Machu Picchu

Peru

South America Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

©Bérenger Zyla/500px

Overview

Shrouded by mist and surrounded by lush vegetation and steep escarpments, the sprawling Inca citadel of Machu Picchu lives up to every expectation. In a spectacular location, it’s the most famous archaeological site on the continent, a must for all visitors to Peru. Like the Mona Lisa or the pyramids, it has been seared into our collective consciousness, though nothing can diminish the thrill of being here. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the Spanish colonizers and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Machu Picchu? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Peru trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

Peru Uncovered: A Journey from Coast to Andes

14 days / 13 nights

highlights

  1. 1Embarking on a 10-hour luxury train ride through the Andes and over the Altiplano
  2. 2Watching llamas and vicuñas graze at the foothills of volcanic mountains
  3. 3Finding the sacred in the Sacred Valley, where intricate engineering reflects Incan ingenuity
from $4,895

per person

Explore more trips

Must-see attractions

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Machu Picchu