Things to do — Machu Picchu

At Machu Picchu, the mandatory guided visit (€35-50/guide for 2-5 people, 3-4h on site) follows one of the 5 official circuits established by the Ministry of Culture since 2017 to manage flows. Circuit 1 (classic high): guardian terrace (panoramic iconic view for photos), Temple of the Sun, Royal Quarter, Intihuatana, Sacred Plaza. It's the most complete circuit. Circuit 2 (classic low): variant with access inside temples and citadel. Circuit 3 (royal): elite residential zone. Circuit 4 (low): lower agricultural terraces. Circuit 5 (Guardian's House + Inca Bridge): panorama and vertiginous walkway.

Optional ascents (extra ticket PEN 200, limited spots). Huayna Picchu ('young peak', 2,720 m, 360 m elevation gain from citadel, 45 min-1h outbound) — the pyramidal mountain behind the citadel visible on all classic photos. Vertiginous staircase carved in rock, some passages with ropes for assistance, spectacular plunging view on the entire site. Very limited spots (400/day), to book 4-6 months ahead. Machu Picchu Mountain ('old mountain', 3,082 m, 600 m elevation gain, 1h30-2h outbound) — less technical but higher, 360° panoramic view on surrounding Andes and citadel seen from further away. More accessible to less sporty. Less limited spots.

The 4-day Inca Trail (43 km, 4 days / 3 nights, classic 'Camino Inka') is one of the world's most mythical trekking experiences. Departure from Piscacucho (km 82) accessible by train, crossing the Warmiwañusca pass (4,215 m, 'dead woman', strenuous high point), the Phuyupatamarca pass, archaeological sites of Llactapata, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Wayna (the most beautiful intermediate site), arrival via the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) overlooking Machu Picchu at sunrise on day 4 — unmatched magical moment. Strict limit of 500 permits/day (300 trekkers + 200 porters and guides), to book 6 months ahead. Cost: USD 600-900 all-inclusive (permit + guide + porters + tents + meals + return train + Machu Picchu entry). Closed in February.

Alternatives to classic Inca Trail: 5-day Salkantay trek (glacial landscapes under Salkantay 6,271 m, no permit needed, USD 350-550), 3-day Lares trek (authentic Quechua villages, hot springs, USD 280-400), short 2-day Inca Trail (km 104, Wiñay Wayna, arrival via Inti Punku on day 2, more accessible than classic), 4-5 day Choquequirao trek (Machu Picchu's 'sister', less touristic).

At Aguas Calientes (the base town at Machu Picchu's foot), few attractions in themselves but some visits: hot springs (PEN 10, 6am-8pm, outdoor pools, simple atmosphere), Manuel Chávez Ballón museum (collection of objects found at Machu Picchu during excavations, PEN 22), mariposario (butterfly farm), walk to Mandor Falls (waterfalls 1h walk away).