Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is South America Leading Tourist Attraction 2021 by the World Travel Awards. It is a MUST in your bucket list.
What to do in Machu Picchu
There are 7 very interesting circuits in the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu:
Best tours in Machu Picchu
- Llaqta of Machu Picchu. This is the most popular circuit, however, to avoid crowds there are four routes: Circuit 1 (High Long Route), Circuit 2 (High Short Route), Circuit 3 (Long Low Route), Circuit 4 (Short Low Route). The longest circuit takes approximately 2 hours.
- Wayna Picchu Circuit or Young Mountain. This route takes 2 hours. It reaches a maximum altitude of 2,720 m above-sea-level. Children younger than 12 and people with fear of altitudes are not allowed in this route. Very steep and narrow path, it is very popular, so we recommend you reserve at least 3 months in advanced.
- Montain Machu Picchu Circuit or Old Mountain. It is a 3-hour hiking trail. Here you ascend to a maximum altitude of 3,061 m above-sea-level. You climb 600 mts. This hike is safe since the trails are wide with stone stairs.
- Inti Punku or Sun Gate Circuit. This is the main Gateway to the Llaqta when coming from the Inca Trail. The path is wide and easy. It takes 30 minutes to get there from the Guardian’s house.
- The Inca Bridge. Even though this is an easy and short route, it is near a ravine so not recommended for people with fear of heights.
- The Temple of the Moon or the Great Cavern. This is a Machu Picchu hidden jewel. It is an extension of the Wayna Picchu circuit. During the descent of the summit, you must take a 30-minutes detour and cross a narrow path to get there. It is recommended to use both your hands to avoid fallings. You also need to go through wood stairs very carefully. Once you arrive in the Great Cavern you must climb for one more hour (around 1.5 km path) until the exit door of Huayna Picchu. This last part can be very challenging.
- Mandor Waterfall. This is another attraction near Aguas Calientes, and you do not need to go through the Llaqta. It is a 30 mts waterfall surrounded by a natural habitat where you can enjoy its flora and fauna. Aguas Calientes is the starting point and on your way, you can also visit the Botanic Garden and Site Museum Manuel Chavez Ballon.
- Wayna Picchu Circuit or Young Mountain. This route takes 2 hours. It reaches a maximum altitude of 2,720 m above-sea-level. Children younger than 12 and people with fear of altitudes are not allowed in this route. Very steep and narrow path, it is very popular, so we recommend you reserve at least 3 months in advanced.
- Montain Machu Picchu Circuit or Old Mountain. It is a 3-hour hiking trail. Here you ascend to a maximum altitude of 3,061 m above-sea-level. You climb 600 mts. This hike is safe since the trails are wide with stone stairs.
- Inti Punku or Sun Gate Circuit. This is the main Gateway to the Llaqta when coming from the Inca Trail. The path is wide and easy. It takes 30 minutes to get there from the Guardian’s house.
- The Inca Bridge. Even though this is an easy and short route, it is near a ravine so not recommended for people with fear of heights.
- The Temple of the Moon or the Great Cavern. This is a Machu Picchu hidden jewel. It is an extension of the Wayna Picchu circuit. During the descent of the summit, you must take a 30-minutes detour and cross a narrow path to get there. It is recommended to use both your hands to avoid fallings. You also need to go through wood stairs very carefully. Once you arrive in the Great Cavern you must climb for one more hour (around 1.5 km path) until the exit door of Huayna Picchu. This last part can be very challenging.
- Mandor Waterfall. This is another attraction near Aguas Calientes, and you do not need to go through the Llaqta. It is a 30 mts waterfall surrounded by a natural habitat where you can enjoy its flora and fauna. Aguas Calientes is the starting point and on your way, you can also visit the Botanic Garden and Site Museum Manuel Chavez Ballon.
Where to stay in Machu Picchu
Enjoy amazing views and great locations before or after visiting Machu Picchu in one of the many hotels this area has to offer.
Best locations, comfortable accommodations, stunning and relaxing views, spa sessions, delicious traditional Peruvian dishes, and gourmet fusion. Prices for all budgets.
There are no 5 stars hotels in Machu Picchu nor Aguas Calientes due to construction norms and regulations. However, there are many other options with a luxury service. All the hotels we recommend include breakfast and sometimes it can include dinner depending on the package. Do not wait any longer and come visit Machu Picchu!
Best hotels in Machu Picchu:
- Belmod Sanctuary Lodge. It is the only hotel right next to the Llaqta Machu Picchu. You can be the first person to enter and the last one to leave the citadel. Because of its location and price, it is considered a luxury hotel.
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. As its name says, it has a little town concept. All the bedrooms are little houses connected by stone paths. It is a charming and cozy hotel blended in the natural environment. It is considered a First-class hotel for its design and accommodations.
- Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel. This large hotel offers a high-quality service especially for families with children. It is considered a First-class hotel.
- MaPi Hotel by Inkaterra. Middle-ranking hotel. Highly recommended. Includes dinner.
- Jaya Hotel. This hotel ranks among the economic+ options. The owners strive for offering a superior service.
What to eat in Machu Picchu
People from the Andes have always cultivated their own products. This is one of the reasons why Machu Picchu habitants developed a gastronomy based on highly nutritive products like quinoa, yucas, sweet potatoes, ocas, ollucos, and the extensive variety of native Peruvian potatoes since the times of the Incas.
Meat was also important, so guinea pig and alpaca were part of their daily diet.
This delicious native dishes tradition remains so far.
Traditional food in Machu Picchu
- Guinea Pig. Whole guinea pig, macerated with chicha de jora, pepper, lemon juice, oregano, mint and salt, then fried until the skin is crispy.
- Pig adobo. Pork macerated with cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, vinegar and panca chili paste. Then cooked in a pot and served with rice and parboiled potatoes.
- Quinoa. Versatile grain that can be eaten with fruit and yogurt for breakfast, as well as in soups, stews and salads.
- Fried Trout. Fresh trout served with boiled potatoes, white rice and fresh salad as a side dish.
- Solterito Cusqueño. Cooked salad of broad beans, carrots and cochayuyo with julienned fresh onions, pieces of cheese, all served with parboiled potatoes as a garnish.
Where to eat in Machu Picchu
There are plenty of places to choose from but if you are the foodie type, we recommend:
- Cafe Inkaterra. Definitely the best place to eat. It offers Novo-Andean food. A delicious proposal of traditional food for international palates. You won’t regret it. Vegetarian options available.
- Ayasqa Machu Picchu. Traditional Peruvian food restaurant. It offers good food a la carte or buffet at reasonable prices.
- Julian Restaurant. It offers à la carte dishes made with organic products and Peruvian ingredients of the best quality and flavor.
- The Tree House Restaurant. It offers Peruvian and International fusion gourmet food in a rustic and cozy atmosphere so that its guests feel at home.
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