Machu Picchu is still one of my favourite places I have ever been. In the last 2 years I have been backpacking South America, Cuba, and Central America, and watching the sunrise at Machu Picchu still sticks in my mind as an incredible experience that I don’t think I’ll ever forget! I wanted to share with you some of my favourite photos of Machu Picchu that I took during my time there, including a few from the trek to Machu Picchu. If you are planning a trip to Peru, you HAVE to visit Machu Picchu!
Photos of Machu Picchu: The Trek to Machu Picchu
There are several different ways of getting to Machu Picchu, but if you have the time, and the fitness, I highly recommend one of the treks. From the traditional Inca Trail (which you need to book at least 6 months in advance) to the Salkantay Trek, Inka Jungle Tour, and more, there are options to suit every taste. I booked with Dragoman Travel to do their Community Trek, and the scenery was stunning! Unfortunately I lost a lot of the photos of Machu Picchu and the trek when my laptop was stolen in Ecuador, but a few survived.
READ MORE: How to Deal with Altitude in Cusco and Machu Picchu
Photos of Machu Picchu: Llamas at Machu Picchu
The Machu Picchu llamas are famous, and everyone wants to take a picture with them! They didn’t seem bothered by the hundreds of tourists taking pictures of them, trying to get the perfect shot of llama and the Inca site. I didn’t want to get too close (I heard llamas can bite!) so I just tried to get some photos of Machu Picchu with a casual llama just doing its thing.
Photos of Machu Picchu: The Inca Citadel
Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish when they conquered Peru. The magnificent citadel was too hidden, too difficult to reach and so remained much more intact than other Inca sites which were ransacked & destroyed by the Conquistadores.
Are you planning a trip to Machu Picchu? I travelled with Dragoman, a partner of Intrepid Travel who offered this package to include the trek to Machu Picchu in their La Paz to Cuzco package. Click on the photo below to check out the variety of options for your Machu Picchu visit, or you can contact one of the many operators in Cuzco.
Have you been to Machu Picchu? I’d love to hear your stories, just let me know in the comments below!
If you’re looking for travel insurance for your trip to Peru, get a quote now from World Nomads.
Like this post? Pin it to read later:
Just to let you know, this post may contain paid or affiliate links, which help to maintain Tales of a Backpacker and give me the chance to keep travelling, and to keep creating awesome content for you!
Tales of a Backpacker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I only recommend goods and services I believe are useful and reliable.
Last updated: February 16, 2020
After reading this post, I wish to head to Machu Picchu. I had heard a lot about the Inca trek but your post has given me a new perspective of the peak. Ilamas look unperturbed by the tourists around them and seem to be basking in glory! Haha. However, this brings me to the point as to how tourism can affect nature and its creatures. However, the pic of the Ilama basking in the sunshine was truly amazing. You have captured the scene so well! Kudos!
Your pictures of Machu Picchu have inspired me to visit the place! I love your shots with the llamas! I will look into your suggestion of taking the tour with Dragoma.
I’ve never visited Machu Picchu, but this sure looks like a must-visit travel destination. Now to decide whether to tag the kids along – this doesn’t look like the easiest hike!
I love your photos. I’ve always wanted to go to Machu Piccu but it seems like a lot of effort. Happy to have a tour group reference so I know what’s a good one. Thanks!
Wow your images are stunning. When I was at Machu Picchu it was covered in mist – you’re so lucky to get a sunny day! 🙂
Love the photos. It is so nice to see other photos than only the iconic one. I can’t wait to visit. Planning to go in September.
Machu Picchu is one of those legendary places that you dream about — or at least I do. And with the alpacas it just becomes a beautiful postcard. Good tips on planning ahead!
Fantastic shots! Machu Picchu is at the top of my bucket list!