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The video below will give you the answer!

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No one really knows why Machu Picchu was built. But supposedly it was the estate for the Sapa Inca, or a vacation spot. But others think it was just for religious purposes, like rituals.

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Explore Machu Picchu holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. | For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it's the best-known archaeological site on the continent.

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"Machu Picchu means "Old Peak" or "Old Mountain" in the Quechua language of the Inca." - Ducksters

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Luxury African Safaris,South America & South Asia Tours|andBeyond

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Your journey at a glance

Discover Peru's signature destinations of Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the enigmatic city of Cusco on an unforgettable 7-day family journey.

Kick-start your adventure in the vibrant and friendly city of Lima. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, this sprawling metropolis offers a dazzling array of family-friendly attractions, including interpretive tours of the National Museum and the Museum of Natural History. Lima has been hailed as South America's culinary capital, providing a delicious introduction to Peruvian cuisine.

Next, discover the Sacred Valley, where ancient Incan farming terraces are still cultivated by the region's inhabitants of today. The wondrous landscapes of the valley lend themselves to an array of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, trekking, horse-riding, river rafting, and rock climbing. Introduce your children to the local residents, learn about their ancient traditions, and take a trip to the historic salt mines to learn about the Incan salt mining process.

Hop aboard the panoramic Vistadome train, where your adventure extends in an exploration of the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu - a bucket list experience that you and your family will never forget. A shroud of mystery envelopes these ruins. Some speculate that it was established as a university, while others claim that it was built as a retreat for royalty - let your private guide offer his own interpretation and you decide...

The last leg of your adventure takes you and your loved ones to the Incan capital of Cusco. This enchanting destination greets visitors with an invitingly festive atmosphere. Bustling markets, brimming with authentic curios, and beautiful architecture, inspired by both the Incans and Spanish, add to the charm of the city.

Ready to start planning your journey?
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What to expect...

Transfer to hotel Day 1

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Upon arrival in Lima, you will be met by a representative from &Beyond who will warmly welcome you and drive you to your hotel.

Spend two nights in Lima Day 1 - 3

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Listed as one of the Top 10 Hotels in Peru, in the exclusive 2016 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, the Belmond Miraflores Park is renowned for its beautiful garden location alongside the Pacific Ocean. The stylish suites offer an indulgent sanctuary after a busy day in the Peruvian capital. With stunning views of the exclusive Miraflores district, the beautiful garden, or the endless ocean, each suite is exquisitely decorated with understated luxury and features carved hardwood furniture, fine cotton linen, a separate sitting space and a work area with a desk. While the enormous bathrooms have large marble tubs, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and granite vanities stocked with premium toiletries.

Enjoy two nights in an Ocean View Junior Suite

Immerse yourself in the colonial grandeur of Peru's capital city Day 2

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Today, you and your family will have the opportunity to explore Peru's heritage.

There's no shortage of things to do and see in Lima. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage, travellers are treated to a spectacular array of historic monuments and prominent examples of colonial architecture.

Plaza Mayor / Plaza de Armas

The Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas of Lima, is the birthplace of the city of Lima, and one of Lima's main tourist attractions. Established in 1535, this bustling square was once the economic and cultural heart, and was where the masses congregated for religious celebrations, colourful markets and exhilarating bull fights. Today this historic piazza is a lively, bustling place offering beautiful insight into life as a Peruvian.

Presidential Palace / Palacio de Gobierno

The impressive presidential palace, also known as House of Pizarro, sprawls on the banks of the Rimac. Marvel at the magnificent majestic entrance and opulently decorated halls. The objects inside reveal the narrative of Lima's colonial history. Make sure to see the changing of the guard that happens at noon each day. Decked out in rich royal scarlet and striking blue garb the soldiers are a sight to behold.

