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Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

9.8
4.6/5
179 reviews
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu means "old mountain" in Quechua and is often called the "lost city of the Incas." This mountain citadel, built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century, sits on a steep ridge in the Andes at an elevation of approx. 2,400 m, overlooking the rushing Urubamba River valley. Hidden among mountains and clouds, it eluded Spanish colonizers and was abandoned with the empire's fall until its rediscovery in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, led by a local guide. The city is constructed with precisely fitted dry-stone walls that have withstood centuries of weather and earthquakes. Visitors can explore two main areas: the agricultural terraces and the urban sector. The Temple of the Sun's windows align with the summer solstice sunrise, reflecting Inca sun worship; the Temple of the Three Windows, with its massive stonework, and the central plaza formed the religious core. The Intihuatana, a finely carved monolithic stone, is believed to have served astronomical purposes, giving rise to its name meaning "hitching post of the sun." The viewpoint near the Guardian's Hut frames the ruins with the towering Huayna Picchu peak—a classic photo spot—while alpacas often wander into shots on the terraced lawns. Morning mists clearing at sunrise, with sunlight bathing the stone walls, create a magical scene, so early arrival is recommended. Due to the high altitude and strong UV rays, sun protection and warm layers are essential. For the adventurous, hiking the Inca Trail for days and glimpsing the citadel from the Sun Gate remains an unforgettable arrival for many trekkers.Urubamba · 49.1km from downtown

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Featured Day tours in Urubamba

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Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco by Train
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4.9/5
· 7 reviews· 93 booked
Duration: 11.9 hrs
English
From€359.66
Peru Cusco departure Sacred Valley + Pisac + Ollantaytambo + Zona Arqueologica Moray 1-day tour
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4.0/5
· 1 review· 32 booked
Duration: 6 hrs
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From€65.47
1-day tour to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu from Cusco, Peru, including admission ticket, train ticket, and guide service
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From€667.70
1-day tour to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu from Cusco (bookable for one person, round-trip train, admission ticket and guide included)
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From€381.34
Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco by Train | Circuit 2
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Duration: 4.7 hrs
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Half-Day Tour: Moray, Maras Salt Mines & Chinchero
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Duration: 6.6 hrs
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From€29.79

Featured Culture & history in Urubamba

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1-day tour to Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Zona Arqueologica Moray from Cusco, Peru
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From€62.49
Day Tour to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu from Cusco, Peru (1 person minimum, daily departures, admission ticket included)
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From€358.71
Sacred Valley Combo Pisac Ruins , Salineras , Moray And Ollantaytambo.
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Duration: 5 hrs
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Peru Machu Picchu 1-day tour + Expedition train + departure from Cusco!
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From€417.76
Half-day tour to Moray terraces, Sacred Valley Maras salt mines and Chinchero weavers from Cusco, Peru
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From€63.98

Featured Outdoor & sports in Urubamba

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INTI PUNKU HIKE FULL DAY – INCA QUARRIES 1 DAY
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Duration: 12 hrs
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Cusco ATV Adventure: Maras, Moray & Salt Mines
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Duration: 4.6 hrs
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Cusco: Zipline in the Sacred Valley
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4.8/5
· 14 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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Quad Bike Tour Moray and Maras Salt Mines from Cusco
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4.8/5
· 62 reviews· 25 booked
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
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91.9% of travelers recommend
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From Urubamba: ATVs Tour Adventure Maras, Moray & Salt Mines
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4.8/5
· 11 reviews
Duration: 5–6 hrs
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Huayna Picchu Mountain Entry Ticket 2026
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From€93.82

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What travellers say about Urubamba

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shanghaiboyu27 August 2025
5.0
Machu Picchu boasts 140 structures, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences, as well as over 100 stairways, numerous fountains, and a comprehensive water system. Abandoned during the Spanish invasion and the fall of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was discovered by Yale University professor Hiram Bingham in 1911. The ruins consist of two main areas: an urban area and an agricultural area, separated by a stone wall. Beyond the wall lie terraced agricultural areas, divided into high and low terraces depending on the terrain. The urban area is divided into three zones: the sacred area, the area for priests and nobles, and the southern area for commoners.

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

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DEAR张小球17 May 2020
5.0
The Urubama River Valley is a very grand site. It was the agricultural center of the ancient Inca Empire. As for the site similar to terraced fields, it is still seen in the valley. The area is very large and the surrounding scenery is beautiful. It is a very important part of the ancient Inca Empire.

Sacred Valley

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apabaru13 August 2026
4.0
These are salt pans located in a valley in the high Andes Mountains. Numerous pools of pure white salt line the landscape, creating a beautiful sight. The entrance fee is 20 soles. It appears to be a solar salt pan where salt is still produced. They were selling salt at the shop, but I forgot to buy any later.

Salt Mine of Maras

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有身份的旗21 November 2024
5.0
It's really cool, suitable for playing and watching

Zona Arqueologica Moray

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D31***616 March 2020
5.0
Forget the village just below Matchu Picchu as the place is over crowded. Ollantaytambo is the number one place to stay. cute atmosphere, the ancient ruins make for a great day. worth the extra time if you have it.

Ollantaytambo

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乖小咪12 September 2019
5.0
This Inca Trail in Cusco has a history of more than 2,000 years. It was the trade route for the ancient Incas to travel between cities. Most of the roads along the way are mountains and ridges, and the road is very rugged. There are also many relics of Inca culture along the way. Now it is a great hiking route.

Inca Trail

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泰宁根吴承恩1 May 2020
5.0
Huayna Picchu is located opposite Machu Picchu. It takes some time to get to Huayna Picchu, but the scenery along the way is very good, and it is worth visiting. It is also super beautiful to appreciate Machu Picchu from this angle.

Huayna Picchu

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东张西望望东西12 April 2020
5.0
The Sacred Stone is a must-see when entering Machu Picchu. The Sacred Stone may be given more religious power in the local area, so it is more special. Of course, for us it is just a big stone, but respecting local beliefs and culture is absolutely necessary.

Sacred Rock at Machu Picchu

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What are the must-do things in Urubamba?

Don't miss these attractions in Urubamba: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, and Salt Mine of Maras. If you like Day tours, try Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco by Train. If you enjoy Culture & history, try 1-day tour to Sacred Valley, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and Zona Arqueologica Moray from Cusco, Peru.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Machu Picchu Full-Day Tour from Cusco by Train, 1-day tour to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu from Cusco (includes round-trip train, admission ticket and English guide), and Peru Cusco departure Sacred Valley + Pisac + Ollantaytambo + Zona Arqueologica Moray 1-day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 4 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Urubamba is around EUR 29.79 – EUR 667.7. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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