Destinations : Peru : Machu Picchu

About Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is 70 kilometers northwest of Cusco, on the crest of the mountain Machu Picchu, located about 2,350 meters (7,710 ft) above sea level. It is one of the most important archaeological centers in South America and also the Peru's most visited tourist attraction.

This wonderful hidden ancient city was built by The Incas and the ruins today are considered a world heritage by The Unesco because it is one of the most extraordinary examples of scenic architecture. The building style is "late imperial Inca" thought to have been a sanctuary or temple inhabited by high priests and the "Virgins of the Sun" (the most beautiful girls of the empire taken off their families); even though the legend tells that it was a landing strip for extraterrestrials. Here, in the top of the world you will inhale a sort of warm spirituality living a mystic experience.

From the city of Cuzco there are different trails to arrive to Machu Picchu. These trails are "The Inca Trail" which the most recommended is the four day trek. Because the trail cuts through incredibly beautiful landscape, due to several different ecological tiers, and passes by archeological sites built by the Incas, it has earned the reputation of being one of the world's best trekking destinations. The trail crosses mountain passes that hover around altitudes of 4,000 meters, like Warmiwañusqa (4,200 m) and Runkuraqay (3,860 m), descends to 2,000 meters (eyebrow of the jungle), takes the trekker on rather long staircases cut in the mountain side, and passes through tunnels that reach 20 meters in length. This section begins at Piskacucho, at the 82nd kilometer of the Cusco - village of Machu Picchu railroad. Otherwise take the comfortable rail from Cuzco for four hours and when arrived to Aguas Calientes take the bus to the Sanctuary. Remember that it is forbidden spending the night in archeological sites.

View this video to live the adventure to return to the past (with Cameron Diaz):

Aguas Calientes is a district of Machu Picchu and to stay here is one of the best ways to get to Machu Picchu Sanctuary before all of the tourists arrive by train from Cusco. The town's economy is based around tourism providing all the necessary services such as hotels and restaurants, as well as its fair share of souvenir shops and stalls. In Aguas Calientes enjoy the thermal springs believed to possess curative powers. The outdoor thermal pools can be found 15 minutes walk out of town. There are several pools of varying size and temperature including one filled with ice cold mountain water so check first before jumping in!.

If you're feeling adventurous and have plenty of energy left and 4 hours to spare in Aguas Calientes you may consider climbing the breathtaking trail to Putucusi.

Certainly you should visit the magnify city of Cuzco, where charming and friendly people host you with a show of colors, history, art and their unique culture. Cuzco is a colonial style city built upon the foundations of the Inca buildings. At Cuzco there are so many restaurants, live Andean Music. In Cuzco the most important festivities are the holy week, the Beer Festival (the first week of June) and the "Inti Raymi" (Sun Party on June 24th).

Shopping

It is recommended the Quarter of San Blas (Cusco), also called "The Balcony of Cusco". At San Blas, many popular art displays have appeared like: silver engraved, stone and wood carved, sculpture, doll making, gold, mask making, useful ceramics, architectural, grotesque and many others. Here there is one of the best opportunities that the Tourist will have is the Saturday Fair from 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon. Furthermore enjoying the charm of this quarter you would admire a great selection of art and handicrafts offered by the craftsman themselves. Also it is very interesting the Pí­sac Market on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Eating and Drinking

When coming to Peru you will enjoy an adventure to your sense of taste. In this tourism city you will find international and national dishes. Peruvian dishes which are prepared using ancient traditions and techniques. Enjoy this wonderful cuisine, which is cooked in a variety of styles including earthen oven-baked, flame-grilled, and a traditional technique known as the Pachamanca; in which foods are wrapped in leaves and baked under a pile of hot stones and earth. The food is a fusion of culinary influences and achieves a unique and exquisite flavour becoming a Criollo and Nouveau-Andino style. Do not forget to try the two national beverages of Peru, Pisco, which is made in the warm coast valley, excellent liquor from grape, with a great smell and body (Pisco Sour); and Chicha de Jora which is a fermented beverage made of maize or fruits. But indeed, there are also a range of interesting and delicious beers to drink.

By Night

If you are in Machu Picchu you will hear the sound of the nature, the quietness, and wish to sleep early so you can wake up early to visit the ruins. Instead, if you want to live the night, you should go to Cuzco. When the night begins it seems that the city light on and the excitement starts all around the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). Many discos, pubs, peí±as turisticas (restaurants with typical dancers), picanterias (small restaurants with typical food from Cuzco), with a mix of people from all the world!

Hotels in Machu Picchu

The Best Boutique and Design hotels in Machu Picchu : Inkaterra Machu Picchu,