Monastery of San Francisco / Monasterio de San Francisco

Who can resist fascinating bone-lined catacombs, complete with exposed remains and artfully curated relics arranged in curious formations in circular stone pits. Housed in a bright-yellow, lavish baroque-style Franciscan monastery and church, the catacombs are a thrilling and macabre sight. You can also visit the spectacular library, a haven for 25,000 antique texts, some of which predate the conquest.

Cathedral of Lima / La Catedral de Lima

Established in 1535 when the founder of Lima, Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, laid the first stone, this cathedral is one of the city's most famous buildings. Revealing exquisite baroque and neoclassical features, take note of the magnificently arched ceiling and the beautifully mosaic-decorated tomb of Pizarro. Exhibiting exquisite religious paintings and artefacts, the Museum of Religious Art in the cathedral is a reposeful space to pour over venerable items.

Flight to Cusco Day 3

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Today, after a wholesome breakfast, you will be collected for your flight to Cusco where, upon landing, you will be driven to the enchanting Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Spend two nights in Sacred Valley Day 3 - 5

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At this lower elevation you'll have time to relax, acclimatise and enjoy your scenic surroundings. Along the way you will have the opportunity to visit Awanacancha, a project that preserves ancient textile-making techniques. Continue to the fabric dyeing area where there is a display of various natural dyes and how they are applied to the textiles. Nearby, local women from different communities demonstrate how they weave Andean textiles. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase the finished products from their boutique store. You will also find an interactive animal farm where your children can feed unusual animals such as Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos.

In the afternoon, you will visit the town of Ollantaytambo, with its Inca streets of stone, traditional square homes and small markets. You will also have time to explore its ruins and hike up to an Incan temple for a majestic view of the town. Make sure to bring your cameras!

Following your tours, you will check-in to the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness. Nestled on the banks of the Vilcanota River, on the lands of a 17th century hacienda, the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel & Wellness offers beautiful accommodation in the breathtaking surrounds of the Sacred Valley.

Enjoy two nights in a Delux room. These rooms are modern, with a minimalist style, and overlook the gardens, inland lakes or the colonial mansion.

Exploring the Sacred Valley Day 4

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Nestled at the foot of verdant hills the beautiful Río Urubamba Valley, known as El Valle Sagrado, the Sacred Valley resides. Bounded by the towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley is shaped by sweeping rivers, and an abundance of fascinating archaeological monuments and indigenous peoples.

On your journey make sure to visit the many towns including Pisac, Yucay, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, where you can view pre-Hispanic archaeological ruins that were built by different Incas and used as citadels or resting places.

Boasting a magnificent natural setting, the Sacred Valley of the Incas can be appreciated for its rich flora and fauna, birdwatching, and adventure sports as well as its archaeological wealth. Highlights include the markets where you can purchase beautifully hand crafted goods and the lofty Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The valley is also packed with other Inca sites and trekking routes are deservedly gaining in popularity.

Brightly coloured flowers embellish and jewel the fields as the diverse microclimates allow the flourishing of flora. The area is also home to deer, chinchillas, Viscata, foxes, Andean pigeons, and an abundance of birds including pretty hummingbirds.

Snow-capped mountains, blossoming meadows, and deep aquamarine lakes make the Valley an adventurous base for tourism in South America. Take your time exploring this peaceful, fetching corner of the Andes.

Train journey to Machu Picchu Day 5

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Today, after yet another scrumptious breakfast, you will board the Vistadome train for your unforgettable journey to Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas. Your train will trundle through valleys, mountains and past quaint villages as it approaches the small town of Aguas Calientes. The route is rated as one of the Top 15 Train Journeys in the world.

Overnight in Machu Picchu Day 5

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Hiram Bingham discovered the stone citadel of Machu Picchu, located 112 kilometres (70 miles) from Cusco, in 1911. The citadel was built on a very special spot between two mountains; Machu Picchu (Old Mountain) and Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain). At the foot of the mountains, lie the Urubamba and Vilcanota Rivers. Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also categorised as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, you will embark on a guided tour. Discover the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu with a private guide, who will let you in on the myths, stories and theories shrouding this mysterious citadel.

