Machu Picchu offers a series of unique experiences. Adventures such as the tour of the Inca Citadel, the short walk to the Sun Gate, the hike to the Inca Bridge or simply watching the sunrise or sunset in a place as special as the Wonder of the World. There are so many tourist attractions in the Inca site that it is often difficult to know them all. So, what to do in Machu Picchu during visiting hours? Know which are the main attractions in the Inca llaqta and how long it can take to visit them.

• Tour the Inca Citadel
• Hike to the Sun Gate
• Hike to the Inca Bridge
• Enjoy the sunrise or sunset
• Get the best photo
• Relax and feel the energy of Machu Picchu
• Climb to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Climb to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain

Here are some of the things you can do during your visit to Machu Picchu

How many hours can you stay in Machu Picchu?
In Peru, each visitor can stay up to 4 hours maximum at the entrance to the Inca city. However, the average visit to the archaeological site lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. If the tourist has access to one of the mountains, the visit can be extended up to 5 or 6 hours. In no case can the visitor stay all day in Machu Picchu, except in exceptional cases of visitors who buy two or three tickets for the same day and at different times (in the morning and the afternoon, for example).

Tour the Inca Citadel

• It is believed that it was the Inca Pachacutec who ordered the construction of Machu Picchu as a religious and rest center for him and his family in the 15th century.
• The Incas built terraces, palaces and main squares, sun and moon worship centers, small houses, water fountains, viewpoints, and a whole urban network made of stone.
• This entire urban center is known today as the Inca Citadel. The tour of these incredible constructions is a visit to history.
• Archaeological remains such as the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the 3 Windows, and many more stand out.
• The tour is mandatory with a tour guide, which is not included in the entrance ticket. Any of the 4 types of Machu Picchu tickets allow the tour of the Inca Citadel.

Tourists touring Machu Picchu’s interior

Hike to the Sun Gate

• The Sun Gate or Intipunku is an Inca construction located at the top of Machu Picchu whose purpose was as a gateway to the people invited to the Inca site.
• To reach this site it is necessary to climb on foot for about 1 hour from the Inca Citadel.
• Its name is because, during the summer solstice, the first rays of sunlight are reflected in this construction. Just as in the past, people entering Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate had to walk the network of Inca trails several kilometers long known today as the Inca Trail.
• Tourists who go on this incredible 4-day adventure reach the Wonder of the World through the Intipunku. Any of the 4 types of Machu Picchu tickets allows the tour to the Sun Gate.

View of the Sun Gate or Intipunku

Hike to the Inca Bridge

• Just 30 minutes from the Inca Citadel is one of the most amazing archaeological attractions of the Wonder of the World: the Inca Bridge.
• This construction at the edge of mind-blowing abysses was made of a stone base and completed with wooden trunks without which a cliff of up to 600 meters projects.
• It is believed that in case of any danger of invasion, the wooden trunks were removed making the Inca llaqta, a territory of difficult access.
• The paths leading to the bridge are made of stone next to vertical granite mountains. To visit this place you need the Machu Picchu Solo Ticket or any of the others.

The Inca bridge at Machu Picchu

Enjoy the sunrise or sunset

• One of the most memorable spectacles for tourists is appreciating the sunrise or sunset at Machu Picchu.
• Due to the incredible landscape in which the Inca llaqta is located, the sun’s rays are enjoyed like nowhere else. To live this experience it is necessary to be one of the first people to enter or the last to leave the Inca Citadel.
• The enclosure opens its doors at 6 in the morning and closes at 5 in the afternoon. To appreciate both times of the day it is necessary to reserve 2 tickets, one for the morning shift and another for the afternoon shift.
• The Machu Picchu Solo Ticket allows you to be alone in one of the 2 shifts offered, so the visitor must decide to enjoy the sunrise or sunset.

Sunrise at Machu Picchu

Get the best photo

• Machu Picchu is located on the eastern side of the Andes Mountains, at 2,430 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains and rivers, which gives it a unique landscape. It is called the “City in the Clouds” due to the abundant cloud cover that surrounds the Inca precinct, especially in the mornings.
• It is a magical place ideal for taking the best photographs. For a reason, it is one of the most photographed places in the world on Instagram.
• The best images are achieved from a point in the Inca Citadel called the ‘House of the Guardian’. There, in addition, you can get the image of the human face of Machu Picchu.
• During the dry season (April to October) and in the afternoons are the best times to photograph the Wonder of the World. With any of the 4 types of tickets, you can get the best pictures.

These are the different types of photos you can get during your visit to Machu Picchu:

Relax and feel the energy of Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu is the perfect place to relax and meditate. The harmony between its stone constructions and the surrounding nature are unique characteristics to take a few hours of contemplation.
• In addition, it is believed that some of its most important architectural points transmit energy.
• The Intihuatana, for example, is known as the rock that radiates energy. The Sacred Rock is another of the most popular works that is said to be a source of vitality.
• The Wonder of the World is not a site that is visited every day so it is advisable to take some time to relax and contemplate. Any of the Machu Picchu ticket types allow entrance.

People feeling the energy of Machu Picchu

Climb to the top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

• Currently, the most popular attraction on the Inca site is the Huayna Picchu mountain.
• This summit located to the north of the Inca Citadel has steep paths on the edge of dizzying cliffs.
• The ascent takes 1 hour depending on the physical condition of the visitor. At the top, Machu Picchu is appreciated as very few can.
• The view also allows us to appreciate the Vilcanota River, Putucusi Mountain, the town of Aguas Calientes, and much more. The ascent to Waynapicchu is considered one of the most incredible short hikes in the world.
• On the mountain, there is also the Temple of the Moon, a construction in the middle of a cavern whose purpose is still a mystery.
• The Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu Ticket allows the entrance to this adventure. This ticket includes the tour of the Inca Citadel and all its important constructions.

Top of Huayna Picchu Mountain

Climb to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain

• Like the hike to Huayna Picchu, the ascent to the top of Machu Picchu mountain is one of the most popular adventure options.
• It is a hike along ancient Inca stone paths to the top of the Wonder of the World. The ascent is steep, taking an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the physical condition of the person.
• At the top, you can appreciate all the beauty that surrounds the Inca site as well as the abundant flora and fauna typical of the region. It is allowed to people of all ages.
• The ticket required for admission is the Machu Picchu + Mountain Ticket. It also allows access to the Inca Citadel.

Top of Machu Picchu Mountain

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: María K.

“A wonder of the world“

“It is really incredible. To be there and see all that construction that is hundreds of years old is impressive. The different constructions, functions, hierarchy, rituals, among others. It is a must to visit with a guide to understand the history of the place. It is recommended to visit it in the first shift because although the entrance is from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., no one asks you to leave at that time.“

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