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Machu Picchu Attractions

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu would mean ˝Old Peak˝. Machu Picchu is one of the world´s most famous and most popular tourist attractions. It dates to the 15th century and it is attributed to the Inca tribe which lived high in the Cusco Region in Peru. The site is located at 2,430 m above sea level, some 80 km awa...

Machu Picchu would mean ˝Old Peak˝. Machu Picchu is one of the world´s most famous and most popular tourist attractions. It dates to the 15th century and it is attributed to the Inca tribe which lived high in the Cusco Region in Peru. The site is located at 2,430 m above sea level, some 80 km away from the nearest town of Cusco.

As one of the most important archeological sites in the world Machu Picchu was enlisted on a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983 and since then a lot of effort was invested in its restoration and preservation.

I is believed that the construction of the site begun at the beginning of the 15th century for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. At the time of the Spanish conquest the site was abandoned by the Inca.

Machu Picchu consists of a complex of palaces, temples, plazas as well of the homes of ordinary people. Since the site is located so high in the mountains its location has a perfect setting for many occasions  such as in case of war, ceremonies to contribute gods and high ranked society as well as for the use of a retreat.

Around the site there are numerous trails and sites that descend from the top in the forest in the Andes. It seems that there is a connection of the monuments and mountains with the astronomical events. This also speaks in favor of the universal purpose of the construction of Machu Picchu.

The magnificence of the site lies in the fact that at the time of the construction the Inca had no iron nor wheels, and yet they succeeded to build such a remarkable site.

The most important things within the site is the Funerary Rock Hut. I is believed that at this place the Incan noble people were mummified.

There is also the Royal Tomb which one can reach by going down stairs. It is in a form of a cave where one can see ceremonial niches and the Inca cross that represents the three levels of existence.

People at the site can enjoy in the views and stories about the Sacred Plaza, Sacred Rock, the Central Plaza, Intiwatana (post of the sun used for the predication of the solistice), and the Condor Temple.

And, of course, visitors will most probably see Alapaca (an animal very similar to a llama)

Even though today the majority of people are familiar with Machu Picchu, at least from photos and stories, the site somehow managed not to get familiar to the world outside of Peru or Latin America up until the 20th century when the American historian Hiram Bingham made it famous. According to the history resources his trip to the top using the Inca trails lasted six full days.

Today, numerous visitors can use the train to get up there while they can also follow the trails and experience the real climb.

Top Machu Picchu Tours

$400 Per Day

The Classic Inca Trail – 4 days

Wonderful experience hike short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Get acquainted with the wonders of the Incas in this exhilarating introduction to Peru. Embrace cultures past and present in the hills surrounding Cusco and delight in the amazing views of the Sacred Valley as you travel by rail to Machu Picchu. Taking the train will allow you lots of time to explore ruins and markets. Spectacular view of Machu Picchu from Inti Punku (Sun Gate); from here descending into the world famous Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

 

Day by Day Itinerary

Type Service: Group Tour
Itinerary: Fixed
Destinations: Inca Trail, Machu Picchu
Activities: Trekking and Walking,Cultural and History,Multi-Activity,Family,Culinary

Day 1 – Transportation to Km 82 – Wayllabamba

Pick up from the Hotel at 6:00am and drive to Km 82 the head of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184 ft) to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba, our first camping.
Meals Included: Box-lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 12 km (7, 47 miles)
Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3000m (9840 ft)

Day 2 – Wayllabamba – Pacaymayo

Breakfast; we begin the most difficult part of the trek, which consists of an abrupt and steep ascent that stretches for 9 km along this climb. The first pass Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman´s 4200m/13776 ft) we may see domesticated llamas and alpacas grazing on ichu, one of the few plants that grow at high altitude. Walking down and cross an area of the so called cloud forest, which is the habitat for many different kinds of birds like hummingbirds and sparrows, and the Andean bear. We advise that on this day specially, your daypack is well stocked with candies, chocolates and coca leaves that will keep your sugar level high, and help with altitude sickness. We descend into the Pacaymayo (3600m/11808 ft), where we camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 11 km (6, 84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 6-7 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4200m (13776 ft)

Day 3 – Pacaymayo – Wiñay Wayna

Breakfast; we ascend again past the Inca site of Runkuracay (3970m/13022 ft). As we reach the second pass, the landscape opens onto spectacular new views to the snow peaks of the Pumasillo range. Then we descend towards Yanacocha and enter the cloud forest to finally arrive at Sayacmarca. This is a beautiful complex made up of a semicircular construction, enclosures at different levels, narrow streets, liturgical fountains, patios and irrigation canals. Continuing up an easy climb to the third pass Phuyupatamarca, continue our trek down the long descending stone steps that lead us to Wiñay wayna (2650m/8692 ft) where we spend our last camping.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 16 km (9, 94 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3900m (12792 ft)

Day 4 – Wiñay wayna – Visit Machu Picchu – Back to Cusco

Breakfast; we wake up at 4:00am an hour later and climb to the Inti Punku (Sun Gate) from this fabulous spot, we may see the sunrise over the sacred citadel of Machu Picchu (2400m/7872 ft). From here we descend into Machu Picchu, 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks.

Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the Citadel, visiting the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, the Sacred Sun Dial (the most important preserved Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, houses, warehouses, a large central square; and all connected by narrow roads and steps that are surrounded by terraces cut into the mountain side. After the tour you’ll have time to stroll around the Archaeological Site at your leisure.
Then, you will have time to perform some of the following activity by yourself (not included in the price):

1. Climb Wayna Picchu; for the most adventurous people, we suggest to go up the Wayna Picchu from where you can appreciate the immensity of Machu Picchu, even more amazing being high and distant.

Train back to Cusco: In the afternoon train departure to Cusco; upon arrival to Cusco reception and transfer to the Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast
Total distance: 4 km (2, 49 miles)
Estimated walking time: 2 hours
Maximum altitude point: 2700m (8829 ft)

Depart Cusco

Our representative will assist you and transfer to the airport and say goodbye.

$300 Per Day

FAST INCA TRAIL TO MACHUPICCCHU 3 DAYS

Fast Inca trail 3 days 2 nights

 

Day by Day Itinerary

Type Service: Privately Guided
Itinerary: Fixed
Destinations: Inca Trail, Machu picchu
Activities: Trekking and Walking,Cultural and History

Day 1 – Cusco to Llulluchapampa

Pick up from the Hotel at 6:00am and drive to Km 82 the head of the Inca Trail. We begin our hike by crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River and walking along its left shore as it flows northwest. Following the trail along a flat terrain, we arrive in Miskay (2800m/9184 ft) to then ascend and finally see, from the tallest part of an overlook, the impressive Inca city of Llactapata (2650m/8692 ft). We continue trekking along the valley created by the Kusichaca River, gradually climbing for about five hours until we reach the community of Wayllabamba. Continuing through the trail, we leave Wayllabamba behind to begin the most difficult part of the trek, we only climb half way up the pass, stopping at Llulluchapampa, where we camp and spend the night.
Meals Included: Box-lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 17 km (10, 56 miles)
Estimated walking time: 8-9 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3850 m (12628 ft)

Day 2 – Llulluchapampa to Phuyupatamarca

After breakfast, we continue our hike up the highest point in the Inca Trail, reaching the mountain pass of Abra Warmihuañusca (Dead Woman’s Pass – 4200m/13776ft) after about 2 hours. Immediately after the pass, we descend into the Pacaymayo Valley (3600m/11808ft), from which we then start to climb to the second pass, the Abra Runkurakay (3970m/13022ft). Half way up, we visit the archaeological complex with the same name. This site, located at 3800m/12464ft, consists of a small oval structure that is believed to have served the purpose of a watchtower. Continuing up an easy climb, we arrive at the third pass, the Abra Phuyupatamarca (3700m/12136ft). Curiously, Phuyupatamarca means “town over the clouds”. From above, one can observe a sophisticated sacred complex made up of water fountains with solid foundations, and also impressive views of the Urubamba River valley. We set our camp in Phuyupatamarca and spend the night there.
Meals Included: Box-lunch, Dinner
Total distance: 15 km (9, 32 miles)
Estimated walking time: 7-8 hours
Maximum altitude point: 4200m (13776 ft)

Day 3 – Phuyupatamarca to Machu Picchu / Back to Cusco

Breakfast; we wake up at 4:00am and start our way through the long descending stone steps which will lead us to Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft) Wiñaywayna is the biggest archaeological site in the Inca Trail besides Machu Picchu and consists of an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector, offering spectacular views over the already narrower Urubamba River valley. After our visit, we leave Wiñaywayna to climb to Intipunku (Sun Gate). From here we descend into Machu Picchu, 40 minutes later we enter the citadel from the highest point through the “House of the Guardians”. We then descend to the control point where we register ourselves and leave our backpacks. We immediately begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb the Wayna Picchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu Picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon take bus to Aguas Calientes town where we take the train back to Poroy Train Station and transfer to your Cusco hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Total distance: 11 km (6, 84 miles)
Estimated walking time: 4-5 hours
Maximum altitude point: 3600m (11808 ft)

$100 Per Day

Inca Jungle Machu picchu

Inca Jungle is one of the best adventure alternative trek in comparation to the classic Inca Trail, that captures the majestic energy of Machu Picchu through ancient paths designed by the incas and that will make you feel full adrenaline. This tour lasts 4 days and includes adventure sports like biking, rafting, zip line and trekking.  During our journey you will have the chance to see recently discovered  Inca paths, archaeological complex, amazing mountains  that range from the Abra Malaga to the green valley near the Urubamba river that belongs to the basin jungle of Cusco.

