Photos to Inspire Your Machu Picchu Trip
Sometimes, you need to let the photos tell the story.
When writing a recent article on the incredible ruins of Sacsayhuaman by Cusco, I realized that while I’d written much on Machu Picchu ~ I’d never posted a simple gallery of my travels there. Some of my best photos of this World Wonder were lying idle on my computer, all but forgotten. In fact, I’d never even seen some of them before! What a discovery. So, to get you planning perhaps your own Peruvian adventure, here are some “Photos to Inspire Your Machu Picchu Trip,” taken from two separate trips to Peru….
I JUST found this photo, hidden amongst thousands of photos! The way the sun is barely coming through the clouds to illuminate the ruins & Huaynu Picchu is breathtaking.
In case you were wondering: the only hotel that’s located directly next to Machu Picchu is the luxurious Belmond Sanctuary Lodge.
Photos of the Grand Entrance…
The good news if you’re a first-time visitor to Machu Picchu: a lot of the pay-off is located right up front, near the entrance. This is also where most of the crowds hang out; after that, it starts to disperse a bit. Since there’s so much walking involved at the ruins, whether you hiked the Inca Trail to reach them or simply traveled by train: this is certainly a welcome relief. You’ll get some of your best shots right away!
My friend Nina right near the entrance to Machu Picchu.
I took this shot back in 2016, & it’s still one of my favorites.
Climb up a little higher for views like this…
Another classic shot, taken about 11AM ~ after the morning fog cleared…
The same vantage point at sunset gives you an entirely different feel & lighting…
Alpacas at Machu Picchu
Alpacas are a staple at Machu Picchu. Getting gorgeous photos of them during your visit won’t be hard! And unlike at Sacsayhuaman in Cusco, where the alpacas you see are typically owned by female artisans ~ the alpacas at Machu Picchu seem to be roaming wild, a part of the landscape.
This was one of the first shots I ever took at Machu Picchu, right after we entered the site, at about 6:45AM. The mornings are almost always misty…
Alpacas grazing.
When you turn a corner, you may run into one. Or three.
Nina & the alpacas.
Kissing cousins!
Walking Around Machu Picchu….
While the first grouping of photos in this article represent what I call the “classic” Machu Picchu shots, the photos you expect to see ~ the group below represent different views of the ruins, different perspectives that you may not have seen before…
This shot perfectly represents a different, more unexpected angle of Machu Picchu…
Nina & I climbed high above the crowds to get this shot with no one else in it.
A shot within a shot.
Machu Picchu.
Yet another angle of what used to be Incan housing structures..
This shot gives you an idea how much walking is involved at Machu Picchu: often on rough, uneven stairs.
By the Machu Picchu Exit…
Even as you exit the ruins, the views you get of an incredibly high-stepped terrace are absolutely stunning: this is one of my favorite spots at Machu Picchu.
One of my favorite shots, also taken at sunrise.
This shot, also taken from the “back side” of the ruins, shows the treacherous & very steep switchbacks that all the buses take to reach Machu Picchu.
For a deeper dive into the infamous “Scary Bus Ride” at Machu Picchu ~ read this article.
More of the terrace…
The brown river below the ruins is called the Urubamba…
One final shot: this one hangs in my photo gallery at home.
Photos to Inspire Your Machu Picchu Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, I highly suggest reading some of these amazing books to give you a better understanding of the country’s rich history. Or find out about my favorite secret retreat in nearby Ollantaytambo: the beautiful El Albergue Hotel.
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: How to Hike Machu Picchu Mountain
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Gorgeous shots of Machu Picchu!
Thanks, Dave!
My sister and I are planning to visit Machu Picchu this January. Trying to decide between the Salkantay and Inca Trail treks, or just going up by train? Our fitness levels are moderate, but we don’t do much hill-climbing in regular life. Thanks! Sally
Hi Sally! Thanks for your question. I’ve visited in January twice ~ it’s a great time to visit Machu Picchu. So, you need a pretty strong fitness level to do either the Inca Trail OR Salkantay. You’re also at a very high altitude during parts of each, so it would help to acclimate in Cusco for several days, prior to doing either trek. These treks also require more time: typically 3-5 days, so adding that onto your acclimitizaion period may make the decision for you. You can also do a 1-2 excursion up to Machu Picchu that involves mountain biking & rafting ~ or as you say, simply take the train up. If you DO decide to do the Inca Trail or Salkantay treks, I would add in some hill climbs prior to visiting Peru. It will REALLY help you during the climb! Or, you can also do 1 of the 2 hikes AT Machu Picchu: Waynu (VERY steep) or Machu Picchu Mountain (also pretty steep). They’re both hard, but they’re also much shorter than trekking for several days! Hope that helps : ) xoxo Noelia
These photos make me want to go to Machu Picchu so bad!! Was visiting Peru very expensive? I’d be flying up from Argentina, but wondering how expensive it is when I’m actually in Peru.
Hi Pedro! I really can’t recommend Peru & Machu Picchu highly enough. In a month in Peru, I spent about $2,400 ~ staying at a mix of luxury hotels, mid-range, & hostels. This also included guided tours to Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain, plus all food & activities. You could also do it much cheaper, if only staying at hostels. Food in Peru is truly delicious (I liked it better than Argentine food, sorry to say)! Your flight up to Lima will probably be your biggest single expense…but worth it if you can afford! xoxo Noelia