13 Things To Do in Machu Picchu

Located in the region where the tropical Andes meet the Amazonian lowland forest and covering almost two million hectares, Manu National Park in Peru is one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hotspots. Recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve in 1977, the area is home to a staggering variety of plant and animal species, including giant otters, capybaras, peccaries, tapirs, jaguars, caiman, 13 different species of monkeys, over 1000 species of birds and over 1300 species of butterflies. Manu National Park is divided into three zones, the ‘cultural zone’, the ‘reserved zone’ and the ‘restricted zone’. Visitors are permitted to enter the cultural zone independently, where there are several native communities that welcome tourists. Access to the reserved zone is only possible through one of a very small number of tour companies that are allowed to operate there. The restricted zone is an area of pristine forest still home to a number of uncontacted tribes and is not open to tourists.

Cusco is Peru’s most compelling city, combining layers of history from the days of the Incan empire, through the Spanish colonial period and right up to modern times. It is a place of grand monuments from the Spanish period juxtaposed with atmospheric Incan alleys. A city imbued with an almost tangible sense of history and a special mystical charm — a not-to-miss during a trip to Peru. In no particular order, here are the top 12 things to do in Cusco from visiting ancient ruins to attending weaving classes!

Aaah. Peru. Where do we even begin? The heart of the Great Inca Empire. The Land of the Incas. Home to the world-famous Machu Picchu. Not interested? How about sheer natural beauty in the form of the Great Amazon, exotic jungles, or breathtaking peaks. Still, need inspiration? What about fascinating walking trails. Rich and varied Peruvian gastronomy. Resurgent cities. Irrespective of where your interests lie, Peru always manages to entertain you with all sorts of sights and attractions that are sure to transform you into one of the most influential travel personalities on social media. Provided you manage to come back to reality and remember to click photographs! While the options are just about endless when it comes to things to do in Peru, we have managed to shortlist a few that become a part of most traveler itineraries in the country. Don't blame us if your hands are itching to book your next tour to Peru after reading this article!

Lima is one of the largest cities on the South American continent, a vast agglomeration and home to an estimated 10 million people. Founded in 1535, it is a city that is rich with history, cultural heritage and culinary traditions and it is also one of the most exciting destinations to visit on a Peru trip. Here is a list of ten things to keep you busy while you are there.

Is there any city on earth more mysterious than Machu Picchu? Despite being one of the ‘New’ Seven Wonders of the World, the Peruvian citadel ruins date back to 1450 and were hidden away for nearly four centuries. You don’t need to be an archaeologist to appreciate a visit to this “lost” city of the Inca civilisation. Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to the UNESCO World Heritage Site each year to explore the beautifully restored temples of Machu Picchu’s upper urban sector and the agricultural warehouses of its lower sector—not to mention the incredible Andes views. Reachable by train or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a trek via the Inca Trail, the spectacular views are a must-see during your visit to Peru.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is best known to the world as the home of Peru’s pre-eminent tourist attraction, Machu Picchu. Many visitors head straight there without stopping to investigate the surrounding region. However, travellers with time to devote to a more thorough investigation of the ancient heart of the Incan Empire have the chance to discover many wonders seen by far fewer outsiders. The Sacred Valley was incorporated early into the expanding Incan Empire and with its relatively low altitude and benign climate, it soon became an important agricultural area for the Inca. The Valley also controlled access to the lowland jungles from where fresh fruit and other products flowed into Cusco. The Valley’s fertility, as well as its strategic importance and proximity to the capital, meant that the surrounding area was soon endowed with many important monuments, towns and fortifications, the ruins of which still exist today. The attractions of the Sacred Valley are not restricted to ruins, though, and many other places of interest, varied adventure activities and a thriving local culture await those willing to linger and explore.

Practically every visitor to Peru wants to visit Machu Picchu. For some, the experience would not be complete without completing the four-day Inca Trail that winds through the mountains leading to the mystical ruins. The Inca Trail is the original Machu Picchu trek that has become extremely popular and is always fully booked well in advance. Now, many trekkers opt for alternative treks to Machu Picchu. This is a guide to the classic Inca Trail as well as some of the best alternatives in the Sacred Valley.

There are many options to travel from Lima to Machu Picchu but journeys usually include a combination of plane, bus and train. From Lima, all travellers will first need to make their way to Cusco by plane or bus, from where most will continue on to Ollantaytambo. From there, the final stop is Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town, the base for visiting Machu Picchu itself. Aguas Calientes is normally reached by train. For those planning to arrive at Machu Picchu on foot via the Inca Trail, there is no need to go further than Cusco since most Inca Trail treks start and end at in Aguas Calientes. We break down the travel routes and options for you.

Of all the alternative treks to the Inca Trail, the Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu is perhaps the least known. A far cry from the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, on this trek you are unlikely to see any other tourists for the duration of your trip. This is an option that will appeal to those who enjoy being different and who want to attempt a trek that few others will even have heard of.

Of the 2,500 daily visitors to Machu Picchu, only 400 are permitted to scale Huayna Picchu, the peak that towers above the northern end of Machu Picchu. For the best views of Machu Picchu as well as the opportunity to discover seldom-visited areas of the site, the Huayna Picchu hike can be a memorable addition to your visit. You just need to make sure you book early! Note: For more to do in Machu Picchu, see our list of things to do in Machu Picchu and also check out when is the best time to visit Machu Picchu.

Unless you arrive on foot via the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you will certainly have to spend a night in the town of Aguas Calientes (also called Machu Picchu Pueblo or Machu Picchu Town) while visiting Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is a short bus ride from Machu Picchu itself, where there are many accommodation options to suit all budget and group size. If you are wondering where to stay in Machu Picchu, look no further. We have assembled 10 of the best hotels near Machu Picchu from luxury to affordable options for a comfortable stay.

For anyone short on time or concerned about their fitness levels but still hoping for a taste of trekking in Peru and a visit to the famed Machu Picchu, the short Huchuy Qosqo trek is the ideal solution. Most versions include two days of relatively easy trekking combined with a visit to Machu Picchu on the third day. While being short on days, the trek still allows for a glimpse of the Andes in a rarely visited part of the Sacred Valley that receives fewer visitors than many of the more popular trails.