Machu Picchu is famous for its beautiful landscapes, its Inca stone constructions, and its astonishing history. However, the Inca citadel could not exist without its dozens of agricultural terraces. These fulfilled a subsistence function for its population. Moreover, they offered a charming landscape in harmony with the nature that surrounds the wonder of the world. Learn more about the importance of the terraces of Machu Picchu!

• Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of agricultural engineering
• The agricultural terraces in Machu Picchu
• Where to see the terraces of Machu Picchu?
• History of the construction of the terraces in Machu Picchu
• Which ticket to visit the terraces of Machu Picchu?
• Visiting hours
• More information about the terraces and agricultural terraces
• Frequently asked questions about the terraces of Machu Picchu

Agricultural area of Machu Picchu

The Incas built agricultural terraces throughout the vast empire of Tawantinsuyo. These places aimed to use the land for agricultural production. Thus, today just in Cusco, it is possible to see immense terraces in archaeological sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, Tipón, Inkilltambo, Choquequirao and more. Like these Inca sites, Machu Picchu has an impressive terrace system.

Machu Picchu, a masterpiece of agricultural engineering

• Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of agricultural engineering. The key to achieving this distinction is the perfection of its agricultural terraces, which remain solid to this day.
• The terraces are wide steps built on the slopes of mountains. Their function was to support the Inca citadel. However, their main contribution was to gain land for agriculture.
• Each terrace has an internal drainage system that prevents it from sinking and collapsing, especially in the rainy season (it is estimated that the place gets 2,000 cubic millimeters of rain per year). This was achieved thanks to its interior construction in three layers: topsoil, sand, and gravel.
• The agricultural terraces also serve an important ornamental function. Today the beautiful landscape of Machu Picchu would not be the same without the immense terraces spread out at its feet.

The agricultural terraces in Machu Picchu

• It is estimated that in the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary there are up to 4.9 hectares of agricultural terraces.
• All terraces have a slight slope with the function of draining water from Machu Picchu. This drainage system by stairs divided the urban area from the agricultural area and was always drained from the citadel.
• The agricultural terraces have a solid structure. It is not possible to imagine the existence of Machu Picchu without the construction of these terraces.
• Within Machu Picchu there are some terraces so large that they are called agricultural terraces (upper and lower).
• From this place one can take the iconic photo of Machu Picchu, from whichever angle you prefer.

Where to see the terraces of Machu Picchu?

• The terraces of Machu Picchu are present both in the agricultural sector and in the lower part of the urban sector of the Inca citadel.
• Likewise, it is possible to see agricultural terraces in part of Huayna Picchu mountain and Machupicchu mountain.
• There are believed to be still agricultural areas to recover in Machu Picchu. The research works remain unfinished to this day.

History of the construction of the terraces in Machu Picchu

• It is believed that the terraces of Machu Picchu were the first structures built in the Inca city by orders of Emperor Pachacutec in the mid‑fifteenth century.
• In the mid‑sixteenth century, due to the Vilcabamba Wars between Spaniards and Incas; Machu Picchu was abandoned. Over the following three centuries the terraces were covered by weeds and dense vegetation.
• In 1911 the American explorer Hiram Bingham arrived at the Inca citadel aided by the local inhabitants. The first photos show the abandonment of the site.
• Since then the valorization works of Machu Picchu began. The thick vegetation was cut, revealing the magnificence of the terraces. To this day, they are in good condition of conservation. The reason? The magnificent skill of the Incas in building this type of terraces.

Which ticket to visit the terraces of Machu Picchu?

• You can visit the terraces and agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu with any of the 10 available tickets, although there are zones such as the upper terrace and the lower terrace that are exclusive to some circuits.

Visiting Hours

• You can visit the terraces and agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu in any of the available hours: Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 5 pm.
• Although each ticket has its own entrance time, the terraces can be visited at any time.
• Machu Picchu opens every day of the year, even on holidays or rainy days.

