Holiday in Machu Picchu
Area in Peru — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇵🇪
Country
Peru
Type
Area
Best time to travel
May–September (Dry season), especially June–August
Budget/day
100–200 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Lima (14–17h), connecting flight to Cusco (1h), train to Aguas Calientes (3.5h) or Inca Trail (4 days).
Deals for Machu Picchu:
What makes Machu Picchu special as a destination?
Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas high in the Peruvian Andes, is one of the greatest archaeological wonders of the world and holds the title of one of the New Seven Wonders. At an altitude of 2,430 meters, the citadel sits on a ridge between two peaks, surrounded by steep ravines and the meandering Urubamba River — a sight that takes your breath away even in photos. The Incas built this complex around 1450 as a royal residence and ceremonial center. Over 200 stone buildings, terraces, and water channels testify to engineering brilliance: the precisely carved granite stones fit seamlessly together without mortar. The Intihuatana stone, the Incas' sundial, and the Temple of the Sun are masterpieces of astronomical architecture. The classic Inca Trail leads through misty cloud forest to the Sun Gate in four days, where Machu Picchu reveals itself in all its glory. Alternatively, the train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes conveniently brings visitors to the foot of the mountain. The ascent to Huayna Picchu offers an adventurous perspective from above. Visitors must book tickets in advance with a fixed time slot. May to September is the dry season and the most popular travel time.
What are the top highlights in Machu Picchu?
The top highlights in Machu Picchu include Inca Citadel, Huayna Picchu, Inca Trail, Sun Gate (Inti Punku), Aguas Calientes.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Inca Citadel
The main complex with the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana stone, and the perfectly fitted walls – an architectural wonder that has lasted 500 years.
Huayna Picchu
The steep sugarloaf mountain behind the ruins (2,693 m) offers the iconic view over Machu Picchu – only 400 tickets/day, book months in advance.
Inca Trail
The legendary 4-day hike (43 km) through the Andes to the Sun Gate – only 500 people/day allowed, book a year in advance.
Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
The gate through which Inca Trail hikers first see Machu Picchu – also accessible as a day trip from the citadel.
Aguas Calientes
The village at the foot of the mountain with hot springs, markets, and restaurants – the starting point for the visit.
Hotels in Machu Picchu
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
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Reise-SIM für Machu Picchu
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is May–September (Dry season), especially June–August. Warm and sunny (Dry season May–Sep), 18–25 °C during the day, cool at night (5–10 °C) In winter: Rainy season November–March, fog and rain, but fewer tourists and a mystical atmosphere
Recommended travel time
May–September (Dry season), especially June–August
Summer
Warm and sunny (Dry season May–Sep), 18–25 °C during the day, cool at night (5–10 °C)
Winter
Rainy season November–March, fog and rain, but fewer tourists and a mystical atmosphere
How much does a holiday in Machu Picchu cost?
Budget travellers: 40–70 € (Aguas Calientes)/day, mid-range: 100–200 €/day, luxury: 300–800 € (Belmond Sanctuary Lodge)/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
40–70 € (Aguas Calientes)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
100–200 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
300–800 € (Belmond Sanctuary Lodge)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Machu Picchu?
Flight to Lima (14–17h), connecting flight to Cusco (1h), train to Aguas Calientes (3.5h) or Inca Trail (4 days).
Book a package holiday to Machu Picchu
Compare thousands of package holidays to Machu Picchu and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Machu Picchu?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Book tickets for Machu Picchu AND Huayna Picchu months in advance on the official website – there are daily limits.
Plan at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400m) for acclimatization before heading to Machu Picchu – Coca tea helps!
Book PeruRail or IncaRail – the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes travels through spectacular gorges.
Arrive early in the morning (6 AM entry) – fewer tourists, often fog that dramatically lifts to reveal the ruins.
What should you eat in Machu Picchu?
Typical specialities in Machu Picchu: Cuy (Guinea pig) — A delicacy in the Andes – crispy grilled or fried, served in restaurants in Cusco and Aguas Calientes., Lomo Saltado — Stir-fried beef with fries and rice – the most popular dish in the restaurants of Aguas Calientes., Chicha Morada — Refreshing purple drink made from purple corn, cinnamon, and cloves – non-alcoholic and perfect at high altitude., Coca tea — The sacred tea of the Incas made from coca leaves – helps against altitude sickness and is completely legal in Peru., Alpaca steak — Lean, tender meat with a gamey flavor – a local specialty available in many restaurants in Cusco..
These specialties you must try!
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