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South America/Turismo

Argentina	Chile	Falkland Island	Peru
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Peru

Arequipa	Machu Picchu	Chiclayo	Nazca
Lima

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Machu Picchu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Machupicchu Machupicchu Edgar Zambrano Romero One of the most popular archeological sites of the world, and therefore, the most visited attraction in Peru. The Citadel of Machu Picchu (in Quechua [an Andean language] = Old Mountain) is known throughout the world for its amazing ruins and its unusual location on a high mountain overlooking the mighty currents of the Urubamba river. Even today nobody has been able to solve the mystery how the builders and designers managed to transport the huge blocks of limestone to the top of the mountain required for the construction of the city. Probably built during the 15th century in a very difficult location, it is the greatest achievement of the Incas architects due to the intelligence and dare demonstrated by their design. It has an extent of 13 sq/km and its main functions were military and religious. It used to be surrounded by an outer wall with a height of 6.00 m. and a width of 1.80 m. and it is estimated that it was inhabited by 10000 people. Built of limestone (the outer and inner walls), wood (doors and frames), and ceilings made of straw. Machu Picchu is located 2300 meters above sea level (7546 ft.), at 112 km. (70 miles) from Cusco, in the valley of Urubamba in the lowest part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in a area of direct access to the upper jungle. Without doubt, Machu Picchu was part of a very big complex of fortresses which defended the Andean lands in Sacred valley of any assault from indian people out of the Jungle. Having Huayna Picchu as a background they divided Machu Picchu in four sectors. Northwest is located the area that was probably used for the main religious purposes, that includes a Plaza named by Hiram Bingham as "Sacred Plaza", also the temple of the "Three Windows", "The Sacred Temple", the "Priests Mansion", and the "Intihuatana" that is a large block of limestone used during Inca ceremonies. The "Intihuatana" (in Quechua = place where the sun is bonded) is a solar observatory that allowed the Incas to keep track of the seasons of the year and the flow of time based on the shadows caused by the sun over the stone. The largest residences are located on the northeast of the complex. The most luxurious residences and also a watch tower are located on the southwest of the complex and therefore it is assumed that this part of the Citadel was probably the heart of all the urban activities. To the southeast of the complex are located the smallest and most humble of the buildings built around very narrow streets, close to numerous terraces constructed for agricultural purposes as denoted by the existence of a very complex aqueduct system in this area. In the lowest part of the terraces is a cementery, where during a search were discovered 135 skeletons and 109 of them were identified as females. This fact has allowed historians and archeologists to believe that Machu Picchu's inhabitants were mostly females that could have been the chosen ones of the Inca, fleeing from Cusco when it was overrun by the Conquerors of Spain and seeking refuge in Machu Picchu that, by the way, was never discovered by the Spaniards. The minimum recommended time to visit Machu Picchu is one day. But if possible, allot two days. The weather is always changing in Aguas Calientes and it is well worth the extra time to experience a pristine, sunny Machu Pichu. After traveling thousands of miles, and paying hundreds of dollars, do not gamble on only one day in one of the greatest cultural heritage sites in Peru. There are several treks around Machu Pichu, such as Winay Wayna, that must not be missed. Winay Wayna is roughly a 50 minute hike (one way), not for the faint of heart. Bring water, and your camera and get ready for some of the most breathtaking views of Machu Pichu and the surrounding area available. Do not miss Winay Wayna! Another great side trip is Huayna Picchu. The Inca Trail trek is also worth while for those in need of a little more adventure and with more time on their hands. Information on this trek is avaliable at anyone of the numerous "travel agencies" in the Plaza Del Armas in Cuzco. An alternative to the fully booked Inca Trail trek is the beautiful 5 day Salkantay trek featuring less Inca ruins on the way to Machu Picchu, but superb mountain views _________Alternative Tourism in Peru Inka Magik offers alternative 4 day eco Inca Trail routes to Machu Picchu, Cusco through the warm jungle on foot and on horseback, staying a night in tent, hotel and in a rustic adobe lodge with a local family who live in the jungle. The family welcome the traveller in and cook a traditional meal. There is freshly picked fruit from the trees in the garden, such as papaya or pineapple, and coffee beans are toasted for a fresh breakfast wake up. There are also 10 day adventure tours as well as tailor made tours for small groups on offer, the latter is organized through local artisan groups and a locally owned community tourist agency. This means that the local community benefits from the tourism and the travellers gain a real insight into Peruvian life as well as having the opportunity to visit a hidden side to the country. ______Getting There Edit This x Flora at Machu Picchu Nick Adams By Train The traditional and most frequent is by train from Cusco to the station of Aguas Calientes. This service offers the following categories: "Autovagón" (Main wagon) (US $55): Daily departures at 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., boarding service, lunches; return at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. the trip lasts an average of 3 hours and it is direct. The train has Vistadome