Aguas Calientes, Peru: Machu Picchu Guided Visit. Your journey to the legendary Machu Picchu begins in Aguas Calientes, where you’ll board a mini-bus that winds its way up the steep, verdant slopes to the Sacred Citadel of the Incas—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
As you ascend, the grandeur of this pre-Hispanic engineering marvel slowly unfolds before you. Chosen by Inca Pachacutec as a royal retreat, Machu Picchu—meaning “Old Mountain”—was once a place of worship and reverence, where his mummified remains were to be honored. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its beauty transcends any title, captivating travelers with its mystique and breathtaking scenery.
How was such a masterpiece created? The granite stone structures seem to emerge naturally from the earth, seamlessly blending with the Andean landscape. Here, the architectural genius of the Incas is on full display. Explore its wonders—the Royal Mausoleum, the path to the Inca Bridge, or the central staircase leading to Intihuatana, the ritual stone linked to the sun’s movements. Or simply pause to take in the sacred geography: the Urubamba River wrapping around the site and the mighty Mount Salkantay standing sentinel to the southeast.
After an immersive guided tour, and time permitting, you may continue exploring at your own pace before making your way to the shuttle bus station for your return to Aguas Calientes. There, a well-earned, delightful lunch awaits you at the Cafè Inkaterra Restaurant, the perfect way to reflect on your unforgettable visit.
Important Notes:
- Your Machu Picchu admission ticket(s) will be handed on-site.
- To preserve the integrity of this sacred citadel, admission tickets grant entry for a limited duration (please check your ticket for the exact schedule). During this time, re-entry is not permitted.
- If your itinerary includes a second admission ticket for a self-guided visit to Machu Picchu, be sure to keep your ticket from the first guided visit. When entering the park unaccompanied, you will need it as proof that you have already toured the citadel with a local guide.
- We recommend using the facilities located near the park entrance before beginning your visit, as there are no restrooms inside the citadel.