Following a wonderful exploration, you will check-in to the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Tucked away in the picturesque cloud forest, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is an intimate Andean village with terraced hills, waterfalls and stone pathways spread across 12 acres of exquisite natural beauty. The hotel's wondrous grounds also boast 214 bird species, 111 species of butterfly and the world's largest native orchid collection, with 372 spectacular species. Nestled among the trees, the enchanting casitas are designed in harmony with the forest, and offer serene views of the orchid gardens or the Vilcanota River. The décor pays homage to the local culture, and the ensuite casitas are charmingly furnished with an armoire, comfortable beds with fine cotton sheets, thick alpaca blankets, handmade wool coverlets and a cosy fireplace for chilly evenings. After a day of exploring the historic Machu Picchu citadel, hiking on the Inca Trail, discovering the hotel's forest trails or viewing ancient Inca petroglyphs, you can relax at the Unu Spa, which combines classic nurturing with a mystical Andean approach.

Spend the night in a Superior room.

Marvel at an ancient citadel Day 6

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Today, you have the opportunity to embark on a range of additional adventures in the Machu Picchu region.

Walk to the "Sun Gate" and explore the citadel at your own pace and see some of its less visited sites.

Discover the Inca Bridge, a secret back entrance to Machu Picchu. Pass through lush cloud-forest vegetation before, at a clearing, the trail narrows to a stone track seemingly carved out of the mountain and perched above a sheer vertical drop.

Visit the local museum Manuel Chavez, which showcases a large collection of artefacts, construction tools (copper and bronze) and various fascinating ancient items such as pins, mirrors, tweezers and needles. The exhibit displays the metallurgical expertise of the Inca city; the spectacular examples of dexterity in stone quarrying, as well as significant objects in various other materials.

Train journey to Cusco Day 6

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In the late afternoon, you will be collected for your return journey to Cusco. Upon arrival at the train station, you will be collected by a representative of &Beyond and driven to the Palacio del Inka Hotel.

Transfer to the hotel Day 6

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Upon arrival at the train station, you will be collected by a representative of &Beyond and driven to the Palacio del Inka Hotel.

Overnight in Cusco Day 6

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Situated in the historic centre of the city, the elegant Palacio del Inka Hotel is encircled by colonial buildings built over ancient Inca foundations, museums, monuments, premium restaurants, and vibrant local markets. This storied mansion dates back nearly five centuries, and is designed to showcase a magical blend of pre-Columbian, Inca, Spanish, and modern cultures. Living up to the hotel's majestic spirit, the rooms blend a rich Spanish personality with the city's enchanting history. Offering fantastic courtyard or street side views through oversized windows, the elegantly designed ensuite rooms and suites reflect a rich colonial heritage offset by Andean touches like the rainbow of tassels on the handmade curtains that are reminiscent of the tradition of adorning the ears of llamas and alpacas in the high Andes.

Spend the night in a family Deluxe room.

Delve into the Inca capital Day 7

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A magnificently preserved city, Cusco is resplendent with colonial architecture and a deeply embroidered, rich and textured history. Exemplifying the apex of

Indigenous Quechua culture in the Andes, while roaming the streets you are enveloped in the steeped layers of history. Beautiful Spanish colonial buildings are juxtaposed with Inca walls lining the square, and a contemporary thriving nightlife flourishes.

Positioned in the Peruvian Andes, Cusco developed, under the Inca ruler Pachacutec, into a complex urban centre with distinct religious and administrative functions. Surrounded by distinctly delineated areas for agricultural, artisan and industrial production, when the Spaniards conquered it in the 16th century, they kept the basic structure intact, and constructed Baroque churches and palaces over the ruins of the Inca city.

