A trip to Peru would not feel complete without seeing Machu Picchu. The ancient Inca city is one of the most famous places in South America, and there is much more to do here than simply take the famous postcard photo.

Machu Picchu was built during the 15th century and sits high in the Andes Mountains. The combination of old stone ruins, green mountains, and dramatic views makes the site one of the most impressive places to visit in Peru.

Once you arrive, take some time to enjoy the main viewpoint, walk through the ancient buildings, watch the llamas moving around the ruins, and explore one of the hiking trails if your ticket allows it.

If you are planning a trip to this famous Inca site, here are 10 of the best things to see and do at Machu Picchu.

1. Enjoy the Famous Machu Picchu Viewpoint

One of the first things most visitors want to see is the classic view of Machu Picchu.

The famous viewpoint near the Guardian’s House gives you a wide look across the ruins, with the green Andes mountains rising behind them. This is the view that appears in many travel photos of Machu Picchu.

It is a great place to stop for pictures, but do not be surprised if the weather is cloudy when you arrive. Morning mist is common in the mountains. Sometimes you simply need to wait a little for the clouds to move away.

The Guardian’s House itself is a small stone structure with a traditional thatched roof. It was positioned above the citadel and is believed to have been used as a lookout.

From the entrance, follow the marked route toward the upper terraces. The walk to the viewpoint takes around 15 minutes, depending on your pace.

Once you have enjoyed the view and taken your photos, you can continue toward the main ruins.

2. Walk Through the Ancient Inca Ruins

After seeing Machu Picchu from above, the next step is to explore the ancient city itself.

There are stone buildings, terraces, walls, temples, doorways, and other structures spread across the archaeological site. One of the first important features you may see is the main entrance, which offers another beautiful view toward Huayna Picchu.

The Incas were highly skilled stoneworkers, and you can see their craftsmanship throughout Machu Picchu. Many of the stones were carefully cut and placed together without the use of traditional mortar.

The Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Three Windows are two particularly interesting parts of the complex.

If you want to understand what you are looking at, hiring a local guide can make a big difference. A guide can explain the purpose of different buildings and tell you more about how the Inca settlement was designed.

3. Look Out for the Machu Picchu Llamas

You cannot visit Machu Picchu without noticing the llamas.

These animals are often seen wandering around the grassy areas of the archaeological site. They have become one of the most recognizable parts of the Machu Picchu experience.

They are usually quite relaxed around visitors, which means you may get some great photographs. You might even catch a llama standing directly in front of the ruins and accidentally becoming the star of your picture.

Llamas have been important to Andean communities for centuries. They were used for carrying goods, while their wool provided material for clothing and other useful items.

Keep your camera ready because the llamas do not exactly follow a schedule!

4. Take the Huayna Picchu Hike

For travelers who enjoy hiking, Huayna Picchu is one of the most exciting adventures around Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu is the steep mountain that rises behind the ancient citadel. The trail climbs toward the summit, where you can find old Inca structures and enjoy impressive views over Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains.

The route is steep in places and includes narrow sections and stone steps. Some parts are popularly known as the “Stairs of Death,” but the nickname makes the trail sound more frightening than it needs to be.

You still need to take the hike seriously, follow the rules, and be careful on exposed sections.

Huayna Picchu is also a popular hike, and access is limited. Because spaces can sell out, travelers should arrange the appropriate ticket well before their trip.

For adventurous visitors, this is one of the most memorable ways to experience Machu Picchu.

5. Climb Machu Picchu Mountain

Another option for hikers is Machu Picchu Mountain.

This is the highest mountain within the immediate Machu Picchu area, reaching about 3,082 meters (10,111 feet) above sea level.

The trail involves a long uphill climb and can take around three hours for a round trip. There is significant elevation gain, so you should be prepared for a demanding walk.

The good news is that the challenge comes mainly from the steep climb rather than technical sections.

At the top, you are rewarded with broad views across Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape. It is a good choice for travelers who want a quieter mountain experience and enjoy taking their time on the trail.

6. Hike Up Huchuy Picchu

If Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain sounds too demanding, Huchuy Picchu is another option to consider.

The name Huchuy Picchu means “little mountain” in Quechua. The trail takes visitors up an ancient Inca stone staircase toward the summit.

Compared with the larger mountain hikes, this route is shorter and generally easier. It still gives you the chance to see Machu Picchu from an elevated viewpoint.

The trail opened to visitors in 2021 and quickly became another popular activity for people looking for a shorter hike around the citadel.

Like the other mountain routes, you need the correct entrance or hiking ticket to access it, so check availability when planning your visit.

