Temple of the Sun
An ancient Inca citadel perched high in the Andes, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into a lost civilization.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and catch sunrise.
Temple of the Sun
Best Time
Beat the crowds and catch sunrise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Inca citadel perched high in the Andes, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into a lost civilization.
"A magical place hidden away from the hustle that is Machu Picchu. It was well worth the hike."
Book Huayna Picchu Early
Tickets for Huayna Picchu sell out fast! Book months ahead if you want to hike this iconic peak. :ticket:
Pack for All Weather
Peruvian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Cusco
The 'Temple of the Sun,' once lined with gold and silver, now showcases Inca stonework beneath Spanish colonial architecture.
Temple of the Moon
Huayna Picchu
A challenging but rewarding hike from Huayna Picchu summit, offering serene ruins and breathtaking views away from crowds.
Machu Picchu Citadel
Machu Picchu
The iconic Inca citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Aguas Calientes Town
Machu Picchu Pueblo
The charming gateway town to Machu Picchu, known for its thermal baths and vibrant atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Acclimatize to Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Huayna Picchu Early
Tickets for Huayna Picchu sell out fast! Book months ahead if you want to hike this iconic peak. :ticket:
Pack for All Weather
Peruvian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection. :cloud:
Stay Hydrated
Altitude and hiking require plenty of water. Carry more than you think you'll need. :droplet:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Huayna Picchu Early
Tickets for Huayna Picchu sell out fast! Book months ahead if you want to hike this iconic peak. :ticket:
Pack for All Weather
Peruvian weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection. :cloud:
Stay Hydrated
Altitude and hiking require plenty of water. Carry more than you think you'll need. :droplet:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and hiking on uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Consider a Local Guide
Enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the ruins. :bustsinsilhouette:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Machu Picchu as a breathtaking wonder, with many highlighting the magical experience of sunrise and the awe-inspiring Inca architecture. The challenging hikes, like to the Temple of the Moon, are considered highly rewarding by those who undertake them. However, the unpredictable weather and the demanding nature of some hikes can be challenging for unprepared visitors.
"Amazing place. One of the 7 wonder of the world. The weather is unpredictable."
Rod Vin
"We were the first group to enter Manchu Picchu as the sun rose, and it just got better from there. This was a few years ago, when I was working as tour guide for a company and we had a local guide with us."
Nicki Fairbairn
"Just a magical place hidden away from the hustle that is Machu Picchu. It was well worth the hike. My girlfriend and I spent the entire morning there. Only on our trek back did we encounter another couple on their way there. If you are thinking about going .....GO! You won't be disappointed."
Jason Schneider
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most visitors travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) by train. From Aguas Calientes, buses run frequently up to the Machu Picchu citadel. +1 Alternatively, adventurous travelers can opt for multi-day treks like the Salkantay Trek.
+1
The Coricancha (Temple of the Sun) is located in Cusco and is easily accessible by walking or taxi within the city.
You cannot drive directly to the Machu Picchu citadel. Buses are the primary mode of transport from Aguas Calientes.
The train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is about 25-30 minutes.
Yes, the Inca Trail is a famous multi-day trek, and other popular alternatives include the Salkantay Trek and Lares Trek, offering different landscapes and challenges. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the circuit and if you include hikes like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. It's essential to check the official government website for current pricing and booking.
Absolutely! Machu Picchu has daily visitor limits, and tickets, especially for Huayna Picchu, sell out months in advance. Book online as early as possible.
Machu Picchu typically opens around 6:00 AM and closes around 5:00 PM. Specific hours can vary, so check the official website before your visit.
While not strictly mandatory for the main citadel, hiring a guide is highly recommended to understand the historical and cultural significance of the site.
Yes, tickets often include access to different circuits within the citadel, and some allow entry to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, which require separate, limited tickets.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Coricancha, or Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire, dedicated to Inti, the sun god. It's known for its exquisite stonework.
Yes, the hike to the Temple of the Moon from Huayna Picchu is considered challenging, involving steep descents and ascents. It requires good physical condition and plenty of water.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, rain gear, your passport (for entry and the stamp!), and a camera.
A minimum of 3-4 hours is recommended for the main citadel. If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, allocate a full day.
The weather is highly unpredictable and can change rapidly. Expect sunshine, rain, and mist, often within the same day.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic postcard view is from the Guardhouse. For unique angles, explore the terraces and higher vantage points. The hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) also offers stunning perspectives.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Machu Picchu, but always be respectful of the site and other visitors. Check for any specific restrictions within certain structures.
Early morning, just after sunrise, offers soft light and fewer crowds. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
No, drones are strictly prohibited at Machu Picchu to protect the site and ensure visitor safety.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod is generally not allowed inside the main citadel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
⛰️ Adventure Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Coricancha: Inca Grandeur and Colonial Overlay
Following the Spanish conquest, the Coricancha was largely dismantled, and a Dominican convent, the Convent of Santo Domingo, was built directly on top of the Inca foundations. Today, visitors can see the remarkable juxtaposition of Inca stonework at the base and the colonial architecture above, a powerful symbol of the clash and fusion of cultures.
Exploring the Coricancha offers a unique glimpse into the architectural prowess of the Incas and the subsequent impact of Spanish colonization. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and archaeology of Cusco.
Hiking to the Temple of the Moon: An Adventurous Detour
The path itself is largely composed of authentic Inca stonework, winding around the mountain with breathtaking views of the Urubamba River below. The Temple of the Moon itself, while perhaps not as visually grand as other Inca structures, offers a sense of discovery and tranquility, far from the main tourist throngs.
Travelers planning this detour should be well-prepared. Ensure you have ample water, snacks, and allow plenty of time, as the hike is longer and more demanding than it might appear. The reward is a unique perspective of the Inca landscape and a truly serene encounter with ancient ruins.
Navigating Aguas Calientes: The Gateway to Machu Picchu
The town itself has a charming, albeit tourist-focused, atmosphere. Its main draw, besides being the jumping-off point for Machu Picchu, are its natural thermal baths, which offer a relaxing respite after a day of exploring.
While some find Aguas Calientes a bit commercial, it's an essential part of the Machu Picchu experience. It's a place to rest, refuel, and prepare for the awe-inspiring journey to the Inca citadel.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit