Travel to Machu Picchu
Declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World on July 7th, 2007, this majestic Sanctuary belongs to the List of World Heritage of Unesco since 1983. Machu Picchu is one of the most representative touristic attractions of Peru, regarded as a masterpiece of architecture and engineering.
Machu Picchu was rediscovered by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911. Through the years, scientists and archaeologists have made many studies and investigations about Machu Picchu to find out the mysterious that this sanctuary has.
Many travelers around the world come to visit these fantastic ruins at the top of the mountain and are impressed by the beauty that surrounds it, because its ecosystem is home of flora and fauna such as its beautiful variety of orchids and animals that some of them are in danger of extinction
Entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu
The entrance to the impressive citadel is open from 6:00 am to 17:00 pm.
Location
It is located in the southeastern Andes, in the valley of the river Huatanay. From 110 km of Cusco.
Latitude: 13 ° 09’23” south latitude and 72 ° 32’34” East Longitude.
Altitude: 2000 m.s.n.m
Extension: The sanctuary covers an area of 32,592 m².
Weather
It is generally warm and humid, with sunny days and cool nights. The rainy seasons are from November to March, the temperature ranges between 12 and 24 degrees Celsius. It is Dry and warm between April and October season, which is the most recommended time to visit.
The annual minimum temperature ranges between 8 and 11.2 degrees Celsius. Also In the months of June, July and August the temperature is often below zero; The annual maximum temperature varies from 20.4 to 26.6 degrees Celsius.
Where is Machu Picchu
The ruins of Machu Picchu are located on the continent of South America in the country of Peru. The ruins of Machu Picchu are one of the most beautiful ancient sites in the world. Ruins are located 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, South America, which is 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of Cusco. Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Machu Picchu has been utilized as a secret ceremonial city, but one of primary functions was astronomical observatory. Officially Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer-historian Hiram Bingham.
How to get there:
International gateway – Lima
To get to Machu Picchu, international flights arrive in Lima, Peru, located on the Pacific coast. Many flights arrive late evening and because there are no flights to Cusco in the evening, travelers will spend 1 night in Lima. The area around the Lima airport is not pedestrian friendly and most tourists who don’t stay at the Ramada Inn located in the airport should arrange transfers in advance, to hotels in Miraflores, about 45 min drive from the airport.
Secondary gateway – Cusco
From Lima, there are many 1 hour flights to Cusco, which is 11,000 ft/3400 m above sea level. Most flights are scheduled in the morning. It is not possible to fly to Cusco after 3 pm and the return flights from Cusco to Lima end about 4 pm. It is not recommended to schedule the last flight of the day if you are trying to connect with an international flight on the same day, because weather in the mountains can cause flight delays or cancellations. Bus service is available, but takes more than 20 hours one way over curvy mountain roads.
Getting To Machu Picchu
Most popular Ways to get to the citadel:
By train:
There are three trains from Cusco to Aguas Calientes; The Journey takes about 4 hours, departing from the Poroy station (15 minutes-from Cusco by car) and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes from the Ollantaytambo station (1 hour-20 minutes from Cusco).
• Backpacker Train: For adventure passengers seeking comfort and security. The Backpacker service has air conditioning, heating and panoramic windows to appreciate the landscape and to take wonderful photos.
• Vistadome Train: It has panoramic windows that make passengers feel part of the landscape and to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Also you during the trip you will enjoy snacks and hot and cold drinks. It has onboard entertainment
• Hiram Bingham Train: It is an exclusive service, where you will have an unforgettable experience. All services are first class. This train is distinguished by their blue and gold colors. It is consider as one of the best journeys in 2008 bye the Italian Class Magazine.
All the trains arrive to the Town of Aguas Calientes which is very close to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Note: to reach the famous sanctuary of Machu Picchu you must take a bus that departs from Aguas Calientes. Takes about 20 minutes
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Train to machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Tickets
By Inca Trail:
Where you start an unforgettable walking. There are excursions of 4 days 3 nights and also 3 days and 2 nights. The road is quite challenging because it is 42 km. approximately, with ups and downs where you get to a maximum height of 4000 m, but along of this route you will see incredible landscapes, cloudy forest, diverse climate, dense valleys and impressive Inca ruins.
Main Attractions
Due to its genius construction, the impressive Citadel Machu Picchu count with several interesting attractions around it, which will allow you to appreciate the greatness skills of design and engineering determination that the Incas Empire used to have.
Since the most spectacular views at the top the highest mountain, mysterious carved pieces with astronomical and religious purposes, until narrow bridges and paths that give you the most exciting experiences and connect with each other beautifully.
Here are the main sites of the wonderful Machu Picchu, which should be known.
* Huayna Picchu
* Intihuatana
* Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun)
* Puente Levadizo (Inca drawbridge)
* IntiPunku (Sun Gate)
* Machu Picchu Full day tour
* Machu Special 4 days
* Machu Picchu Light Adventure 6 days
* Cusco Adventure Budget 8 days
Machu Picchu Tips- USUFUL INFORMATION
Health
– Tourists should only drink bottled or sterilized water in Peru to avoid getting sick.
– Coca tea and chewing coca will help you adjust to altitude sickness
– Take care your stomach, eat light food at least the first day, and then be aware of what you eat.
– Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat and seafood
– Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating.
– Do not drink alcohol in excess with the altitude could be a bad result.
Security & Safe
– Get travel insurance for your safety.
-Inside the ruins, do not walk on any of the walls, could be dangerous.
– Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected. Follow the guide all the time.
– Keep your valuables and personal stuff hidden.
For the trip
– Most recommended months to visit Machu Picchu are from May to June.
– We recommend bringing an insect repellent.
– During the dry season (May to November) is recommended to take sunglasses, sunscreen and hat.
– During rainy season (December to march) is advisable to wear boots, because the floor gets slippery. Also a raincoat or umbrella is recommended.
– Wear hiking boots or athletic shoes are preferable for trekking along the Inca Trail and the scabrous paths of Machu Picchu.
– If you are planning to hike along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, bring plenty of water.
– Just take things light and very necessary especially in a small bag or backpack the rest leave them in hotel. (Storage)
– Remember that the Llamas are wild animals, Llamas can and will spit at you
Money Exchange
In the town of Aguas Calientes, there are several houses of change for foreign currency exchange. Also Count with an ATM by Card Visa.
Shopping
Aguas Calientes is prosperous in selling crafts, though prices tend to be a bit higher than Cuzco or elsewhere. However, it is a town where you often have time to kill. There are vendors set up everywhere; the largest handicraft market is just before the entrance of the train station.
Nightlife
The town of Aguas Calientes (located down of Machu Picchu) counts with several discos and pubs for all the visitors who decide to spend the night and kill the time.
Restaurants