Travel Guide to Machu Picchu
Welcome to the most comprehensive travel guide to Machu Picchu! This guide is packed with the essential information that you’ll need to plan a trip to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is a place of beauty, mystery, and serenity. Also known as the Lost City of the Incas, it does not cease to intrigue archaeologists, scientists, tourists, and all sorts of people who visit it. Considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is located high in the Peruvian Andes, hidden way above the Urubamba River Valley. Cusco is the perfect city to start your visit to Machu Picchu, and from there, you can use one of the many ways to reach it.
Currently, traveling to Machu Picchu is a much easier idea than one can think. The tourism in Peru and the existence of some railroads have helped to spread the ingenious ruins around the world.
1. History and Importance
Comprehensive Travel Guide to Machu Picchu In the most popular agendas of visits to Peru, Machu Picchu is a must-visit destination that can be reached by land or by combined air and land travel, starting from the city of Cusco, Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley of the Incas, and Santa Teresa respectively. Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites, located 75 km to the northwest of the city of Cusco, over a spur of the eastern cordillera of southern Peru. The Inca city of Machu Picchu was never found by the Spanish conquerors; therefore, the citadel is complete and only needs to be accessed by modern explorers. Machu Picchu is regarded as one of modern history’s seven wonders.
Currently, it is receiving a high number of tourists, both domestic and foreign, among which include different nationalities such as American, British, and Spanish. This Inca city is located at an elevation of 2,430 meters above sea level, in the lush cloud forest. In 1981, it was declared a site that needs to be protected and conserved, and it is the most visited archaeological site in Peru. The name of Machu Picchu means “ancient mountain” and originally it is Inti Punku (Sun Gate). According to the legend, Machu Picchu was the refuge for the Inca priest Willca Umo, who taught there with the god Viracocha.
2. Planning Your Trip
Before visitors travel to Machu Picchu, there are a few destinations you need to plan for in your visit to Peru. All visitors enter the country through slightly larger Lima, the colonial capital of Cusco, or the vibrant city of Arequipa. Buses and taxis go from Ollantaytambo, the last town with road access to the rail stop for Machu Picchu. The Machu Picchu site and five-star hotels are at Vilcabamba and the Hotel Machu Picchu Pueblo. Cusco is the lost heart of the Incan empire and still offers a wide array of ruins, plus churches and squares that harken back to ancient Spain.
Visiting Machu Picchu requires some advance planning, as the government limits daily access to the site. Online tickets to the Machu Picchu site are an additional charge. The ruin is referred to as Machu Picchu, the city below the ruin is Aguas Calientes, and the rail head is at the Sacred Valley. Before building a railhead, the trip included a walk from Kilometer 82 on the Inca Trail.
There is a regularly scheduled stop near the footpath to the four-day walk along the Inca Trail, but the walk is separately booked from the rail stop below Machu Picchu. Upgraded options include a two-day semi-camping walk with a lodge stop halfway along the trail or a luxury stay at the Sanctuary Lodge.
2.1. Best Time to Visit
The weather conditions in this mountainous area vary noticeably throughout the year. It is always good to choose the best time to visit, taking into account different factors such as climate, crowds, and, of course, the availability of train tickets. Here we show you in detail what the best time to visit is, depending on what you look for in your trip.
The best time to visit depends on several factors, such as the following: The tourist flow: The low season, from November to March, is perfect for those who want to visit with few crowds, being able to enjoy it almost in solitude, with days that usually have better visibility. The months of June and August are perfect for those who like a good atmosphere, without reaching saturation in the high season. Even if you decide to visit in the high season, we leave you the keys to these months so you do not find masses during your visit: January and September – High Season July and August – Medium-High Season March, October, November, and December – Low Season
2.2. Entry Tickets and Permits
The pieces of paper you buy when you visit Machu Picchu are your entry ticket. If you plan to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, another ticket must be purchased at an additional cost. Tickets can be bought in person in Cusco or Aguas Calientes, hired by a travel company, or bought online. The system sometimes experiences technical difficulties, but when it is working correctly, it provides various payment options including Visa and Mastercard in various currencies.
