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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 · 74.8 km from Cusco

Experiences you can't miss in Cusco

Featured Culture & history in Cusco

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Cusco half-day city tour: Qoricancha & four Inca archaeological sites
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Duration: 5 hrs
English
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FromBRL 73.42
Cusco Horseback Riding: Inca Temples & Scenic Viewpoints
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Duration: 3.5 hrs
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FromBRL 275.30
2-hour guided walking tour in Cusco, Peru
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Duration: 30 mins
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FromBRL 245.90
Cusco Highlights Audio Tour: Inca & Sacred Cusco
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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20% off
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FromBRL 39.39BRL 49.24
Traditional Peruvian Cooking Class and Market Tour in Cusco
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4.9/5
· 127 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
English
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26 consecutive positive reviews
FromBRL 313.84
Sacred Valley of the Inkas Full Day Tour
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4.6/5
· 101 reviews· 44 booked
Duration: 12–13 hrs
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26 consecutive positive reviews
FromBRL 228.50
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
FromBRL 2,216.44

Featured Food & drink in Cusco

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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
English
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100 consecutive positive reviews
FromBRL 357.89
Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco
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5.0/5
· 116 reviews
Duration: 255 mins
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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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97.3% of travelers recommend
FromBRL 313.84
Cusco: Walking Food Tour & City Tour
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4.9/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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FromBRL 413.27BRL 435.03
Inca Streets & Eats by night
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Duration: 2 hrs
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From Cusco: Humantay Lake Tour + Breakfast and Buffet Lunch
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Duration: 1 day
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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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Featured Spa & wellness in Cusco

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From Cusco: 7 Lagoons Tour
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Duration: 1 day
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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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Duration: 15 hrs
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Excursion to Ausangate 7 lakes from Cusco.
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Duration: 15 hrs
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Featured Day tours in Cusco

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Tour to the Vinincunca Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley from Cusco
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Duration: 8–9 hrs
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FromBRL 192.71
Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour
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4.6/5
· 272 reviews· 36 booked
Duration: 12–16 hrs
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FromBRL 2,362.04
City Tour Cusco Half Day & 4 Archaeological Ruins
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 6.4 hrs
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Excursión to Humantay Lake Full Day from Cusco
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Duration: 8.1 hrs
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Rainbow Mountains
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Duration: 24 hrs
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FromBRL 176.19

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What travelers say about Cusco

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shanghaiboyuAugust 27, 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May 1, 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April 10, 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60October 13, 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***1sMarch 3, 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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hiluolingOctober 14, 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 SunDecember 27, 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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기이냥April 4, 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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Frequently asked questions

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 Cusco half-day city tour: Qoricancha & four Inca archaeological sites. 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.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Tour to the Vinincunca Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley from Cusco, Machu Picchu Day Trip from Cusco: Full-Day Guided Tour, and City Tour Cusco Half Day & 4 Archaeological Ruins. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 4, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Cusco is around BRL 122.36 – BRL 2,362.04. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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