Machu Picchu is a mysterious and magical ancient citadel remotely located in the Cordillera Vilcabamba jungle. This meticulously preserved site is justifiably accredited with UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is amongst one of the most iconic sights of South America.
The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu is 2,430 metres above sea level, perched between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain, hunkered into dense tropical forest and flanked by the Urubamba River. Walking around the site stirs the imagination as to what life would have been like when the Inca civilisation thrived here in the 16th century.
You can discover Machu Picchu in a day, combined with an overnight stay the night before at the local town, or you can spend five or more days trekking the Inca Trail.
There is much debate among scholars as to whether Machu Picchu was a military fortress, a retreat for the Incan monarchy or a ceremonial site. The only certainty is that it remains a testament to the engineering prowess of the Incas.
A guided tour reveals an extensive water distribution network, immaculate masonry, agricultural terraces and a keen relationship between the Incas and astronomical events.
Although the Peruvians knew of the site, it was not until 1911 that a thorough excavation began, following an expedition here led by American Hiram Bingham.
We would say that Machu Picchu is an iconic site that you must visit. However, it gets extremely busy and you follow a well trodden circuit learning about the ancient citadel.
There are a couple of ways to get to Machu Picchu, but however you intend to get there you will need to book permits, transport and tickets as early as posible to avoid disapointment, as there are restrictions on the amount of people that can enter the ancient citadel.
Trek: The classic way to reach Machu Picchu is by trekking the ancient Inca trail. The official trek takes 3 nights and four days, arriving at the sun gate that overlooks Machu Picchu on day four.
Train and bus: You can catch one of the trains from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes at the base of the mountain. Once in Aguas Calientes you take a windy 20 minute bus ride up the mountain to the entrance.
KM104 (A bit of both): If you feel that the Inca trail will be too much for you, then you can disembark the train at KM104 and walk the final leg to Machu Picchu, arriving mid-afternoon.
Climb Huayna Picchu: We can arrange for you to get tickets to climb the mountain adjacent to Machu Picchu for panoramic vistas and a perfect view over the site.
Guided tour: A private guided tour with one of the extremely knowledgeable and professional guides will bring the site and the Inca culture to life.
Walk to the Sun Gate: You can walk for around 1.5 hours (both ways) to reach the view point that those that have trekked the Inca Trail are rewarded with.
Down in the town there are ample resturants, little markets and hot springs. For the wildlife enthusiast there is an early morning bird walking excursion that we highly recommend.
Most people stay at a nearby town where there are many hotels that cater for all budgets and tastes. The small town itself is not glamorous but functional, and it's a great base from which to explore Machu Picchu. Alternatively, there is one option adjacent to the entrance; it does not have views over the site but it does give you the option of being one of the first people in to watch the sun rise over the site. Our favourite options are Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.
No trip to Peru would be complete without visiting this fascinating site - it is top of the list of must-dos in Peru, and South America as a whole.
Machu Picchu is extremely busy between 10am-2pm. We highly recommend that you avoid these times, and you will have much more freedom. One option is to get up first thing in the morning and get there before the crowds, alternatively head up the mountain mid-afternoon when most of the day trippers are descending to catch the train back to Cusco.
You can discover Machu Picchu in a day, combined with an overnight stay the night before at the local town, or you can spend five or more days trekking the Inca Trail.
About Machu Picchu
There is much debate among scholars as to whether Machu Picchu was a military fortress, a retreat for the Incan monarchy or a ceremonial site. The only certainty is that it remains a testament to the engineering prowess of the Incas.
A guided tour reveals an extensive water distribution network, immaculate masonry, agricultural terraces and a keen relationship between the Incas and astronomical events.
Although the Peruvians knew of the site, it was not until 1911 that a thorough excavation began, following an expedition here led by American Hiram Bingham.
We would say that Machu Picchu is an iconic site that you must visit. However, it gets extremely busy and you follow a well trodden circuit learning about the ancient citadel.
How do you get to Machu Picchu?
There are a couple of ways to get to Machu Picchu, but however you intend to get there you will need to book permits, transport and tickets as early as posible to avoid disapointment, as there are restrictions on the amount of people that can enter the ancient citadel.
What can you do at Machu Picchu?
Down in the town there are ample resturants, little markets and hot springs. For the wildlife enthusiast there is an early morning bird walking excursion that we highly recommend.
Machu Picchu - Where to stay
Most people stay at a nearby town where there are many hotels that cater for all budgets and tastes. The small town itself is not glamorous but functional, and it's a great base from which to explore Machu Picchu. Alternatively, there is one option adjacent to the entrance; it does not have views over the site but it does give you the option of being one of the first people in to watch the sun rise over the site. Our favourite options are Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel and Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.
Machu Picchu - Our opinion
No trip to Peru would be complete without visiting this fascinating site - it is top of the list of must-dos in Peru, and South America as a whole.
Machu Picchu - Top tip
Machu Picchu is extremely busy between 10am-2pm. We highly recommend that you avoid these times, and you will have much more freedom. One option is to get up first thing in the morning and get there before the crowds, alternatively head up the mountain mid-afternoon when most of the day trippers are descending to catch the train back to Cusco.
