High in the Andesmountains and hidden from the world for centuries, is this ancient Inca cityone of Peru’s most impressive and popular sightseeing destinations.
Knownas the “Lost City of the Incas", the ancient remains of Machu Picchu arean internationally renowned architectural wonder, believed to be constructed bythe Incas around the year 1450. This terraced citadel has the remains oftemples, palaces, altars and fountains.
Itis still a mystery as to what purpose Machu Picchu was used for and why it wasabandoned. After its abandonment, the city was hidden for many years by the tropicaljungle until it was discovered in 1911.
Thecentral structure is the impressive citadel, which rises 2,430 metres (7,970feet) above sea level. To get a view over the entire city, hike up to theGuardhouse and the Funeral Rock. Look down at the free-roaming llamas as theygraze on the grass. Within the citadel, see the stone carving, known as theIntihuatana that marks the winter solstice visit the ancient semicircularTemple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Palace of the Princess.Incredibly, the Incas carved and stacked these huge stone bricks to fit exactlywith each other without the aid of complex tools.
Beingat such high altitude the air isthin and humid, so be sure to paceyourself as you explore the remains. It is advised to plan your visit to thisworld famous city, as a limited number of visitors can be on the site at anygiven time.
Theruins are located northwest of Cusco in the Sacred Valley. To get there, takethe train from Poroy, a small village near Cusco, or from Ollantaytambo toAguas Calientes. The trip takes between 3-4 hours. You can also take a guidedone-day package tour from Cusco. When you get to Aguas Calientes, purchase youradmission ticket in town before taking the bus or hiking up the mountain.Special combination tickets are available through the Peruvian Government’swebsite for Machu Picchu forclimbing both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. Discounts are available forstudents.
There are limitedfacilities on the mountain so be sure to bring food, water and an informationbooklet. The best time to arrive is before sunrise to watch the sun light upthe mystical ruins.
