My Machu Picchu Tour Experience: Top Sights and What to Expect
Introduction - About My Trip to Machu Picchu
Touring Machu Picchu is as inspiring as it is breathtaking. From historical insights to natural beauty, my journey through Machu Picchu revealed so much about the ancient Incan civilization. Here’s what my Machu Picchu tour was like and what you can expect on your own adventure.
My Machu Picchu Tour Experience: Top Sights and What to Expect - Table of Contents
- Introduction – About My Trip to Machu Picchu
- Arriving at Machu Picchu
- Exploring the Main Viewpoint
- Walking Through the Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu
- Intihuatana Stone and Temple of the Sun
- Sacred Rock and Farming Terraces
- Huayna Picchu
- Exiting Machu Picchu
- Conclusions
- Machu Picchu in 60 Seconds – Video Highlights of My Visit
- Machu Picchu Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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Arriving at Machu Picchu and Entering the Ruins
Upon arrival, I met with my guide and group at the Plaza de Armas in Aguas Calientes. After a short bus ride up the winding road to the entrance of Machu Picchu, we lined up to enter the site. Remember to have your passport and entrance ticket ready.
Exploring the Main Viewpoint and Waiting for the Clouds to Clear
Our guide led us to the famous Machu Picchu viewpoint. The high altitude made the walk challenging, but it was worth it for the iconic view. As clouds often hover over Machu Picchu, our group waited until they cleared to capture the perfect photo. Our guide shared fascinating details about Pachacutec and how Machu Picchu once served as his royal estate.
Walking Through the Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu
Next, we ventured down the stone steps and into the heart of Machu Picchu. Our guide explained how the Incas built the estate without mortar, with each rock fitting perfectly.
Highlights included the Main Temple and the Room of the Three Windows, where we saw examples of the Inca’s stonework skills.
The Intihuatana Stone and the Temple of the Sun
One of the most notable stops was the Intihuatana Stone, a sundial central to the Inca calendar. Our guide explained that on certain days, the sun casts no shadow on the stone. In addition, the Temple of the Sun showcased the Incas’ architectural ingenuity and religious devotion.
Sacred Rock and the Farming Terraces
We continued our tour to the Sacred Rock, which the Incas believed represented the nearby mountains, a source of life for them.
The nearby farming terraces gave a glimpse into how the Incas cultivated food at such high elevations.
Huayna Picchu: The Optional Climb
While I didn’t climb Huayna Picchu, it’s an incredible adventure for those who want a more challenging experience. Only 400 people can climb the mountain each day, and it takes about 2-3 hours round-trip.
Exiting Machu Picchu and Reflecting on the Experience
Exiting Machu Picchu was as surreal as entering. Walking past the terraces and seeing the remains of ancient Inca residences reminded me of the incredible people who once inhabited this place. As I took one final look back, I felt privileged to have witnessed such a significant part of world history.
My Conclusions About My Tour of Machu Picchu
Touring Machu Picchu is truly an unforgettable experience, filled with wonder and rich history. From the Intihuatana Stone to the Temple of the Sun, every step reveals new insights into the world of the Incas. Whether you’re visiting with a guide or exploring on your own, Machu Picchu promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Machu Picchu in 60 Seconds - Video Highlights of My Visit
Machu Picchu Tours and Packages
Below are some tours and packages for visiting the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. I tried to pick tours of all levels, from the two-week trek on the Inca Trail to a cheaper one-day visit to Machu Picchu.
Please note that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you book using one of the links below. This commission is at no additional cost to you. Viator works with various tour agencies, and booking one of these packages does not ensure that you will be booked with Crossover Peru.
Prices are accurate as of November 2023.
 Ultimate Machu Picchu: Trek the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu - $1,790.00 ULTIMATE MACHU PICCHU |
 4 day Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu - Cycling, Water Rafting, Zipline - $897.44 Explore and experience the best of the Inca Jungle on your way to Machu Picchu with this exclusive 4-day adventure trip that combines Trekking, Mountain Biking, Rafting and Zipline before reaching Machu Picchu, the highlight of the trip. This tour is considered by some as even better than the Inca Trail because of all the additional activities you will do along the way as you hike through beautiful landscapes and cross rivers. |
 2-Day Trip Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu by Train - $1000.00 Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu by train 2 days 1 night, is an perfect itinerary highly recommended, Avoid spending the whole day rushing around. This 2 day tour will let you climb Huayna Picchu Mountain and enjoy Machu Picchu. Begins and finishes at your hotel in Cuzco. |
 Day Tour To Machu Picchu From Cusco - $389.67 -We pick up from all the hotels in Cusco and Sacred Valley |
 Machu Picchu By Car (2 Days) - $185.08 We offer a unique and authentic experience. We a fully locally owned tour operating company with years of experience. We are determined to make our customer's experience a memorable one. |
 2 Days Direct Train to Machu Picchu via Ollantaytambo - $418.67 This 2 Days Direct Train to Machu Picchu allows you to get a direct connection to Aguas Calientes from Cusco. You will have a three hour relaxing train ride with a no rush departure option from Cusco. You may choose a late morning pickup, noon or early afternoon. Your final destination is Aguas Calientes where you will spend your first and only night before visiting Machu Picchu the following day. Be one of the first to visit the spectacular Machu Picchu citadel and take in the spectacular views. |
 2 Days - Sacred Valley + Machu Picchu (PRIVATE TOUR) - $450.00 The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the most popular route in Peru. Since it was a crucial area for the Inca empire and that functioned as an agricultural, spiritual and political center. During the tour we will appreciate beautiful landscapes and Inca and Pre-Inca archaeological sites, in the afternoon we will take the train from ollantaytambo to aguas calientes. Note: if you are already in the city of Cusco it is recommended to make this tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas to contribute to its acclimatization since it is at a lower altitude. VISITS: Pisaq, Ollantaytambo, Urubamba Machu Picchu AVAILABILITY: Every day TOUR DURATION: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. FREQUENCY: All year |
 Machu Picchu By Train From Poroy (1 Day) - $400.00 For many visitors to Peru and even South America, a visit to the Inca city of Machu Picchu is the long-anticipated highpoint of their trip. In a spectacular location, it’s the best-known archaeological site on the continent. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century. |
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