The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who’s Decided to Visit One of the Most Beautiful Archaeological Sites Ever
Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the modern world, is the kind of place that makes your mouth water just thinking about it. Set among the spectacular Peruvian Andes, this ancient Inca city draws people from all over the world with its grandeur and the mysteries surrounding it.
And now you’ve finally decided to visit it too: about time!
If you’re getting ready for a trip to Machu Picchu, in this article you’ll find a short guide to the site, including a quick overview of its history, our tips on how to get there, and the best things to see once you arrive.
Maybe we’ll pick up the conversation in person if you decide to experience Machu Picchu and all of Peru to the fullest with Sto Gran Tour!
Let’s Review the History of Machu Picchu
If you want to learn in detail about the history of Machu Picchu and the person who first came up with the idea of building an entire city, we invite you to read our dedicated article.
In this piece, though, we’ll give you a quick refresher on the key facts to help you get into the right mood.
Machu Picchu, often called the “Lost City of the Incas,” is one of the most stunning archaeological wonders on the planet, so much so that it was voted one of the New Wonders of the World. Located among the mountains of the Peruvian Andes, about 2,430 meters above sea level, it is believed to date back to the 15th century.
The city was built using advanced engineering techniques that allowed its structures to blend perfectly with the mountainous landscape. Its stone buildings, many of which are still standing, are proof that the Incas definitely paid close attention in architecture class.
The city remained unknown to the outside world until 1911, when American explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered it during an expedition.
But he found it by chance. Bingham was actually searching for Vilcabamba, the last Inca stronghold, when he instead came across this spectacular site hidden beneath dense vegetation.
Of course, the discovery of Machu Picchu sparked major international interest and led to numerous archaeological studies that revealed a great deal about Inca civilization. And just as naturally, over time it also caught the attention of UNESCO, always ready to stamp its seal of approval on anything that looks even remotely ancient.
But in Machu Picchu’s case, they absolutely got it right: this breathtakingly beautiful place is now a World Heritage Site, and it truly deserves the title.
How Do You Get Up There in the Andes?
For those who want a serious workout and are ready to sweat like never before, it’s possible to reach Machu Picchu by following the Inca Trail, a historic trekking route that offers a unique combination of scenic beauty, archaeological sites, and blisters on your feet.
The classic Inca Trail takes about 4 days and 3 nights and covers a distance of 43 kilometers. The route begins at kilometer 82 of the railway line between Cusco and Aguas Calientes, crossing a variety of natural environments, from eucalyptus groves to mountain rainforests, and climbing over three mountain passes, including the formidable “Dead Woman’s Pass.”
Along the way, you’ll also come across other fascinating Inca archaeological sites, such as Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayacmarca, and Wiñayhuayna, before finally reaching the Sun Gate (Intipunku), which offers a spectacular view over Machu Picchu.
Besides the classic route, there are other trekking options, such as the 2-day Inca Trail, which is a shorter and less demanding version, and the Salkantay Trek, which offers a longer, more remote alternative through breathtaking mountain scenery.
It’s an amazing experience, no doubt—but if you choose this option and don’t have at least a month to explore the rest of Peru, you risk limiting your trip to Machu Picchu and little else.
Sure, it’s an incredible journey, but why miss out on other amazing places like Rainbow Mountain or Lake Titicaca?
That’s why perhaps the most interesting option is to get there by train, departing from Cusco, passing through the picturesque Sacred Valley of the Incas, and arriving in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. From there, a short bus ride takes you directly to the entrance of the archaeological site.
There Are So Many Incredible Things to See at Machu Picchu: Here Are the Best 3
Machu Picchu offers a wide range of spectacular historical and cultural attractions.
There are loads of them, but if you really want to know which ones are the absolute best, here’s the top 3 according to Sto Gran Tour.
The Temple of the Sun is one of the most sacred places in the citadel. Built with extraordinary precision, the temple features a semicircular structure and a window aligned with the position of the sun during the winter solstice, which is the longest day of the year here in the Southern Hemisphere. In this way, the sun’s rays illuminate the inside of the building at the most important time of the year for Inca culture.
Then there’s the so-called Guardhouse, located in an elevated position and offering one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Machu Picchu—so beautiful it almost hurts.
This building was probably used to watch over and protect the city, or at least that’s what the very well-read experts who studied the site’s history say. From here, you can take spectacular photos of the classic Machu Picchu view, with the citadel standing out against the backdrop of the Andes.
Another key point of interest is the Intihuatana Stone (in the language of the Incas, “hitching post of the sun”), a carved monolith that some believe served as a sundial for the Incas—just like our watches, except it would be a bit awkward to wear on your wrist. According to more recent findings, however, it may actually have been a kind of astronomical calendar used to predict solstices and determine the best times for farming and religious rituals.
Read also: What you didn’t know about the rock engravings of Twyfelfontein, in Namibia
In Conclusion
A trip to Machu Picchu is an experience you’ll remember forever, one that stays in your heart and will bring a tear of nostalgia to your eye every time you think back on it.
The site is phenomenal, the view perhaps even more so, and the history of those buildings and stones seems to seep out from every corner.
And yes, I know these may sound like clichés, but once you’re there, you’ll change your mind and admit I was right.
Whether you choose to get there via the long Inca Trail, with all its challenges and natural beauty, or prefer a more comfortable train journey through the Sacred Valley, the experience will be unforgettable.
Still, as I already explained, between the two options I recommend the second one, so you’ll also have time to visit the other wonders of Peru. After all, it’s the option we choose ourselves for our 2-week tour of Peru. That way, we give participants the chance to enjoy many other spectacular places too.
So, does that sound tempting?
Go ahead, take a look at the itinerary, and don’t waste time organizing every little detail of the trip: we’ve already taken care of that for you.
We’ll see you on the next departure!
