If the wanderlust in you is obsessing over the ruins of Machu Picchu, let it grow to its fullest. Because this travel destination is one of the world’s most amazing historical marvels, a visit here is going to be worth it.
You will get to experience a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty at these ruins. This is an ancient Incan citadel that rests high in the Andes Mountains, situated in Peru. Here, you will also find a plethora of tourist-worthy attractions and activities. Even if your travel partners have different choices, you are likely to find something for everyone. For instance, history buffs can find a haven for themselves, and at the same time, someone who is an avid nature lover will love the surroundings too. If you are just up for an outdoor adventure or looking for a culturally enriching family vacation, the famous Peru ruins will not let you down.
5 Spots in Machu Picchu That Are Worth Visiting
To make your trip to Machu Picchu even better, we have curated a few spots that are worth exploring.
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a legendary spot in Peru. It is a trek that provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure enthusiasts. The Inca Trail has it all: cloud forests, Andean landscapes, and an array of unforgettable Incan ruins.
You should choose this trek only if you have enough time on your hands. It takes a total of 4 days to complete this trek. The distance of this trek is around 26 miles. This multi-day trek takes you through the enthralling Sun Gate, overlooking Machu Picchu.
Due to the high altitude, tourists require some permits to hike the Incan trail; hence, book well in advance and plan properly.
Machu Picchu Citadel
The iconic Machu Picchu Citadel is a historical marvel; it is a gem of ancient engineering and architecture, plus it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Tourists from all across the world adore the mystical aura around these ruins. You will get to see enthralling panoramic views of the mountains that surround Citadel.
The Machu Picchu Citadel is awe-inspiring, especially for archaeology enthusiasts, history buffs, and people who seek adventure in their every exploration. If you want to see the perfect blend of history and culture in Peru, then this spot should definitely be on your bucket list.
Huayna Picchu
Just above the Machu Picchu Citadel lies the most dramatic peak of Peru, Huayna Picchu. This spot is ideal for those who want a challenging yet thoroughly rewarding hike during exploration. People who have a thing for unparalleled views of ancient ruins and majestic peaks would love this hiking experience. The ascent of this summit includes navigating through steep stone staircases and quite narrow paths. You are surely going to have a high element of adventure during this trek.
If you are not an avid trekker or are physically fit to enjoy the trek, you can still choose this trek. Because trekking to the summit and back generally takes 2-4 hours. However, don’t forget to get the permits required. We do not recommend this hike to people who have a fear of vertigo or heights.
Inti Punku, or Sun Gate
At the end of the iconic Inca Trail, another classic, “Inti Punku,” or the Sun Gate, starts. It is one of the best historical marvels nestled in Peru, as it is the entry point to Machu Picchu. The beautiful panoramic views of the citadel and the landscapes will leave a lifelong imprint on your memories. This hike is again suitable for beginners and people who don’t prefer extreme challenges but yearn for a culturally enriching experience.
The round-trip trip to the Inti Punku takes 2-3 hours from the main citadel area. We recommend our readers avoid peak hours, which invite huge crowds to this place.
The Temple of the Sun
This famous spot during the Peru trip holds great significance because of the structures within the Machu Picchu Citadel that are well preserved to date. The intricate carvings and amazing stone works are worth watching at the Temple of the Sun, which is also one of the great historical marvels. The fact that this temple is aligned with the sun during solstices shows the immense astronomical knowledge of the Incan civilisation, which makes it one of the great historical marvels in Peru.
It will only take 30-45 minutes to explore the entire temple; hence, you don’t have to plan a lot before a visit here. Plus, you can easily access this site during the regular opening hours of the Machu Picchu Citadel.
The House of the Keeper
The House of the Keeper is situated in the urban sector of Machu Picchu, and it is also known as the Caretaker’s Hut. The awe-inspiring structure of this spot in Peru served as an administrative and ceremonial centre in ancient times. The location of this place is so strategic that it provides a great commanding view of the entire agricultural sector and its surrounding mountain landscapes.
If you are someone who loves history and architecture, or if you are curious about Incan ceremonial sites and urban planning, then visiting this spot is worth it for you. This site holds great historical significance and some mesmerising panoramic views that are simply unforgettable. The best part is that it just takes 20–30 minutes for a complete tour; however, don’t skip having a responsible guide. They can actually introduce you to the real context of the amazing architecture and historical narratives. You will surely have an enriching experience.
Apu Machu Picchu
If you are someone who loves to be in less crowded destinations, then Apu Machu Picchu should be your go-to place in Peru. This towering peak behind the citadel will give you the most serene experience through relatively unexplored and tranquil alternatives. The peaceful trail and its secluded location are ideal for tourists who love connecting with natural beauty.
The trip to Apu Machu Picchu generally takes around 2–3 hours, and it is better to start very early to visit this place. You will get enough time to soak yourself in the calm ambience and spectacular beauty without the presence of a massive crowd.
Things to Know Before Visiting Machu Picchu
If you are planning a trip to Machi Picchu, then you have to keep certain things in mind to make it more enjoyable.
Hiring a Guide is Not Mandatory
Some time ago, there were some rumours circulating that Machu Picchu would soon implement a mandatory guide policy. However, that’s not true. Having a guide by your side can definitely give you a context for everything that interests you, but it is completely your choice to hire a guide.
Instant Plans aren’t Great
Due to its popularity, Machu Picchu always invites a huge number of tourists. Hence, tickets and permits are not easily available across a lot of famous spots. Some tickets need to be booked a couple of months in advance. So, once your dates are fixed, it is better to book tickets right away.
Visiting Early is Best
A long time ago, it was said that the best time to visit Machu Picchu was at the end of the day, as it got less crowded. However, that’s not the case today. Nowadays, Machu Picchu is the least crowded during sunrise.
So, this is all about the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu. We hope this article will help you plan your trip to Machu Picchu. You can visit TripTrekTales for more information on different destinations.
