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Points of Interest
The Machu Picchu Citadel is divided into urban and agricultural sections.
Important structures within the complex include:
- Guardhouse
- Agricultural Zone
- Main Gate
- West Agricultural Zone
- Temple of The Three Windows
- Astronomical Observatory
- Main Square
- Sacred Rock
- Group of the Three Doorways
- Royal Enclosures
- Temple of the Condor
- Fountains
- Tower
- Storage Area
Learn more about the Lost City of Machu Picchu.
Permit Hiking Options
Machu Picchu Mountain Hike
- Ticket required, advanced purchase.
- Level: Challenging
- Trail: A lot of steep stone steps going up to the top.
Huayna Picchu Hike
- Ticket required, advanced purchase.
- Level: Moderate to Challenging. Not a good option for anyone afraid of heights.
- Trail: The path is level before reaching a switchback trail that goes upwards. Towards the top the trail gets narrow and steep drop offs in higher sections.
Visitor Site Overview
- Gates to Machu Picchu open between 6 and 6:30am.
- Entrance tickets for Machu Picchu must be booked in advance.
- Restroom facilities are only located outside the citadel, near the main visitor entrance.
- There are various tour circuits that explore different parts of Machu Picchu.
Aguas Calientes
Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, Aguas Calientes is the gateway town to Machu Picchu. It’s small and tourist-filled, but there are a few worthwhile attractions if you have extra time: the thermal hot springs and the artisan market (near the train station).
- Daily trains arrive to Aguas Calientes from Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- From Aguas Calientes, catch the bus shuttle up to the main visitors entrance to Machu Picchu as early as 5:30 am.
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