My favorite thing to do at Machu Picchu was to walk the pathway to the Sun Gate. With every step I took, I was able to see another beautiful vantage point of Machu Picchu and the surrounding mountains. Once you arrive to the Sun Gate, you're able to sit atop one of the large stones and enjoy the incredible views - it feels as if you're in another world when you're visiting Machu Picchu.
-Margo Lynott
Peru Travel Expert
Watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu is an incredible experience. There are a couple of different ways travelers can enjoy it. One option is to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. These hikes start early—often before sunrise—and require advance tickets. For those who prefer not to hike, staying overnight at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, located just outside the site entrance, allows early access to the ruins. Wake up early, enter the site, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the epic views—nearly anywhere within Machu Picchu offers a stunning sunrise.
The Sun Gate, known as Inti Punku, was the historic gateway to Machu Picchu for the Incas. Travelers can reach the Sun Gate either by hiking the Inca Trail or by entering the Machu Picchu site and following the wooden Inti Punku signs along a steady uphill path. Along the way, you’ll pass agricultural terraces, spot llamas, and eventually reach an incredible viewpoint overlooking Huayna Picchu. Those arriving via the Inca Trail experience Machu Picchu just as the Incas once did—entering the site for the first time through the Sun Gate.
What many people assume is Machu Picchu Mountain is actually Huayna Picchu. Machu Picchu Mountain is the peak you’re standing on when looking across at Huayna Picchu.
Climbing Huayna Picchu is challenging—the trail is short but very steep, and most hikers reach the summit in one to two hours. While demanding at times, the breathtaking views of the ancient citadel below make the effort well worth it.
Machu Picchu Mountain is a longer hike than Huayna Picchu and is generally considered slightly less challenging. It’s a good option for travelers concerned about steep climbs or exposure.
From the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Huayna Picchu and the Machu Picchu ruins below.
The train journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, is incredibly scenic. As the route winds from the Sacred Valley through the cloud forest, travelers enjoy views of towering mountains, waterfalls, lush vegetation, and the Urubamba River. Onboard, passengers can enjoy a Pisco Sour, wine, or beer along with light snacks. Whether traveling on the PeruRail line or aboard the Belmond Hiram Bingham, large windows ensure unobstructed views throughout the journey.
There are plenty of spots in Machu Picchu where the Incas would give offerings and pay tribute to Mother Earth. The Temple of the Sun was a sacred place used and built by the Incas for ceremonies to pay tribute to the sun. The sun is considered to be responsible for the creation of life and all things, therefore the temple was incredibly important to the Incas.
The Inca Drawbridge is another example of the architecture that the Inca builders were able to accomplish. The bridge was created out of stones and was used as an access point to Machu Picchu – some believe it was even used as a secret entrance. Arrange for a local, professional guide to lead you to the bridge, located in the southeastern part of Machu Picchu. On the journey to the drawbridge, you can enjoy views of the Urubamba River and the surrounding nature and wildlife.
While walking around Machu Picchu you’ll notice plenty of Llamas roaming around the agricultural terraces. You may see single Llamas, or if you’re lucky, a family of llamas. These beautiful creatures are super friendly (even if they do sometimes spit!), and you’re welcome to take photos with them as long as you’re respectful of the guidelines in place.
There are two levels of agricultural terraces in Machu Picchu. The terraces were used by the Incas to produce food, such as quinoa, potatoes, and corn. However, the terraces had a second purpose – in addition to providing an area for food production, the lower terraces also acted as a way to avoid erosion of the mountain. While walking around Machu Picchu, there’s no way you can miss seeing these terraces!
The Watchman’s Hut rests at the top of multiple terraces, in the agricultural sector. The hut was used by the Incas as a guardhouse and ceremonial rock. Follow a guide to the Watchman’s Hut and learn the theories of why it was so important to the Incas, and enjoy the views of Machu Picchu while there!
The Intihuatana Stone, the Hitching Post of the Sun, was very special to the Incas. The beautifully carved rock was known as a ritual stone for the Incas and was used for astronomical purposes. Find the stone while walking around the lower part of the ruins. If the sun is shining you can stand close to the rock, and you’ll notice that your shadow is actually behind you – a fun trick due to the sun’s position!
While there isn’t a specific delicacy or traditional dish that comes from Machu Picchu, we do know that the Incas used to produce quinoa, potatoes, and corn on the agricultural terraces. They also enjoyed Coca Tea, similar to green tea. Learn more about food and drink in Machu Picchu on your Peru tour.
Yes, Machu Picchu is safe to visit. There are no major safety considerations when visiting Machu Picchu. The area is safe and tourists are well looked after by the Peruvian authorities. You are also required to visit the site with a guide, upon your first visit. Therefore, you’ll be in great hands with a local expert.
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from mid-April to June and from September to October. During these months, there is clear, dry weather in the Andes. It’s also generally less crowded, as these months are outside the peak travel months of July and August. Whether traveling by train to Machu Picchu, trekking the Inca Trail, or looking for that perfect sunrise from the Sun Gate, these are excellent times to visit, typically sunny by day and cool at night.
Machu Picchu is the main attraction. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The site is known for its incredible landscape, towering mountains, lush forest, wildlife, and mysterious history.
