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Museum · Aguas Calientes, Cusco
Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón
The Machu Picchu site museum, next to Puente Ruinas at the foot of the mountain, with excavation finds, models of the citadel and a botanical garden of high-jungle plants.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón
The Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón is next to Puente Ruinas, at the foot of the mountain of Machu Picchu, about 2 km from Aguas Calientes, on the bank of the Urubamba River. It is named after the Peruvian archaeologist who studied the citadel in the 20th century and is administered by the Ministry of Culture.
The rooms explain how Machu Picchu was built and used: the stoneworking techniques, the choice of site among the mountains, the organization of the sectors and the citadel’s role in the empire. There is pottery, metal and stone objects found in the excavations, scale models of the complex and information about the 1911 expedition and later studies.
Around the museum is the botanical garden, with plants from the high jungle, such as orchids, bromeliads and native trees, and a short trail through the forest and along the river. It’s common to see birds on the path.
The museum is less visited compared with the citadel and complements the visit well. It has its own ticket and opening hours: check before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the museum and the botanical garden, plus the walk from the village.
Best time
In the afternoon, after visiting Machu Picchu, on the way back to the village, or on the afternoon of arrival before going up to the sanctuary. Check the opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It’s about 2 km from Aguas Calientes, walking along the road by the river to Puente Ruinas, in 25 to 30 minutes. It is also the point where the foot trail to Machu Picchu begins.
Tip
Visit the museum before going up to Machu Picchu if you can: the scale models help you orient yourself in the citadel. Bring insect repellent for the botanical garden.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón
Is it worth visiting the site museum?
Yes — it’s worth it to understand how the citadel was built and to see the items found in the excavations. It takes about an hour and complements the visit.
How to get to the museum?
On foot from Aguas Calientes, along the road by the river to Puente Ruinas, about 2 km, in 25 to 30 minutes.
Does the Machu Picchu ticket include the museum?
No. The museum has a separate ticket. Check before you go.