Wondering around this ancient space you recede into the past, delving into archaic Andean culture, and at once mesmerised by the thriving tourist mecca. A gateway to the continent's biggest draw - Machu Picchu, Cusco is surrounded by the Sacred Valley, the Andean countryside dotted with villages, high altitude hamlets and crumbling ruins.

Cusco is a vibrant place and carnivals and festivals abound, colourful and vivid events where pagan tradition meets solemn Catholic ritual. The magnificent surrounds give way to beautifully crafted landscapes where soaring Andean peaks umbrella lush, sweetly scented colourful forests, and the Amazon lowlands are a hive of activity with their incredibly diverse wildlife.

Explore Cusco on foot, raft down intrepid rivers or simply travel like a local, and get on a bus, reaching the furthest corner of this dusty, colourfully rich civilisation of a bygone era.

Flight to Lima Day 7

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Here, your Peruvian journey comes to an end, and we wave a fond farewell as you are taken to the airport for your flight to Lima. Upon landing in Lima, you will connect with your homeward flight.

Unwind here on this journey...

Enhance your experience with...

Stories from The Bateleur

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A Peru Family Adventure | Lima | Machu Picchu | Cusco | andBeyond

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Discover Peru's signature destinations of Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and the enigmatic city of Cusco on an unforgettable 7-day family journey. Kick-start your adventure in the vibrant and friendly city of Lima. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, this sprawling metropolis offers a dazzling array of family-friendly attractions, including interpretive tours of the National Museum and the Museum of Natural History.

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Scared District holds some of the more important temples, like Temple of the Sun, and the Intihuatana.

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Domingo

Born in the beautiful province of Acomayo, right in the Andes Mountains, Domingo's love of the great outdoors began at a young age. When he was just a kid, his family moved to Cusco, where he discovered his love for tourism. Domingo's first job in tourism was as a porter on the Inca Trail. It was really hard work, but working with the guides inspired him to become one as well. He went to school to study tourism. He tells us that the day that he finally got his license as an official tour guide was one of the best days in his life. It was such an exciting moment to be able to lead people on the trail, and now 16 years later, he still gets excited every time he guides travelers on a tour. A few years ago, he decided to begin his own tour company. His hope was that through his tours, he could show travelers not only the beauty and history of the region but also teach them about the rich Andean culture.

Among Domingo's hobbies, he loves photography and he is an amateur photographer. And he has the perfect job to learn and improve his photography skills everyday, he always brings his camera with him.

Urbano

He was born in the Apurimac region of Peru in an indigenous community with rich agricultural land. As a kid, he learned from his parents how to work on the field and the importance of maintaining the indigenous culture's age-old traditions. Although he left this small town at a very young age to attend elementary school in Cusco, he has carried this appreciation for ancient culture his whole life. Living in the magical city of Cusco, he was able to expand his knowledge of his ancestors even more and was inspired to take this knowledge and share it with others. After studying tourism in school, he became a tour guide, specializing in ancient cultures. Having been born in an indigenous village and as a native speaker of the Quechua language, teaching travelers from all over the world about the history and land has been a great honor and a dream come true.

Urbano is currently working on building a new home, and although he recognises that it's been quite a hard work, he absolutely loves it! In his free time, he also love spending as much time as possible with his wife and two little kids!

Huber

Huber also grew up in a small town in the Sacred Valley so he was raised to always respect and love Mother Nature. As a kid, he always admired the tour guides passing through his town. Not only did they get to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the country, but they got to meet people from all over the world. Huber became determined that he too would become a tour guide. As soon as he was old enough, he moved to Cusco to study tourism and become a certified Inca Trail guide. For about 14 years now, he has been leading tours, and discovered that, beyond taking his guests on the "typical" paths, he wanted to be a unique guide and take them to the unique interesting spots other guides weren't going to. He also have studied medicinal plants and love teaching the travelers about the many fascinating benefits these plants can have.

Growing up, huber has always loved fishing, particularly for river trout. Now as an adult he has begun to rediscover this passion! And he also has recently discovered a new passion for birdwatching, and his goal to keep learning even more so he can lead his own birdwatching tours soon.

