Machu Picchu is not only one of the most visited destinations in the world but also one of the places where most people return. It happens that the Wonder of the World captivates its visitors in such a way that many of them feel the need to return to the place where they felt the freedom and happiness that radiates from the Inca Citadel. Among the main reasons to return to the Inca site are the Huayna Picchu mountain, the Sacred Valley and the energy radiated by the Inca Llaqta. Learn more about these and other reasons to return to Machu Picchu.

• Reason 1: Energy
• Reason 2: Beauty
• Reason 3: The Inca Trail
• Reason 4: Huayna Picchu
• Reason 5: The Sacred Valley
• Reason 6: The Inca Jungle
• Reason 7: Aguas Calientes
• Reason 8: Choquequirao
• Reason 9: Hydroelectric Route
• Reason 10: Gastronomy

Complete view of Machu Picchu

The 150 constructions at Machu Picchu
The archaeological site of Machu Picchu has more than 150 stone constructions more than five hundred years old. The most famous buildings are in the religious sector, such as: the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Main Temple, the Sacred Rock, the Temple of the 3 Windows, the Temple of the Condor and the House of the Inca. In addition, Machu Picchu is made up of hundreds of agricultural terraces and terraces, which have subway structures and canals. It is estimated that 60 percent of the buildings in the Inca citadel are underground. Because of this, despite several earthquakes and the passage of time, the Inca llaqta remains in a good state of preservation.

Reason 1: Energy

• Machu Picchu was an urban and religious center surrounded by immense mountains or ‘Apus’ that the Incas venerated with great fervor.
• Today, it is estimated that 1 million visitors a year visit its stone constructions.
• Due to the great affluence of people and the importance it enjoyed in the past; they make the Wonder of the World a place where a great amount of energy is accumulated.
• It is believed that there are specific sites in the Inca enclosure where this energy can be felt more strongly, such as the Sacred Rock or the Sundial of Machu Picchu (Intihuatana).
• Captivated by this mysterious energy, many tourists return to the Inca Citadel to recharge their batteries.

Reason 2: Beauty

• Machu Picchu was built in the eastern part of the Andes Mountains.
• It is located at 2,430 m.a.s.l. surrounded by immense mountains and the characteristic greenery of the sub tropical region of Peru.
• It was not by chance that the Incas built an urban and religious center there, in such an inaccessible place.
• In fact, the prestigious National Geographic Travel magazine highlighted the natural and architectural beauty of the Inca site.
• Because of this, many tourists return to the “City in the Clouds” to relive the experience of being face to face with the Inca llaqta.
• Some of the visitors even promise to return if any difficulties in their daily lives are solved.

Reason 3: The Inca Trail

• One of the most incredible adventures in Machu Picchu is the 4-day, 3-night trek known as the Inca Trail.
• In total, this hike along ancient Inca trails runs 39.6 kilometers through high Andean and tropical landscapes until arriving directly at the Wonder of the World from the Sun Gate.
• It is known as one of the top 5 hiking trails in the world. However, due to the high demand for admission, it is difficult to be one of the adventurous trekkers.
• Many people return to Cusco only to hike the Inca Trail. In order to get one of the entrance tickets, it is recommended to book your tickets up to 6 months in advance.
• If you do not find availability for this tour, or the time you have is not enough, you can book the 2-day Inca Trail tour. This alternative option also allows you to observe Machu Picchu for the first time from the Intipunku.

Differences between the 4-day and 2-day Inca Trail:

Reason 4: Huayna Picchu

• One of the most popular adventures in Machu Picchu is the one offered by Huayna Picchu.
• This perpendicular mountain crossed by ancient Inca trails on the edge of fearsome cliffs, is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience.
• So much so, that many tourists consider that visiting Machu Picchu without visiting the Waynapicchu is not a complete tour.
• That is why travelers from all over the world return to the Wonder of the World with the sole objective of ‘now yes’ to climb to the top of Huayna Picchu.
• The climb to the top is known as one of the most incredible short hikes in the world.
• To get an entrance ticket to this tourist attraction, you need to book it up to 4 months in advance.