More information about the terraces and agricultural terraces

• It is forbidden to freely roam the terraces of Machu Picchu. Only a few terraces allow tourist passage in an orderly manner.
• The terraces vary in size depending on their location within the citadel. Generally they have a height of approximately 2 meters and a length reaching up to 100 meters in the lowest part of the site.
• The terraces of Machu Picchu served as a food source because the Incas cultivated various products such as corn, quinoa, cotton, squash and even coca leaf.
• Since they are located in elevated areas of the Inca citadel, it is possible to get a great photograph while standing over the agricultural terraces.
• To visit the upper agricultural terrace you will need one of the four tickets that include circuit 1 (Panoramic Route): Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1-A), Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Route (1-B), Inti Punku Gate Route (1-C), and Inca Bridge Route (1-D).
• If you want to enter the lower agricultural terrace you will need to purchase one of the two available tickets from circuit 2 (Classic Route): Designed Classic Route (2-A) and Classic Lower Terrace Route (2-B).
• Remember to reserve your Machu Picchu tickets at least one month in advance, although if you want a ticket for the classic circuit or for Huayna Picchu mountain you will need to do so 3 months before.
• Machu Picchu is open every day of the year. Depending on the dates of your visit you will find different climates: in the dry season (April to October) clearer and colder weather, whereas in the rainy season (November to March) more cloudy and warm weather.
• When planning your journey to Machu Picchu try to spend the first days acclimatizing in the city of Cusco, this will help you avoid altitude sickness.
• When booking your travel experience with Ticketmachupicchu you will find a wide variety of options to make your trip unforgettable, check with our advisors all the tourist packages available.

Terraces inside Machu Picchu

Frequently Asked Questions about the terraces of Machu Picchu

• 1. How many terraces are there in Machu Picchu?

  It is estimated that throughout the Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary there are approximately 4.9 hectares of agricultural terraces.

• 2. How were the terraces of Machu Picchu built?

  The terraces of the Inca city were built using the slopes of the mountains. Their interior has three layers: one of topsoil, one of sand and one of gravel. Inside they also built holes and small channels that conveyed water.

• 3. With which ticket can I visit the terraces in Machu Picchu?

  The terraces can be visited with any of the 10 types of tickets to Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu Mountain Route (1A), Upper Terrace or Classic Photo Route (1B), Inti Punku Gate Route (1C), Inca Bridge Route (1D), Classic Designed Route (2A), Classic Lower Terrace Route (2B), Huayna Picchu Mountain Route (3A), Lower Terrace or Classic Photo Route (3B), Great Cavern or Temple of the Moon Route (3C) and Huchuy Picchu Mountain Route (3D).

• 4. Can I walk on the terraces in Machu Picchu?

  There are some terraces where tourists can walk. However, it is not permitted to damage these structures. There are also agricultural zones prohibited to visitors.

• 5. What was the function of the terraces of Machu Picchu?

  The terraces fulfilled a primary nutritional role through the cultivation of agricultural products. They also had a function of holding back soil erosion. Finally they had a landscape function in harmony with their environment.

• 6. When were the terraces of Machu Picchu built?

  It is estimated that the terraces of the Inca city were built by orders of Emperor Pachacutec in the early fifteenth century (they were the first buildings of Machu Picchu).

• 7. How large are the terraces of Machu Picchu?

  The terraces of the Inca city have an average height of 2 meters. The lowest part of the terraces can reach up to 100 meters in length.

• 8. What are the terraces of Machu Picchu made of?

  The terraces are made of an interior base of stone, gravel, and sand. This way they prevented erosion as they also had interior channels that conveyed water.

• 9. What crops did the Incas grow on their terraces of Machu Picchu?

  The Incas grew various types of products on the terraces of Machu Picchu, among which stand out: corn, quinoa, cotton, squash and even coca leaf.

• 10. On what tourist attractions in Cusco can you see Inca terraces besides Machu Picchu?

  In Cusco you can see terraces in Inca archaeological sites such as: Moray (circular terraces), Pisac (large stepped terraces), Ollantaytambo (terraces similar to Machu Picchu) and more.

Advice from people who have been there

Machu Picchu

By: Marta B.

“Machu Picchu Incredible“

“The agricultural terraces of Machu Picchu surprised me with their ingenious construction. It is impressive how the Incas cultivated on such steep terrain, making use of water and sun. Being there connects you with their history and ancestral wisdom. Incredible place.“

By Ticket Machu Picchu – Last updated, September 12, 2025