FAQs about Peru: Where is Machu Picchu Located?
The Machu Picchu Inca ruins are located in South America in the country of Peru. The Inca city was built at the edge of the Amazon rainforest where the Andes end. It is part of the Machu Picchu region (Urubamba province), only 80 km (50 miles) northwest from the city of Cuzco. The mountain range that craddles and surrounds the citadel is known as the Vilcabamba cordillera, the ruins rest on a hilltop above the Urubamba river valley (2400 mts. above sea level). The entire region is known as the sacred valley of the Incas.
Other related frequently asked questions
What is the closest town to Machu Picchu?
Aguas Calientes (also known as Machu Picchu pueblo) is the closest town to the Inca ruins. The town is a 30 minute bus ride away from the entrance to the archaeological site, you can also hike up to the entrance through a well marked jungle trail (aprox. 1h30 minutes). Aguas Calientes bosats a good variety of hotels (from economy to luxury), restaurants and tourist services. There are hot springs and a small souvenir market.
Read allHow do I get to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)?
First you need to take a flight to Lima - Peru (South America). You will need another flight to Cusco (aprox. 1h30 hours), it is also possible to take a 23 hour bus ride on secondary roads. Once in Cusco the best option to reach the town of Aguas Calientes (base camp for exploring the lost city of the Incas) is by train. The train from Aguas calientes can be boarded from 3 stations, depending on your travel plans, Poroy station (3h15 minutes), Urubamba station (2h30 minutes) or the Ollantaytambo station (2 hours). Finally the more adventurous traveller can take an overnight bus-taxi combo followed by a 10 km. hike if they do not want to take the train.
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