Top 10 Must-Do Activities at Machu Picchu, Peru

No journey to Peru would be complete without experiencing the ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu. There are numerous remarkable hikes and engaging activities available if time permits.

This 15th-century citadel of the Inca Empire is as captivating as it is picturesque, and it remains astonishing to consider that individuals once inhabited such an extraordinary locale.

After capturing photographs at the renowned viewpoint, it is worthwhile to explore the ancient ruins, interact with the amiable llamas, and traverse some of the breathtaking mountain trails surrounding the Machu Picchu citadel.

Without further ado, here is a curated list of the top 10 recommended activities in Machu Picchu, Peru!

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Best Things To Do In Machu Picchu

1. See the iconic viewpoint

Upon arriving at the entrance of Machu Picchu, your initial objective should be to reach the iconic viewpoint at the Guardian’s House!

This spot offers the finest perspective within the Machu Picchu complex and is where many stunning postcard photographs are captured. From the edge of the terrace, visitors are treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Machu Picchu ruins framed by the majestic mountains.

It is nearly impossible to capture an unflattering image of Machu Picchu from this vantage point. Should you encounter fog or rain upon arrival, it is advisable to wait a moment; such weather is common early in the day and tends to dissipate later in the morning.

Understandably, this location sees heavy tourist traffic throughout the day. However, there is ample standing room on the terrace, ensuring you typically won’t have to wait long for photographs. By the afternoon, the crowds generally lessen.

The Guardian’s House is a quaint stone structure with a thatched roof, previously serving as a lookout post above the Inca citadel in ancient eras.

To access the Guardian’s House, proceed left as you enter Machu Picchu, following the signs uphill for approximately 15 minutes until reaching the top of the terraces.

Once you arrive at the viewpoint, take your time to photograph and appreciate the scenery before continuing to explore the rest of the ruins.

2. Explore the ruins

After observing the Machu Picchu ruins from the acclaimed viewpoint, it’s time to delve into them up close!

One of the first notable sites you will encounter is the city’s main gate, which serves as another favored photo location, aesthetically framing the peak of Huayna Picchu mountain in the background.

This feature was likely an intentional design by the Incas.

Numerous intriguing elements to explore within the Machu Picchu ruins await, and for a thorough understanding, it is highly advisable to hire a guide who can provide insightful commentary as you navigate through the ruins.

Guides are readily available for hire at the main entrance of Machu Picchu, with pricing that appears reasonable.

Interwoven within the ruins are several elegant stone walls showcasing exceptional Incan masonry, precisely carved and fitted without the use of mortar.

Personally, two of the most remarkable sites in the Machu Picchu ruins include the ‘Temple of the Sun’ and the ‘Temple of the Three Windows.’ These two locations are particularly photogenic and historically rich.

3. Meet the llamas

Currently, there are nearly two dozen llamas residing at Machu Picchu, freely roaming the citadel grounds during daylight hours while grazing on grass.

These amicable animals are furry and often allow visitors to photograph them. Occasionally, you may spot adorable baby llamas accompanying their parents.

If fortune smiles upon you, a llama may even photobomb your photographs of Machu Picchu, enhancing your photo opportunities!

Llamas have been domesticated by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Their waste served as excellent fertilizer, while their wool was utilized for clothing.

4. Hike Huayna Picchu

The Huayna Picchu trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that ascends to the summit of Wayna Picchu (the iconic mountain behind Machu Picchu), providing views of original Inca constructs and breathtaking vistas.

Do not be overly intimidated by the moniker—despite being dubbed the Machu Picchu Stairs of Death due to their steepness and narrowness, incidents have been minimal over the years. Overall, the trail is relatively secure, provided you exercise caution.

Despite its challenging nature, this trail is highly sought after, limited to 400 hikers daily, often requiring reservations made several months in advance.

If you plan to undertake one hike in Peru, make it this one. The Huayna Picchu hike undoubtedly ranks among the top 10 activities to experience in Machu Picchu!

Read More: Huayna Picchu Hike

The dizzying Machu Picchu ‘Stairs of Death’

5. Hike Machu Picchu Mountain

For those seeking a challenge, consider ascending ‘Machu Picchu Mountain.’ This peak is the highest in the vicinity and presents a significant climbing endeavor, reaching an elevation of 3,082 meters (10,111 feet).

The hike lasts approximately 3 hours in total, with considerable elevation gain (around 550 meters or 1,800 feet), which renders it a demanding trek. While tough, it is not hazardous.

This mountain is less frequented than Huayna Picchu, yet it remains a rewarding hike, offering stunning views of the entire Machu Picchu area from an elevated position.

6. Hike Huchuy Picchu

The Huchuy Picchu trek presents an excellent alternative for those seeking a brief, uncomplicated hike in Peru that provides impressive views of Machu Picchu from above.

