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| Machu Picchu |
Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an incredible Incan citadel perched high in the Peruvian Andes. 500: Machu Picchu — Home to a collection of ruins built by the Ancient Incas.
Machu Picchu provides each traveler with the opportunity to experience exploration, history, culture and more Whether you are an individual who loves history, nature, or simply looking for some adventure, Machu Picchu has something for everyone.
This guide will cover the most popular sites at Machu Picchu, along with tips on how to best plan your trip.
The Iconic Machu Picchu Ruins
Sharing the ancient ruins themselves, of course, is the heart of any Machu Picchu visit. Constructed in the 15th century during the reign of the Inca Empire.
Machu Picchu was possibly a royal estate or religious site. Perched 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, the site requires a physical as well as mystical pilgrimage to access it.
Several main archaeological areas are found within Machu Picchu, including:
Intihuatana stone: Also referred to as the Hitching Post of the Sun, this giant stone is thought to have served as an astronomical observatory, tracking the sun's movements.
The Temple of the Sun: This circular structure with windows that line up with the solstices is dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god.
Room of the Three Windows – This is a structure with three large windows through which great panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys can be seen.
Walking through the ruins allows a close view of the intricate Incan construction, which included advanced stonework that baffles many experts due to precision and strength.
The site is divided into two main areas; the agricultural terraces and urban sector both of which give insight into Inca life.
The Machu Picchu Mountain
If you are looking for an experience that you won’t forget, then climbing Machu Picchu Mountain is for you. This strenuous hike ascends the mountain to give you incredible views of the entire site and landscape surrounding the city.
The trail is incredibly steep, making it a strenuous effort (required to have a moderate level of fitness/ability), but well worth the reward. From high above, you can see Machu Picchu from above, a view that few other visitors get.
The hike up Machu Picchu Mountain is about 3,082 meters (10,112 feet) above sea level and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. En route, you we’ll encounter lush foliage, fascinating wildlife, and scenic overlooks, making the experience truly magical.
Huayna Picchu (Wayna Picchu)
Another popular mountain hike around the area is to the top of Huayna Picchu, which is even more iconic as it features behind the Machu Picchu ruins in several photos due to its elevated position.
Huayna Picchu: 2,720 meters (8,920 feet) high, with panoramic views of the arqueological site and valleys around.
The steep, strenuous climb is shorter than the Machu Picchu Mountain hike and can take around 45 minutes to 1 hour round trip.
The Temple of the Moon, a hidden set of caves and terraces thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes, is one of the highlights of Huayna Picchu.
The hike is a little challenging due to the narrow and steep trails, but the reward is a breathtaking view and a different experience of Machu Picchu.
The Inca Trail
Indeed, for the intrepid traveller, the Inca Trail is not to be missed. A world-renowned trekking route, the Inca Trail hiker recovers 4 days through dramatic mountain landscape, cloud forests and Incan ruins.
The trail is among the most popular of routes to Machu Picchu, compressing cultural immersion, historical discovery and stunning vistas into a walkable package.
You’ll also pass through several important archaeological sites on the way, including Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca. These ancient ruins were part of the Inca road system and served as rest stops.
The trail concludes at Inti Punku, or “Sun Gate,” which provides an initial view of Machu Picchu from an upper altitude. With hikers arriving at Machu Picchu at sunrise, it’s a magical moment.
Keep in mind, though, that the Inca Trail has a limited number of access permits and they should be booked far in advance.
The Sun Gate (Inti Punku)
If you don’t have the time or energy for the full Inca Trail, you could still hike to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate), which features one of the most breathtaking views of Machu Picchu.
Taking 1-2 hours from the entrance to the site, the hike up to Inti Punku provides a panoramic view of the entire Machu Picchu complex as well as the surrounding peaks and the Urubamba River below.
This is a popular spot for those who want to see the sunrise above the site.
Inca legends state that Inti Punku was the entrance of the Inca emperor during the entrance to Machu Picchu, giving this lovely location even more mystique.
The Temple of the Condor
One last thing to check off your list of amazing things you saw in Machu Picchu, the Temple of the Condor built in the shape of the wings of a condor, a significant symbol in Incan culture.
The temple is in the central section of Machu Picchu and the stone structure resembles the wings of the bird as seen from a right angle.
The condor may be a representation of death and rebirth, a key component of Inca religion, and this site is thought to have been used in a ceremonial capacity.
The Agricultural Terraces
Machu Picchu is not only about ruins and temples — it has an astonishing system of agricultural terraces as well. These terraces were created by the Incas in order to cultivate potatoes, maize, and quinoa, foods that were vital to the Inca diet and economy.
Terraces helped manage the water flow, allowing for efficient farming in the difficult mountain terrain.
Visitors can stroll through the terraces and picture how the Incas farmed the fertile land, surrounded by green mountain. The terraces also make for great photography with the steep mountains in the background.
The Machu Picchu Museum
For added context and details of the history and importance of Machu Picchu we recommend visiting the Machu Picchu Museum in Aguas Calientes. Situated close to the mountain base, the museum features displays about site discovery, the Inca civilization, and the local flora and fauna.
It also offers precious information about the conservation practices in eemony to protect this wonder of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Aguas Calientes — The Door to Machu Picchu
Before or after your trip to Machu Picchu, you’ll probably spend some time in Aguas Calientes, the tiny town at the base of the mountain. Aguas Calientes is the launch point for most visitors, with buses whisking travelers up to Machu Picchu from here.
In Aguas Calientes, you can unwind in natural hot springs, visit local markets, or explore the nearby Mandor Gardens, filled with stunning landscapes and wildlife. It is a lovely spot to relax after a day of adventure.
Why You Should Go To Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is far more than an archaeological site; it’s a location of stunning beauty and deep history. Whether you’re trekking along the Inca Trail, taking in the ruins or just admiring the spectacular scenery, every second of time spent in Machu Picchu is bound to be unforgettable.
From the world-famous Inca citadel to the breathtaking Andes mountains, Machu Picchu provides a one-of-a-kind travel experience that showcases natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure in one place.
Travel Here You will love every minute when you go to this magical place so take it all in! The Incan ruins paired with incredible scenic views make it a bucket-list destination for everyone.
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