Where is Machu Picchu Located?

Machu Picchu is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Peru. You can find it between Machu Picchu Mountain and Huayna Picchu Mountain. It sits high in the Andes at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level.

Country: Peru, South America

Machu Picchu is in Peru. This country is on the west coast of South America. It borders Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. Peru has many famous landmarks. The most famous one is Machu Picchu.

• Continent: South America
• Country: Peru

Region: Cusco, Peru

Within Peru, Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco region. It sits in the Sacred Valley. The closest big city is Cusco. From there, travelers go to Aguas Calientes (Located in in Urubamba Province), the gateway to Machu Picchu.

• Region: Cusco
• Distance from Cusco City: 80 km (50 miles) northwest

Distric: Machu Picchu, Urubamba

Machu Picchu is in Urubamba Province. It is near the small town of Aguas Calientes, also known as "Machu Picchu Town." This is the last town before the final climb to the archaeological site.

• Province: Urubamba
• Distric: Machu Picchu
• Nearest Town: Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Town)

Unlike other Inca sites, Machu Picchu stayed hidden for centuries. Its remote location kept it safe from Spanish invaders during the conquest. No one in the outside world knew it was there until 1911, when an American explorer named Hiram Bingham rediscovered it.

Later, UNESCO declared it a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1983. Then, in 2007, Machu Picchu became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

If you ever visit Peru, this is a place you won’t want to miss.
 

How Do You Get to Machu Picchu?

Getting to Machu Picchu is an exciting adventure. You have several options to choose from, depending on your time, budget, and energy. The journey usually starts in Cusco, the closest major city. You can fly there from Lima, the capital of Peru.

Once you arrive in Cusco, you can choose the best way to reach Machu Picchu. Here are your main options:

1. Trekking to Machu Picchu

If you love hiking and adventure, trekking is the best option for you. You’ll follow paths through mountains, forests, and ancient ruins. Here are the most popular routes:

Inca Trail

This is the most famous route. It’s the same path the ancient Incas used to reach Machu Picchu. The hike lasts 4 days. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful nature and ancient Inca ruins. If you love walking and history, this option is perfect for you.

Salkantay Trek

If you want to see snow-capped mountains and tropical forests, the Salkantay Trek is a great choice. It’s a more challenging hike that takes around 5 days. You’ll hike past the snowy Salkantay Mountain, which stands 6,271 meters above sea level. You’ll walk through rough trails, but the incredible views are worth it.

Lares Trek

This route is perfect if you want to experience local culture. As you walk, you’ll meet Quechua-speaking communities and see their traditional lifestyle. This trek takes you through small villages and beautiful landscapes. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local people and nature.

2. Train to Machu Picchu

If hiking isn’t for you, take the train. It’s faster, more comfortable, and still offers great views of the mountains and valleys. Trains leave from Cusco and take you directly to the town of Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu.

You have two options for the train:

• Economy Train: This option is simple and affordable. You’ll still see amazing views from the train window.
• Luxury Train: This train offers extra comfort, large windows, gourmet meals, and a more stylish experience. If you want a more elegant trip, this is for you.

Taking the train is ideal if you have little time or prefer not to hike. It’s fast, easy, and relaxing.

3. Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you still need to reach the entrance of Machu Picchu. You have two choices:

• Take a Bus: The bus ride takes about 30 minutes. It follows a steep, winding road up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
• Walk: If you prefer to walk, you’ll need about 1 to 2 hours. The trail is steep, so it requires effort. But if you like walking, it’s a nice way to experience the journey.

Most people choose the bus, especially after hiking or traveling by train. It’s fast and saves you energy for exploring Machu Picchu.
 

What is the Weather Like at Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu has a subtropical mountain climate with two main seasons: dry season and rainy season. Its location in the Andes and its altitude create different weather conditions throughout the year. If you plan to visit, it’s important to understand what weather to expect.

Dry Season: Best Time to Visit (May to September)

The dry season runs from May to September. This is the best time to visit Machu Picchu because there is very little rain or none at all. You can walk the trails safely without worrying about slippery paths.

Daytime temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) to 22°C (72°F). This makes hiking and exploring the site more comfortable. However, nighttime temperatures can drop to 4°C (43°F), so it’s important to bring warm clothes.

Since the weather is better, this is also the busiest season for tourists. You’ll see more visitors during this period, but you’ll enjoy clear skies and beautiful views.

Rainy Season: Wetter but Greener (October to April)

The rainy season runs from October to April, with January and February being the rainiest months. Expect a mix of sunny days and rainy ones, but be ready for sudden downpours.

Humidity is high during this season, and the trails can become slippery and foggy, making hiking more difficult. However, the upside is that the landscape turns a bright, lush green, and there are fewer tourists around.

Daytime temperatures are similar to the dry season, ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 22°C (72°F), but the humidity is higher, making it feel warmer.

Altitude and Its Effect on the Weather

Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, which is lower than Cusco’s 3,399 meters (11,152 feet). The altitude still affects the climate, but it’s not as extreme as in Cusco.

However, altitude can cause altitude sickness for people not used to high places. If you’re coming from a city near sea level, it’s a good idea to spend a few days in Cusco to acclimate before visiting Machu Picchu. This helps prevent dizziness, headaches, or shortness of breath.

Why is Machu Picchu Called the Lost City of the Incas?

You may have heard people call Machu Picchu the "Lost City of the Incas." But why is it called that? Was it really lost? The answer is both yes and no.

