Things to Do in Machu Picchu
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Machu Picchu

49 curated spots from Machu Picchu itineraries

Activities & Attractions

29 curated experiences

Ollantaytambo Town Walk
Do
afternoon

Ollantaytambo Town Walk

Stroll the canal-lined streets, small plazas, and stone passages of one of the best-preserved Inca towns.

1h · Free
San Pedro Market
Do
morning

San Pedro Market

Browse produce, snacks, juices, and practical travel supplies in Cusco’s most famous local market.

1h 30m · $5-15
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Do
afternoon

Aguas Calientes Hot Springs

Relax in the thermal baths after walking and hiking around the region.

1h 30m · $5-10
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs Spa Experience
Do
afternoon

Aguas Calientes Hot Springs Spa Experience

Private or exclusive access to natural thermal pools and luxury spa treatments. Rejuvenating soaks in mineral-rich waters with mountain views, followed by massage or wellness treatments.

3h · $100-250 per person
Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Do
morning

Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu

Take the official shuttle bus which winds uphill to the site entrance in about 30 minutes.[1]

1h · $15 round-trip per person (approx.)[1]
Cristo Blanco Viewpoint
Do
afternoon

Cristo Blanco Viewpoint

Walk a short distance from Sacsayhuamán to the large white Christ statue overlooking Cusco.

1h · Free
Cusco Artisan Workshop Tours
Do
afternoon

Cusco Artisan Workshop Tours

Private visits to select textile workshops, ceramics studios, and jewelry makers in the bohemian San Blas neighborhood. Meet artisans, observe techniques, and commission custom pieces.

3h · $80-150 per group plus purchases
Cusco Cathedral
Do
morning

Cusco Cathedral

Tour the grand cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and compare its colonial art with the Inca sites you saw earlier.

1h 15m · $10-15
Cusco City Tour
Do
morning

Cusco City Tour

Explore Sacsayhuamán fortress, Qorikancha temple, and Plaza de Armas with a private family guide.

3h · $50/person
Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes
Do
morning

Expedition Train to Aguas Calientes

Scenic 3.5-hour rail ride through Urubamba River canyon to Machu Picchu village.

3h 30m · $100/person
Free Walking Tour Cusco (Plaza de Armas start)
Do
afternoon

Free Walking Tour Cusco (Plaza de Armas start)

Join a tip-based walking tour covering main plazas, streets and history; several operators gather near the plaza.

2h · Free (tips $5-10)
Handicraft Shopping on Calle Hatun Rumiyoc
Do
morning

Handicraft Shopping on Calle Hatun Rumiyoc

Walk the famous street with the 12-angled stone and browse nearby artisan stalls.

1h · Free (souvenirs extra)
Incan Trail 2-Day Trek
Do
morning

Incan Trail 2-Day Trek

Private luxury version of the famous trail featuring private porter service, gourmet camping meals, and exclusive mountain lodge accommodations. Shorter alternative to 4-day classic trek.

$1,200-1,800 per person
Intipunku
Do
afternoon

Intipunku

If ticketed and time allows, hike to the Sun Gate for a classic high-angle approach view of the citadel.

2h · Included or low additional fee
Machu Picchu Circuit Walk and Photo Spots
Do
afternoon

Machu Picchu Circuit Walk and Photo Spots

Choose Circuit 1 or 2 for the classic postcard view and walk through terraces for varied angles.[1]

2h · Included in entry ticket
Machu Picchu Citadel
Do
morning

Machu Picchu Citadel

Spend the day inside the world-famous citadel, focusing on its terraces, temples, and wide-angle viewpoints with a guided or self-guided visit.

4h · $45-60
Machu Picchu Citadel Visit
Do
morning

Machu Picchu Citadel Visit

Explore the ruins along one of the designated circuits, visiting main terraces, temples and viewpoints.[1]

3h · $42-50 per person (entry ticket, approximate)[1]
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Do
afternoon

Machu Picchu Guided Tour

Private 3-hour family tour of the citadel, Sun Temple, Intihuatana, and terraces with shuttle bus.

3h · $150/person incl entry & bus
Mandor Gardens
Do
morning

Mandor Gardens

Take an easy nature break with waterfalls, orchids, and birdlife near town.

1h 30m · $5-10
Mirador de San Cristobal
Do
afternoon

Mirador de San Cristobal

Walk up to the church and viewpoint overlooking Cusco and its red rooftops.

1h · Free
Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site
Do
morning

Ollantaytambo Archaeological Site

Climb the fortress terraces and stone streets of this living Inca town before taking the train onward.

2h · $15-20
Ollantaytambo Fortress Exploration
Do
afternoon

Ollantaytambo Fortress Exploration

Private tour of this spectacular terraced fortress featuring massive Incan stonework, agricultural terraces, and panoramic valley views. Includes museum visit and interpretation of military/agricultural strategies.

3h · $120-180 per group
Pisac Archaeological Park
Do
morning

Pisac Archaeological Park

Explore hillside terraces, temples, and panoramic valley views at one of the Sacred Valley’s classic Inca sites.

2h · $15-25
Pisac Market
Do
afternoon

Pisac Market

Browse textiles, souvenirs, and local goods after the ruins visit, especially if your schedule aligns with market activity.

