Where is Machu Picchu located and what is its geographical location?

Published: 29 November 2022 | Update: 30 December 2025 | Reads: 31540

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Machu Picchu was, without a doubt, the most amazing architectural work of the Inca Empire at its peak. Its walls, terraces, and giant ramps give the impression of being carved directly into the rock cliffs, as if they were a natural extension of the mountain.

Considered by travelers from all over the world as the Peru Highlights, this citadel represents the balance between human talent and the majesty of the Andean environment. Its location in the jungle brow makes it the final destination for the main treks and adventure in Peru; also, the atmosphere of the place offers a cultural experience that can only be found in this part of the Andes.

Recognized as a World Heritage Site and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, the Lost City of the Incas is one of those 100 places you must visit. Therefore, to understand the size of this monument, it is essential to first know its geographical location and the ways to get there. Before starting the journey toward this wonder, it is necessary to answer: Where is Machu Picchu located?

Machu Picchu Location

If you have wondered where is Machu Picchu located in the world?, the answer takes us directly to South America (LATAM). This wonder is located in the central and western part of the continent, in a region where the Andes Mountains meet the lush high jungle.

To understand its exact location, we can break down its geographical position in the following way:

Country: Peru, a leading destination in archaeology and biodiversity.
Department/City: Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire and the belly button of the world according to the Andean worldview.
Province: Urubamba, an area famous for its Sacred Valley and its privileged climate.
District: Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes), the closest access point to the citadel.

Machu Picchu location

Specifically, the citadel is settled on a rocky promontory that joins the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters above sea level. Its exact location was strategically chosen by the Incas for its closeness to the Apus (sacred mountains) and its natural inaccessibility, which kept it hidden from the conquerors for centuries.

Note: Although it is located in a mountainous region, Machu Picchu belongs to the jungle brow zone, which explains its humid climate, its tropical vegetation, and the constant presence of morning mist.

Machu Picchu Tickets 2026

Strategic location

Machu Picchu, which in Spanish means "old mountain", is the most famous Inca citadel in the world. Located 110 kilometers northeast of Cusco, in the province of Urubamba, this architectural jewel is surrounded by temples, platforms, and water channels.

The Inca city of Machu Picchu are located halfway between the peaks of both mountains, 450 meters above the level of the valley and 2,438 meters above sea level. The Quebrada de Machu Picchu is also located halfway between the Andes and the Amazon forest.

It is the most touristic place in the country of Peru, it is a sacred place of the Incas. Machu Picchu is located exactly in a stone village built on top of a mountain, 2,500 meters high.

To access where is Machu Picchu located, there is 112km of the railway line between the city of Cusco and the Puente Ruinas or Machu Picchu station. The trip starts at the train station in Ollantaytambo.

Altitude of Machu Picchu
The impressive ruin of Machu Picchu lies at an altitude of 2,430 and 7,971 feet. Taking as reference the centric square of the Inca Citadel Machu Picchu is 2,490 meters above sea level.
Surface of Machu Picchu
The archaeological complex of the "Lost City" has an area of approximately 10 hectares. The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu extends an area of 32,592 thousand hectares, 80,535 acres (325.29 km2, 125.83 m2), a super-broad land of the province of Urubamba in the department of Cusco. its coordinates are 13º 10 '19 "and 13º 14' 00" south latitude, and 72º 30 '5 "and 27º 36' 33" west longitude.

Where is Machu Picchu

About the Geography and Environment of Machu Picchu

Beyond its location on the map, where is Machu Picchu in relation to its wild surroundings? The citadel stands on the eastern slope of the Andes Mountains, at a unique transition point where the mountains turn into jungle. Geographically, it is located about 450 km southeast of Lima and only 70 km northwest of the city of Cusco in a straight line.

This site was not accidental, but a work of territorial planning:

The Abyss and the Sacred River: The citadel rests on a ridge modified by man, suspended at 2,430 meters in altitude. At its feet, about 700 meters below, is the powerful Urubamba (or Vilcanota) river, whose waters belong to the river system of the Amazon basin and surround the site forming a natural protection zone.
Mountains in its surroundings: The site is flanked by two of the most imposing mountain ranges in Peru. To the west, the Vilcabamba Range with the snowy Salkantay (6,271 m) as a sentinel, and to the east, the Vilcanota Range.
The Hidden City: Thanks to its dense vegetation and strategic location, Machu Picchu remained as a "hidden city" for more than 400 years, until its scientific rediscovery in 1911. This geographical protection is the reason why today we can see a well-preserved example of the high Inca culture.