*Please note that this tour may be guided by another local guide, always providing a genuine approach to the local culture.

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Cusco - Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu (3 Days, 2 Nights) " Keteka

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Work your way through the Sacred Valley, where you will meet local artisans, explore ancient incan fortresses, ruins, and waterfalls rarely seen by most travelers to Peru. This 3 day trip culminates in a private tour of Machu Picchu, led by a local guide. Spend each night in small, quaint hotels.

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the Intihuatana is a ritual stone, and it is associated with the astronomic clock or calendar of the Inca.

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The Intihuatana stone is one of many ritual stones in South America. These stones are arranged to point directly at the sun during the winter solstice. The name of the stone (coined perhaps by Hiram Bingham) is derived from the Quechua language: inti means "sun", and wata- is the verb root "to tie, hitch (up)".

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Popular District was just a district for commoners who served the Nobles and Priests. This district also was for supply storage.

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There are several good reasons why you should choose Peru as your next luxury vacation destination, but Machu Picchu is probably one of the best. It is unique, it is spectacular, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has enormous cultural and historic value and it is soaked in mystery. Add to that a few excellent hotels that cater to the most discerning of guests, and what you get is an absolutely irresistible destination.

Panoramic view of Machu Picchu, with Huayna Picchu at the background - source

Most people wouldn't think of Machu Picchu as a good place for luxury high altitude vacations, but there are in fact a few excellent world-class accommodation options close to the site. Adventure lovers can also choose a luxury Inca trail experience, which represents an unforgettable way of trekking through the Andes all the way to the iconic ruins: plush camping, gourmet food and personal porters are all part of the offer.

Machu Picchu Facts and Summary

The Machu Picchu ruins in Peru are located on the crest of the namesake mountain, approximately 8,000 feet above mean sea level. It can be found about 50 miles northwest of Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A 15th century settlement, it is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, as well as the most visited tourist attraction in the country.

The Urubamba River flanks the site on three sides, and its architecture is perfectly adapted to the mountain, featuring wide terraces and sturdy buildings made using the dry-stone technique, which means masterfully interlocking stones without using any mortar.

Evidence suggests that the inhabitants of the city did not use the wheel at all, which doesn't also necessarily imply that they had no knowledge of its existence. Artifacts which appear to have been children's toys do feature wheels, indicating that the local inhabitants knew of its practicality, yet could not make any use of it on the steep and irregular site of their citadel.

The exact purpose for which the citadel was built is still unclear for archaeologists, historians and other experts today. Its geographical position, its complex layout and its various types of buildings and distinct areas make it an ideal candidate for at least three different statuses: that of a military stronghold, a strictly ceremonial site, and a perfectly hidden retreat for the society's elite.

Regardless of its intended function, the site represents priceless tangible proof of the bewildering complexity of the Inca civilization. It was built during the peak of the Inca Empire development, boasting a spectacular urban design as well as exquisite workmanship.

There are over 200 buildings on the mountain, clearly grouped for different types of activities and inhabitants, from temple and ceremonial areas in the urban sector to warehouses and simple homes in the agricultural sector.

While there is no solid evidence of regular human sacrifice practices in Machu Picchu, there is some proof of retainer sacrifices, which is the practice of killing servants after the death of their master and burying them with their leader to continue to serve him in the afterlife.

For decades people's perception of the site and its history was influenced by exaggerations and inaccurate facts regarding its discovery and location provided by American historian and Yale University lecturer Hiram Bingham.

Reaching the ruins is a much easier feat than most people would expect. Today tourists need only 15 minutes to get to the site from the Machu Picchu train station. More exciting one- to five-day trekking routes are also available.

The Machu Picchu ruins in Peru (image source)

Temple of the Sun or Torreon

Eyes of Pachamama - Machu Picchu

Funerary Stone in upper cemetery

Interior of an Inca building, featuring trapezoidal windows

So why is Machu Picchu so important?

