15 Things to do in Machu Picchu

A trip to Machu Picchu is a dream come true for many travelers planning their trip to Peru. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains and surrounded by lush cloud forest and steep valleys, this ancient Inca citadel continues to captivate explorers, historians, and nature lovers alike.

But beyond just standing in awe of its grandeur, many visitors want to know: what are the best things to do in Machu Picchu? This comprehensive guide explores top activities and hidden highlights that make your visit truly unforgettable.

1. Take a Guided Tour of the Main Citadel

Your visit begins by entering the archaeological zone through one of the structured circuits. A guided tour typically lasts 2 to 3 hours and covers the most significant areas of the site, including:

• The Temple of the Sun

• The Royal Tomb

• The Main Plaza

• The Sacred Rock

• The Three Windows Temple

Guides often explain how the Incas designed these areas with astronomical precision and spiritual meaning, using architecture, terraces, and natural stone to align with the sun and mountains.

💡 Tip: Booking your tour in advance ensures you get a licensed guide who provides deep insight into the site’s historical and cultural context.

2. Visit the Temple of the Sun

One of the most spiritually significant places in the citadel is the Temple of the Sun. Built in a semicircular shape and featuring perfectly carved stone walls, this structure was used for astronomical observations and ceremonial offerings to the Inca sun god, Inti.

At certain times of the year, especially during the June solstice, sunlight enters precisely through the trapezoidal windows—demonstrating the Incas’ profound understanding of the cosmos.

3. Climb Huayna Picchu

If you’re seeking adventure and the best panoramic views of the citadel, climb Huayna Picchu. This towering peak appears in almost every iconic photo of Machu Picchu and rises dramatically behind the ruins.

The climb is steep and challenging but rewards hikers with breathtaking perspectives of the citadel and the surrounding Urubamba River valley. The trail includes narrow stone staircases, handrails, and ancient terraces carved into the mountainside.

🎫 Important: Huayna Picchu permits are limited to just 400 people per day and sell out months in advance, so plan ahead.

4. Hike to Machu Picchu Mountain

For those who prefer a less crowded but equally rewarding trek, the Machu Picchu Mountain hike is a top alternative. It offers a longer, more gradual ascent with stunning views of the cloud forest, the citadel, and the Sacred Valley far below.

This route is ideal for visitors seeking solitude and photographers aiming to capture wide-angle shots of the landscape. The round-trip takes approximately 3 hours, and permits are also required in advance.

5. Walk the Trail to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku)

If you’re not up for a strenuous hike but still want an authentic Machu Picchu trek, walking to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) is a perfect option. This was the original entrance point for those arriving via the Inca Trail.

Today, travelers arriving from Aguas Calientes can still walk to the Sun Gate (about 1–1.5 hours) without needing a special permit. From here, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the citadel framed by dramatic peaks.

☀️ Best time to do this walk? Early morning or late afternoon, when the lighting is perfect and the crowds are fewer.

6. Spot the Royal Tomb

Another fascinating stop within the ruins is the Royal Tomb, located just below the Temple of the Sun. Archaeologists believe this chamber was a place of great ritual significance, possibly used for elite burials and offerings.

This area showcases beautiful stonework, niches, and trapezoidal openings—hallmarks of Inca architecture. It’s often overlooked by hurried visitors, but for those who pause, it offers a glimpse into the ceremonial life of the empire.

7. Enjoy the Scenic Viewpoints

Machu Picchu is full of scenic spots, and one of the best things to do is to take your time at the various miradors (viewpoints). These elevated terraces offer postcard-worthy shots and quiet moments to take in the magic of the Andes.

Top viewpoints include:

• The Guardhouse Viewpoint

• The Sacred Rock Platform

• Terraces above the Main Plaza

📸 Photography tip: Arrive early for soft morning light or stay late for dramatic shadows and fewer tourists.

8. Stay at Sanctuary Lodge for Exclusive Access

If you’re looking for the most exclusive experience, consider spending a night at Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel located at the gates of Machu Picchu. Staying here allows you to enter the citadel early, well before the crowds arrive from Aguas Calientes.

It’s a premium experience, but it offers comfort, tranquility, and private terraces with unmatched views of Machu Picchu Mountain.

9. Explore the Site of the Inca Bridge

Few visitors venture to the Inca Bridge, but it’s one of the most thrilling short walks you can do inside Machu Picchu. This narrow cliffside trail leads to a wooden bridge used historically by the Incas for defense and passage.

The walk is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes round-trip. The drop-offs are steep, but the views are spectacular—and you’ll avoid the larger crowds found in the main citadel.

10. Learn the Story of Hiram Bingham

Understanding how Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911 adds depth to your visit. He was a Yale historian searching for the lost city of Vilcabamba when a local farmer led him to the overgrown ruins.

His findings brought global attention to the site and helped spark major archaeological interest in Peru. Today, you can learn more about Bingham’s journey at the small museum near the entrance or back in Cusco at the Casa Concha Museum.

11. Visit the Town of Aguas Calientes

While many visitors only use Aguas Calientes as a base to sleep, the town itself offers several enjoyable activities:

• Relax in the hot springs that give the town its name.

• Dine in charming restaurants offering Andean fusion cuisine.

• Explore the small market for souvenirs.

• Visit the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón, just 30 minutes from town.

After a long day in the ruins, this little town offers comfort, culture, and a perfect end to your trip to Machu Picchu.

12. Hike the Inca Trail (If You Can)

One of the most rewarding ways to reach Machu Picchu is through the legendary Inca Trail. This 4-day hike takes you through remote ruins, cloud forests, and high mountain passes before arriving at the Sun Gate at sunrise.

Highlights include:

• Wiñay Wayna archaeological site

• Dead Woman’s Pass (at over 4,200 meters)

• Stunning mountain vistas and starry nights

However, this trek requires good fitness and acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. Permits are limited and must be booked well in advance—often 6 months ahead.

13. Time Your Visit Wisely

The best time to visit Machu Picchu depends on what kind of experience you’re after:

• Dry season (May to September): Clear skies, ideal for hiking and photography. July and August are peak months—expect crowds.

• Wet season (November to March): Lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but frequent rain and cloud cover. Trails can be slippery.

No matter the season, plan your entry early in the morning (6–7 a.m.) or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday rush.

14. Be Mindful of Altitude Sickness

Though Machu Picchu itself sits at a relatively moderate 2,430 meters (7,970 ft), most visitors come from Cusco (3,400 m / 11,150 ft), where altitude sickness can be a real concern.

To minimize the risk:

• Spend a few days acclimating in the Sacred Valley or Cusco.

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol on your first days.

• Take it easy with physical activity until your body adjusts.

15. Take Time to Reflect

Beyond the hikes, photos, and ruins, one of the best things to do in Machu Picchu is… nothing at all. Just sit. Breathe in the mountain air. Listen to the wind and birdsong. Look out over the ancient terraces and feel the presence of centuries past.

Let the energy of this sacred site move through you—it’s a memory that will stay with you long after your trip to Peru ends.