service and backpacker. Daily departures The trip lasts a little more than 3 hours, and it makes stops in some intermediate towns. When arriving to Aguas Calientes, small buses can be taken that ascend the mountain and transport you to the citadel. The train line runs parallel to some parts of the Urubamba River, and the trip itself is a show for the beautiful landscapes that you observe. Walking, "The Inca trail" For those that have about seven exclusive days for the visit to Machu Picchu and are also adventure lovers, the walk through the "Inca trail" is recommended. This route has become the favorite of many tourists and only last year, more than 15 thousand people followed these roads to arrive to Machu Picchu. This hiking begins at Kilometre 82 of the railroad Cusco - Aguas Calientes, in Ollantaytambo. Lead by guides and in groups not smaller than 10; you arrive to Machu Picchu after 4 days, after traveling 40 kms. (24.85 miles) by the old Inca stone road, on the edge of the Urubamba canyon. The road crosses the Inca ruins of Patallacta, Huallabamba, Runku Rakay, Sayacmarca, Phuyu Pata Marca and Wiñaywayna. Besides captivating natural landscapes, water falls, tunnels, abundant flora and fauna, amid the exuberant vegetation for being near the forest, with view to the snowy mountains, and with pure air free of any vestige of contamination; ideal for birdwatching. The service of mountain guides, includes all the equipment, feeding, tents, carriers, etc. There exist routes for hiking of smaller duration; one that leaves from Km.104 of the railroad crosses the ruins of Wiñaywayna and after a few hours arrives at Machu Picchu. The journey is hard work, but can be completed by anyone of moderate fitness with a desire to reap the rewards of their exertions - the first view of the citadel, looking down from the Sun Gate above the valley, is worth every weary step. The efforts given in scaling Dead Woman's Pass will live particularly long in the memory, however - the seemingly endless stairs and equally lengthy descent from the peak offer both stupendous vistas and aching limbs to the hiker, especially when snow falls (even in the height of summer). A variety of clothing is needed in anticipation of the erratic conditions. In all these routes lodgings of "Instituto Nacional de Cultura" (National Institute of Culture) exist where you can spend the night, and the roads are signaled - in spite of it, it is recommended to hire the services of an experienced mountain guide. Be advised that because of new regulations (in effect from march 2005) you will need to book your permit for the inca-trail well in advance (for july-august more than 3 months), because all permits have to be bought with a name and passport-number and are non transferable and because of this they can't be bought by tour-operators in advance. Contributors December 02, 2004 change by puggers December 02, 2004 change by giorgio July 31, 2005 change by el_rio ___________Things to do Edit This Huayna Picchu from below Huayna Picchu from below Yohay Elam In Machupicchu there are a few extra options, except the regular tour. One option is to go up to the Inca drawbridge, which is also a nice viewpoint. Another option is up the Hauyna Picchu mountain, also nicknamed "the nose". It is the mountain behind the site, in the famous pictures. More options appear here or in guidebooks. Contributors July 18, 2006 new by yohay elam (2 points) [Add Activity] Alternative Inca Trail and Eco Tourism Peru Edit This Alternative Tourism in Peru Inka Magik offers alternative 4 day eco Inca Trail routes to Machu Picchu - through the warm jungle on foot and on horseback, staying a night in tent, hotel and in a rustic adobe lodge with a local family who live in the jungle. The family welcome the traveller in and cook a traditional meal. There is freshly picked fruit from the trees in the garden, such as papaya or pineapple, and coffee beans are toasted for a fresh breakfast wake up. more.. type: Trekking World66 rating: [rate it] Huayna Picchu Edit This Huayna Picchu from below Huayna Picchu from below photo by: Yohay Elam Hauyna Picchu is the mountain that appears behind the citadel in the famous pictures of Machupicchu. In order to climb to the top, you must register at the entrance to the path. At the time of writing, only 400 people are allowed there every day. So be sure to start it before noon. There is no additional cost. After a steep but well maintained uphill path, you reach the top, which is only a bunch of big rocks. Machupicchu is down below, in the valley that surrounds the mountain. Around the valley are more mountains. The awesome view makes it feel like you are on the top of more.. type: Hiking World66 rating: [rate it] Santa Teresa hot springs Edit This Santa Teresa is a village along the Salkantay trek. 45 minutes away from the village, in the middle of nowhere are the lovely hot springs. Contrary to other places, which are commercialized, this place seems quite wild. Being in the warm waters, surrounded by mountains is a great experience. Entrance costs 3.5 soles. You can rent a towel for 1 sol, if you didn't bring one. type: Spa and Sauna World66 rating: [rate it] address: Santa Teresa Salkantay trek Edit This Valley in the Salkantay trek Valley in the Salkantay trek photo by: Yohay Elam The Salkantay trek is the alternatvie "back door" route to Machupicchu. The standard route takes 5 days, and it can be extended to 7 days. There are a few differences between the Incal Trail and the Salknatay trek. The Inca Trail can be done only with a group, so if you don't book it a few months in advance, you probably will not have a place there. The Salkantay trek can be done either independently or with a group. During the high season, groups go every day, and there is no problem joining one. Those people who are seriously into Inca culture will prefer the Inca more.. type: Trekking World66 rating: [rate it] address: Any travel agency in Cusco, or independently