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Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

9.8
4.6/5
179 reviews
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu means "old mountain" in Quechua and is often called the "lost city of the Incas." This mountain citadel, built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century, sits on a steep ridge in the Andes at an elevation of approx. 2,400 m, overlooking the rushing Urubamba River valley. Hidden among mountains and clouds, it eluded Spanish colonizers and was abandoned with the empire's fall until its rediscovery in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, led by a local guide. The city is constructed with precisely fitted dry-stone walls that have withstood centuries of weather and earthquakes. Visitors can explore two main areas: the agricultural terraces and the urban sector. The Temple of the Sun's windows align with the summer solstice sunrise, reflecting Inca sun worship; the Temple of the Three Windows, with its massive stonework, and the central plaza formed the religious core. The Intihuatana, a finely carved monolithic stone, is believed to have served astronomical purposes, giving rise to its name meaning "hitching post of the sun." The viewpoint near the Guardian's Hut frames the ruins with the towering Huayna Picchu peak—a classic photo spot—while alpacas often wander into shots on the terraced lawns. Morning mists clearing at sunrise, with sunlight bathing the stone walls, create a magical scene, so early arrival is recommended. Due to the high altitude and strong UV rays, sun protection and warm layers are essential. For the adventurous, hiking the Inca Trail for days and glimpsing the citadel from the Sun Gate remains an unforgettable arrival for many trekkers.Urubamba · 74.8km from Cusco

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Featured Culture & history in Cusco

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Sacred Valley VIP – A Journey Through Ancient Wonders
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Duration: 24 hrs
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Cusco Highlights Audio Tour: Inca & Sacred Cusco
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Cusco half-day city tour: Qoricancha & four Inca archaeological sites
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Duration: 5 hrs
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Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class and Market Tour in Cusco
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4.9/5
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Duration: 4 hrs
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The Textile Workshop Experience in Cusco Region
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5.0/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Cusco self-guided audio walking tour (8 stops, approx. 2 hrs)
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Cusco Horseback Riding: Inca Temples & Scenic Viewpoints
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High-End Peruvian Cooking Class, Pisco Sour & San Pedro Market
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4.9/5
· 113 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco
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5.0/5
· 146 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco
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5.0/5
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From Cusco: Hike to Mount Pallay Punchu with Breakfast & Lunch
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Duration: 12 hrs
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From Cusco: Humantay Lake Tour + Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
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Cusco: Walking Food Tour & City Tour
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Duration: 4 hrs
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Inca Streets & Eats by night
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Duration: 2 hrs
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Featured Outdoor & sports in Cusco

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Death Road Peru, Mountain Bike Tour on the Most Dangerous Road
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Duration: 2,250 mins
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River Rafting – Urubamba Adventure
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Urubamba River rafting tour from Cusco with lunch & round-trip transport
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1-day tour to Vinicunca rainbow mountain in Cusco, Peru [hiking·Danxia landform·natural masterpiece]
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1-day tour to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain from Cusco
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Duration: 10 hrs
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INTI PUNKU HIKE FULL DAY – INCA QUARRIES 1 DAY
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Duration: 12 hrs
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1-day tour of the classic hiking route from Cusco to Puno in Peru
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Duration: 6.8 hrs
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Featured Spa & wellness in Cusco

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Excursion to Ausangate 7 lakes from Cusco.
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Duration: 15 hrs
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From Cusco: 7 Lagoons Tour
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From Cusco: 7 lakes with hot springs in Ausangate and meals
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Cusco: 7 Lagoons Full-Day Excursion
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What travellers say about Cusco

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shanghaiboyu27 August 2025
5.0
Machu Picchu boasts 140 structures, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences, as well as over 100 stairways, numerous fountains, and a comprehensive water system. Abandoned during the Spanish invasion and the fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was discovered by Yale University professor Hiram Bingham in 1911. The ruins consist of two main areas: an urban area and an agricultural area, separated by a stone wall. Beyond the wall lie terraced agricultural areas, divided into high and low terraces depending on the terrain. The urban area is divided into three zones: the sacred area, the area for priests and nobles, and the southern area for commoners.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

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泰宁根吴承恩1 May 2020
5.0
The Temple of the Sun is the most important temple in Machu Picchu. It is very grand and its majesty can still be felt today. When you are inside, you can imagine how grand the sacrifices here were in the past.

Qorikancha

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东张西望望东西10 April 2020
5.0
Sacsayhuaman is as important as Machu Picchu, but it is slightly less famous than Machu Picchu. The scale here is very grand, and its stone formation-like posture is very impressive.

Saqsaywaman

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小小呆6013 October 2020
3.0
This cathedral does not look very grand from the outside, but it is quite solemn, making people feel that it is a religious building with a lot of history. Its interior is also very ornamental.

Cusco Cathedral

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_TS***1s3 March 2020
5.0
piękne miejsce.... jedno z niewielu miast w Peru, które mi sie spodobało. Plaza jest w centrum miasta, napić sie wspaniałej kawy albo zjeść coś w pięknych plenerach.

Plaza de Armas

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hiluoling14 October 2020
3.0
I found that you can see some very simple but very shocking buildings here. These buildings are made of huge stones piled up tightly together, which is quite good considering the technology at that time.

Twelve Angled Stone

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Lavender and Sun27 December 2020
5.0
The park was originally a storage site for a textile raw material company, with textile equipment pits, fire pools, stone slabs, lightning rods and other industrial elements. The park takes "intelligence" as its theme, making full use of industrial relics, respecting the original historical features, highlighting the characteristics of the creative industry, and combining plant landscaping space to form a new cultural highlight in the park's green space.

Plaza San Blas

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기이냥4 April 2023
5.0
I took a bus from Wancha Station to Oaitambó and then transferred to a train to go on a day trip to Machu Picchu. After a bumpy two-hour bus ride, I passed a picturesque train and arrived at Aguas Galientes. The road was so beautiful that I walked to Machu Picchu for two hours, but I don’t recommend it because it’s uphill. I recommend taking the bus if possible. I got to see with my own eyes the scene advertised as “after hardship comes joy,” and the weather was nice and the two-hour tour was over, but I was sad when it ended. Still, I think it was a good thing.

PeruRail - Train to Machu Picchu

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What are the must-do things in Cusco?

Don't miss these attractions in Cusco: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Qorikancha, and Saqsaywaman. If you like Culture & history, try Sacred Valley VIP – A Journey Through Ancient Wonders. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco.

You can give Local Market and Peruvian Cooking Class with Pisco Sour in Cusco and Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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