One of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, Machu Picchu, lies 2,400 meters high in the Andes, surrounded by forested mountain peaks. The legendary City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, is nestled deep in the remote mountains of Peru. Its grandeur and mysticism captivate visitors, radiating an almost magical aura. Travelers from around the world fall in love with it, especially when Huayna Picchu rises through the mist and the ancient stone city slowly reveals itself.
The purpose of this masterfully built stone citadel in the Andes remains a mystery. The journey to the Inca city is an adventure in itself. You can take a scenic train ride through the mountains or embark on a challenging four-day trek along ancient Inca trails. No matter how you arrive, Machu Picchu is the ultimate highlight of any trip to Peru, offering an unforgettable cultural and historical experience.
Every year, travelers from around the world visit the remote Urubamba Valley in southeastern Peru to explore this unique Inca relic. Yet the constant flow of visitors poses an increasing challenge to preserving this centuries-old wonder. If you plan to visit, it’s essential to understand the site's fragility and respect the rules designed to protect it.
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.