Nestled in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, Machu Picchu is arguably the most spectacular and important urban settlement of the old Inca Empire. It is a superb archaeological representation of its cultural richness and sophisticated society.

For anyone with a passion for nature-inspired design, the place is a true gem. The Incas built this city following the rugged lines of the mountain, perfectly adapting to its challenges and seamlessly blending their creation within the landscape. The locals mined stones from the natural query at the site and then shaped them to fit together like puzzle pieces, thus creating sturdy walls which could withstand the challenges posed by the intense seismic activities of the area.

Terraced fields in the upper agricultural sector

Another problem which the Incas had to deal with was heavy rainfall. They had to find a series of solutions to the impending risk of landslides, erosion, flooding and mudslides. In order to help drain excess water, they created a series of terraces which not only provided stability to the land, but also represented excellent opportunities for agricultural activities.

Analyzing the city's layout and some of its religious settlements, experts have been intrigued by just how well its inhabitants seemed to understand important astronomical phenomena. For instance, some ceremonial rooms are only lit by the sun on specific days of the year, depending on the sun's position in the sky. Ritual stones represent another excellent example of how Inca architects planned their constructions. The Inti Watana pillar, for instance, casts no shadow whatsoever on January 30 and November 11 at midday, when the sun stands exactly above it.

Aside from its priceless historical and cultural value, the site is also extremely important due to the fact that it hosts a number of highly diverse habitats featuring many endemic species of flora and fauna. Its remarkable biodiversity is also influenced by the different microclimates in the area, which is yet another reason for which the property is unanimously considered to hold global significance.

Temple of the Moon Machu Picchu - (image source)

Brief History of Machu Picchu

Now that we've established what is so special about Machu Picchu, let us also explore its history for a bit. Many people still ask who built Machu Picchu and what kind of people lived within its walls. The answer is the Incas, who also built the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The origin of the Inca civilization can be traced back to the 13 th century, somewhere in Peru's highlands.

Machu Picchu The dawn mist lifts above the terraced structures - source

Unfortunately, the majestic citadel was abandoned approximately one century after its construction as a result of the historic Spanish Conquest. Unlike many other Inca settlements, this one was not raided and defaced by the conquerors, which has led experts to believe that they never really found its remote location. It is, however, possible that many of the locals perished from smallpox, which had been introduced in the area by Spanish travellers even before the conquistadors.

Who discovered Machu Picchu?

Historians have found maps which indicated knowledge of the city from as early as 1874, but there is also reason to believe that Europeans had reached the site even before that. It was only in 1911, however, that the official rediscovery of the abandoned city was made by American historian Hiram Bingham. He was not a trained archaeologist, but that didn't stop him from organizing an expedition to rediscover the last Inca capital.

Hiram Bingham III at his tent door near Machu Picchu in 1912

As a lecturer at Yale, he enjoyed the support of the university in his quest for the "Lost City of the Incas". The moniker is actually not an accurate one for Machu Picchu, as Bingham failed to identify Vilcabamba as the true capital, which had been plundered and destroyed by the Spanish. The lecturer took a great number of artifacts with him back to America for further study, but most of them were eventually returned to their rightful owners, the Peruvians.

View of the city of Machu Picchu in 1912 - original ruins

Mystery and Mysticism

Bingham returned home with many fascinating stories about his expeditions through the jungle. Many of them, however, were just that - stories. He had a tendency to exaggerate and mystify his findings, presenting everything in an extra dramatic manner. His publications led people to believe that he spent a very long time seeking for the lost city, when in fact finding Machu Picchu happened almost by mistake.

Even after actually reaching the site, Bingham's interest was not awaken by the ruins, and he initially only spent one afternoon there. It was only after a few important plantation owners in the area had told him that they knew very little about the site that the lecturer eventually decided to further explore it.

