Machu Picchu tours and holidays

Machu Picchu is located in the Andean mountains of Peru, about 50 miles northwest of Cuzco. The ruined city is in the Urubamba Province, high above the Sacred Valley at an altitude about 2,340m above sea level.

The closest airport to Machu Picchu is Cuzco, although many international travellers fly into Lima. Once on the ground, most visitors take a train to Machu Picchu from either Cuzco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which takes about three hours. After that it’s a 30-minute bus ride to the ancient citadel. Another way to get to Machu Picchu during your holiday or tour is by hiking the Inca Trail. The full route takes around 4-5 days and needs careful advance planning and permits.

The dry season is from May to October, offering comfortable temperatures, clear skies and less rainfall. Peak season for visiting Machu Picchu is June, July and August. However it can be busy at these times so choosing to tour during the shoulder months of April, May, September and October could make for a more comfortable, less crowded holiday.

Aim to spend at least a few hours at Machu Picchu to fully appreciate its incredible setting, and the skill and ingenuity of the people who built it. A guided tour takes about two to three hours, during which you’ll follow a one-way circuit through and around the ruins. All Saga tours that visit Machu Picchu include a guided tour and time to explore the site independently.

Yes, you need both a licenced guide and a permit to hike the Inca Trail. There are other, shorter and less demanding trails around Machu Picchu for which you don’t need a guide, but this is not recommended. A guide is not just there to keep you safe; he or she will also tell you about the history (and mystery) of Machu Picchu and point out other Inca ruins and places of interest along the way.

A good tour guide can really transform your experience of Machu Picchu by sharing their knowledge and passion for this truly astonishing place. Although tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s always appreciated. We suggest a tip of about $10-20 if you enjoy your Machu Picchu tour.

Often referred to as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, Machu Picchu is South America’s most visited archaeological site. The citadel was built around the 15th century, perhaps as a private retreat for Inca royalty, although details of who it was built for and why remains a mystery. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and in 2007 it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The name we use - Machu Picchu - comes from two Quechua words: ‘machu’ meaning ‘old’ and ‘picchu’ meaning ‘mountain’. However nobody knows the city’s true, original name as it’s not mentioned in any historical books or records from that time. The Incas seem to have kept Machu Picchu a secret, so it remained largely unknown to the outside world until it was ‘discovered’ by an American historian in 1911.

Although the exact dates are unknown, Machu Picchu is thought to date back to about 1450 AD, making it around 500-600 years old.

Machu Picchu was built by the Inca Empire, possibly during the reign of Inca Emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). But while its precise purpose remains a mystery, the mastery, skill and ingenuity of those who built it is beyond doubt. The entire complex of palaces, plazas, temples and houses was crafted into the steep and mountainous terrain at a time when the Inca had no iron, steel or wheels. Every stone was cut so precisely they fit together without mortar, and the surrounding terraces were designed and engineered to preserve soil, promote agriculture, aid irrigation and limit erosion on the surrounding slopes.

Although a few local Quechua farmers knew about Machu Picchu, it was unknown to the rest of the world until American historian Hiram Bingham III was led to the site in 1911. He began extensive archaeological excavations, bringing Machu Picchu to global attention and highlighting its cultural and historical importance to the world.

The ruined city of Machu Picchu is located 2,430 metres above sea level on a ridge of Machu Picchu Mountain in Urubamba province. The city is dominated by the peaks of two mountains: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu, set on either side. Huayna Picchu is the tall peak most often seen in photos, while Machu Picchu rises on the opposite side of the ruins. Both offer breathtaking views over the site.

It is possible to get altitude sickness at Machu Picchu due to its mountain setting. However, you can avoid altitude sickness by spending time at lower levels before making the ascent, avoiding alcohol and strenuous exercise in the days before your visit and by drinking plenty of water while you are there.

You need a good level of fitness to hike the Inca Trail. The full route takes four to five days and covers difficult and steep terrain, so some hiking experience is also recommended. Alternatively, you can walk shorter sections of the Inca Trail following routes which can take from a few hours to two or three days.

Saga offers several South America escorted tours that include full-day excursions to Machu Picchu, including one itinerary that includes an option to hike part of the Inca Trail.