Things to do in Machu Picchu, Cusco Region: The Best Sights & Landmarks

November 22, 2021 Russell Mellin

It's no wonder Machu Picchu is Peru's most-visited site. Dating to the mid-1400s, it's a marvel of mortar-free limestone architecture perched on a high plateau deep in the Amazonian jungle. Get there via train from Cusco or, if you're not faint-hearted, make the trip on foot via a multi-day hiking trail—you'll travel through deep Andean gullies and enjoy stunning views.
Restaurants in Machu Picchu

1. Winay Wayna

Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 345 reviews

Winay Wayna

Reviewed By Annerbananers - Cambridge, United States

This was easily my favorite Inka site out of the 4-5 sites that we visited during the 4-day Inca Trail hike. Not half as crowded as Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains and waterfalls are simply stunning. Not sure if you can get to this place easily on your own. I was glad I did it with Alpaca Expeditions. The site closes at 5:45pm in March (and I would guess all off-season) so if you were planning on seeing the sunset here you should probably check that the sunset happens before 5:45 on the day you’re going.

2. Paucarcancha Ruins

Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 149 reviews

Paucarcancha Ruins

3. Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Peru http://www.cultura.gob.pe/es/patrimonio/sitiosdepatrimoniomundial/listapatrimoniomundialperu/santuariomachupicchu
Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 19,577 reviews

Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu

Reviewed By JarmilaS428 - Vancouver, Canada

What an amazing place! The nature, view and of course the Inka ruins WOW!!! Peru was on my bucket list and I did it :D Lima, Cusco, train ride to Machu Picchu, Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, Puno, Lake Titicaca, Uros floating island, Amantani island one night stay with local family, Taquile island, Nazca - Nazca mysterious lines flight tour, Ica - Huacachina oasis, Winery El Catador tasting and buying :D, Paracas, and Ballestas island boat tour. Everything was amazingly excellent; hotels, our tour guide Franco from Peru Best Holidays, train rides, markets, food, Pisco Sour and Peruvian people. I will never forget! <3

4. Rocas Sagradas

pasaje Ayar uchu nro.100 Costado Hotel Tierra Viva, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu 08691 Peru +51 973 184 063 [email protected]
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Rocas Sagradas

contamos con 2 Rocas Sagradas que fueron adoradas por los antepasados de Machupicchu. ambas rocas se encontraron a orillas del río Aguas Calientes y en la actualidad se exhiben en el Restaurante Ambassador House o Restaurant Las Rocas Sagradas de Machupicchu, el propietario Moisés Bendezú es el encargado de explicar las diferentes experiencias mágicas experimentadas con las Rocas Sagradas

5. Temple of the Sun

Machu Picchu Peru +51 992 059 069 http://www.sungate.com.pe
Excellent
74%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 971 reviews

Temple of the Sun

Built in the form of a circular tower on a massive slab of granite, this sacred edifice contains the famous Intiwatana, or sun dial, which the Incas used to "tie down" the sun at the winter solstice each year.

Reviewed By GoGo2SlowGo - Denton, United States

The Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu swas a sacred temple built by the Inca for ceremonies to pay tribute and give offerings to the sun. Only priests and other high ranking Incas were likely only permitted access into the Temple of the Sun, one of the most sacred temples in all of Machu Picchu. The site was adapted to natural environment.The construction is semi-circular and built atop an enormous granite rock. There is a tower with a trapezoidal window. In this sacred temple, it’s believed that Incas worshiped their Sun God, Inti and it may have served as a royal tomb. This is definitely worth your visit at Machu Picchu

6. Temple of the Three Windows

Machu Picchu Peru +51 992 059 069 http://www.sungate.com.pe
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 662 reviews

Temple of the Three Windows

Located west of the main square, this sacred temple is known for its huge walls and three trapezoidal-shaped windows through which the sun's rays would pass illuminating the "Sacred Plaza" beyond.

Reviewed By deborahk3 - Maidstone, United Kingdom

The Temple of the Three Windows is located on the Sacred Plaza in the main Urban section. The long main wall features three large windows, facing east. This allows the rising sun to shine through, illuminating the sacred plaza. When visiting, take some time to appreciate the wonder of this structure.

7. Moon Temple

Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
57%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 194 reviews

Moon Temple

Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States

Another impressive part of Machu Picchu! Easy to walk by and not comprehend how Machu Pu is made up of buildings, structures, rooms and plazas. One can gawk and look and miss the places in Machu Picchu. Without a competent guide it is very easy to miss the context of the various structures.

8. Intihuatana Stone

on the left bank of the Urubamba river, Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 444 reviews

Intihuatana Stone

Reviewed By Cavydad - Camarillo, United States

Get a knowledgeable guide! It is just so easy to get lost in the stonework and miss the context and details of Machu Picchu. Easy to walk by, but our guide stopped us to explain each and every nook and cranny of Machu Picchu. Consider this is a once in a lifetime experience.

9. Intipuncu

Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,132 reviews

Intipuncu

Reviewed By Am_et_Mat - Neuilly-sur-Seine, France

Forget the time slot for the Huayna Picchu or the Machu Picchu mountains and go to the Sun Gate aka Intipuncu. The path is easy, the views are just amazing and you can start visiting Machu Picchu by doing it. Ok, you may find the path crowded ... Machu Picchu is popular so take your time, take some breaks, hydrate & most of it enjoy the place!!

10. Llaqtapata

Machu Picchu Peru http://www.mapitrek.com
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Llaqtapata

Ancient Inca village.

Reviewed By jgemza - Whitesboro, United States

Wonder of the world made centuries ago. It is hard to believe the Incas could buid such a fine structure that lasted over the years. The views were amazing just before the rain, visited during the rainy season. One must be in good physical condition to see all the sites, but is was worth it. A gem in Preu.

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