If you want to climb one of the mountains, it is important to purchase your ticket well in advance. There is no limit for Machu Picchu’s entry tickets, but tickets with mountain climbing are sold out quickly, weeks in advance in high tourist season.
The other piece of paper you need is your passport. If you are a student or over 60, there is a discount available for you, and international student identification cards or identification by the country of origin is necessary. If you are a student and have turned 26, but still hold an ‘under 26’ card, you can use this card to obtain the discount. If you opt for the boleto turístico, the ‘General’ category covers neither of these discounts, so do not forget your documents when purchasing entry. For the rest of the attractions included in the boleto turístico of Cusco, you need not present these documents.
3. Getting to Machu Picchu
In order to reach Machu Picchu, it is often required to make several transfers, but it can be accomplished in just one day. We guide you through various alternatives to reach this Sanctuary of the Incas. Machu Picchu is located in the district of Aguas Calientes, in the province of Urubamba, in Cusco, a city that is 607 km southeast of Lima and from which it is necessary to travel by land, river, and train to reach the sanctuary.
It is the most visited archaeological site in Peru because of its spectacular location, the harmony of its architecture with the natural environment, the variety of angles from where it can be contemplated, and for the history linked to the Inca culture. For this reason, the demand for trains and schedules to get to know Machu Picchu is quite large, so it is advisable to book your train ticket in advance during the high season, since train seats are not guaranteed for passengers without reservation. Machu Picchu is located in the beautiful town of Aguas Calientes.
The history of this town is closely related to the history of the Sanctuary, with its thermal waters providing a unique experience for any visitor. Getting to Machu Picchu is not difficult since we guide you not only through the different options you will have to reach it but also the different additional facilities such as lockers and restaurants, among others.
3.1. From Cusco by Train
Vistadome is a 3.5-hour train journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu, only for tourists with direct service to the town of Aguas Calientes, located at the foot of the Inca citadel. Passengers have wide panoramic windows offering unsurpassed scenic views and great photo opportunities. The car has comfortable leather seats, arranged in groups of four and two in pairs, with tables in front of them, plus panoramic windows that allow them to appreciate the beauty of the natural landscape, in an environment of music or live dance presented by a group of musicians and dancers in typical Andean costumes.
The car has a bar with cold and hot drinks, gourmet snacks that you can buy and pay directly on the route; it is very enjoyable and pleasant, making the journey a diverse experience. The Expedition is designed for travelers with panoramic windows that ensure scenic views throughout the route and allow for great photography. This car is equipped with comfortable seats that are completely isolated from the noise of the track, allowing you to travel and enjoy the landscapes in their entirety, so that each trip becomes an outdoor memory with large photographic visibility from the panoramic windows that surround them. In addition, the Expedition passenger will be informed and catered to with sophistication.
3.2. From Aguas Calientes by Foot
This is a very scenic hike that is also very time-consuming because you have to walk on the train tracks with baby steps to make sure you’re safe. Following the train tracks all the time, after some time you will reach a small rail station where you will have to go under the railroad tracks. On the right of the railroad tracks, inside the tunnel, you will find a light switch and some very important information about the train schedule.
Be careful there as trains come right around the corners at very high speeds. After walking a very narrow path on the right of the train tracks for several hours, you will reach another abandoned rail station that is close to your destination! Before you reach the last section of the hike, the trail gets wider and there won’t be any vegetation at all. If this is the case, then you have walked too much and made a big mistake!
Features: beautiful view and a super unique feeling of being on top of crops, night camping available on the second day. Distance: for those walking on the left of the train tracks, it’s really difficult to be specific, but it should be around 13 km. 3 hours of hiking.