This recently opened trail, inaugurated in 2021, follows a 15th-century Inca stone staircase leading to the peak known as Huchuy Picchu (meaning ‘little mountain’ in the Quechua language).

While this hike may not rival the prestigious Huayna Picchu trail, it is significantly less strenuous, and the vistas from the summit are equally splendid.

Entrance tickets are mandated for this trek; thus, securing them in advance is essential through online reservations.

Read More: Huchuy Picchu Hike

7. See the Sun Gate

Also referred to as Inti Punku, this moderate hike leads to a beautiful viewpoint at an Incan gate that once served as the primary entry point to Machu Picchu. Its strategic location on the ridge suggests that the sun would rise through this gate during specific times of the year.

The traverse to this sun gate from the Machu Picchu citadel takes approximately 2 hours round trip, with a respectable elevation gain of 290 meters (950 feet). Nonetheless, the trail is notably more manageable than Machu Picchu Mountain, making it one of the milder hikes in the area.

At the summit lies a pleasant viewpoint offering vistas of Machu Picchu along with the surrounding mountains and valleys. The view here is akin to that experienced at the summit of Machu Picchu Mountain, albeit not quite as lofty, at 2,720 meters (8,924 feet).

For hikers directly arriving from the Inca Trail, this gate represents one of the final halts along the route, providing the initial opportunity to view the Machu Picchu citadel.

8. See the Inca bridge

A minor detour to witness the bridge that formerly served as a confidential entry point to Machu Picchu is worthwhile.

Although walking upon the bridge is unsafe at present, it remains an intriguing sight. Comprising a simple wooden plank spanning a chasm with a drop of 600 meters below, ancient inhabitants would retract the bridge as a defensive mechanism against invaders.

The brief path leading to the Inca Bridge begins near the Guardian’s House (situated at the famous Machu Picchu viewpoint), accessible within roughly 15 minutes of walking.

9. Explore Machu Picchu Town

Many travelers overlook Aguas Calientes, the small tourist town located beneath Machu Picchu; however, it merits exploration if you have the opportunity.

Also known as ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo,’ this quaint town is filled with hotels, restaurants, and shops worth exploring, along with hot springs available to refresh after your hike at Machu Picchu. Notable dining establishments includes Cala Tratoria and Inka Wasi Restaurant.

Aguas Calientes is also an excellent source for souvenirs. While prices may be somewhat elevated compared to regions such as Cusco and Ollantaytambo, haggling is permitted, and the selection is extensive. Numerous unique items found in Machu Picchu Town are hard to locate elsewhere in Peru.

For those wishing to leave town and immerse in nature, a visit to the nearby Mandor Valley allows for encounters with birds, butterflies, flowers, and a scenic waterfall.

10. Hike the Inca Trail

The majority of visitors to Machu Picchu will opt for the convenient route via train followed by a tourist bus journey up the winding road to the citadel.

However, to truly create a memorable entrance to Machu Picchu, consider the Inca Trail. This iconic multi-day trek in Peru spans 1 to 7 days (depending on your starting point) concluding at the Machu Picchu citadel.

A substantial portion of the trail retraces roads initially constructed by the Inca Empire, presenting opportunities to view ancient Inca ruins, azure alpine lakes, and towering glacier-covered mountains near Cusco.

This experience serves as an excellent means to connect Machu Picchu with other major attractions in the area while immersing yourself in Inca heritage.

Best Machu Picchu Tours

For those seeking a prearranged tour for their visit to Machu Picchu, a variety of commendable online options are available.

GetYourGuide offers full-day tours of Machu Picchu departing from Cusco (private or group options), alongside remarkable mountain treks like Huayna Picchu, which necessitates advance reservations due to its popularity.

This company was utilized for numerous tours and activities throughout Peru, receiving high recommendations.

Where To Stay At Machu Picchu

Best Time To Visit

The optimal time to visit Machu Picchu depends on your individual preferences:

☁ The rainy season persists from November to April. While this is not the ideal period for hiking, it should not be disregarded entirely. Numerous hikes undertaken at Machu Picchu during the rainy season have yielded favorable weather, as rainfall typically occurs in the afternoons or evenings and is not overly disruptive. However, carrying a poncho is advisable just in case.

☀ The dry season extends from May to October. During this time, the days are sunnier with significantly reduced rainfall. This is generally regarded as the best period for hiking at Machu Picchu. However, it also constitutes the peak season synonymous with high visitor volumes, necessitating advance booking for various activities, especially those that are highly sought after.

Bear in mind that Machu Picchu is situated within a tropical cloud forest, hence it may not always adhere to Peru’s national weather patterns. Rainfall can occur unexpectedly; however, it typically does not last for prolonged durations.

Happy travels! Regardless of when you choose to explore Machu Picchu, you are bound to witness some extraordinary sights!