Why Was It "Lost" to the Spanish?

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Cusco in the 16th century, they wanted to control the Inca Empire. But Manco Inca II, an Inca leader, escaped and fled to Vilcabamba. Before leaving, he destroyed the roads and bridges that led to Machu Picchu. This made it impossible for the Spanish to find it.

While the Spanish destroyed many Inca cities and temples, they never found Machu Picchu. This is one reason why people call it a "lost city."

Was It Really "Lost" to Everyone?

No, it wasn’t lost to everyone. Local indigenous people knew it was there. They lived nearby and understood its location. But many of them were forced to keep it a secret.

It wasn’t until 1911 that an American explorer named Hiram Bingham "rediscovered" Machu Picchu. But Bingham didn’t find it alone. He had help from local Quechua-speaking villagers, who guided him through the thick jungle.

Was It Really "Lost" When Bingham Found It?

Some people believe Machu Picchu wasn’t truly lost, even when Bingham "found" it. According to a theory from 1956, there were already three farming families living there when Bingham arrived.
Although Bingham made it famous, locals already knew it existed. Bingham had the money and resources to tell the world about it.
 

How Was Machu Picchu Built?

Have you ever wondered how the Incas built Machu Picchu without machines or modern tools? The answer is simple but impressive. They used their architectural skills, deep knowledge of nature, and hard work. They didn’t have cranes, bulldozers, or metal tools. But they found smart ways to build one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Here’s how they did it step by step.

1. Where Did the Stones Come From?

You might think the Incas brought huge stones from far away, but that’s not true. They used granite rocks found right at the site. Since they didn’t have to transport the stones, they saved a lot of effort and time.

Instead of focusing on moving materials, they focused on shaping and fitting the stones perfectly. This is why you see walls at Machu Picchu where every stone fits tightly with the next, like pieces of a puzzle.

2. Who Built Machu Picchu?

Building Machu Picchu required a lot of workers. Experts believe most workers were locals, but people from other cultures conquered may have also helped. They all worked together under the command of Inca Emperor Pachacuti, who ordered the construction in the 15th century.

The Incas didn’t pay workers with money. Instead, they used a system called "mita", where people worked for the state for a certain amount of time as a form of tax.

If you’ve seen pictures of Machu Picchu, you probably noticed how perfectly the stones fit together. The Incas used a method called “ashlar”. They didn’t use cement or glue. Instead, they cut each stone with extreme precision.

They chipped away at the stones using simple tools made of hard rocks and copper tools. Each stone fit so well that not even a blade of grass can fit between them. This technique made Machu Picchu’s walls strong, even during earthquakes. The stones pressed tightly against each other, so when the earth shook, the structure didn’t collapse.

Building on a steep mountain is not easy. But the Incas had a smart solution: agricultural terraces. If you look at the mountain, you’ll see it looks like stairs or large steps. Each step is a terrace.

These terraces had two main jobs:

• Grow Crops: The Incas used them to plant food like corn and potatoes.
• Prevent Landslides: The terraces held the soil in place, so it wouldn’t slide down during rain.

By creating these terraces, the Incas controlled the land and made it stable. This is one of the reasons why Machu Picchu has survived for so many years.

3. How Did They Control Water?

The Andes get a lot of rain, especially during the wet season. If the Incas didn’t prepare for it, Machu Picchu would have been flooded. But they had a smart plan.

They created a system of water channels to control and drain rainwater. These channels guided water away from the main buildings and toward the terraces. This system kept Machu Picchu from flooding. It also helped water the crops growing on the terraces.

This water system still works today, which shows how smart the Incas were when it came to engineering.

Flora and Fauna of Machu Picchu

When you visit Machu Picchu, you’ll notice that its plants and animals are part of something special. The Incas knew this too, which is why they worked to protect the environment. Even today, the area is full of life, with many unique species of plants and animals.

If you look around, you’ll see the forests that surround Machu Picchu. These forests are home to many types of animals and plants. The Andes Mountains create a rich environment where everything works together to stay in balance.

Plants Can You See in Machu Picchu

When you walk around Machu Picchu, you’ll see many different types of trees, flowers, and ferns. One of the most famous plants here is the orchid. Did you know there are more than 300 species of orchids in this area? The Incas saw orchids as magical flowers, and some even believed they came from another world.

Besides looking beautiful, many of the plants had an important purpose. The Incas used them as natural medicine. They knew which plants could heal wounds, cure sicknesses, and give them strength.

If you love plants, you’ll enjoy walking around Machu Picchu. You’ll see colorful flowers, large green leaves, and lush forests that make you feel like you’re in a magical world.

Animals in Machu Picchu

If you’re hoping to see animals, Machu Picchu will not disappoint you. There are many birds, mammals, and insects to spot if you’re patient and keep your eyes open.

Here are some of the animals you might see: The Cock-of-the-Rock, it’s the national bird of Peru, Hummingbirds You might see these small, fast birds flying around flowers, drinking nectar. Mammals also live around the ruins. One of the most famous is the spectacled bear, the only bear species in South America. It’s shy, so spotting one is rare. However, there’s one mammal you’ll almost certainly see the vizcacha, It looks like a rabbit but hops around the ruins like a squirrel. You can also see llamas in Machu Picchu.

There are also many insects at Machu Picchu. You’ll see colorful butterflies flying near the flowers and beetles crawling on the ground. These small creatures may seem unimportant, but they are essential for the health of the forest.