Machu Picchu is an Incan architectural gem shrouded in a legend that continues to dazzle the world with its design, beauty, and ingenuity. It is not just a destination; it is an experience that transports you through time, connects you with the essence of a lost civilization, and leaves you in awe of the grandeur of architecture and history.
What to See and Do in Machu Picchu?
Venturing into the ruins of Machu Picchu is like traveling through time, where each stone tells a millennia-old story. Upon arrival, the first thing that will captivate you is the panoramic view of the entire Incan citadel. From here, you can see the houses, the main square, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the House of the Three Windows, and more Incan remnants that you must explore in this magical city.
Huayna Picchu: This point is the most visited by tourists in the Incan city of Machu Picchu, as this mountain is the tallest. It is challenging not to notice it, and it is characterized by a steep trail. Only those unafraid of heights can climb to the summit and enjoy the panoramic view of the Incan citadel.
Intihuatana: It is one of the most important lithic pieces, considered a solar clock (everything is measured by the sunlight). During the Incan times, it held great importance for agricultural activities and ceremonies, fixing dates for planting, harvesting, and various rituals.
Sacred Plaza: Within this site, two structures stand out: the Main Temple, a precinct with three finely carved walls, and perhaps the most significant temple; and the Temple of the Three Windows, a lithic construction with polygonal walls, three trapezoidal windows, and two niches, indicating a magical-religious purpose for the three windows.
Temple of the Sun: A prominent religious precinct, the Temple is located at the top of a cave with carved stones forming a circumference. Constructed at a high altitude, it received sunlight inside and, beneath its stairs, a possible royal tomb with discovered relics was found. It's as if the ancient inhabitants designed their own solar clock.
Guardian's House: This is one of the archaeological remains located at the highest point, serving as a surveillance center. From here, you can see the entire panorama of Machu Picchu, making it an ideal spot for the best panoramic photos of this Incan city.
Machu Picchu Mountain: This mountain is located higher than the city of Machu Picchu. To reach it, you must purchase an entry ticket. The hike is different and wider compared to Huayna Picchu, offering a complete view of the city.
Royal Palace: These Incan constructions are characterized as belonging to the nobility, as the residences were built with finely cut masonry.
Acllahuasi: A very special site where chosen virgins lived. It was built with great care and had only one access point. Inside, you can see a Room of Mortars and circular-shaped Water Mirrors.
Condor Temple: Another construction of great significance, carved from the same rock with wings, body, head, and neck of the condor. It represents, in three dimensions, the sacred bird of the Incas.
Putucusi Mountain: Another mountain surrounding the Incan city, but not very reliable due to its demanding hike. However, you can visit for free and hire the services of a specialized guide.
Fountain Stairs: To this day, water continues to flow, showcasing the Incan expertise in hydraulic engineering, visible in the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Palace.
Terraces: Known as the andenería system, these were used in agriculture, serving as microclimates for specific crops. The harvested products were later stored in Colcas or warehouses.
Places to Visit in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is filled with fascinating places, each telling a part of its history:
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs, located in the town of Machu Picchu, just a few steps away. You can reach it on foot and take a dip in its medicinal waters, ideal for muscle relaxation. It is perfect to visit after exploring the citadel and is open from 5 am to 8 pm. For more adventure, you can also go to the Waterfall a few minutes beyond these baths, with access from here.
Machu Picchu Site Museum offers a journey through the entire history of Machu Picchu. To reach it, walk at least 30 minutes along the Hiram B. road until you reach the Ruins Bridge. There is a symbolic entrance fee, and the museum has 7 rooms explaining the history, origin, and way of life of the ancient inhabitants.
Mandorpampa Waterfall, 2 km from the town of Aguas Calientes. To reach it, follow the train track that connects Aguas Calientes and the Hidroeléctrica train station. The walk takes approximately 1 hour on average. It can be visited from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Explore the town of Machu Picchu by walking through its small streets, taking a tour, and observing each of the 37 stone sculptures in the city, all built by Cusco artists.
How to Get to Machu Picchu?
Quizás sea una odisea para llegar a Machu Picchu, pero vale la pena, por lo que hay varias maneras de llegar que a continuación te las detallaré:
By train from Cusco, a journey that takes you through spectacular mountain and river landscapes, providing a small preview of the grandeur that awaits you. To do this, you must reserve and purchase your train tickets and entrance in advance. The train makes only one stop in Ollantaytambo, and from there, you continue to the town of Machu Picchu.
By bus from Cusco, this bus journey takes you only to Ollantaytambo. Once here, you have to board the train to Machu Picchu town. You also need to have reserved and purchased your train ticket and entrance to the archaeological site in advance.
Another option is to embark on the adventure of the 4-day Inca Trail, a journey that combines hiking with exploring Incan ruins amidst the Andes and the jungle. This trek immerses you in nature and allows you to experience the paths of ancient pilgrims. You enter through the Sun Gate of Huayna Picchu and then descend to Machu Picchu. For this route, you must have booked your Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets months in advance. It is necessary to travel with a certified agency for this trekking tour.
