9 Hidden Gems Things to do in Machu Picchu That You Shouldn't Miss

January 21, 2022 Toi Mattera

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. Huayna Picchu

Carretera Hiram Bingham Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu 08680 Peru +51 918 655 015
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,238 reviews

Huayna Picchu

The Wayna Picchu mountain, Wayna Pikchu in Quechua, (with an altitude of 2667 meters above sea level) is part of the eastern foothills of the Salcantay massif, in Cusco, Peru. It is part of a large orographic formation known as Batolito de Vilcabamba, in the Central Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes and is known mainly as the backdrop of most photographs

Reviewed By sunnyore - Cerritos, United States

I knew I wanted to do this hike on my trip, but I was a bit scared. The mountain looked huge in photos, and it was even more massive in person. I was already feeling winded at the beginning of circuit 1 just to get to the Classic MP view. But I knew I had to try because who knows when I’ll ever get a chance again. So I lined up for my 7am entrance time and signed in. The beginning wasn’t bad until you get to the base of HP, and then it felt like you were taking neverending stairs. I don’t exercise on a regular basis, so I found the constant uphill hike pretty difficult especially at such a high altitude. But I allowed myself a ton of breaks and slowly made my way to the top. And when you see the view on top, you realized all your effort was worth it. Going down was not as easy as I thought it would be and I’m glad they have staggered entry times since we’re basically going down the same path we came up in. Once again I took a lot of breaks and I believe I signed out around 9:30am. The 10am group have already lined up outside the gates and all I could think was how glad I went in the first group since it was getting really warm. I know the risk with the 7am entry is there might be fog, but weather is so unpredictable and we ended up having a really clear morning so I was thankful for that and the cooler temperature. My suggestion is if you think you might struggle a bit, do the 7am entry time and then you can really go at your own pace like I did. They have park employees hiking the trail as well and the one I interacted with was super nice and even offered to take a bunch of photos for me. It was a hard hike for me, but I’m 100% glad I did it. Just look at the view!

2. 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.

3. 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!!

4. The Ruins of Intipata

Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

The Ruins of Intipata

The Intipata ruins are recenlty discovered agricultural terraces. Inhabitants may have once used the terraces as a walking path to Machu Picchu.

Reviewed By 738marisz - Sigulda, Latvia

People have to eat something and Incas used these terraces to grow food for themselves. The ruins are very well preserved.

5. Puyapatamarca

Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Puyapatamarca

6. Inca Trail

Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,190 reviews

Inca Trail

Reviewed By F7638VCnickg - London, United Kingdom

Inca Bridge and Sun Gate Make sure you have a strong heart and knees You need heart on way up and knees on way down Great trails and you get away from the crowd Magnificent views

7. Mandor

Mandor Valley - Machupicchu Km. 114. 3, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru +51 940 188 155 [email protected] http://www.jardinesdemandor.com
Excellent
52%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 517 reviews

Mandor

Mandor is a family initiative for enviromental protection located 4Km from Machu Picchu village (Aguas Calientes). This property offer well maintained trails where you can walk into biodiverse gardens enjoying, learning and at the same time contributing to the restoration and preservation of the habitat of hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The waterfall at the end of the trail is really powerful and refreshing. Mandor Valley is the best place for outdoor activities and the birdwatching hotspot near Machu Picchu. The property also offers cabins and campsite where you can stay and enjoy the most of this quiet location.

Reviewed By Alicehelena1208

This is an interesting walk to get to from town, following the train line. The actual site is beautiful with a wide range of plants and birds/butterflies all around. The waterfalls are well worth the hike to see.

8. Putucusi Mountain

Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru
Excellent
69%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 256 reviews

Putucusi Mountain

Reviewed By russypooh - Long Beach, United States

Putucusi “Happy Mountain” is one of the hidden mountains that surrounds Machu Picchu because very few people have visited. The roads are steep, however once at the top you can appreciate all the beauty of the landscape and a viewmthat not many people have been able to photograph.

9. Mariposario de Machupicchu

Avenida Hermanos Ayar On the Way to the Museum and the Bridge to Climb to Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru +51 977 543 974 http://www.mariposasdemachupicchu.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 348 reviews

Mariposario de Machupicchu

Reviewed By Supersue27 - Montross, United States

Highly recommend this conservatory. This donation only facility is trying to reintroduce butterflies that have been depleted mostly due to pollution and is in beautiful setting along the serene river. The amenities include interpretation, a small snack and gift shop and bathrooms. You can grab a snack among the birds, butterflies, mountains and river.

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