INCA JUNGLE DETAILS
Below you will find details of the most famous adventure tour in Cusco: The Inca Jungle. This itinerary describes the activities day by day as well as what is included. The tour won’t face too much crowd as the classic inca trail.
DAY 1:  CUSCO – PISPITAYOC  (BIKING AND RAFTING)


The program of Inca Jungle tour starts when we pick you up at your hotel from 6:30 to 7.00 am. then we head towards the sacred valley of the Incas, along the way we will see picturesque villages and beautiful landscapes, arriving at Ollantaytambo, after a break we will continue with the trip by bus. After 1hr. aprox. we will arrive at the Abra Malaga around 11 am. (4350 mt.), point of departure with the bikes, we will descend for  3 hrs., passing through small villages, orchards, rivers and streams, reaching  the town Huamanmarca around 1:30 pm. Aprox. Then our private bus will take the group for 30 min. to the town of Santa Maria, where we will have lunch. After a short break, we will begin a new adventure, the rafting trip will lasts around 2 hrs., encountering rapids class III and IV, always accompanied by a professional safety kayak that will take care of the group all the time. Travelers that didn’t book the rafting tour will go with an assistant guide in our private bus for 20 min. to the next town of Santa Rosa, from this point we will walk for 45 min. aprox. until reaching the eco lodge called “La Choza”. Then they will have free time to explore by their own. At the end of the rafting adventure, the bus will be waiting for this group to take it to the town of Santa Rosa and they will walk for 45 min. aprox. until arriving at the ecological lodge La Choza, located in the village of Pispitayoc to spend the first night surrounded by vegetation and beautiful landscapes.
Includes: lunch – dinner
Rafting Inca Jungle
DAY 2:  PISPITAYOC – SANTA TERESA (HIKING)
We got up around 6:00 a.m. to enjoy a typical breakfast in the middle of nature, then we start the walking along the banks of the river and start climbing for 30 min. aprox. part of this trek will go through the original inca trail. On our way we will see small coffee plantations, fruit trees, among others. The area is surrounded by many types of birds and orchids; this ecosystem belongs to the high forest and is one of the most rich in terms of biodiversity of the Inca jungle. Once on top we will see the whole valley of the lower Urubamba. The group will walk down the mountain for 2.30 hrs. aprox. until arriving at the village of Qellomayo, to have the meal. After a break we continue walking for 3 hrs. crossing farms, waterfalls and rivers until arriving at the hot water springs of Santa Teresa, and after a relaxing bath, the group will continue walking for 40 min. until reaching the town of Santa Teresa to sleep in one of the rural lodges. After the dinner we all are invited to visit one of the bars to hang out with the members of the group.
Includes: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Inca Jungle
DAY 3:  SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES  (HIKING AND ZIP LINE)
Around 7 am., after a typical breakfast we will get ready to continue exploring the roads that were followed by the first expeditionaries that discovered Machu Pichu and other important archaeological complex. The next journey will start in Santa Teresa. Those who reserved in advance will make the zipline (and later this group will be taken by bus to the area known as the hydroelectric), the rest of the group will continue the trek of 3 hrs. aprox. through the valley until reaching  the hydroelectric too, where the entire group will get together again. Here we will enjoy of a great lunch. And after a break we will continue walking along this great inca jungle tour for 3 hrs., enjoying beautiful waterfalls, going through coca and coffee farms along the railway until arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes around 4 pm. Here the group will spend the night in a hostel. At night we all will get together in a local restaurant to enjoy a great dinner and have a briefing about our next excursion to Machu Picchu and the group will receive some snacks.
Includes: breakfast – lunch – dinner
zip line inca jungle
DAY 4:  AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO (WALKING  AND VISIT THE INCA CITADEL)
Finally in last day of our inca jungle tour we get up around 4:00 am. we get ready to head to Machu Picchu, our trek will follow an ascending path through the high forest, hopefully we could have the opportunity to see the sunrise on our way, after registering in the control entrance around 6:00 am. we will have a private guide leading us within the Inca citadel, and after 2 hrs. aprox. the group will be free to enjoy Machu Picchu by its own. Those travelers that booked the hiking to Huayna Picchu will be able to start this journey, the climbing lasts around 45 min. the way up is very steppy at some points but it’s worth it because the view from this area is breathtaking. Although this trek is not recommended for people that suffer of dizziness. In the afternoon, according to the departure of the train ticket, we will descend walking to the town of Aguas Calientes to get the train back to Ollantaytambo where the group will be picked up and transferred to Cusco city. Remember to be at least 30 min. at the train station before departure. End of our journey in the plaza de armas.
Includes: breakfast
Machupicchu Inca Jungle
INCLUDES:
Transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo and the return to Cusco
Train Tickets from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
A private bilingual professional guide specialized in the inca jungle
Full suspension mountain bikes, helmets and gloves
The following meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian options)
2 nights in a local-rural house with basic service
1 night of lodging (with private bathrooms and hot water)
Booking the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
A complete first aid box
Taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
The up or down bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (US $ 19.00)
The breakfast in the first day, the lunch and dinner in the last day
All personal care ítems
Tips for the guide
WE SUGGEST TO BRING:
Strong walking shoes or tennis shoes
Sweater and thick jacket
Hat or cap
Just one bottle of water
A good rain coat
Long sleeve shirts
Long and short pants
Insect repellent
A sunblock with a forty degrees UV
Lipstick
Toilet paper
Protein snack bar
Binoculars
Lantern
Sunglasses, plastic bags
Medical or personal items
A lightweight backpack per person
Camera and charger
Some cash in small denominations (preferably soles)