1h · Free to browse
Plaza de Armas
Do
afternoon

Plaza de Armas

Start your trip in Cusco’s main square, where colonial architecture, arcades, and constant street life make for an easy first orientation walk.

1h 30m · Free
Plaza de Armas Cusco
Do
morning

Plaza de Armas Cusco

Stroll the main square, visit the exterior of the cathedral, people-watch, and get a feel for Cusco’s historic center.

1h · Free
Private Cooking Class in Cusco
Do
afternoon

Private Cooking Class in Cusco

Intimate cooking class in a chef's home or boutique cooking school featuring traditional Peruvian dishes like ceviche, causa, and local proteins. Market visit included with private chef instruction.

4h · $120-180 per person
Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)
Do
morning

Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun)

Visit the former Inca Temple of the Sun and attached convent museum, with Inca and colonial stonework.

1h 30m · $5-10 per person
Walk Down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes
Do
afternoon

Walk Down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes

Descend the steep trail through forest back to town, saving on one bus fare if you wish.[1]

1h 30m · Free

Restaurants & Food

20 local favorites

Chicha por Gastón Acurio
Eat
evening

Chicha por Gastón Acurio

Celebrity chef's modern Peruvian with anticuchos skewers, tiraditos, and family sharing plates.

2h · $80-140 per person
Cicciolina
Eat
afternoon

Cicciolina

Upscale-but-not-overdone lunch with regional ingredients and polished service; try a tasting-style lunch or local Andean plates.

1h 30m · $20-40 per person
Indio Feliz Restaurant
Eat
evening

Indio Feliz Restaurant

Eclectic, popular spot serving generous Franco-Peruvian dishes; share mains or opt for simpler plates.

1h 30m · $12-15 per person (sharing mains)
Apu Veronica Restaurant
Eat
afternoon

Apu Veronica Restaurant

Casual lunch spot for soups, trout, salads, and simple Peruvian plates after the citadel visit.

1h · $10-20 per person
Belmond Hiram Bingham Train Dining
Eat
afternoon

Belmond Hiram Bingham Train Dining

Michelin-standard multi-course meal served on luxury train with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Sacred Valley. Includes gourmet dishes, fine wines, and signature pisco cocktails.

3h · $150-200 per person (included in train ticket)
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Tampu Restaurant
Eat
afternoon

Belmond Sanctuary Lodge Tampu Restaurant

Gourmet Peruvian tasting menu with ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours overlooking the ruins.

1h 30m · $100-150 per person
Cafe Ayllu
Eat
afternoon

Cafe Ayllu

Classic bakery-cafe near the center serving sandwiches, pastries and coffees.

1h · $5-8 per person
Cafe de Paris Panaderia
Eat
morning

Cafe de Paris Panaderia

Bakery offering coffee, pastries and simple breakfast plates close to the bus stop.

45m · $4-7 per person
Central Restaurante
Eat
evening

Central Restaurante

Contemporary Peruvian fine dining showcasing regional ingredients with modern techniques. Expect innovative ceviches, fresh fish, and exceptional wine pairings.

2h 30m · $80-120 per person
Cevichería Punto Mar
Eat
afternoon

Cevichería Punto Mar

Local ceviche joint with set lunches and seafood dishes; order the menú del día for best value.

1h · $6-10 per person
Green Point Cusco
Eat
morning

Green Point Cusco

Plant-based spot with hearty breakfast plates, bread, and coffee; go for the Andean cereal bowls or pancakes.

1h · $6-10 per person
Hacienda Huayoccari restaurant
Eat
afternoon

Hacienda Huayoccari restaurant

Valley-side lunch stop with regional dishes and a more scenic, destination feel than city-center dining.

1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Heart’s Cafe
Eat
afternoon

Heart’s Cafe

Small cafe with sandwiches, soups and simple mains; known for supporting local projects.

1h · $6-10 per person
Indio Feliz
Eat
evening

Indio Feliz

Beloved small-town restaurant with generous portions and a reputation for good quality after a Machu Picchu day.

1h 30m · $15-35 per person
Inka Grill
Eat
evening

Inka Grill

Comfortable pre-Machu Picchu dinner with broad menu options and reliable service in town.

1h 15m · $15-30 per person
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Restaurant
Eat
evening

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Restaurant

Fine dining overlooking jungle canopy with farm-to-table Peruvian cuisine. Specializes in fresh trout, seasonal vegetables, and creative cocktails crafted from local ingredients.

2h · $70-100 per person
Jack’s Cafe
Eat
morning

Jack’s Cafe

Western-style cafe with large breakfasts and brunch plates; coffees are strong and portions huge.

1h 15m · $8-12 per person
Jack’s Café
Eat
morning

Jack’s Café

Reliable breakfast and brunch spot with hearty options for starting active days; order coffee, eggs, and a solid sandwich or breakfast plate.

1h · $8-18 per person
Kusikuy Restaurant
Eat
evening

Kusikuy Restaurant

Rustic Peruvian restaurant known for traditional Andean dishes; share mains like cuy or pollo a la brasa.

1h 30m · $10-15 per person
La Bodega 138
Eat
evening

La Bodega 138

Popular pizza and pasta place with shared dishes and casual atmosphere.

1h 15m · $9-13 per person

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