The Best Machu Picchu Activities (You MUST Do These During Your Visit!)
Are you wondering which are the best Machu Picchu activities to do during your trip?
The legendary ancient site itself is often the hallmark of a trip through Peru, and the majority of itineraries will focus on heading to this site. The great thing is that there are actually many more things to do both close to the ruins and also in this remote valley region, meaning it’s definitely worth spending more than a day here if it’s possible for you.
In this guide we’ll explore the very best Machu Picchu activities to enjoy when heading to the famous Inca stronghold, why each one is worth visiting when here, and how you can plan each activity.
Table of Contents
The Very Best Machu Picchu Activities
Get A Private Guided Tour Around The Legendary Ruins
Starting with the absolute essential, having a guided tour around Machu Picchu is the foundation of any trip here. It’s also a mandatory requirement to enter, as it helps to protect the site and prevent overcrowding in any one area. However it’s important to note that not all guided tours of Machu Picchu are the same, and as such it’s important to do your research on who will guide you (as this will shape your learning and experience). Here at AB Expeditions we work with some of the most experienced guides on our Machu Picchu tour from Cusco, who will help you have the most memorable experience possible.
Hike Up The Infamous Huayna Picchu Peak
Looking out from the main viewing platform in Machu Picchu, we can see sprawling ruins, green pastures and a giant mountain that looms behind. The peak of this mountain is known as Huayna Picchu, and also holds its own secrets that few tourists get to visit. A separate trek that’s not included in the usual Machu Picchu ticket, it begins at the lowest platform of Machu Picchu, where it veers off the path and follows a steep ascent right up to its own set of ancient ruins. Not only does it offer higher views of the valley (over 250 metres higher in elevation), there’s hardly any tourists here whatsoever – and as such is a must-see Machu Picchu activity!
Visit The Sun Gate – The Official Ending Point Of The Inca Trail
You may have heard of the infamous Four Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu Hike, which culminates at this sacred viewing platform. Well the truth is that the entire Inca transportation system (over 40,000km throughout South America) also ends here – making it one of the most important sites of the entire civilisation. The Sun Gate, also known as Intipunku, offers incredible views over Machu Picchu and the surrounding Urubamba Valley. While before you could only access it via the Inca Trail hikes, it’s now possible to walk up from Machu Picchu depending on the circuit that you choose when you book your ticket.
See Exotic And Colorful Butterflies In The Butterfly Sanctuary
Another must after your trip to Machu Picchu and the surrounding Huayna Picchu Mountain, the butterfly sanctuary (known as the Mariposario locally) is also located down in Aguas Calientes. Just outside of town, it’s the perfect place to wind down in nature as you see bright blue, orange and yellow butterflies from the region glide about as they please. Conservation efforts are also proud here, where we can see butterflies in evolution and also learn more about the different flora that we see when hiking around the higher Amazon rainforest of the area. A very underrated Machu Picchu activity, and a great one for really changing things up during your time here.
Photo taken by George Alvarez
Enjoy Unforgettable Views From The Machu Picchu Mountain Peak
Often confused with Machu Picchu itself – Machu Picchu Mountain refers to the peak opposite to Huayna Picchu (so if you’re looking at the ruins from the usual platforms, then turn 180° around and look up). It’s another independent hike and requires an additional ticket when booking your Machu Picchu tour, but also promises less crowds and overall better views. Much higher up than the highest Machu Picchu viewing platform, here we can get a proper eagle eyes view of the incredible sanctuary – and is a must for any photographer or adventurer. If you can, then try to come up here early in the morning for some outstanding sunrise views.
Overview Of The Best Machu Picchu Activities
And that’s all for our guide on the very best Machu Picchu activities, and how to plan them into your trip when heading to this New Seventh Wonder of the World.
Famous for its mysterious and endearing ruins and elevated scenery, Machu Picchu really is a remarkable site – and nothing beats that first moment when you walk out onto the prime viewing platform for the first time. However there’s a lot more to do in and around Machu Picchu – whether that’s relaxing in the hot springs of Aguas Calientes, or visiting other ruins like the Sun Gate which lie nearby.
Did you know Machu Picchu is just the starting point for learning about the hidden Inca ways and other creations? The Four Day Inca Trail Trek is the perfect way to explore all of the very best highlights, where you’ll see other ruins like Sayacmarca and Intipata before finally arriving at Machu Picchu on your fourth and final day.