Welcome to Machu Picchu!

In 1981, Machu Picchu was declared as a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and in 1983, it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Spanish did not attack Machu Picchu when they attacked the Incas, which is why it is culturally rich and considered a sacred site. True to the classical Incan style of architecture, Machu Picchu has several polished dry-stone buildings and there are plenty of highlights to explore at Machu Picchu.

According to archaeologists and historians, Machu Picchu was divided into an agricultural zone and an urban zone. The urban zone had three distinct districts - the Sacred District, the Popular District and the District of Priests and Nobility. Buildings and structures in each district were styled according to the purpose they were to serve and care was taken to see that they blended into their surroundings.

The Sacred District has the three main archaeological treasures - the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of the Three Windows. All three historical landmarks were dedicated to the Sun God "Inti" - the greatest deity of the Incas. The masses and the lower class people lived in the Popular District or the Residential District. This zone had storage buildings and simple houses to suit the lives of the residents, who were mostly farmers and teachers. The top of the hill was the religious zone that overlooked the lush green slopes of the Urubamba Valley located thousands of feet below.

Terrace farming was one of the key agricultural techniques practised by the residents of Machu Picchu. They used the natural slopes and aqueducts to their advantage. After defeating the Incas, Spanish conquerors introduced many European ideas and styles to the Incan civilization. Spanish influence is evident at Machu Picchu as well. In the 1820s, the Peruvians gained their independence by defeating the Spanish. The many victories and defeats brought in diversity to the Peruvian customs, language, food, arts and culture. One of the original Incan influences includes the Quechua language spoken by many Amerindians who live in this region.

The closest place to stay to Machu Picchu is the small town of Aguas Calientes, where a number of Machu Picchu hotels and lodges are located, as well as good restaurants and shopping opportunities. The town is named after the hot springs located within the town which are also the ideal place to relax and soothe aching muscles after a long trek or tour to Machu Picchu. You can use our Machu Picchu map to choose your hotel in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu based on its location.

There is very few places in the world as awe-inspiring and magical as Machu Picchu. A good way to explore places of interest here is to either take a locally led Machu Picchu tour or buy a visitors pass from any of the tourist offices or the Santa Catalina Convent at Cusco. Each pass is valid for 5-10 days and can be used at up to ten sites and museums.

We are local to the region and can help you find the perfect hotel in the Machu Picchu region and also offer some interesting and exciting tours to Machu Picchu and its surroundings. We can help you plan your ideal Machu Picchu holiday!