Machu Picchu is situated in the Cusco region of southern Peru, high in the Andes Mountains. It is located above the Sacred Valley, near the town of Aguas Calientes, and is surrounded by lush cloud forests and dramatic peaks. Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” Machu Picchu actually spans two mountains: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. These mountains are part of a chain of high peaks within the southern Central Andes.
In short, the Machu Picchu site is in a remote part of the upper rainforest, at nearly 8,000 feet, with the Urubamba River flowing nearby. The ancient citadel is accessible by train, bus, or on foot via famous routes like the Inca Trail or the scenic Salkantay Trek. Its remote mountain location is part of what makes it one of the most unforgettable hiking trails in Peru.