4. Accommodation Options
The town of Machu Picchu is the closest town to the complex and has a wide variety of hotels and inns to choose from. It’s considered to be the best place to wake up and visit Machu Picchu in the morning. The town lies at the feet of the sacred mountain and is surrounded by the Urambamba River. There are a wide variety of places ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts all of which begin bookings one year ahead of time.
The quality and numbers of hostels is increasing so there are generally many places to choose from throughout the whole year. In Aguas Calientes, the most popular chain for both comfort and price is a well-known hotel. It’s been in the area for many years and provides a good service and excellent rapport of quality to price.
4.1. Hotels in Aguas Calientes
Since Aguas Calientes is the only point where you can reach Machu Picchu, the city is really near the sacred Inca city and the accommodations are limited. The best choice is to arrive in Aguas Calientes after a day in Cusco and spend the night there. The next day you will be able to see the sunrise in Machu Picchu and enjoy all day in this magical place. In Aguas Calientes, it is possible to get cheap hotels, but it is not an advisable choice.
They are not clean, the bed is not comfortable, and sometimes they are noisy. In conclusion, you will not rest properly, and it ruins the next day in Machu Picchu. To sleep well, the best choice is to make a reservation in a good hotel as early as you can. There are opportunities where you can make a good deal, but they are an exception.
The best hotels in Aguas Calientes are the five stars such as the Sanctuary Inkaterra, the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, and the Hatuchay Tower. They are situated in an amazing environment and provide you with a comfortable stay for a few days. However, there are more good places to be in Aguas Calientes.
4.2. Lodges near Machu Picchu
The only hotel at the entrance to Machu Picchu that offers private deluxe accommodation and service, and is a possible starting point for your tour to Machu Picchu; the bus stops at the hotel’s private entrance. Delight in the mystery of Peru through its culture and legend, and enjoy the unique service at Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, which opened in 2007. Sumaq, a deluxe hotel, is a window to a mysterious and grand world. Distinguished for its authenticity and charm, Sumaq is the closest hotel to the spiritual shrine of Machu Picchu and opens its doors to everyone who visits the land of the Incas.
Following in the footsteps of the great nineteenth-century explorers, savor the excitement of discovery, the sophisticated atmosphere, and cosmopolitan dining of the only five-star hotel in Machu Picchu. This delightful hideaway is a nature lover’s paradise and the perfect place to relax and unwind in the shadow of the Lost City. The only hotel beside the entrance to Machu Picchu provides guests with the perfect escape to a paradise, sure to leave you breathless. Within steps of the entrance to the Inca Citadel, enjoy total relaxation in the hotel, courtesy of our highly valued service, charming dining, richly detailed guest rooms, and much more.
5. Exploring Machu Picchu
If this is your first time to the site, it’s a good idea to take a quick trip to the gate where buses pull in. While it takes about 40 minutes if you’re coming straight from Aguas Calientes, a 10-minute bus ride saves you from the 1.5-hour uphill walk. Either way, you’re still going to take a 25-minute bus ride back down to end your visit. The buses outside Machu Picchu usually start operating at 5:30 AM.
They run every few minutes from 5:30 AM to 3:30 PM, which is also the latest time you’re allowed to enter the site. We highly recommend leaving around 4:30 PM after catching the sunrise and ending your visit to ensure you make it back in time to catch the last bus down. The line for boarding the bus can get quite long, so either go early, get in line ahead of time, or be prepared for a slow crawl as the buses fill out.
Start your trip to Machu Picchu in the amphitheater with a guide or just take it in on your own. The view from up top is already incredible. Guides are abundant and offer 2-hour tours or 4-hour tours for a private service. Opening hours for the site are from 6 AM to 5 PM, with the earliest visits at 6 AM and the latest at 2 PM. An international student ID gets you a discount, while a long-term volunteering visa with a Peruvian Embassy stamp will allow you to qualify.
