Best Things To Do In Machu Picchu, Peru
No trip to Peru could be incomplete without a visit to the “lost city” in Machu Picchu, and there are several beautiful excursions and other things you can do at Machu Picchu if you have enough time.
The citadel built in the 15th century in the Inca Empire is as intriguing as beautiful. It’s hard to believe that people lived in such a stunning location.
After taking some pictures at the famous viewpoint, it’s worth the time to explore the ruins of ancient times, meet the lhasas, who are friendly, and trek some of the breathtaking mountain trails that surround Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu citadel.
Take a look at the famous viewpoint once you have reached the entry point to Machu Picchu. The first thing to do is look at the renowned viewpoint from The Guardian’s House!
It’s the first and the most stunning view of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu complex and is where the stunning postcard images are made. From the cliff edge on the terrace, visitors get the most breathtaking panorama across the Machu Picchu ruin and the mountains in the background.
Getting the perfect picture of Machu Picchu from here is nearly impossible. If there is rain or fog when you arrive, you can wait for a while, as this is normal at the beginning of the day and typically clears earlier in the morning.
Seeing this iconic viewpoint at the Guardian’s House is one of the first and best things to do in Machu Picchu!
Typically, this area is packed with tourists during the daytime, but there’s plenty of space for standing in the outdoor area, so you don’t need to wait long for photos. In the afternoon, the majority of the crowds are gone.
It is located in the Guardian’s House, a modest small stone shack with a thatch roof. Just like the name suggests, it was a watchtower above the Inca citadel during the early days of the Inca.
To get to The Guardian’s House, make a left as you enter Machu Picchu and follow the directions uphill for approximately 15 minutes until you reach the highest point of the terraces.
Once you have reached the point of view, you can spend a few minutes taking pictures and taking in the sights, then explore the remainder of the ruin.
Meet the Llamas!
About two dozen llamas reside in Machu Picchu and walk the citadel grounds during the day, eating grass as they walk.
They’re furry, comfortable, and usually allow you to snap pictures of them. Sometimes, you’ll see babies llamas playing with their parents as well.
If you’re lucky enough, some of them may even photograph bomb your images from Machu Picchu by posing in the background, providing you with an incredible photo opportunity!
Native American people practiced the domestication of llamas for thousands of years. Their poop served as a fertilizer, and the wool was used to make clothing.
Our favorite Machu Picchu llama. There are dozens of friendly llamas wandering freely in Machu Picchu!
Hike Huayna Picchu
The Huayna Picchu trek is a must-do adventure that takes you up to the top of Wayna Picchu (the iconic mountain that lies behind Machu Picchu). At the top, you get to look at the authentic Inca buildings as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Don’t be scared of the name -even though they are often referred to as “the Machu Picchu Stairs of Death (for their steepness and narrowness). However, there aren’t many accidents in the past and, overall, it’s safe if you don’t sleep.
Despite its difficulty, it is still highly sought-after and restricted to 400 trekkers per day. That means it’s often necessary to reserve many months in advance to secure an opportunity to reserve a spot.
If you have to choose just one thing in Peru,, it should be this one. The Huayna Picchu trek is, among the top ten activities to experience during your visit to Machu Picchu!
Hike Machu Picchu Mountain
If you’re looking to test yourself, Try climbing Machu Picchu Mountain. This is the highest mountain in the region and the hardest to climb. The peak’s elevation is 3,082 meters (10,111 feet).
The hike lasts approximately 3 hours in total, and there’s a lot of elevation increase (around 1,800 feet), which means it’s an uphill climb to the top. It’s not easy, but it’s not risky.
The mountain isn’t so famous in the same way as Huayna Picchu, but it’s a fantastic hike with breathtaking views of the entire Machu Picchu area from high above.
Hike Huchuy Picchu
This Huchuy Picchu mountain trek is ideal for those who want a simple, short walk through Peru that offers spectacular panoramic views of Machu Picchu from above.
It’s a brand new trail that was only inaugurated in 2021. It follows an ancient fifteenth-century Inca stone staircase until the summit of a mountain known as Huchuy Picchu (which means ‘little mountain according to Quechua).
This trek may not be as prestigious as the one at Huayna Picchu. However, it’s less strenuous. In addition, the vistas from the mountain’s summit are equally stunning.
Entry tickets are required to go on this hike. You’ll be required to reserve them beforehe walk by booking them ononlineSee the Sun Gate
Also called Inti Punku, this is an easy hike to a stunning viewpoint. An Incan gate that initially was the main entrance to Machu Picchu. Due to its position at the top of the ridge, it is believed that the ssun’srising would pass through the gate at specific periods during the year.
The hike to the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu citadel takes about two hours round trip and iit’san elevation gain of 290m (950 feet). The trail, however, is a little more accessible compared to Machu Picchu Mountain, and in general, iit’sone of the less strenuous treks in the area.
At the top, you can enjoy an excellent viewpoint from which you can view Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys and mountains. The views here are identical to those you can see at the top on Machu Picchu Mountain, although it’s not quite as tall at 2,720 m (8,924 inches).
For hikers the Inca Trail, this gate is among the final places to stop along the trail and is the first spot in which you can view the city at the top of Machu Picchu.