Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu: City in the Clouds

The sanctuary of Machu Picchu is an engineering marvel—a city in the clouds surrounded by sheer precipices. The site contains more than 140 known structures, including temples, palaces, ritual baths, and dwellings. Agricultural terraces, aqueducts, and more than 100 flights of stone stairs add to the achievement.

Much of the stonework at Machu Picchu is so fine that it seems to spring organically from the living rock. Machu Picchu— “Old Mountain” in the Quechua language— straddles a ridge, at approximately 8,000 feet above sea level. Far below, the Urubamba River Valley carves sharp turns around the mountain’s base.

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What to do in Machu Picchu

This world wonder can be reached by train, trail, or muti-day hiking journeys. LANDED can assist arrange the best Machu Picchu experience for you. In the past, most visitors would visit as a day trip. Many of our travelers now stay for two or three nights, taking in the site at their own pace and allowing time for reflection and renewal.

Hiking is one of the most common activities to see the temples, agricultural terraces, palaces, ritual baths, dwellings, and hundreds of stone steps. Hikes near Machu Picchu include the trail to the summit of Huayna Picchu, the extension to the Temple of the Moon, and the Inca trail site of Wiñay Wayna.

With enough time, you can also visit orchid gardens, enjoy thermal baths, hike lesser-known trails, admire the local fauna, or unwind at a spa.

We’ve designed a free guide to help you understand the complexities of visiting Machu Picchu available here.

What is the Weather Like?

The climate in Peru’s Sacred Valley, including Machu Picchu and Cusco, varies significantly between seasons. The wet season begins in late October and extends into April. In an average year, rain falls on 8 out of 10 days. During the drier months of May to September, the average monthly rainfall is under 2 inches. June, July, and August tend to be the sunniest months. Average humidity is around 65% to 80% year-round. Still, these are rarely torrential downpours. Even during the wettest month, January, rainfall averages only 6.1 inches for the month—about one-fifth of an inch per day.

Temperatures, however, don’t vary much throughout the year. Average highs are near 70°F in the early afternoon, although highs can reach 80°F. Overnight lows average 40°F in the wet season and mid-30°F from May to August.

No matter when you visit, the weather in this area can surprise you. Mist and rain can be present at any time of the year. These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Altitude of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu’s altitude is approximately 8,000 feet above sea level. To assuage the effects of the thin air, visitors are advised to rest well, avoid alcohol and eat lightly on their first day in the city.

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