There are many reasons to visit Machu Picchu – one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. A visit to Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. The site is located in a stunning mountain setting and is full of fascinating Inca ruins. Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll be intriguied by the story of this lost city.
If you want to explore Inca history, see amazing architectural feats, and experience one of the seven wonders of the world, then you need to put Machu Picchu at the top of your travel list. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this 15th-century Inca citadel is a must-see for any history lover or adventurer.
Is Machu Picchu worth visiting?
The Inca Trail is what transforms the experience of Machu Picchu from merely astonishing to one of the true wonders of the world. The views along the trail are breathtaking, and the sense of history and mystery that surrounds Machu Picchu is palpable. I don’t think I teared up at Machu Picchu because it was a beautiful view; I teared up because I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of what I was seeing and the knowledge that I was experiencing something truly special.
Machu Picchu is an amazing place because it is located above the clouds. You feel like you are on top of the world when you are there. The Inca buildings are a great sight to see, but the real beauty of the place is the feeling you get when you are surrounded by the high cliffs and dense forest.
What I wish I knew before hiking Machu Picchu
1. Bring clothes in case it rains: It can get cold and wet at the top of Machu Picchu, so make sure to pack some warm, waterproof clothes.
2. Bring waterproof gloves and pants: You’ll be glad you have these when you’re trekking through the rainforest.
3. Acclimatizing in Cusco is not a joke: Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the altitude before you hike to Machu Picchu.
4. Baby wipes are the best shower you’ll get: There are no showers at the campsites, so baby wipes will have to do.
5. You don’t need many snacks: You’ll be burning a lot of calories hiking, so you don’t need to pack a lot of snacks.
If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy good weather, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is in the months of May and October. On either side of the main tourist season of June through August, you’ll have quieter trails, yet the weather is ideal for trekking the Inca Trail with plenty of clear, beautiful days.
What is unique about Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places in the world. The fact that no wheels were used to transport heavy rocks for the construction of the city is amazing. The structures at Machu Picchu were built with a technique called “ashlar.” This means that the stones were cut to fit together without mortar.
1. It’s deserving of recognition: Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It’s also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
2. Its purpose remains debated: While many believe that Machu Picchu was built as a royal estate or religious site, its exact purpose is still unknown.
3. Its fine construction astounds: The site is incredibly well-preserved, considering it was built over 500 years ago. Its stone buildings and terraces are an engineering feat.
4. Its creation was laborious: It is estimated that over 100,000 people worked on the construction of Machu Picchu.
5. It’s bigger than you may think: The site spans over 150 acres.
What are the special features of Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and is located in Peru. It is a Wonder of the World and a World Heritage-listed site. Here are 12 cool facts about this amazing place:
1. Machu Picchu was built by the Inca Empire between 1460 and 1470.
2. It is located high in the Andes Mountains, at 2,430 metres above sea level.
3. Machu Picchu was unknown to the outside world until 1911, when it was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham.
4. The site was originally called “Picchu” or “Pikchu”, meaning “peak” or “high mountain”. The name “Machu Picchu” meaning “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain” was given to the site by Bingham.
5. Machu Picchu was built as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti.
6. The site was inhabited for around 100 years before being abandoned, possibly due to the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague.
7. Machu Picchu is made up of around 150 buildings, including palaces, temples, residences and storage buildings.
The best way to prepare for a trek to Machu Picchu is to participate in plenty of cardiovascular activity. Activities such as swimming, cycling, or long-distance running will place you in a strong position to complete the trek with ease. Remember; a happy heart makes for a happy hiker!
Can a beginner hike Machu Picchu
If you’re planning on trekking to Machu Picchu, you don’t need any technical skills. However, that doesn’t mean you can simply show up in a pair of hiking boots and start trekking. As with any multi-day expedition, you need to train and get as fit as you can before you depart.
It’s still a mystery who exactly lived in Machu Picchu, as there is no reference to the city in Inca literature or folklore. However, archeologists believe that the city could have housed a population of around 750 people. So far, only about 200 skeletons have been discovered at the site.
How long should you stay in Machu Picchu?
If you only have one day to spend at Machu Picchu, it is possible to see everything and appreciate the site. However, we recommend spending two days at the site so that you can explore the surroundings more fully and at a more relaxed pace. Two days will allow you to take in all the sights and really experience everything that Machu Picchu has to offer.
The Machu Picchu trek difficulty is considered to be a moderate level hike. The classic Inca Trail Route is 43 km (26 mi) long and often steep, you will hike over four days at an elevation nearing 13,828 feet (4,215 meters).
How long does it take to walk down Machu Picchu
A lot of people recommend the Classic Inca Trail Hike as the best way to get to Machu Picchu. Depending on your fitness level and the route you take, it can take anywhere from three to five days. The trek covers 26 miles in total, and it all starts at the village of Piscacucho.
The three primary structures at Machu Picchu are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. Most of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed in order to give visitors a better idea of how they originally appeared. The Intihuatana is a large stone that was once used as a sundial. The Temple of the Sun is a large building that was used for religious ceremonies. The Room of the Three Windows is a small room that has three windows that overlook the mountains.
Why is Machu Picchu important for kids?
Machu Picchu was an important Inca city because of its location. The city was situated high in the mountains between the Amazon jungle and the Andes, so it was safe from invaders. Machu Picchu had a reliable water source and was surrounded by fertile land, so the city had everything it needed to thrive.
Machu Picchu is a sacred place for the Incas. It was sent to build by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century. It was later abandoned and rediscovered by Yale University explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. According to some studies, its location in an energetic vortex makes it a spiritual place.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to visit Machu Picchu. For one, it is an incredibly beautiful and unique place. The ancient Incan city is surrounded by mountains and jungle, and is full of mystery and history. It is also relatively easy to get to, as there are direct flights from most major cities in South America. And finally, it is a great place to trek and hike, with plenty of trails of varying difficulty levels.
Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and for good reason. The history, the culture, and the natural beauty of the site are all reasons to visit Machu Picchu.
