Machu Picchu, high in the Peruvian Andes, remains the headline destination for most Peru trips. The 15th-century Inca citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and sits on a saddle between two peaks at 2,430 m.
Visiting the ruins is a half- to full-day affair. The site works on a timed-circuit system, so pick the circuit before you book — Circuit 2 covers the classic viewpoints and the main urban sector; Circuit 1 is lighter and good if you’re short on energy; the mountain circuits (Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) add a steep hike. The Intihuatana stone, the Temple of the Sun and the walk up to the Sun Gate are the usual highlights.
For a straightforward trip, book through Peruways. The travel packages include a certified guide at the ruins — worth the money, since the citadel doesn’t speak for itself. Private or shared guides are both options.
Machu Picchu is one of those places that lives up to the pictures. Plan ahead (permits sell out weeks early in peak season), pace yourself at altitude, and let Peruways set up the moving parts.
