Where is Machu Picchu

The Inca ruin of Machu Picchu is halfway between two peaks, “Huayna Picchu and Montaña,” 450 meters (1,476 feet) high above the valley level and 2,438 meters (7,998 feet) above sea level. The Machu Picchu Gorge is halfway between the Andes and the Amazon rainforest in Quillabamba, Peru.

The Inca city of Machu Picchu is located at km 112.5 of the railway line (70 miles) northwest of Cusco. The Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu includes a vast territory belonging to the province of Urubamba in Cusco’s Department (state).

New Machu Picchu Rules 2025

If you plan to visit Machu Picchu this year, you need to know about changes to the system granting access to the city. Click!!!

Machu Picchu Location

The ruins of Machu Picchu are located at 13º 09 ’47 “South latitude and 72º 32′ 44” West longitude. They form part of the district of the same name in the province of Urubamba, in the Cusco Region, in Peru, at kilometers 112.5 (70 miles) northwest of Cusco.

This Inca sanctuary is one of the most important archaeological remains in the World. One of the theories indicates that it was a sacred center for the refuge of the Ñustas, or virgins of the sun, which we can consider a hidden city.

The Archaeological Park’s surface has an urban and residential area and covers a total area of 32,592 hectares, which Supreme Decree covers No. 001-81-AA of January 8, 1981. It is located on the eastern slope of the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, a mountain range bordering the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers.

¿Machu Picchu is Protected?

The Ruins are protected and located within the intangible territory of the National System of Natural Areas Protected by the State (SINANPE), whose acronyms derive from the words Historic Sanctuary of Mach Picchu.

Machu Picchu is the most touristy place in Peru and a sacred site of the Incas. It is a stone town built on a mountain 2,500 meters / 8,202 feet) high.

There is 112 km of the railway line between Cusco and Puente Ruinas or Machu Picchu station to access this place. The trip starts at the San Pedro, Poroy, Urubamba, or Ollantaytambo station in Cusco, zigzag up Picchu mountain until it reaches the highest point called “The Arch” in the northwestern part of the city.

The route descends towards Poroy, Cachimayo, and Izcuchaca until arriving at the plain of Anta, an extensive livestock area. You climb the Pomatales ravine before falling to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, arriving at Pachar station. The route crosses the Urubamba River to the right bank and reaches the Ollantaytambo station. For those who came here by the asphalted road of the Sacred Valley, you can get on the train to continue to Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Map

It is worth knowing this beautiful place full of nature. In the primordial, Andean animals and a great variety of vegetation grow flowers, especially “orchids,” which abound in great diversity and colors.

Although I know traveling to Machu Picchu is not economical, it will also be a journey I will never forget.

Aguas Calientes is the village from which you can access Machu Picchu. The only ways to access it are by train or taking the Inca Trail, a three-day trek and unique adventure. Aguas Calientes is a town that lives exclusively on tourism. You can find lodgings, restaurants, discos, and other places of distraction.

At 800 meters east of Aguas Calientes, underground sulfur hot springs at different temperatures spring from the rocky soil.

Remember, the tourist train only operates in the high season. It leaves the city of Cusco in the morning, with stops in the most significant stations (Ollantaytambo, Km.88) until arriving in Aguas Calientes. The trip by train lasts approximately 3 hours. Then, take a bus that takes you directly to Machu Picchu. The journey takes precisely 25 minutes.

It recommends consulting all the train stations’ schedules and their agents for the trip.

ALTITUDE OF MACHU PICCHU

It is at an altitude of 2,450 m. (8.038 feet), or 2,490 m, referring to the Main Square of the Citadel of Machu Picchu.

SURFACE OF MACHU PICCHU

The Archaeological Park has an urban area and a residential area of Machu Picchu; that is to say, the Citadel proper has more or less 10 hectares. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu extends over 32,592 hectares, 80,535 acres (325.92 km², 125.83 m²), a vast territory of the Province of Urubamba in the Department of Cusco.

Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are part of a tremendous geological formation known as Batolito of Vilcabamba in the Central Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes. They are on the left bank of the so-called Urubamba Canyon (formerly Quebrada de Picchu.) The Vilcanota-Urubamba River flows practically around them at the foot of the hills.

The Inca ruins are located halfway between the peaks of both mountains, 450 meters above the river level and 2438 meters above sea level.

The ruins are within the National System of Natural Areas Protected by the State, called the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which extends over 32,592 hectares of the Vilcanota-Urubamba river basin.

The Historical Sanctuary protects several threatened biological species and several Inca establishments, of which Machu Picchu is paramount.

Hurry up now—BOOK INCA TRAIL 2025!!! 

Book Your Inca Trail vacation as far in advance as possible!!! The Peruvian government has strictly limited the number of hikers allowed on the Inca Trail: “Permits issued to about 200 trekkers per day plus 300 porters.”. We have recommendations below as a guide on when to make a hike booking.