Top Things to do in Machu Picchu
Top Restaurants in Machu Picchu
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Machu Picchu, Cusco Region
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 345 reviews
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. Huayna Picchu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,238 reviews
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!
3. Paucarcancha Ruins
4. Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19,577 reviews
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
5. Temple of the Sun
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 971 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 662 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
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
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,132 reviews
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. The Ruins of Intipata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
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.
