Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is tangible evidence of the urban Inca Empire at the peak of its power and achievement—a citadel of cut stone fit together without mortar so tightly that its crac
ks still can’t be penetrated by a knife blade. It stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments. The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of fauna. It
is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley which is 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. No wonder it is one of the New Wonders of the World!
The complex of palaces and plazas, temples and homes may have been built as a ceremonial site, a military stronghold, or a retreat for ruling elites—its dramatic location is certainly well suited for any of those purposes. The ruins lie on a high ridge, surrounded on three sides by the windy, turbulent Urubamba River some 2,000 feet (610 meters) below. The Inca’s achievements and skills are all the more impressive in light of the knowledge they lacked. When Machu Picchu was built some 500 years ago, the Inca had no iron, no steel, and no wheels. Their tremendous effort apparently benefited relatively few people—some experts m
There are many ways to see Machu Picchu –
Tour to Machupicchu with the VistaDome upgraded train.
The train ride consists of spectacular views in this wonderful land of the Incas, amazing landscapes of mountains and valleys, Inca farming terraces on both sides of the valley, snow capped mountains and sub-tropical jungle near the Ceja de Selva. From Pachar the sacred Vilcanota river will be our companion until arrival at Aguas Calientes (2040m) well known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Your guide will meet you at the train station and transfer you to the bus for 25 minutes to Machu Picchu. A guided tour of Machupicchu “The Old Sacred Mountain” takes approx 2 hrs and then you have some free time for photos.
Machupicchu, the lost city of the Incas, where the last emperors, priests and priestesses took refuge and where the empire survived for 40 years after the arrival of the Spaniards. Secret and mysterious citadel from the time of Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui (IX-Inca`s Dinasty) emperor, his presumed constructor. Then apparently its existence was even well-known only by the authorities and the priests of the Tawantinsuyo “The four lands of the empire”. Machupicchu prodigy of architecture of aesthetic recklessness and by the magestic and harmony of its forms, by the impeccable organization of its terraces, stairs, buildings, patios, passages that are set up in this nest of condors, surrounded by mountains, between the mountain range and the forest like but the extraordinary constructive feat of the pre-Hispanic man.
Hike to Machu Picchu
We will leave on the train at 6.10 am from Ollantaytambo. Along the way, the train follows the Urubamba River until we reach Km104 where we´ll begin our trek. You will be able to see spectacular views of farmlands, snow-capped mountains and the mighty Urubamba River; one of the sources of the Amazon River. At 104km (2000m) we begin our trek, once we´ve made sure you have everything you need. We will provide you a packed lunch and drinks for energy. We will also take the chance now to have a group photo before visiting our first Inca site together. After an informative tour of the Inca site, we begin gradually ascending as we head for the classic Inca Trail far above. If we have clear weather, we´ll have tremendous views of Macchu Picchu, the Urubamba River and other surrounding Inca sites.
After hiking for 3 hours, we will reach the most beautiful Incan site on the Inca Trail – Wiñay Wayna (Forever Young) at 2600m. This is a wonderful Incan site that many people never get to see. There is an elaborate water fountain, temples, and some agricultural terraces which provide a perfect opportunity to learn more about the way of the Incans. The scenery truly must be seen to be believed! A steep drop off, vertical cliff face, and dramatic mountains surround you. It really demonstrates of the importance of location to the Incas. From Wiñay Wayna we walk to the Sun Gate where we see the picturesque landscape of Machu Picchu below. After taking in the once in a lifetime views and getting your photos, we begin our descent to Machu Picchu for sunset.
One of the advantages of this hike is that by the time we reach Machu Picchu, most of the day travelers will have already returned home and you will have it almost to yourself. After taking photos, we’ll take the bus to Aguas Calientes and check-in to your hotel. Then we’ll find a great place for dinner and get to bed early to make the most of the next day.
Machu Picchu is often the highlight of most tours. Let’s discuss the best experience for you to build your trip around.