Strategically located between the peaks of two mountains – Machu Picchu to the south and Huayna Picchu to the north – the city offers incomparable views of the valleys on both sides. It would have been challenging to attack due to its remote location and well-protected access points at Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) and the Inca Bridge.

The city was so well camouflaged that, fortunately, the Spanish conquistadors never found Machu Picchu.

However, the city was abandoned during the second half of the 16th century, most likely due to a smallpox outbreak. Not much is known about the city from this time until its rediscovery by Yale professor Hiram Bingham in 1911.

It is likely that the local population occasionally visited the site and inhabited the area. Colonial documents from the 19th century mention the city, and a map from 1874, created by a German engineer, uses the names “Machu Picchu” and “Huaina Picchu” to delineate the ruins.

After Bingham’s discovery, the site gained international fame as the “Lost City of the Incas,” a theory that Bingham incorrectly conjectured and popularized in his successful book.

How many visitors does Machu Picchu receive annually?

Over 1.2 million people visit Machu Picchu each year, many opting to trek along the Inca Trail or one of the other trails leading to the ancient city.

Machu Picchu is the most famous and beloved Inca archaeological site worldwide.

Today, Machu Picchu is a testament to the Inca civilization’s architectural and engineering brilliance and remains a mysterious masterpiece.

What are the primary hiking trails to Machu Picchu? Trekking to Machu Picchu, whether via the Inca Trail or one of the other available trails, offers an unforgettable experience. The stunning mountain landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural and archaeological sites are breathtaking.

Below are the main routes to Machu Picchu and information on alternative Inca Trail treks.

Inca Trail

The classic Inca Trail is the most popular trail to Machu Picchu. The route follows the original hiking trails that the Incas would have taken from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu and features an array of impressive Inca sites and stunning scenery.