7. Walk to the Sun Gate

The Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku, is another worthwhile hike near Machu Picchu.

The site was an important entrance connected to the Inca road system. Its position also gives it a special relationship with the rising sun at certain times of the year.

The walk from Machu Picchu to the Sun Gate takes roughly two hours round trip, although your actual time will depend on your fitness and how often you stop.

The trail climbs gradually and is less demanding than some of the steeper mountain hikes.

At the top, you can look back toward Machu Picchu and the surrounding valleys and mountains. The viewpoint sits at around 2,720 meters (8,924 feet).

If you arrive at Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail, the Sun Gate is especially significant because it can provide your first dramatic view of the citadel.

8. Visit the Inca Bridge

The Inca Bridge is a small but fascinating part of the Machu Picchu complex.

It was built along a cliffside and is thought to have served as a controlled entrance to the site. The location is dramatic, with a steep drop below the bridge.

For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed to walk across the bridge itself. You can, however, follow the trail to the viewing area and see the structure from a safe distance.

The walk begins near the Guardian’s House and can take around 15 minutes.

Although the bridge is simple compared with the enormous pyramids and temples elsewhere at Machu Picchu, its location and clever design make it worth seeing.

9. Explore Aguas Calientes

Your Machu Picchu experience does not have to end when you leave the archaeological site.

Aguas Calientes, also called Machu Picchu Pueblo, is the small town located below the citadel. Most visitors pass through the town on their way to or from Machu Picchu, but it is worth spending some time there.

The town has hotels, restaurants, cafes, markets, and souvenir shops. You can browse local crafts and gifts before catching your train.

There are also hot springs where you can relax after spending hours hiking and walking around the ruins.

If you have additional time, you can explore the nearby natural areas, including Mandor Valley. The area is known for its greenery, waterfalls, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Aguas Calientes is also a convenient place to spend a night before or after visiting Machu Picchu.

10. Hike the Famous Inca Trail

For many travelers, the Inca Trail is more than just a hike. It is part of the Machu Picchu adventure itself.

Instead of arriving by train and bus, hikers can follow ancient routes through the Andes before reaching the famous Inca citadel.

The length of the trek depends on the route you choose. Some versions take several days, while shorter options are also available.

Along the way, hikers can experience mountain scenery, high-altitude landscapes, Inca ruins, valleys, and other archaeological sites.

The trail also gives you a stronger connection to the history of Machu Picchu because you are following routes originally developed by the Inca civilization.

If you enjoy hiking and have enough time in Peru, the Inca Trail can turn a visit to Machu Picchu into a much bigger adventure.

More Things To Do Around Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu offers plenty to keep travelers busy, whether you are interested in history, photography, wildlife, hiking, or mountain scenery.

You can spend a few hours exploring the main ruins or make the visit part of a longer Peru itinerary that includes Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and other Inca sites.

The most important thing is to plan your tickets and hiking routes ahead of time, especially if you want to climb one of the popular mountains.

Where To Stay Near Machu Picchu

If you want to be close to the archaeological site, Aguas Calientes is the main place to stay.

The town has accommodation for different budgets, from simple guesthouses to more comfortable hotels. Staying overnight can make your visit less rushed because you do not have to travel back to Cusco immediately after seeing Machu Picchu.

It is also convenient if you want to arrive early in the morning or take your time exploring the town after your visit.

When choosing a hotel, consider how close it is to the train station, bus departure point, restaurants, and other facilities you may need.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu can be visited throughout the year, but the weather changes with the seasons.

The wetter months generally run from November through April. Rain is more common during this period, but that does not mean every day will be wet. Mountain weather can change quickly, and you may still get beautiful conditions during the rainy season.

May through October is generally drier, making this period popular with hikers and travelers who want a better chance of sunny weather.

The downside is that the dry season is also a busy travel period, so popular tickets and hiking permits can become difficult to get.

Machu Picchu is located in a tropical mountain environment, so rain and clouds can appear even during the drier months. It is a good idea to carry rain protection regardless of when you visit.

Final Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of those destinations where the journey is just as memorable as the final view.

Take your time, wear comfortable shoes, carry water, protect yourself from the sun, and check the rules for your chosen circuit before arriving.

If you plan to hike Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, or the Inca Trail, book the required permits or tickets as early as possible.

And do not forget to look up from your camera occasionally. The stone ruins, surrounding mountains, and changing clouds are best appreciated when you simply stop and take in the view.

Whether you visit for the history, the hiking, the scenery, or the famous photographs, Machu Picchu is an unforgettable stop on any Peru trip.