Since 1983, UNESCO not only protects the stones, but also the Historical Sanctuary, recognizing that the nature of the "steaming mountains" and the urban complex are an inseparable whole. The feelings of being there, surrounded by green abysses and clouds that touch the temples, are simply indescribable.

General information

Machu Picchu means old mountain, named after the location of the Inca citadel.
The architectural complex was built approximately in the 15th century and according to historians it would have been built at the request of the Inca Pachacutec.
The exact location is in the district of Machu Picchu town, province of Urubamba, 110 km northeast of the city of Cusco.
Machu Picchu was interconnected with the entire Inca Empire through the Qhapaq Ñan, a known route of the Inca roads.
Its annual temperature is 6.2º C minimum and maximum of 29.5º C.
The citadel has two sectors: the agricultural one, formed by the platforms, and the urban one, which fulfilled administrative functions.
The average altitude of the citadel is 2450 meters above sea level.
The mountains of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu are ideal for panoramic photographs of the entire architectural complex.

Visits to the Inca City of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu tour can be done at any time of the year and has a limit of 1,500 visitors per day.

The traditional way to get to Where is Machu Picchu located is by Machu Picchu train tour from Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas

The archaeological site of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is located within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, declared as a Natural and Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is located 6 km from Machu Picchu Town, urban and commercial area, hotels, and restaurants, to where tourists enter from Cusco or the Sacred Valley of the Incas to start their visit.

All visitors must acquire the entrance ticket to the archaeological zone in Machu Picchu Town. The ascent to the mountain can be done on foot or in minibusses, whose tickets must also be purchased in the town.

Alternatively, you can reach where Machu Picchu is located through a trek on the Inca Trail for 4 days.

Within the archaeological zone, there are no hygienic services or sale of food or drinks. These services are located in the area adjacent to the control post, in the upper part of the mountain.

To prevent setbacks and long lines at the ticket sales offices, it is recommended to take an organized tour that includes guiding, tickets and transportation.

Location of Machu Picchu

Transportation in Minibus to the Inca city of Machu Picchu
The daily service begins the ascent from the town to the archaeological zone from 5:30 am to 3 pm, every 15 minutes, the journey takes approximately 25 minutes. The return of the minibusses starts at 6:30 am. and the last service leaves at 5:45 pm.
Entrance tickets to the Inca city of Machu Picchu
All people must show at the checkpoint (upper part of the mountain) an Entry ticket to Machu Picchu, which is only sold in the village. People who want to extend their visit to the mountain of Huayna Picchu should buy the extension of visit (which is limited to 400 people per day).

How to travel to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Trips

Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco (11,000 feet) or Machu Picchu (just shy of 8,000 feet). If you want to visit Machu Picchu and it is the first time, we recommend the following trips:

These trips are the most popular trips and requests for all travelers, usually, this tours are starting in Cusco or Sacred Valley of the Incas, then immediately take the train to Machu Picchu, spend a night or you can visit Machu Picchu on the same day if you want to have more experience you can add the Rainbow Mountain or Inti Raymi 2026. The Inti Raymi is celebrated on June 24th every year.

Machu Picchu is located

Machu Picchu Hike

The second option to visit to the lost city of the Incas is the Inca Trail tours or alternative hikes to Machu Picchu.

The most famous way to hike to Machu Picchu is along a section of one classic trail of Incan roads built as the empire expanded. These trails are known as the Inca Path. These trails are the 4-day Inca Trail, Machu Picchu 3-day hike, Short Inca Trail, and Salkantay to Inca Trail.

For those who would like a less crowded experience, or are looking to scenic and experience other aspects of Peru on their trail to Machu Picchu, there are several diverse hiking alternatives:

Peru offers a variety destinations for all travellers, cultural, taste food, adventure and Amazon If you want trips from Lima to Machu Picchu and others destinations of Peru, we recommend to visit the Peru travel packages or Multi-Adventure tours

Best Tours in Peru

Peru is a country full of contrasts: coast, highlands, and jungle offer unique routes for those seeking adventure, history, and unforgettable landscapes. From cities full of heritage to amazing natural destinations, each region shows a different side of the country and leaves indelible memories. Get to know the best tours in Peru:

Inca Trail, Machu Picchu and more

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.