Machu Picchu Tours
Explore Peru’s mighty Inca ruins nestled deep in the Andes mountain range.
Machu Picchu is a sight to behold; a set of distinct stone ruins perched in the misty valleys of the Andes mountains. Dating back to the 15th century, the citadel is relatively young, and questions pertaining to how such large stones were transported up to 2,430 metres (7,972 feet) above sea level still shroud the ruins in mystery. This UNESCO World Heritage site attracts thousands of visitors each day, proving the fact that it remains one of the most intriguing and important archaeological sites to date.
There are many features to the Machu Picchu citadel that still stand as stone structures today, though some are more complete than others. Taking a walk up the stone terraces and through the Old City Gate, you get a true sense of what might have happened in this historic complex. Walking into the Ceremonial Centre and standing in the rooms that were once used by revered individuals such as astronomers, scientists and political figures, you become filled with an undeniable curiosity. The large open spaces and expansive views over the Andes is a sight that will stay with you for years after.
Reaching Machu Picchu is no easy feat, and even opting for the most travel-friendly route still makes this a hard-to-reach destination. Accessible in a couple of ways, the most adventurous option is the famous 43-kilometre (26-mile) Inca Trail; a four-day trek that takes travellers through Peru’s Sacred Valley and across scenic foothills to experience other Incan ruins along the way, before finally reaching Machu Picchu. The other method, and one that is far less testing, is by reaching the small mountain town of Aguas Calientes via a train that departs from the small village of Ollantaytambo. From there, hop on a dedicated bus up towards the Machu Picchu ruins just before sunrise for a photographic opportunity. Then, walk the rocky steps back down to Aguas Calientes for a more challenging descent.
After exploring the main citadel, you can navigate around different routes to explore the various ruins from a different perspective. Why not make an ascent up a hill climb towards the Sun Gate, once the original entrance into the Machu Picchu complex? Cross over to the adjacent mountain and climb up Huayna Picchu (also written as Wayna Picchu), where at the top you can take a moment to experience spectacular panoramic views over Machu Picchu and surrounding valleys of the vast Andes mountain range.
Entrance into the Machu Picchu complex will cost around £35 ($45) per person. It’s important to bear in mind that there is a 2,500-person limit per day, so booking in advance is vital. If you’re planning on climbing Huayna Picchu as well, a combined ticket will cost you around £46 ($60), but there are even fewer of these available, with restrictions to certain times of the day (more information on this can be found by visiting www.machupicchu.gob.pe).
Visiting Machu Picchu and walking the Inca Trail is a truly unforgettable experience that will make your South American trip one to remember forever.