They’re strict about it, so be prepared to jump through some hoops. Entrances sell out, so make sure you book that along with your start time and Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain as well. A good combo is to visit Machu Picchu at 6 AM, Huayna Picchu at 10 AM, and then go back down on a bus at 4 PM. Entrances for Huayna Picchu are also limited, so that’s one more reason to get booking early.
5.1. Main Attractions
Intihuatana: Also known as the sundial. It is a stone that served as a clock to the Incas. It was also a receiver of the solar energy that was absorbed by the offerings left around it. To the left of the sundial is where the river Urubamba enters from Ollantaytambo before turning to the east to reach the great basin of the Amazon. The rooms built there commemorate the greatest geographical advances carried out by the Incas.
Sacred Plaza: It is the best example of the lithic architecture that the Incas made. There, the most important religious ceremonies were held, and it is also where the present-day Quechuas keep their rites and traditions.
So-called Sacred Stones: These are polished blocks of granite, hewn and fitted into place in a very precise manner according to the dimensions of other blocks. The gigantic dimensions of these rocks exceed the limits of the largest stones of the Inca, and together, they complement each other through a system of textures, profiles, or designs, which define a monument.
The Complex of Fountains: It is the result of an exorbitant work of water supply, whose building process must have been a real epic, put together by their inaccessible location. Its walls are coated inside with a thin veneer that forced ceramic drains.
The Temples of Worship: Today, it is considered a veritable pantheon, where the most important lords rest. This enclosure had been the “family chapel” of Machu Picchu, which dates back to about 1408.
The Rock Break: It has the shape of an awayuish and is partially covered with magnetic stones, each of which surrounds the ceremonial site. It has not been fully interpreted by experts.
Main Mausoleum: Inca tombs in Machu Picchu cannot be large or very deep or any more complex than in any other parts of the empire. They did not have to be built by superior skills or more abundance of time or money; it has nothing to do with the exploitation of the workers forced to work until they all die. They are monuments of the smallest human triumph and are today the most fitting vestiges of the essential harmony of Machu Picchu.
5.2. Hiking Trails
If you are an avid hiker, this would be something you should try out. There are four different Inca trails to choose from. These are the Classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Quarry, and the Lares Trek. You will also get to see a bit more of the stunning scenery on your way there than you would if you chose the simpler way there. The classic trail is by far the most popular of the four. Make sure to book this far in advance as it has a limited number of permits each day. Plan your trip with your guide and stop by side attractions along the way.
On day four of the hike, a passage will lead you among mountains and through the cloud forest before finally reaching the Sun Gate. This is the first visual glimpse of the ruins if you have hiked the trail. Single-day trips are also permitted for those not wishing to partake in a multiple-day journey. If you wish to experience the Inca trail as part of a guided tour, you must do that through an authorized tour company. The three alternative treks are typically less crowded than the classic trail.
6. Guided Tours
Guided tours are perhaps the best way to make the most of your time at Machu Picchu. Reputable and professional guides know the best routes around the site and exactly what can be seen in the time available to you. Peruvian government licensed guides undergo years of study and work really hard to have a guide license, which must be renewed every two years. Licensed guides are expensive, but they surely have good language skills and great stories. Non-licensed guides might offer you less, but usually this isn’t a problem because you will learn a lot at Machu Picchu.
The views are extraordinary, walking isn’t complicated, the story is written on your ticket or in your guidebook, and it’s the site itself that can tell you the full story, anyway. Guided tours begin at two points: the building next to the bridge that crosses the river and alongside the bus building. Some non-authorized guides work at the beginning of the path or the central plazas. Hiring a guide at the site will be more expensive; they might not speak a language you want, or they won’t be available when you want. You can ask for a list of guides at the Tourist Information Office.
6.1. Benefits of Guided Tours
Most visitors at Machu Picchu opt for guided tours. Though there are some significant advantages to having a knowledgeable, reputable guide educate visitors, Machu Picchu offers many benefits. Among the most important of these benefits are:
Guided entry Before Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary was turned into a National Monument, access was strictly controlled and included a guided tour upon initial entry to the site. This is now outdated, however, with the introduction of reserved entry times for all visitors, with the exception of a few available spaces for travelers. Despite this, many visitors still prefer the ease of a guide simply coordinating their arrival and walking them to the main entrance while all permits are checked.
