"On the roof of the world" Machu Picchu by mad4travel

Machu Picchu Travel Guide: 647 reviews and 1,783 photos

Out of this world

I can honestly say that there are very few places in this world that live up to their hype, or where the photos don't do it justice.

Petra and Ankor Wat fall into this category but the daddy of them all has to be Machu Picchu.

Maybe its the breathtaking way you first see it, maybe its the sheer walls of the surrounding mountains, the mystery of the swirling clouds or the whispering silence, its all just magical!

Checkout my travelogue for more photos....
More photos

Best time to go

Machu Picchu

Everyone says get up very early to avoid the crowds. Hmm sound advice?? however everyone does the same so it can get a bit mad. Wait til later is my advice.

I was lucky enough to go when the Winter Solstice festival was on in Cuzco. I also went up in the afternoon and by 4.30 there was virtually no one there. It was fab

Get a guide

It's a long way down!

The only downside to the ruins is that they are not well signposted. This is because they want you to join a guided tour.

This is ok but if you go early in the morning the tours tend to back up so you can spend time waiting for the tour guide ahead to finish before yours can start and you also feel hassled by the group behind.

Get yourself a good guidebook and go wandering off on your own- much more rewarding.

Want to know more? Check out my tips here.

I've separated my Peru pages into Peru, Cuzco and Macchu Picchu. If you want to visit my other pages click here:

Peru Pages

Cuzco Pages

Pros and Cons

Pros:Breathtaking!
Cons:Everybody else up there thinking its breathtaking!
In a nutshell:No wonder the Spanish never found it

Last visit to Machu Picchu: Jun 2005
Intro Updated Aug 23, 2006
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Reviews (6)

Aguas Caliente Things to Do (6)

Aguas Caliente is the one horse town at the end of the rail line for Machu Picchu. Its where you come to rest your... more travel advice

Hitching Post of the Sun' Things to Do (6)

One of Machu Picchu's primary functions was that of astronomical observatory. The Intihuatana stone (meaning 'Hitching... more travel advice

Top of the mountain behind Machu Picchu - Machu Picchu

Huanya Picchu Things to Do (6)

If you think Macchu Picchu is high, Huanya Picchu is even higher. Its about a one and a half hour hike up to the top of... more travel advice

Better in real life than any photo - Machu Picchu

Getting up to Machu Picchu Things to Do (6)

If you are not walking the inca trail then the only way in to Machu Picchu is by train. It takes 4 hours from Cuzco but... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

1 - 2 of 2

Comments (17)

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angiebabe Jan 30, 2011 at 6:48 AM

amazing list of travels and started here with one of your travel greats! inspirational page - love that photo looking alllll the way down!
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Sambawalk Aug 31, 2008 at 6:25 AM

I love your pics and would like to go next year! Cheers.
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alucas May 2, 2008 at 12:28 PM

Fabulous photos - makes me want to see it in real life.
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flanders1 Apr 28, 2008 at 1:21 PM

thanx for the porto tip, loved your Machu Picchu page and photo's....im so so jelous
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malianrob Oct 3, 2007 at 12:49 PM

Beautiful pictures of Machu Picchu. I will be there in two weeks!!! I am very excited! Maria
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evaanna Sep 24, 2007 at 1:24 AM

Stunning scenery in your pictures of this fascinating location. Wish I could visit it someday.
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Sobe-A-Rush Sep 9, 2007 at 8:07 PM

...if better in real life than any photo then wow. I must go. Great page. Yan
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barryg23 Jun 4, 2007 at 11:42 AM

Lovely page and great travelogues. I can't wait to hike the Inca trail and visit Machu Picchu during our South America trip.
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St_Vincent May 28, 2007 at 7:45 AM

Looks like a great adventure and you have some good photos. I've put it on my wish list, don't think I'll ever get there but I can dream. Cheers, Clive
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WYLENEoftheWORLD Aug 3, 2006 at 2:51 PM

Thank you for the birthday greeting! Great pages and pictures on Machu Picchu, I enjoyed reading them!