Inca Doorway, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Peru

Machu Picchu

Both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Severn Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is one of the most revered archaeological sites in the Americas, if not the world.

For a site that is so well known, not much is known about it. The architectural style suggests it was commissioned by Inca Pachacutec and thus thought to have been built around the early or mid-1400s. It was a ceremonial and administrative centre for a population of just under 1,000. It was unknown to the Spanish, abandoned at some stage, and then hidden from the eyes of the world until Hiram Bingham brought it back to life on the 24th July 1911.

Inca Wall, Machu Picchu, Peru
Inca Wall, Machu Picchu, Peru

Walk the Inca Trail

Climb Huayna Picchu for outstanding panoramic views over the ruins or venture up to the Sun Gate and experience the descent on foot by the original Inca Trail. Head away from the crowds to the outskirts of the ruins to wander alone into Inca houses and for those budding photographers, a photo through the doorways of Huayna Picchu make for a different perspective to the iconic shots one always sees.

Machu Picchu Treks

Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru

Sleep at Machu Picchu

Most visitors spend just half a day exploring Machu Picchu, and while we hope that you will visit such a breath-taking site again, the reality is, it might just be the once. So, in order to make the very most of your stay, we suggest staying overnight, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the complex without the crowds and visit for a second time, to explore in-depth. The Belmond Sanctuary Lodge has an unrivalled position just a stone’s throw from the citadel. Ideally positioned to beat the crowds to the gates, and with views over the cloud-forest clad mountains, it is a true Inca hideaway.

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge 

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Mandor Waterfalls, Peru
Machu Picchu

Uncover Hidden Waterfalls

Journey to the Mandor Valley to walk through its bio-diverse gardens and stand under a secluded waterfall.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu

Climb Putukusi

Hike up the exhilarating mountain that boasts a spectacular view over Machu Picchu from the far side of the Vilcanota Valley.

Cloud Forest, Andes Mountains, Peru
Machu Picchu

Walk in the Cloud Forest

Head in to the lush cloud forests of the Peruvian Andes that surround Machu Picchu, observing its exquisite orchids and colourful hummingbirds.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu

Discover Machu Picchu

Journey to the iconic UNESCO site of Machu Picchu, either on foot via the Inca Trail or by rail journey.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Andean Cock of the Rock, Peru
Machu Picchu

Wildlife Watching

Head to prime locations to seek out cocks-of-the-rock, green jays, speckle-faced parrots and spectacled bears.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Peru holiday ideas.

Our Peru experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu £££££

  • Peru
  • Boutique

Tucked away in 12 acres of private Peruvian cloud forest, Inkaterra Machu Picchu is an estate built to replicate a traditional Andean village. Occupying a riverside location and set amongst stone pathways, terraced hills and waterfalls, the village accommodation is surrounded by a plethora of stunning bird species that includes the golden-headed quetzal and the iconic Andean cock-of-the-rock.

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El MaPi £££££

  • Peru

A contemporary property with lofty ceilings and panoramic windows, El MaPi is a down-to-earth accommodation nestled within the village of Machu Picchu Pueblo. Completely restored by a renowned Peruvian architect, El MaPi blends classic features with modern aesthetics and utilises restored furnishings and recycled materials as part of their sustainability practices.

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Belmond Sanctuary Lodge £££££

  • Peru

A high-altitude hideaway that is just a stone’s throw from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Belmond Sanctuary Lodge boasts an unrivalled position that affords its guests the opportunity to beat the crowds to the gates of one of the world’s most elusive ancient archaeological sites. Perched in the shadows of the Lost City, the lodge is a welcome sanctuary of rest and revitalisation following long days spent exploring the ruins and trails.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Paul Bird

Reaching the sun gate and marvelling over Machu Picchu unveiled one of the most impressive landscapes that Paul has seen in his global travels.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Roxy Dukes

If your passion is the outdoors and you are looking to delve into South American culture, Roxy recommends one of the lodge-to-lodge hiking programmes to explore the Sacred Valley and beyond. Hopping between the quiet mountain towns, meet the locals that live off the grid and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Peru.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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