Avoiding the initial overview Upon entry, many visitors are sent to the left (uphill) or right (downhill) to wait for their guided tour to commence. While this setup could guarantee there are always guides ready to conduct tours at any given time of day throughout the high and low seasons, it can lead to crowded areas which become overfilled when several groups convene simultaneously. With a guide, visitors can avoid this initial overview and head straight to the selected meeting point, saving time and energy on presentation materials they do not necessarily want.
7. Safety Tips
Despite the fact that Machu Picchu is an extraordinary location, the road to reach it is narrow, frequently filled with buses and automobiles, and includes many curves. When this is combined with some irritable and anxious drivers, you have all the ingredients for an ordinary situation. Due to the steep curves and cliffs, traffic accidents must generally occur when visions of the scenic beauty distract the unsupportive drivers. Here are other safety tips that can be useful to tourists. Understand that due to the scarcity of bathrooms inside the sanctum, many tourists prefer the practical solution for immediate availability. Since there is no authority imposing hygiene, it is common to notice unpleasant sights.
Just remember that a baby toilet kit might be quite helpful in those times. Protect your belongings against theft. Thieves are likely to be around the ruins during the most crowded hours of the day. These moments are quite anticipated by some individuals in our society. Look particularly for those people who appear to be provoked by small conversations, which include questions from potential victims. Reach the site as soon as possible and visit the areas close to it as much as you can. It is the best way to distance yourself from the hectic crowds, take better pictures, and better understand the place’s energy while the vast majority is still trying to identify their location.
7.1. Altitude Sickness Precautions
If you are coming to Cusco from sea level in a short period of time, it is possible that you could suffer from soroche or altitude sickness. The symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, waves of nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. While it can occur in healthy individuals, soroche usually only lasts a few days, and the best way to avoid the sickness is to gradually acclimate your body to the change in elevation. The main causes of altitude sickness are usually ignorance and overexertion. One way to avoid altitude sickness is to take it easy for the first few days of arrival, get plenty of fresh air, and drink lots of nonalcoholic liquids.
If you feel like you may be getting altitude sickness, take it easy, don’t eat too much, and maybe chew on some coca leaves or drink some coca leaf tea. If things get worse, get lower, even if it means going to the lower valley, and then seek medical attention. Usually, in a two-week period, your body has acclimatized to the higher altitude and you should be back to normal in about the same time.
8. Responsible Tourism
Always consider responsible tourism when planning your visit. Machu Picchu is a living example of the marvels that the Incas accomplished. It embraces an important part of our history, and many of its descendants still live there. Many people dedicate their work to the conservation of this sanctuary and depend on its wild flora and fauna in order to live, turning this into their home. All tourists who visit this wonder should maintain the respect, cooperation, and solidarity necessary to ensure that the visit to Machu Picchu does not turn into a devastating experience. Respect the Rules of Visits.
Visitors should keep an eye on all infractions, particularly the ones made knowingly that appear as reasons for sanctions and legal judgments. We have to comply with the Rules of Visits and with its Regulations, taking into account that all public places and historical monuments are the patrimony of the Peruvian nation, and we have to contribute to their care and conservation. Our visit must respect the wishes of the owner and his customs, and we have to live their experience. Always take into account our own experience as well as the experiences of other travelers.
8.1. Eco-Friendly Practices
Ecologically responsible practices encourage tourism to accept the conservation of the local fauna and flora. Soon, Machu Picchu will have a policewoman whose mission will be to preserve and prevent the mistreatment of the last four female bears of some species, which were returned a year ago to this sanctuary. Remember that it is forbidden to enter Machu Picchu with food and to feed only within restaurants or refreshment stores.
