spotlight: MACHU PICCHU
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Machu Picchu, an architectural marvel built by the Incas, sits at 8000 feet above sea level in the Peruvian Andes. The site was built in the 1400's and believed to have been in use for less than 100 years. The history of the site continues to be a mystery.
The Lost City of the Incas has over 150 buildings and stretches over 5 miles. The Incas were best known for their amazing feats of engineering and architectural achievements, like Machu Picchu, which displays a masonry technique where stones were cut and placed together without any mortar. Machu Picchu was a secret outside the region until 1911, when American archeologist Hiram Bingham III came across it during a search for a different site. It is now Peru's most visited attraction, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. |
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How to get there
Cusco is the gateway for trips to Machu Picchu, and most visitors arrive from Lima via air. Quite often a trip to Machu Picchu is combined with a trip to the Galapagos Islands. Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with all its archeological ruins. Machu Picchu can be reached by train or by hiking the Inca Trail. Hiking the trail takes 3-4 days and, while a beautiful and adventurous hike, it can be quite strenuous. The train takes approximately 3.5 hours, and ends at the base of Machu Picchu, in the town of Aguas Calientes (aka Machu Picchu Pueblo). Visitors can reach the ruins by walking 90 minutes up the steps or by taking a bus. |
There are several rail options to Machu Picchu. Peru Rail, Machu Picchu Train and Inca Rail all offer various services, from an exclusive luxury experience to first class and economy.
It is highly recommended to spend a few days in Aguas Calientes at the beginning of the trip. Fly into Cusco and immediately go on to Aguas Calientes. This allows one to acclimate better to the high altitude. Cusco sits at 11,000 feet while Machu Picchu sits at 8000 feet. One can acclimate at 8000 feet before spending a few days in Cusco. A visit to Machu Picchu can be done in one day from Cusco, however it is recommended to stay at Machu Picchu for several days which allows for a leisurely day to explore the ruins.
When to go
Machu Picchu has two seasons. While it can and does rain at any time, May to September is considered the dry season and October to April is considered the rainy season. The best time to travel is in the dry season when temperatures are between 50 degree Fahrenheit at night to the 80's during the day. Crowds are the heaviest in July and August.
It is highly recommended to spend a few days in Aguas Calientes at the beginning of the trip. Fly into Cusco and immediately go on to Aguas Calientes. This allows one to acclimate better to the high altitude. Cusco sits at 11,000 feet while Machu Picchu sits at 8000 feet. One can acclimate at 8000 feet before spending a few days in Cusco. A visit to Machu Picchu can be done in one day from Cusco, however it is recommended to stay at Machu Picchu for several days which allows for a leisurely day to explore the ruins.
When to go
Machu Picchu has two seasons. While it can and does rain at any time, May to September is considered the dry season and October to April is considered the rainy season. The best time to travel is in the dry season when temperatures are between 50 degree Fahrenheit at night to the 80's during the day. Crowds are the heaviest in July and August.