Everything about Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an Incan architectural gem shrouded in a legend that continues to dazzle the world with its design, beauty, and ingenuity. It is not just a destination; it is an experience that transports you through time, connects you with the essence of a lost civilization, and leaves you in awe of the grandeur of architecture and history.
What to See and Do in Machu Picchu?
Venturing into the ruins of Machu Picchu is like traveling through time, where each stone tells a millennia-old story. Upon arrival, the first thing that will captivate you is the panoramic view of the entire Incan citadel. From here, you can see the houses, the main square, the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the House of the Three Windows, and more Incan remnants that you must explore in this magical city.
Huayna Picchu: This point is the most visited by tourists in the Incan city of Machu Picchu, as this mountain is the tallest. It is challenging not to notice it, and it is characterized by a steep trail. Only those unafraid of heights can climb to the summit and enjoy the panoramic view of the Incan citadel.
Intihuatana: It is one of the most important lithic pieces, considered a solar clock (everything is measured by the sunlight). During the Incan times, it held great importance for agricultural activities and ceremonies, fixing dates for planting, harvesting, and various rituals.
Sacred Plaza: Within this site, two structures stand out: the Main Temple, a precinct with three finely carved walls, and perhaps the most significant temple; and the Temple of the Three Windows, a lithic construction with polygonal walls, three trapezoidal windows, and two niches, indicating a magical-religious purpose for the three windows.
Temple of the Sun: A prominent religious precinct, the Temple is located at the top of a cave with carved stones forming a circumference. Constructed at a high altitude, it received sunlight inside and, beneath its stairs, a possible royal tomb with discovered relics was found. It's as if the ancient inhabitants designed their own solar clock.
Guardian's House: This is one of the archaeological remains located at the highest point, serving as a surveillance center. From here, you can see the entire panorama of Machu Picchu, making it an ideal spot for the best panoramic photos of this Incan city.
Machu Picchu Mountain: This mountain is located higher than the city of Machu Picchu. To reach it, you must purchase an entry ticket. The hike is different and wider compared to Huayna Picchu, offering a complete view of the city.
Royal Palace: These Incan constructions are characterized as belonging to the nobility, as the residences were built with finely cut masonry.
Acllahuasi: A very special site where chosen virgins lived. It was built with great care and had only one access point. Inside, you can see a Room of Mortars and circular-shaped Water Mirrors.
Condor Temple: Another construction of great significance, carved from the same rock with wings, body, head, and neck of the condor. It represents, in three dimensions, the sacred bird of the Incas.
Putucusi Mountain: Another mountain surrounding the Incan city, but not very reliable due to its demanding hike. However, you can visit for free and hire the services of a specialized guide.
Fountain Stairs: To this day, water continues to flow, showcasing the Incan expertise in hydraulic engineering, visible in the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Palace.
Terraces: Known as the andenería system, these were used in agriculture, serving as microclimates for specific crops. The harvested products were later stored in Colcas or warehouses.
Places to Visit in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is filled with fascinating places, each telling a part of its history:
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs, located in the town of Machu Picchu, just a few steps away. You can reach it on foot and take a dip in its medicinal waters, ideal for muscle relaxation. It is perfect to visit after exploring the citadel and is open from 5 am to 8 pm. For more adventure, you can also go to the Waterfall a few minutes beyond these baths, with access from here.
Machu Picchu Site Museum offers a journey through the entire history of Machu Picchu. To reach it, walk at least 30 minutes along the Hiram B. road until you reach the Ruins Bridge. There is a symbolic entrance fee, and the museum has 7 rooms explaining the history, origin, and way of life of the ancient inhabitants.
Mandorpampa Waterfall, 2 km from the town of Aguas Calientes. To reach it, follow the train track that connects Aguas Calientes and the Hidroeléctrica train station. The walk takes approximately 1 hour on average. It can be visited from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Explore the town of Machu Picchu by walking through its small streets, taking a tour, and observing each of the 37 stone sculptures in the city, all built by Cusco artists.
How to Get to Machu Picchu?
Getting to Machu Picchu may be an odyssey, but it is worth it. There are several ways to reach it, as detailed below:
By train from Cusco, a journey that takes you through spectacular mountain and river landscapes, providing a small preview of the grandeur that awaits you. To do this, you must reserve and purchase your train tickets and entrance in advance. The train makes only one stop in Ollantaytambo, and from there, you continue to the town of Machu Picchu.
By bus from Cusco, this bus journey takes you only to Ollantaytambo. Once here, you have to board the train to Machu Picchu town. You also need to have reserved and purchased your train ticket and entrance to the archaeological site in advance.
Another option is to embark on the adventure of the 4-day Inca Trail, a journey that combines hiking with exploring Incan ruins amidst the Andes and the jungle. This trek immerses you in nature and allows you to experience the paths of ancient pilgrims.
You enter through the Sun Gate of Huayna Picchu and then descend to Machu Picchu. For this route, you must have booked your Inca Trail and Machu Picchu entrance tickets months in advance. It is necessary to travel with a certified agency for this trekking tour.
Once in the town of Aguas Calientes, you can take a bus or enjoy a steep walk that takes you directly to the entrance of the Incan city. Whichever route you choose, each step brings you closer to the majesty of Machu Picchu.
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