Machu Picchu Map: Where It Is in Peru and How the Ruins Are Laid Out

Where Is Machu Picchu on a Map of Peru?

On a map of Peru, Machu Picchu sits in the southern Andes, in the Cusco Region, on a ridge above the Urubamba River. It is roughly 310 miles (500 km) southeast of Lima and about 47 miles (75 km) northwest of Cusco. The citadel lies where the high Andes start to drop toward the Amazon rainforest.

In South America, Peru is on the Pacific coast between Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia and Chile. Machu Picchu is in the southern half of the country, closer to Bolivia than to Ecuador. No road reaches the site directly from Cusco, which is why most maps show a rail line ending at Aguas Calientes.

Distances are rounded straight-line estimates; road and rail routes are longer because they follow mountain valleys.

What Does the Route Map From Lima and Cusco Look Like?

The route map to Machu Picchu runs in stages: a flight from Lima to Cusco, a drive to Ollantaytambo, a train down the Urubamba Valley to Aguas Calientes, then a short bus up to the citadel. Travelers can also board trains near Cusco at Poroy or San Pedro. There is no direct road or flight to the site.

The map shows why the trip feels long even though Cusco looks close: the train follows the river around the mountains instead of crossing them. Full step-by-step options are in our guide on how to get to Machu Picchu, and the coastal leg in the Lima to Machu Picchu route guide.

The bigger context is explained in our what is Machu Picchu guide.

How Is the Machu Picchu Site Laid Out?

The Machu Picchu site is laid out in two main sectors divided by a long wall and dry moat. The agricultural sector in the south holds stepped terraces and the guardhouse. The urban sector in the north holds temples, plazas, homes and workshops. Huayna Picchu rises at the far northern end, with Machu Picchu Mountain behind the south.

The urban sector is often described in two halves on either side of the Main Plaza: a western upper area with the main religious buildings, and an eastern lower area with homes, storehouses and the Temple of the Condor. Visitors enter at the southern end near the bus stop and walk north through the site.

Where Is Each Landmark on the Machu Picchu Map?

On the Machu Picchu map, the guardhouse and terraces sit at the high southern end, the Temple of the Sun and royal area lie near the center west, the Sacred Plaza and Intihuatana sit on the northwest hill, and the Temple of the Condor is on the east side. The Sacred Rock marks the trail to Huayna Picchu.

Go deeper with our detailed guides: Inca bridge Machu Picchu, Intihuatana stone, Sun Gate Machu Picchu, temple of the Moon Machu Picchu and temple of the Sun Machu Picchu.

Which landmarks you see depends on your ticket route; our guide to the Machu Picchu circuits shows what each route includes.

How Do You Read the Official Machu Picchu Circuit Map?

The official Machu Picchu circuit map shows one-way walking routes marked by color and number, starting at the southern entrance and ending at the exit. Each ticket matches one circuit and one route, and guards ask you to keep moving forward. Backtracking is generally not allowed, so plan your photo stops before you reach them.

1. Find your circuit number and route code printed on your ticket.
2. Locate the entrance at the bottom right of most maps, near the bus stop.
3. Follow the colored line for your route through the terraces and urban sector.
4. Note where your route meets the upper viewpoint; some routes skip it.
5. Check the exit point and the restrooms, which are outside the gate.

The Ministry of Culture publishes current circuit maps on the official Machu Picchu website, and routes can change by season. Ticket choices are explained in our guide to Machu Picchu tickets.

Where Are the Mountains and Hikes on the Map?

On the map, Huayna Picchu is the steep peak at the northern end of the ruins, reached past the Sacred Rock. Machu Picchu Mountain rises to the south, above the entrance and terraces. The Sun Gate trail climbs southeast from the guardhouse, and the Inca Bridge path heads west along a cliff.

Each hike requires its own ticket or route, and none can be added once you are inside. Details are in our guides to the Huayna Picchu hike and the Machu Picchu Mountain climb. Trekking routes such as the Inca Trail arrive from the southeast through the Sun Gate; see the Inca Trail permits guide. To arrive on foot through the Sun Gate with a licensed team, see our 4-day Classic Inca Trail trek.

Hiking times are typical estimates and depend on fitness, crowds and the weather.

Can You Use Google Maps or a PDF Map at Machu Picchu?

Google Maps shows Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes and the bus road, but it gives little detail inside the ruins and mobile signal at the site is weak. Download an offline map of the area before you go. Paper maps are not always handed out at the gate, so save the official circuit map image on your phone.

Alongside this Machu Picchu Map guide, you can also compare all our Machu Picchu tours side by side, from one-day visits to multi-day treks.

• Download offline Google Maps for Cusco and the Urubamba Valley.
• Save a photo of the official circuit map for your route.
• Screenshot your ticket, train and bus details in case there is no signal.
• Ask your guide to point out landmarks against your map at the start.
• Use the map to plan restroom breaks, since toilets are outside the entrance.