Top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

Reason 5: The Sacred Valley

• The Sacred Valley is a natural area that enjoyed great importance during the Tahuantinsuyo.
• There, the Incas built urban and religious centers, terraces, roads, colcas and a vast array of buildings, many of which can still be seen today.
• Today, it is a vast territory surrounded by rivers, mountains, agricultural areas, archaeological centers, traditional villages and a vastness of natural wealth that transforms it into one of the most incredible tourist attractions in Cusco.
• Because it is an obligatory point before arriving to Machu Picchu, it is almost a must to visit it. However, many tourists can not do it because they have little time.
• Many of them return to Cusco only to visit the Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Chinchero is one of the towns to be visited on the Sacred Valley route

Reason 6: The Inca Jungle

• For adventure sports lovers, the Inca Jungle is the best experience in Machu Picchu.
• It is a tour of 4 days and 3 nights cycling, trekking, canoeing and ziplining through beautiful Andean landscapes until arriving at the Wonder of the World through the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Due to lack of knowledge or other reasons, many tourists do not do this adventure. The Inca Jungle is one of the reasons why many travelers return to Cusco.
• Most of the sports are done in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour is contracted with a travel agency. It is advisable to be in good physical condition to do it.

Reason 7: Aguas Calientes

• The closest town to Machu Picchu is called Aguas Calientes. It is located at 2,040 meters above sea level, crossed by the Vilcanota River and surrounded by vertical mountains.
• Due to being an obligatory point before reaching the entrance gate of the Inca site, there is an important traffic of tourists.
• That is why its streets are crowded with hotels, restaurants, bars and a variety of tourist services such as the thermal baths that give the town its name.
• The place is so small that you can get anywhere on foot. There are no cabs or any type of automobile to get around.
• There you can meet people from all over the world. If you did not know everything that Aguas Calientes has to offer, this is a good reason to return to the Wonder of the World.

Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town

Reason 8: Choquequirao

• One of the reasons to return to the Inca City is to visit the ‘Other Machu Picchu’.
• It is Choquequirao, an urban, religious center very similar to the Inca llaqta. It has terraces, rooms and stone temples, all surrounded by the lush jungle.
• To get there, there is no bus or train available. It is reached through a 4-day trekking route (round trip) that crosses incredible landscapes such as the Apurimac canyon.
• Unlike Machu Picchu, not many visitors dare to visit this archaeological site.
• The few who dare, do it during the second trip to the Wonder of the World, after having visited the Inca Citadel on the first trip.

Reason 9: Hydroelectric Route

• The best known ways to get to Machu Picchu are through the train route and the Inca Trail.
• However, it is not the only one. There is also the little known route to Machu Picchu by Hydroelectric.
• This alternative route begins with a 5-hour bus ride to the hydroelectric plant near the Wonder of the World.
• Then you reach the town of Aguas Calientes with a journey on foot (2 hours) or by train (30 minutes) through beautiful scenery along the Vilcanota River.
• This route is known for being more memorable than the classic train ride from Ollantaytambo.
• Many visitors return to Cusco willing to reach Machu Picchu through this alternative way.
• Once in the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the Inca City is reached on foot or by a 30-minute bus ride.

Hydroelectric route to Machu Picchu Pueblo

Reason 10: Gastronomy

• Peruvian gastronomy is world renowned for its diversity and flavor.
• In Machu Picchu, there is a variety of typical dishes of the region that cause the admiration of its diners.
• The baked pork, the Chiri uchu, the cuy chactado, the puchero are some of the traditional dishes that cause the return of tourists who visited Machu Picchu.
• Most hotels are located in the town of Aguas Calientes. There are services of all kinds of prices.
• In the city of Cusco, it is also possible to enjoy the most characteristic dishes of the region.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Carolina R.

“To come back and back!“

“It is one of those places where you have to go at least once in your life and if possible come back. The energy and tranquility that is breathed in this wonder is special. I recommend returning and visiting the Huayna Picchu mountain.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, August 16, 2024