Machu Picchu
From World travel guide
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
There are several trains a day from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes, the town below Machu Picchu. From there you can hop on a bus to take you up to the ruins. If you are in a rush, you can also take a helicopter from Cuzco.
See
Walking the Inca trail can be very rewarding and is possible for all ages as long as you are fit. Over the course of the Trail, you gain and lose 1000 meters several times, all of it over 3000 meters where oxygen is noticeably thinner. Acclimation to the altitude is a must, and good physical condition advised. The journey winds through the valleys and hills of the surrounding area, taking you the through the scenic landscape, from high alpine to cloud forests.
Many agencies operating from Cuzco offer organised hikes along the trail, providing most of the equipment (tents etc)and people to carry it. Also, don't forget that the trail ends at Machu Picchu. If you hiked the Trail, descend from the Sun Gate (Intipunko) at dawn and see Machu Picchu before the busloads of tourists show up around 10am.
The trail is scattered with ancient monuments and Incan sites and is definitely worth the effort.
Do
- 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.
- Walk back up the Inca trail away from the site and up the hill to the Sun Gate; 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.
- Walk up 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!
- Book with a tour operator well in advance of when you wish to walk the trail. The Peruvian government has instituted a quota system on how many travelers can be on the trail on any given day and the passes now sell out months in advance during the high season.
Buy
In Aguas Calientes and Machu Pichu prices can be the double of what they are in Cusco.
Eat
- Inka-Cola is an acquired taste, but definitely one worth trying!
Sleep
The Hotel Machu Picchu 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.
- Hotel Los Caminantes - Avenida Imperio de los Incas 140. +51 8421-1007. Has 28 rooms, doesn't accept credit cards.
- Gringo Bill's - Colla Raymi 104 (Plaza de Armas). + 51 84 21 1046 (+51 8424-1545 for reservations)
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
- Amazonas Explorer - Amazonas gave great service, friendly and intellegent guides, and great food on the trek. They seem to be able to cater to any size of group and any speed.
- El Real Condesa - This hotel cost me s/50 per night for a double room. Breakfast is s/5 or s/6. It is in an old spanish house and creaks heaps, everything is old and spanish. If you like that kind of atmosphere, stay here. It is in San Augustin street, near the little plaza at the end. There is an @ sign hanging in the door.
External links
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