every trip through Peru and remains unforgettable as a cultural and historical site.
Travelers from all over the world are drawn to the remote Urubamba Valley in southeastern Peru; they all want to explore this unique relic of the proud Andean people. However, the constant flow of tourists is increasingly becoming a problem for the centuries-old Inca city. If you want to experience Machu Picchu, you should be aware of the sensitivity of the place and follow the rules.
Where is Machu Picchu?
The famous Machu Picchu citadel is located on the high Andean mountain of the same name in the province of Cusco, in the southeast of Peru.
Where is Machu Picchu located in the world?
Machu Picchu is located in South America, precisely in Peru. Peru is a country with numerous tourist attractions, with the most significant being the Inca citadel. Peru is divided into 24 cities or regions, and these regions are further divided into provinces, with districts located within them.
Cusco is one of the regions of Peru and, during the Inca era, served as the capital of the Incas. In Cusco, you can marvel at the impressive Inca constructions.
Cusco has 13 provinces, and among them is Urubamba. Within this province, you’ll find the Machupicchu district. It is in this district that Machu Picchu is located.
Where to fly for Machu Picchu?
If you plan to visit Machu Picchu, it’s crucial to take a flight to Peru. The Jorge Chavez International Airport is located in the capital of Peru, Lima. From Lima, you will need to take a local flight to Cusco, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
There are only three airlines authorized for flights in inside Peru: Latam, Sky Airlines, and JetSmart.
Where to stay when visiting Machu Picchu?
Upon arrival in Cusco, you can choose to stay in the city. However, it’s important to acclimate to the altitude, which is 3350 meters. Alternatively, you can take a train to the village of Aguas Calientes, which is at a lower altitude, and spend a night there. The next day, you can visit Machu Picchu or do so on the same day.
How do I get to Machu Picchu?
The city of Cusco is considered the starting point for excursions to Machu Picchu. It has an international airport and various bus connections. From here, you have various options for reaching the town of Aguas Calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu, including multi-day hikes and a combination of bus and train.