Be careful with the landslides, which are recurrent during the rainy season. You will not find any “garbage.” It is not allowed to introduce canned drinks or food on the Inca Trail. All kitchen waste is stored and carried in plastic bags to the nearest town. We do everything possible to minimize litter production. All garbage is deposited in a large container drum. A place is prepared within Sacred Machu Picchu where the porter is able to urinate. The three main cabins of Machu Picchu have this service. Upon departure, the handlers store all the garbage from Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is surrounded by Incan terraces, which are almost 300 meters above a cliff. There is no value-added interpretation of architectural structures and their relationship with the territory. Our guides have official training to interpret flora, fauna, and geography. The camp locations are frequently changed to avoid soil compaction. The installation of camping poles is avoided in Incan terraces. All ornamental flowers are removed from Sacred Machu Picchu with the intention of maintaining its natural beauty. We refrain from showing photographs inside the different Machu Picchu buildings. This singular action conserves some genius loci. Only the pest birds that carry some type of plague are given red peppers. It is prohibited to smoke inside Sacred Machu Picchu.
9. Local Cuisine
Their lifestyle shows peasant customs that seem to be forgotten. The typical dress is barefoot, which is the one that gives the Tawas, famous for their skill in the loom. On the other hand, we find the colonists’ taste for the urban. At the same time, this economy and the geographic situation of the city influence its taste in foodstuffs, being somewhat conservative.
The popular market shows a picturesque aspect of customs, where the residents, sellers, and buyers dress with the distinctive detail of the area. As a gathering place for the colonists, it is easy to detail the urban taste and the more settled aspect of the colonists. With a few blocks, the popular neighborhood of San Pedro reflects the urban taste in the south.
Other typical meals are chicken soup or chicken noodle soup, fried trout, which is the delight of those who like to taste the palatable fish that is captured exclusively in these waters. It can be cooked in a frying pan, breaded in flour, or marinated in vinegar, and thus the broom dish. Kanyuchi is a very popular dish in Cusco. It can be made with lamb or poultry and is served with a special soup. The taste is nutritious and well worth trying. We can find these rich and varied traditional dishes of Peruvian cuisine in the restaurants of Cusco City.
9.1. Must-Try Dishes
Anticuchos are skewers of marinated beef hearts, a traditional Peruvian dish. Heart meat has been marinated with vinegar-based flavorings and then grilled. It is not usually seen in most countries, but where it is, the dish does not look high on the list of favorites for many tourists. Cuy is guinea pig in Spanish, and anyone who has traveled a lot in South America will know that this is a particularly popular dish in the Andes. With a taste referred to as being a combination between gamey rabbit and the dark meat of chicken, cuy is rarely eaten outside festivities, as they have been traditionally bred for their natural oils in the Andes.
Much like game chicken, cuy finishes off the dish as 100% pure meat. Lomo saltado is a dish of stir-fried beef, tomatoes, onion, and other vegetables served in soy sauce and accompanied by French fries and rice. It is thought to be of Asian heritage and a part of Peru’s fusion food. The similarity between Peruvian lomo saltado and Chinese stir-fried beef is as strong as its contrast. The intense Chinese influence in Peru’s lomo saltado is recognized by the use of salty soy sauce and the use of beef and stir-frying, but the fusion does not end there. The Lomo Asiático is only the tip of the iceberg.
10. Souvenirs and Shopping
There is the main street after the entrance gate to Machu Picchu. There are many vendors rediscovering some of the attractions on the avenue. There are hats, stones, magnets, keychains, pendants, alpaca scarves, and all kinds of Andean clothing, such as hats, gloves, and gloves with fanciful wools. You will also see stone and ceramic accessories with Andean and Machu Picchu themes. When determining what to buy, you will see that the range of businesses and the range of prices you receive from different suppliers are different.