Natural rock forming the condor's wings Temple of the Condor Machu Picchu - (image source)

Industrial district Machu Picchu Peru (image source)

Also, the city was not completely camouflaged by vegetation, as he had initially reported, and he did not have to trek through an impenetrable jungle to get to it. The truth was eventually uncovered when his son Alfred found a number of letters from 1911 in which Bingham told his wife about the progress of his expedition.

There is, however, a significant degree of mystery that still surrounds the place today. Experts still cannot decide what the purpose of the city's construction was, and they are still very unsure as to just how much the locals lived their lives influenced by their remarkable understanding of astronomy. There is still a significant amount of Machu Picchu secrets to be uncovered, but that is just natural and happens with most ruin sites.

Machu Picchu Travel Tips

It is very difficult to ask people not to go visit the iconic Inca city, but the reality is that tourism has had a strong negative impact on the site. Because of that, a few limitative measures have been taken, including forbidding helicopter landings near the ruins and limiting the number of daily visitors.

If you are wondering what is the best time of the year to visit Machu Picchu, just keep in mind that the high season starts in late May and ends in early September. During these months you can expect to be surrounded by 2500 people (the maximum allowed number) every day during your ruin explorations. Most tourists visit the city between 10 am and 2 pm.

Inca Trail Machu Picchu (image source)

Inca Drawbridge - Machu Picchu Peru (image source)

The site is open year round, but you have to keep in mind that rain is a real issue in the area, especially from October till April, when the Machu Picchu weather can usually be described with only one word: rain. Landslides and earthquakes can happen in the area, so make sure you are extra careful when you plan your activities.

There are a number of excellent Machu Picchu tour packages to cater to a variety of needs and preferences, including several extra luxurious ones. Everyone can find at least one offer to meet their expectations, because this is a place for both adventure and relaxation seekers.

For anyone looking for a memorable experience while enjoying world-class accommodation in Machu Picchu, here's a short list of excellent hotels in the area.

Huayna Picchu as seen from Machu Picchu (image source)

Top 3 Luxury Hotels in Machu Picchu

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Machu Picchu

Offering direct views of the Huayna Picchu Mountain, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge is only 25 minutes away from the local train station. Guests are pampered with high-end facilities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi and iPod docking stations.

For the best possible experience, we recommend choosing a room with mountain views and private patios, because nothing is better than drinking your coffee outside while enjoying a majestic view filled with history. You can also enjoy aromatherapy massages and even book a trip to the Aguas Calientes thermal baths.

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Just 20 minutes away from the actual ruins, the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel offers five-star accommodation in an elegant yet relaxed Andean Design. Some of the rooms come with balconies overlooking the mountain, and they are all equipped with cable TV.

Guests have access to a variety of massage services and relaxation sessions at the Aqlla Spa. The hotel can also arrange for exciting visits to nearby tourist attractions.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel

The hotel is located in the famous Aguas Calientes thermal baths area. It welcomes its guests in a beautiful colonial-style environment with tiled floors, Andean tapestries, alpaca blankets and spacious rooms.

A few select rooms also feature private pools, marble basins and fireplaces. There is a nice selection of activities for the guests, including massage sessions, Andean sauna, reading in the lounge library, browsing the gift shop, and taking guided tours of the area. Buffet breakfast and a la carte dinners are both included in the rates.

Machu Picchu sanctuary map (map source)

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Machu Picchu - A Realm of Majesty and Mystery

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There are several good reasons why you should choose Peru as your next luxury vacation destination, but Machu Picchu is probably one of the best. It is unique, it is spectacular, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has enormous cultural and historic value and it is soaked in mystery.

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This district had better homes, and the Priests and Nobility lived in the area.

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HISTORY'S HISTORIES You are history. We are the future.

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Essential Themes Beliefs: ​ Why do people live the way they do? Culture: ​ How do we know what we know about human history? Review: What were the most important crops in the Inca empire?