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To See the Magnificence and Majesty of Machu Picchu Without the Hike, Check Out These Amazing Images

More than a million people make the arduous ascent to this wonder of the world each year. And most of them bring cameras, so even those who can’t make it are in luck.

Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu

One of the rewards of hiking up Machu Picchu is the definitive view of Huayna Picchu that it affords.

Paula Brown, 2024

Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

To See the Magnificence and Majesty of Machu Picchu Without the Hike, Check Out These Amazing Images

More than a million people make the arduous ascent to this wonder of the world each year. And most of them bring cameras, so even those who can’t make it are in luck.

Photographs selected by Quentin Nardi

Huayna Picchu
One of the rewards of hiking up Machu Picchu is the definitive view of Huayna Picchu that it affords. Paula Brown, 2024

Built in the 15th century and once a home to Inca royalty, the Machu Picchu citadel is a must-see destination that has earned a spot on the bucket list of many travelers. Now painstakingly maintained by the Peruvian government and partners, the site—consisting of more than 150 structures—is a testament to the ingenuity, dedication and hard work of the people of this early South American society. Each year, more than a million tourists visit the high-altitude locale that was unveiled to the world at large in 1913. Its engineering feats, including retaining walls and intricate stone masonry, are still studied and marveled at centuries later. Tucked in the Andes mountains, this stop along the Inca Trail isn’t easy to access. For those who want to enjoy the site without the hike, take a look.

A man spreads his arms
A man prepares to embrace the day as he welcomes the sunrise atop the mountains at Machu Picchu. Prescott Moore Lassman, 2025
Without Mortar
Without the use of mortar, Inca builders intricately stacked stones to erect walls that still hold today. Giandomenico Veneziani, 2019
The stone terraces
The stone terraces at the site aren’t just for aesthetics. Experts say they think they were used for agriculture and stabilization to help prevent mudslides. Sheri Vandermolen, 2015
royal bedroom
The view from a window in what is believed to be a royal bedroom offers a look at plush greenery, colorful flowers, an ancient staircase and mountain peaks. Linda Trainer-Miller, 2013
Llamas
Humans aren’t the only species interested in visiting Machu Picchu. Llamas, along with alpacas, spectacled bears and hundreds of bird species are common in the area. Oleksandra Korobova, 2014
Tourists
Officials limit the daily capacity at Machu Picchu to 4,500 to 5,600 people per day, depending on the season. About 1.5 million people visit annually. Brian Yen, 2019
granite blocks
Inca builders mastered the art of cutting and polishing granite blocks, known as dry stone masonry, and their work is still awe-inspiring today. Chelsea Brown, 2011
The Perurail train
The Perurail train transports tourists to the site. Gabrielle Varela, 2010
Hikers approach
Hikers approach the highest point on the Inca Trail, on the way toward Machu Picchu. Blake Burton, 2011
A happy trio
A happy trio celebrates reaching the site, nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. Javier Costa, 2016
Citadel
The Machu Picchu citadel covers about 12 acres. The larger historical site covers more than 80,000 acres. Lynsey Schroeder, 2019
load of children
A group of Peruvian children take in the view at Machu Picchu in what might be the most epic field trip ever. Sabrina Lampley, 2015
A tourist and llama
A tourist comes face to face with a llama at Machu Picchu. Richard Sander, 2019
Machu Picchu
While locals were always aware of its splendor, Machu Picchu gained international interest in April 1913 when photographs of it were published in National Geographic. Oleksandra Korobova, 2014

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

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