Machu Picchu
From MaxTravelz
Contents |
Understand
The remarkable ruins were only rediscovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Perched dramatically 1000 ft above the Urubamba river, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also the end point of the most popular hike in South America, the Inca Trail.
The story of Machu Picchu is quite a remarkable one; it is still unknown exactly as to what the site was in terms of its place in Incan life. One thing that is clear is that it was a remarkably well hidden place, and well protected. Located far up in the mountains of Peru, visitors had to travel up long valleys littered with Incan check points and watch towers. Remarkably, the Spanish conquistadors missed the site, and Bingham only discovered the site by chance. On a wet day in 1911, he travelled up the slopes with a few companions from his expedition. On meeting local peasants, they told him about ancient ruins that covered the area. To Bingham's amazement, he had found the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu.
Get in
Visiting Machu Picchu isn't cheap. The entrance is 79.50 soles, for students with an ISIC studentcard it's 40 soles. Tickets should be bought in advance in Cuzco. With the trainticket to Aguas Calientes and a night accommodation it easily adds up to US$100. Doing the Inca Trail is also an alternative to get in.
For low to nobudget tourist there is also the possibility of doing an alternative way to Aguas Calientes via two little villages called Santa Maria and Santa Theresa. Its described here.
From Aguas Calientes you can hop on one of the frequent busses to take you up to the ruins (US$ 6 each way). It's also possible to walk the 8 kilometres. Locals will show you for a tip that it's possible to outrun the busses, but for the rest of us it's a two hour walk.
If you are in a rush, you can also take a helicopter from Cuzco.
It's not allowed to bring big backpacks, but there is a luggage storage at the entrance for Inca Trailers
Your ticket will tell you that it´s not permisable to to bring food or watter bottles into the site. As of Feb. 2006 you will feel a bit silly if you don´t bring them as everyone else will carry them in with success. And buying them at the site is expensive.
See
Take the time to walk around the site; there are many places to see and explore. Although it is not necessary, taking a guided tour does provide a deeper insight into the ancient city, its uses, and information on the geography of it. Also, be sure to wake up early to miss the hundreds of people that visit the site each day, or stay till closing time.
- Temple of the Sun
- Intiwatana
- Temple of the Tree Windows
- Main Temple
The following sights involve some legwork:
- Walk back up the Inca trail away from the site and up the hill to the Sun Gate (or Inti Punku); from here you can see back down each valley offering a excellent views. It's a gentle walk (probably 45 mins tops round trip) and well worth it. If you stay in Aguas Callientes, it is possible to get here early enough to catch the sunrise from here.
- Walk up Waynapicchu (in Spanish Huayna Picchu); this is the "second" hill seen in the many photos. Its a steep but short walk offering very impressive views over the site. Well worth the effort! Beware the track closes at 4pm and you're not allowed to enter after 1pm.
- If you have some time at hand or really longing for a sparkle of soltitude you can also walk to the Moon Temple (Templo de la Luna) and the Great Cave (Gran Caverne). It's a long walk and the sites aren't really rewarding, but unexpected wildlife can be seen (wild spectacled bears have been reported).
Buy
In Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu prices can be the double of what they are in Cusco.
Buy water before leaving Aguas Calientes
Eat
It's officially not allowed to bring food at the archeological site. But if you're planning to stay the whole day it's adviseable to bring some snacks or sandwiches and plenty of water.
There are several food stands selling (expensive) snacks an drinks near the entrance. Once in it's not possible to buy food or drinks.
There is a cafiteria near the site where the locals who work there eat. Ask one of them and if you´re lucky, you´ll be rewarded with a cheep, filling, and unique alternative to the expensive tourist snack-stand.
Sleep
The Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge is the only hotel on the site of Machu Picchu, and the rooms and food are pricey. Better food can be found by taking one of the regular buses to Aguas Calientes (the small town on the train stop to Cuzco) and many fine restaurants.
Aguas Calientes offers a wide assortment of lodging options.
Contact
- Orquidea Real Hostal and Tours - Discount travel packages and tours to Cusco, Machu Picchu and the region, Toll Free 1 877 260 2370 / 1 877 260 2423
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