Today, Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, thousands of people from all over the world come to visit this amazing place. Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Cusco Region of Peru. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often mistakenly referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, it is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. The citadel is located in the most remote part of the region and is surrounded by precipitous cliffs. It can only be accessed by a long and arduous journey on foot or by train from nearby Cusco, through the Sacred Valley.
History
The Incas started building Machu Picchu in the 15th century. They built it as a summer retreat. But, no one really knows for sure why they built it or what it was used for. Some say that it was a palace for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. Others say that it might have been a religious site. The Spaniards never found Machu Picchu. So, it stayed unknown to the outside world until 1911. That’s when an American historian, Hiram Bingham, found it.
Traveling to Machu Picchu, Peru is an incredible adventure that will take you through stunning landscapes and ancient ruins. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your trip:
Getting there
Machu Picchu is located in the Andes mountains in Peru. The closest city to Machu Picchu is Cusco, which has an international airport. From there, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu. From Aguas Calientes, you can either take a bus or hike to the ruins.
When to go The best time to visit Machu Picchu
During the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is mild and there is less rain, which makes for better hiking conditions. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for crowds.
Permits and tickets
To enter Machu Picchu, you will need to purchase a ticket in advance. There are a limited number of tickets available each day, so it’s best to buy them as early as possible. You may also need a permit to hike the Inca Trail, which is the traditional route to Machu Picchu. These permits can sell out months in advance, so plan accordingly.
Altitude sickness
Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of over 7,000 feet, so altitude sickness can be a concern. To prevent altitude sickness, it’s best to spend a few days acclimating in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu. You can also take altitude sickness medication if recommended by your doctor.
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive guide for planning a trip to Machu Picchu in 2023.
This guide will cover the following topics:
– When to visit
– How to get there
– Where to stay
– What to see and do
– Tips for visiting
By the end of this guide, readers will have all the information they need to plan a successful trip to Machu Picchu in 2023.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. The weather is sunny and dry during this time, and the crowds are thinner than they are during the wet season.
That said, the dry season is also the busiest time of year at Machu Picchu. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit during the shoulder seasons (April and October) or the off-season (November to March). Keep in mind that the weather is cooler and wetter during these times, however, and some tourist facilities may be closed.
How to Get There
There are several ways to get to Machu Picchu, but the most popular (and easiest) way is to take the train from Cusco. There are two main train companies that operate between Cusco and Machu Picchu: PeruRail and Inca Rail. Both companies offer a variety of different ticket options, so be sure to do your research before booking.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can also take the bus from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (the town closest to Machu Picchu), and then take a 20-minute hike to the citadel. This is a much cheaper option than taking the train, but it is also more challenging.
Where to Stay
There are several accommodation options in and around Machu Picchu, from luxury hotels to basic hostels. If you want to be close to the action, you can stay in Aguas Calientes. This town is located at the base of Machu Picchu, and it’s where most tourists stay when visiting the citadel. There are plenty of hotels and restaurants here, as well as a few tour operators.
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can stay in one of the nearby villages, such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba.
Accommodations
There are a range of accommodations available in Aguas Calientes, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. If you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail, you will also need to arrange for camping accommodations.
Safety
As with any travel destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe. Machu Picchu is generally a safe destination, but it’s best to take common sense precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry.
Guided tours
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Machu Picchu, you may want to consider a guided tour. There are many tour operators that offer guided tours of Machu Picchu, as well as the surrounding area.
Overall, a trip to Machu Picchu is an incredible experience that is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Peru. By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit and create memories that will last a lifetime.