Where is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an enigmatic archaeological center that holds the incredible history of the Inca civilization. This wonder is perhaps one of the most acclaimed destinations worldwide. Millions of people around the world come to the Inca citadel to recharge their batteries and have the opportunity to see it live and direct.

The goal of travelers is to visit the citadel, however, many wonder where Machu Picchu is located? Well, it is an answer that many travelers ask themselves. Here we will tell you the particularity of its location.

Where is Machu Picchu located?

Geographically speaking, Machu Picchu is located in Cusco – Peru. Cusco, was the capital of the Inca empire, due to its importance, the Incas decided to establish their great empire in this location.
To be a little more specific, the archaeological center of Machu Picchu is located in the province of Urubamba, district of the same name. This important center rests on the Vilcabamba mountain range in the middle of the cloud forests of the Cusco jungle.

Does Machu Picchu have more altitude than Cusco?

The answer is no. Cusco is almost 3,400 meters above sea level /11,152 feet above sea level. Machu Picchu, however, is located at 2,430 meters/7,972 feet above sea level.

Incredible but true, Machu Picchu is located almost 1,000 meters below Cusco. Being a destination with a not so pronounced altitude, it will be very easy for you to adapt to the altitude, avoiding the dreaded “soroche” or altitude sickness.

Its strategic location

Many of the great connoisseurs of Inca history agree that Machu Picchu has a strategic location: Machu Picchu has a strategic location. The Incas, when they built this important citadel, did so thinking that it would have to be a sanctuary that connects with other sanctuaries.

Many of the tour guides and connoisseurs agree that Machu Picchu, because it is somewhat “hidden”, has remained almost intact over the years.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

Due to its special location, there are several ways to reach the citadel, but the most common is the following:

By Train

To get to Machu Picchu by train, you can follow the following steps:

• Take a transport from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (place where the train station is located). This trip takes approximately 1 hour and a half.
• Upon arrival, you can board the train of your choice (we recommend booking tickets in advance). To get from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• After the train ride, you will arrive to a small town called Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Picchu village. This will be our last step to reach the wonder.
• Finally, a bus will take us from Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu village to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. The trip up is approximately 25 minutes to the entrance gate.

Trekking to Machu Picchu

Another of the most popular options to get to Machu Picchu are the treks. These trails are very popular with tourists looking for a bit of adventure in the mountains.
Many of these trails go directly to Machu Picchu, many others, go to Aguas Calientes and on the last day visit Machu Picchu. Here are some examples:

Classic Inca Trail 4 days

This is an ancestral trail that will take you through the ancient path that the Incas walked. In a 4-day tour, you will visit the main Inca archaeological sites such as Patallacta, Runcuraqay, Intipata or Wiñay Wayna. On the fourth day, you will arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate and have a privileged view of Machu Picchu at sunrise.

Salkantay Trek

This trek starts in the northern part of Cusco. In this experience you will be able to visit the humantay lagoon, the Salkantay snow-capped mountain and go from the snowy peaks to the cloud forests of Cusco. You will spend one night in Aguas Calientes to visit Machu Picchu on the last day.

Lares Trek

This route is an alternative trek that will take you into the mountains through the communities of Kiswarani, Cancha Cancha and Ollantaytambo. During this trek, you will also be able to visit the thermal baths of Lares. These thermo-medicinal waters will allow you to relax after a day full of hiking.

Flora in Machu Picchu

Due to its location, Machu Picchu has a very particular flora. Being located in the middle of the mountain and the cloud forest, the humidity is a favorable environment for the flowering of species such as orchids, carnations, ferns and trees like cedars.

Fauna in Machu Picchu

Like the flora, the fauna in Machu Picchu is very diverse. We can find animals such as: the national bird of Peru, the cock of the rock, llamas, alpacas, chinchillas, among other species.

Particularities of Machu Picchu

Much is said about the discovery of this Inca citadel. Several theories are woven around its creation, construction, discovery and others.

Here are some of its most famous myths:

Machu Picchu was finished?

Like all archaeological centers, Machu Picchu was in full growth. For this reason, some constructions can be seen half finished. It is believed that the citadel had its own quarry.

Who discovered Machu Picchu?

Hiram Bingham is known worldwide as the true and only discoverer of Machu Picchu. However, it was a local landowner who visited Machu Picchu for the first time unintentionally and claimed that it was never hidden until 1911 when Hiram Bingham made it known to the world.

Was Machu Picchu built by extraterrestrials?

Due to the complexity of its constructions and architectural design, many theories have been created regarding this idea. When one visits Machu Picchu, seeing such perfect constructions, with architecture quite advanced for the time, one may believe that this theory is true. However, we deny this theory since the Incas were experts in the construction of temples and archaeological complexes that resist even seismic movements.

Machu Picchu was inhabited only by women?

After a study of the remains found in Machu Picchu, they could see that the skeletons were of short stature so they concluded that they were women. However, years later it became known that the average height of the Incas was around that size. In one of his investigations, Hiram Bingham even considered this precinct as the temple of the virgins of the sun.

The best of Machu Picchu is in the subsoil?

Historians indicate that we only have the possibility of seeing 40% of what Machu Picchu really is. The other 60% are subway constructions. These are the drainage system and the foundations of the Inca citadel. Undoubtedly, this ingenious idea made it possible to build on top of the mountain.

Machu Picchu has a thousand and one reasons to be visited. From where it is located, its ancestral constructions and its unique magic make this place the best option to visit in Peru.

Now that you know more about Machu Picchu, where it is and how to get to this natural wonder, don’t miss the opportunity to plan your trip! If you are looking for the best option, we can help you! Tour Machu Picchu the orange way!