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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.Peru · Urubamba

Experiences you can't miss in Peru

Featured Culture & history in Peru

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Tour to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac
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4.9/5
· 249 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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From£26.10
Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco by Train
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4.9/5
· 7 reviews· 93 booked
Duration: 11.9 hrs
English
From£300.11
Lima City Tour in Peru  Historic Center/Love Park/Catacombs/Hotel Pickup
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From£62.07
Cable Car, Funicular and Sightseeing Bus in Santiago one day
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4.7/5
· 125 reviews
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92% of travelers recommend
From£49.95
Cusco half-day city tour: Qoricancha & four Inca archaeological sites
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Duration: 5 hrs
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Lima city tour in Chile (with transfer)
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Duration: 1.3 hrs
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1-day tour to Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Zona Arqueologica Moray from Cusco, Peru
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From£52.14

Featured Food & drink in Peru

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Ica Pisco & Wine Tasting Tour with Three Winery Visits and Hotel Transfers
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Duration: 3.6 hrs
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Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina tour with buggy and sandboarding
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Duration: 17.5 hrs
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Lima: Ultimate Peruvian Food Tour
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4.9/5
· 368 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Cook The Most Popular Peruvian Dishes!
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5.0/5
· 85 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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From Iquitos, Peru: Amazon jungle + wildlife park 1-day tour
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Duration: 4.3 hrs
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Cañón de los Perdidos Day Tour from Ica with Hotel Transfers & Wine Tasting
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Duration: 8 hrs
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Featured Outdoor & sports in Peru

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1-day tour to Vinicunca rainbow mountain in Cusco, Peru [hiking·Danxia landform·natural masterpiece]
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Dune buggy in Huacachina
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4.9/5
· 22 reviews
Duration: 135 mins
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Lima: Surf Class for Beginner and Advanced Surfers
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4.9/5
· 25 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Cusco, Peru: Humantay Lake Day Tour with Breakfast/Lunch and Hiking
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 12.5 hrs
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Featured Spa & wellness in Peru

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Full Day Tour To The Salt Lake Salinas in Arequipa
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Duration: 10–11 hrs
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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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Cusco: 7 Lagoons Full-Day Excursion
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From Cusco: 7 lakes with hot springs in Ausangate and meals
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Churín Hot Springs & Sayán Day Tour from Lima
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Duration: 10 hrs
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What travellers say about Peru

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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27 April 2020
4.0
You need to take a boat out to visit the Bird Island. This is a real Bird Island. The residents on it are birds. It is said that the Peruvians in the past used the guano on the Bird Island as fertilizer for farming.

Las Ballestas

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东张西望望东西12 April 2020
5.0
The Temple of the Sun is one of the most important attractions in Cusco. It was the capital of the ancient Inca Empire, so you can imagine the importance and scale of the Temple of the Sun. The Temple of the Sun is well preserved and gives modern people too much to think about.

Qorikancha

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星級旅行家14 March 2023
5.0
Peru is a country in South America, located on the Pacific coast, adjacent to Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Bolivia, and Chile. It is rich in cultural heritage and natural landscapes, one of the most famous attractions being Rainbow Mountain. Rainbow Mountain is located in the Andes Mountains in southern Peru. It is 5,200 meters high and is famous for its colorful mountains. This peculiar landscape was formed due to the movement of the earth's crust caused by the minerals and mud in the mountain. Rainbow Mountain's name comes from its unique color. There are many different color bands on the mountain, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, etc. The best tourist season is from June to August every year, because the weather is sunny at this time and the colors on the mountains are the most vivid. In addition to Rainbow Mountain, Peru has many other attractions worth visiting, such as the ancient city of Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, the Amazon Rainforest, and more.

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

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Nemo66699910 July 2026
5.0
According to user reviews of those who have visited the Nazca Lines, the best experience is a 30-35 minute flight; for those on a limited budget, the observation tower on the Panamericana Wall is a quick and inexpensive option. Viewing from both the ground and the air is recommended to fully grasp the scale and mystery of the lines. --- ✈️ Flight Experience - Duration: 30-35 minutes (from Nazca), 1 hour 35 minutes (from Pisco/Paracas). - Price: From Nazca, approximately 85-120 USD per person + airport tax (~S/30) + tourist ticket (S/47). From Pisco, 280-380 USD. - Figures you will see: Monkey, Hummingbird, Spider, Condor, Astronaut, Tree, Hands. - Advantages: Opportunity to grasp the full scale and geometry of the lines. Ideal for photography. - Cons: Sharp turns in small planes can upset the stomach; morning hours are quieter. --- 🗼 Observation Tower (Mirador) - Location: On the Panamericana Wall, 20 km north of Nazca. - Height: 13 m (43 ft). - Price: S/3–S/7 entrance fee. - Figures you will see: Tree, Hands, part of the Lizard. - Pros: Cheap, fast, suitable for those with a fear of flying. - Cons: Shows only a small part of the lines. --- 🏛️ Museums and Extra Points of Interest - Antonini Museum (in Nazca city): Presents the historical and archaeological context of the lines. - Casa Museo María Reiche (on the road to Nazca): The house of the scientist who dedicated her life to the study of the lines. - Palpa Tower and natural hills: Opportunity to see older Paracas period figures.

Nazca Lines

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DEAR张小球17 May 2020
5.0
The Urubama River Valley is a very grand site. It was the agricultural center of the ancient Inca Empire. As for the site similar to terraced fields, it is still seen in the valley. The area is very large and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. It is a very important part of the ancient Inca Empire.

Sacred Valley

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apabaru13 August 2026
4.0
These are salt pans located in a valley in the high Andes Mountains. Numerous pools of pure white salt line the landscape, creating a beautiful sight. The entrance fee is 20 soles. It appears to be a solar salt pan where salt is still produced. They were selling salt at the shop, but I forgot to buy any later.

Salt Mine of Maras

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D31***6120 February 2020
5.0
One thing that you have to say about LIMA is it has some of the most beautiful buildings that I have ever seen. there is a large police presents so you feel very safe providing that you stay in all the tourist in busy areas of the city. I would definitely say LIMA is worth a visit if you are coming to South America

Lima Main Square

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乖小咪13 September 2019
5.0
Sacsayhuamán is a small Inca site on the Inca Trail near Cusco. The building's foundation is constructed from hundreds of massive stones weighing thousands of tons, a laborious undertaking that would have been unimaginable at the time. While the site is small, its strategic location on the Inca Trail must have held special significance.

Saqsaywaman

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M25***4019 April 2021
4.0
The Titicaca Lake on the Copacabana side is quieter and less commercialized than the Puno side. However, the weather was not very good during the two nights we stayed in Copacabana, so we did not take a boat tour of the lake. It was still beautiful to watch from the shore, but the wind was a bit strong.

Lake Titicaca

Trip Moments in Peru

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Peru?

Don't miss these attractions in Peru: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Las Ballestas, and Qorikancha. If you like Culture & history, try Tour to the Archaeological Sanctuary of Pachacamac. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Ica Pisco & Wine Tasting Tour with Three Winery Visits and Hotel Transfers.

You can give Ica Pisco & Wine Tasting Tour with Three Winery Visits and Hotel Transfers and Lima: Paracas, Ballestas Islands & Huacachina tour with buggy and sandboarding a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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