Machu Picchu is an amazing site to behold; it’s considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and attracts a large influx of tourists every year. Machu Picchu was the home of the ancient Incans and the center for their spiritual and star-gazing practices. It was built in the 15th century and is located near Cusco, which was the ancient Incan capitol.
Machu Picchu was built around three main structures, typical of the classical Incan style: Hitching post of the Sun, Temple of the Sun, and the Room of Three Windows.
When the Spanish conquered Cusco, they roamed the area in search for Incan structures in order to destroy them; however, because Machu Picchu was hidden so deep in the mountains, the Spanish were never able to find and destroy Machu Picchu. In fact, it wasn’t discovered until 1911!
An easy method to get to Machu Picchu is to take the tourist train from Cusco. The trip takes about 4 hours and has some beautiful scenery that tourists enjoy. This is the perfect way to get to the site in a calm, easy, and clean environment.
In addition, you can also take a train directly from Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo is an ancient city located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and has many opportunities for activities, including its own ruins. If you don’t do the Inca Trail, we recommend staying a day or two in Ollantaytambo to explore the city.
The best and most epic way to get to Machu Picchu is via the Inca Trail, which is a 28 mile hike that stretches 4 days from Cusco to Machu Picchu. This is the trail the Incas used to take to relay messages from their capitol city to their religious hub. If you choose the Inca Trail you will experience one of the most amazing adventures of your life. Along the way, you will see remarkable scenery and get immersed in the culture. Keep in mind that you do need to book in advance because spots are very limited.
One of the best places to stay while visiting Machu Picchu is the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. While this is one of the most expensive options available, we strongly recommend it for the traveler that is looking for a more luxurious adventure. You get to stay right on top of a mountain, hike around the lodge, and touch the clouds with your finger tips.
If you’re on a budget but still want something comfortable, then we recommend that you stay in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
The most adventurous of travelers need to take the Inca Trail and camp out for 3 nights. It gets crazy cold, their is no hot water, you sleep in tents, and the bathrooms are basically holes in the ground; but nevertheless, it’s one of the greatest experiences you’ll ever have in your life.
As mentioned above, hiking the Inca Trail is a phenomenal way to spend your time in Machu Picchu. If you don’t do the Inca Trail, then you should consider the climb to Huayna Picchu. Only 400 people are permitted to do this climb per day, so again, plan in advance. It takes about 2 hours to climb to the peak and you will get great views of Machu Picchu along the way. Cable ropes are posted to assist tourists to get to the top. Keep in mind that you need to be in decent shape to climb Huayna Picchu and certainly to hike the Inca Trail.
Of course, you will want to see the various sites at Macchu Picchu itself including the Temple of the Sun, which was used for astrological purposes. The Temple of Three Windows is stunningly impressive as is the Intiwatana, which you must access by a stone staircase.
If you are looking for gourmet food, you should consider the Tampu restaurant at the Sanctuary Lodge. If you are staying at the lodge, you will definitely want to take advantage of this restaurant’s great buffet.
Aguas Calientes is a small town at the bottom of the valley and it is home to most of the area’s good restaurants. If you want to go for traditional Andean cuisine, choose grilled lamb, pork and alpaca. Grilled trout is also popular. In general, you can find great food for very reasonable prices.
One excellent restaurant in Aguas Calientes is the Tree House. This restaurant serves creative dishes with local ingredients. It is connected to a hotel and surrounded by trees.
All throughout the Sacred Valley of the Incas there are amazing places to hike. You can find scenic views and beautiful summits and peaks. Be sure to bring a camera. You will quickly realize that there is a good reason why Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist destination.
While the climbs and views in this area are majestic, be sure not to push yourself too hard. The air is very thin and you will need to stay hydrated. Remember if you fall or injure yourself, it can quickly ruin your vacation so only hike within your physical limits.
Also mudslides and floods have been an issue for tourists in the past. In 2010, thousands of tourists were stranded and two people were killed. Obviously, you should always be mindful of the weather before setting out on a hike.
