Machu Picchu: Journey to the Lost City - Manchester
BEST FOR
Ages 10+
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Manchester
What it’s like
A free-roam VR trek through Machu Picchu where you walk the citadel itself, headset on, no seats and no snacks.
You strap on a VR headset and wander an Incan citadel on foot, no controller, no seat, just you and three others in your group moving through a reconstructed Machu Picchu with a cinematic storyline running alongside you. There's a virtual guide built into the experience and staff on hand at each stage if a headset needs adjusting or someone gets a bit wobbly. Groups are capped at four, though several groups can be exploring at once.
The experience itself runs about 45 minutes, but they tell you to budget an hour once you've dropped your bag in a locker and collected your headset afterwards. That standing-the-whole-time bit is worth knowing before you commit, especially if 45 minutes on your feet in a headset sounds like a lot for someone who fidgets. Minimum age is 10, and they're honest that it plays better from 11 upwards, so this isn't one for younger siblings tagging along.
Skip the hat, they don't work under the headset, and stash anything you're carrying in the free lockers rather than trying to hold a backpack while you're wandering a 4D reconstruction of a mountain citadel. There's no food or drink on site, but the Northern Quarter around Transmission House is stacked with cafes if you want to make a stop of it either side. Booking's required, and there are no refunds going, so it's not one to gamble on if plans are shaky.
It's an easy one to reach without a car, with Market Street tram stop close by and a long list of buses into Piccadilly Gardens, though there's also a car park right next door if you'd rather drive. Wheelchair access is catered for, and they say they'll accommodate reduced mobility, worth a mention if that applies to your group.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 11 and up; under-10s aren't admitted at all
- Parking
- Manchester Northern Quarter Car Park located next to venue
- How long to allow
- Around 60 minutes total including equipment drop-off and pickup
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair accessible venue. Accommodation available for individuals with reduced mobility
- Getting there by bus or train
- Market Street tram stop nearby
- Hats and caps aren't allowed, they clash with the headset
- Backpacks and handbags go in lockers, you can't carry them round the experience
- Payment is card only, no cash
- The experience runs in English, French and Spanish
- Groups are made up of four people, though multiple groups can be in there together
Plan your visit
How long does it actually take?
The VR part is about 45 minutes, but allow an hour once you count dropping bags in the lockers and getting kitted up.
What age is this for?
Ten is the minimum, but they say it suits kids from eleven better. Younger ones aren't allowed in.
Do we need to book ahead?
Booking is required, there's no turning up on spec.
Is there food there?
None on site, but the Northern Quarter around it is full of cafes and restaurants.
Can you sit down if you get tired?
No seating, it's designed for wandering the whole 45 minutes. They'll accommodate reduced mobility if you need it.
Is there parking?
Manchester Northern Quarter Car Park sits right next to the venue, or you can tram or bus it to Market Street or Piccadilly Gardens.
What if we need to cancel?
No refunds under any circumstances, so only book a slot you're confident you'll make.
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