5 Things to Do After Arriving at Machu Picchu

So you’ve finally made it to majestic Machu Picchu. Whether you’ve hiked the whole way along the Inca Trail or ridden the train from Ollantaytambo, the anticipation has likely been building for hours or days. But what should you do now that you’ve finally made it? 

There are a host of hidden spots and ancient pathways to explore at Machu Picchu and the surrounding Urubamba Valley. Here are a few to get you started.

1. Temple of the Sun



Thought to be an ancient observatory or calendar, the Temple of the Sun at the very top of Machu Picchu offers some of the most impressive stonework the ruins have to offer. Visitors who look closely enough can discover some of the niches embedded in the stone where the ancient Incans made offerings to the gods.

2. The Watchman’s Hut


For a spectacular view of the entire city and valley below, visiting the Watchman’s Hut is a must. On clear days you can be treated to an unforgettable panorama; others, the valley might be shrouded in mist but no less majestic. Standing there above it all, one can easily imagine being transported centuries into the past when the valley was full of life.

3. The Inca Bridge