Remember to negotiate the price and not spend too much at a stand, even from the same supplier. The street is the end of buying a part of the sellers’ paid because they must rent space. This street is very busy and often congested in the middle of the day, so it is also a bottleneck. Be sure to buy what you want to buy before the ruins because there are no more shops there.
Always take a good look at the security before going to the shop because it is very crowded and it is easy to trick someone in the crowd. It is a pretty casual place to visit, and if you want to escape the crowds, it might be best to go back to the entrance. After shopping, there is a shuttle back to Aguas Calientes, and you will miss the main entrance to see other small attractions around the city.
10.1. Authentic Handicrafts
Llamas and baby alpacas are the most common animals that you will encounter throughout Peru, so don’t be surprised by how many products are related to them. Puno and Cuzco are the most traditional cities in all of Peru that offer original alpaca and llama garments. Ayacucho is also involved in llama textile production, such as gloves and sweaters. Other cities offering these garments are Arequipa, Ica, Cuzco, Cajamarca, and the Altos in Piura.
Furthermore, you can find these garments at the Alpaca and Llama Fair in Juni, and you will be able to take some for your own alpaca or llama. Local art pieces, such as murals, tapestries, wood carvings, and pottery, can make nice gifts to take back home. These pieces are valuable for the traditional techniques that artisans from these cities still use.
The best places to appreciate local art and make purchases are in Puno, Arequipa, Sillustani, Cuzco, Huancayo, and Ayacucho. In Puno, you will find excellent weaves and straw hats; in Ayacucho, you will be amazed by wood carving and molding; and in the Huancayo market, you can purchase straw hats and local pottery. Artisans have been passing their knowledge from generation to generation to keep alive the traditions of the Andean region. These arts have not only important value in material form but also in their history and symbolism.
11. Conclusion of Travel Guide to Machu Picchu
In summary, a trip to Machu Picchu can be a great way to learn a bit about an ancient culture while exploring beautiful and impressive ruins. The hike up to is no small task, so can be a great way to alternatively making your way to Machu Picchu by train or car if you’re just interested in the ruins. The hike itself is beautiful but covered to a certain extent by the train ride.
Once you make it to the top, be sure to hit Huayna Picchu for a better view of Machu Picchu, provided you’re not afraid of heights it’s a fairly safe hike. Otherwise take some time to see more of the ruins and catch a glimpse of some of the native plants and animals that inhabit the area. Lastly, Machu Picchu has a pretty rich history. I found that a tour guide provided to be helpful for understanding the history and inner workings of Machu Picchu.
11.1. Memorable Experiences
There’s a reason why Machu Picchu is included among the new Seven Wonders of the World. With a visit of only a few hours, you can capture the sheer beauty and grandeur of Machu Picchu, and if you are lucky, you can experience some of the sudden mist that blows in, covering the ruins at the perfect moment to see the famous site in its ethereal beauty. Many tours also offer longer duration visits – one of the best ways to appreciate and really take in Machu Picchu.
The Inca Ruins Make a Complete Circle: Machu Picchu is set within a natural amphitheater of mountains that creates a dramatic effect and amazing energy for Machu Picchu. The Inca city is laid out in a complete circle with different neighborhoods and strategic vantage points that allow visitors to take it all in. The surrounding mountains are sacred, creating a powerful circle around the ruins.
Take a Moment to Breathe: Our personal groups have really appreciated the opportunity to start the day together by taking a few minutes to quietly sit and absorb the energy and beauty of Machu Picchu together before we start the tour. This is easiest to achieve during a two-day visit, as there is more time available.
Ask Our Guides to Teach You About Machu Picchu: Our specialist guides have ample knowledge about Machu Picchu and love to share insightful details and stories. You can ask them almost anything, and they will share a story or lesson related to the Inca citadel. The guides always connect deeply with our groups and take an interactive approach to set the stage for the day at Machu Picchu, encouraging interaction and participation – ask away, share a concern, or ask for a particular way to approach your visit with respect and ethical consideration as you explore Machu Picchu together.