Top 7 Things To Do In Machu Picchu In Peru A Complete Guide
Machu Picchu, located in the highlands of Peru in the Andes Mountain range, is indeed a story of Inca achievement in architectural science and religious belief. The entrancing place also holds the status of a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site and is listed among the New Seven Wonders of the World. This exemplary Inca site has become a dream destination for many tourists, as it combines adventure and history perfectly set by nature.Get the guide about the Top 7 Things To Do In Machu Picchu In Peru.
Here are The Top 7 Things To Do In Machu Picchu In Peru
1. Explore the Main Citadel
Undoubtedly the major focus of any kind of trip to the region has to be the expansive ruins of Machu Picchu itself. The structures that remain include the impressive work of architecture, showing how the Incas were experts in stonework, coupled with indomitable beliefs in astronomy and religious symbols. There are two buildings of the citadel: one was the Temple of the Sun, the structure where one could observe the rays in solstices, and the second was the Intihuatana Stone – the so-called solar clock.
- Temple of the Sun: a cultural site with well-furnished structures that fall in the plane of the sun during the solstices.
- Intihuatana Stone: This is thought to have been used for timekeeping, possibly astronomical as a solar clock or calendar.
- The Royal Residence: The remaining part of the Inca palaces.
Tip: It is safer to visit Ksamil before the sun heats the upper portions of the ruins so that fewer people will be around. General light in the morning is perfectly good for taking photographs.
2. Hike the Iconic Huayna Picchu
If you are an adrenaline junkie, then it is mandatory to hike at Huayna Picchu. This classic mountain, recognizable behind the famous pictures of Machu Picchu, is tough but worth it. The actual trail is rather a steep and narrow one with some portions of climbing up stairs made in the mountain. But the sights of Independence Square and the site of the ancient Inca city, the Urubamba River, are worth climbing to the top.
This takes about 2-3 hours one way and does not like to those with a cerebral phobia or a thing for heights. It’s important to get your ticket ahead of time as only 400 people are allowed per day to ascend Huayna Picchu.
- Duration: 2-3 hours round trip.
Tip: Tickets for Huayna Picchu are limited and sell out months in advance. Book early!
3. Trek the Inca Trail
For those who aim to get closer, this challenge is more life-altering as you take a trek through the Inca trail. This is a four-day cultural trip through the Sacred Valley in which you visit ancient Inca ruins, go through cloud forests and mountain landscapes, and finally watch the sun rise over the Sun Gate of Machu Picchu. Here, you get a sense of the Incas, following in their footsteps and developing an appreciation of their culture.
For people who don’t have much time but still wish to view the stunning site, the Short Inca Trail takes fewer days to complete and is only used for one day. In any case, it would help to do research and wear proper hiking apparel, be in good health physically to handle the tasks ahead.
- Alternative: If short on time, consider the Short Inca Trail, a one-day hike.
Tip: Book with a licensed operator, and pack essentials like sturdy boots and a rain jacket.
4. Visit the Sacred Plaza
Sacred Plaza is actually among the most tranquil and most important historic spots that are in existence within Machu Picchu. This area was encircled by ceremonial temples, and the structure could have been employed for religious/ceremonial functions.
The most characteristic edifice is the Principal Temple – an excellent example of the Inca stonework, and the Temple of Three Windows, which represents three realms of being in the Inca worldview.
- Highlights: The Principal Temple and the Temple of Three Windows.
Tip: Hire a guide to understand the cultural and historical importance of these structures.
5. Sun Gate (Inti Punku): The Way Again for The Great Picture.
The Sun Gate or Inti Punku is the last checkpoint when entering the citadel for hikers tracing the Inca trail route. If you don’t even dare to trek the trail, you can hike from the citadel to the Sun Gate, it takes almost an hour to get there and the same on the way back.
It provides an opportunity to feel the beauty of Machu Picchu at dawn when sunlight begins to fall on the ancient city. It is not as popular as the other ones and it is perfect for taking pictures and just walking around.
Tip: Even if you didn’t hike the Inca Trail, a walk to the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu takes about an hour and is worth the effort.
6. Climb Machu Picchu Mountain
If you do not fancy this trail with machoordes crowds but can handle a steep climb, try Machu Picchu Mountain. This trail is about 4 hours long with a less steep incline than Huayna Picchu; from here the stone-built city and mountainous valleys with snowy tops on the horizon can be viewed with open space.
This one will take an average of 3 to 4 hours round trip making it an option for bird watching and photographers. Such services, especially the tickets for this kind of hike, are also available in limited numbers thus hikers need to book ahead.
- Duration: 3-4 hours round trip.
Tip: Like Huayna Picchu, this hike requires a separate ticket, so book ahead.
7. Here it is possible to Learn at the Machu Picchu Museum
It is advisable to visit the Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum in Aguas Calientes either before or after a tour of the ruins. This is a small museum that contains the things that were found during the digs at Machu Picchu and also historical information about the discovery of the site.
The histories of this special and significant Inca city are well explained with detail and there are many hands-on displays so it is the best place to learn more about this great culture.
Tip: Visit the museum before heading to Machu Picchu to enhance your appreciation of the site.
Practical Travel Tips
- Book Early: Machu Picchu is mainstream and tickets to visit the ruins, hike, or even take the train are infrequently available. The planning of the trip ought to be early, at least one or two months before the semi-trip.
- Choose the Best Season: The best recommended for hiking and camping is during the dry season which is from April to October though the period attracts many visitors. For fewer tourist crowds, the best times to visit are in April or November.
- Pack Wisely: For the appropriate wears, accessories, and tools needed for the visit, a comfortable pair of shoes, light fabrics, sunscreen protection, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle.
- Transportation: Cusco must be reached by train to get to Aguas Calientes and then take a bus or walk to get to the entrance of Machu Picchu.
- Hire a Guide: To understand all the historical and cultural importance of Machu Picchu, it is recommended that visitors hire licensed guides for their tour.
Budget-Friendly Travel Tips
Hiking to the Lost City need not be expensive as many may want to believe. Choose an economy class or go for second-class train services and purchase tickets during the sale. Organized tours are expensive when they include transportation from Olt for example, while staying in Aguas Calientes offers plenty of cheap lodging options and at least two restaurants where food price is reasonable as well. For the budget conscience, there is an option to hike for free from Aguas Calientes to the entrance instead of a bus.
Conclusion
This is a place that makes a very strong impression on every traveler who decides to visit this wonderful place in the world. From the touring of its archaeological sites to hiking and everything in between and a historical backdrop rooted in Inca civilization, this new seven wonders of the world has it all. These tips and some prior planning will help you to make your trip to Machu Picchu an exciting experience. This is so because if you are a historian, a nature lover, or a hiker, the mysteries of Machu Picchu will undoubtedly melt your heart and touch your soul.
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