Travel On The Trail To Machu Picchu

By Author: Nicola Connolly
Total Articles: 4
Comment this article

The archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire. However, it was abandoned just over a year later during the Spanish conquest of the region.

The archaeological wonder of Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire. However, it was abandoned just over a year later during the Spanish conquest of the region. For years it lay hidden behind the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains. However, since its discovery in 1911 it has become one of the major tourist attractions of the modern world. Each year thousands of tourists catch a connecting flight from Lima to travel to Cusco, the city closest to the ruins. Major airlines like LAN Peru and TACA Peru fly between these two cities. While many travellers take the train to reach the town of Aguas Calientes, other more intrepid tourists take a more interesting route…

They take the four day guided hike along the Inca Trail. Only five hundred people are allowed to walk on this trail at any given time. It is best to make the booking for the hike well in advance with a tour operator who has been authorized ...
... by the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism. Tourists will arrive at the famous Sun Gate in Machu Picchu. This is probably one of the more interesting ways to travel to Machu Picchu even though it is not for the faint of heart and is quite physically demanding.

Cusco & Machu Picchu travel opportunities and activities abound. However, the biggest draw for all visitors to this place is the main citadel itself. The iconic landmark is the best preserved Inca site in the Andean region. In 2007 it was voted as 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. Besides the Temple of the Sun, the other key attractions are the Ritual Fountains, the Royal Palace and Nusta’s Bedroom. Spectacular views are available 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. Located near Puente Ruinas, a thirty minute walk from the town of Aguas calientes, a trip to this museum is necessary to get an understanding of the history and importance of the ruins. Interactive displays and colourful artefacts make a visit to this museum extremely interesting.

Cusco travel and Machu Picchu tours can be a little complicated in high season (June : August) because only 2500 people a day are allowed into this world heritage site. The entrance tickets must be booked before any further travel plans are made. Tourists can either book their tickets online or through a recognized tour operator. They can also book their tickets when they arrive in Cusco at the ‘Direccion Regional de Cultura'. Tickets for children under the age of eight are free.

A Machu Picchu travel journey is truly a great adventure. Just remember to buy your Machu Picchu tickets well in advance!
Resource: http://www.bestofcusco.com/machu-picchu-home/