Take A Trip To Machu Picchu

By Author: Nicola Connolly
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Machu Picchu is a fifteenth century Inca site located almost eight thousand feet above sea level. Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru it is probably the most familiar icon of the Inca civilization.

Machu Picchu is a fifteenth century Inca site located almost eight thousand feet above sea level. Situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru it is probably the most familiar icon of the Inca civilization. Thousands of tourists travel every year to this site popularly known as 'The City of the Incas'. The airport closest to the archaeological site is in the city of Cusco. There are no international flights that operate to this airport with the exception of some flights from La Paz in Bolivia.

Travellers will have to take a connecting flight from Lima with airlines like LAN Peru and TACA Peru. From Cusco tourists have two options, you can either take surface transport to reach Machu Picchu or you can walk the Inca Trail. The first option involves a combination of train and bus before you finally reach Machu Picchu. The second option involves a four day guided hike. Only five ...
... hundred people are permitted to walk the Trail at any given time so we definitely recommend that you book your Inca Trail trip through an authorized tour operator well before you begin your travel to Machu Picchu.

Cusco & Machu Picchu travel opportunities and activities abound. However, the biggest draw for all visitors to this place is the main Incan citadel itself. The iconic landmark is the best preserved Inca site in the Andean region. In 2007 it was voted one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Built on dizzying, terraced slopes, the citadel sits on a saddle between two dramatic mountain peaks. Apart from the Temple of the Sun, the other key attractions are the Ritual Fountains, the Royal Palace and Nusta’s Bedroom. Spectacular views can be had from the Huayna Picchu peak at the northern end of the site. Just make sure to buy your Huayna Picchu ticket in advance as only 400 people a day are permitted to do this hike.

Trips to Peru and Machu Picchu would be incomplete without a visit to the Manuel Chavez Ballon Site Museum. The museum is located near the Puente Ruinas, which is a thirty minute walk from the town of Aguas Calientes or approximately an hour long steep downhill walk from Machu Picchu itself. A trip to this museum is key to gaining an understanding of the history and importance of the ruins. Interactive displays and colourful artefacts make a walk through this museum a fascinating way to spend an hour or two.

Cusco travel and Machu Picchu tours can be a little complicated because only 2500 people a day are allowed into this UNESCO World Heritage site. In order to avoid any complications make sure to book your entrance tickets well in advance. You can either book your tickets online (www.machupicchu.gob.pe) or through a recognized tour operator. You can also book your tickets when you arrive in Cusco at the ‘Direccion Regional de Cultura’ office but this is not advised during peak season (June – August) as tickets sell out fast. Tickets for children under the age of eight are free.

Machu Picchu travel is full of adventure and incredible things to see and do. Just remember, plan your trip in advance and don’t make the mistake of spending only a few hours in Machu Picchu. Take your time, spend the day and soak up the energy of this magical ancient Incan site.
Resource: http://www.bestofcusco.com/machu-picchu-home/