Machu Picchu

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu

The Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is located in the province of Urubamba in the Cusco region. It comprises a wide range of cultural and natural landscapes located in diverse ecosystems, among which are other archaeological sites, connected by roads to Inca cities. Machu Picchu is the most outstanding Inca archaeological site for its innovative urban design, architectural beauty and exquisite stonework. The planning takes significant advantage of the topography of the hill, transforming it into a majestic llaqta. Built by the Inca Pachacutec in the 15th century, it was abandoned during the early days of Spanish colonization and rediscovered in 1911. The architecture of this Inca city is reflected in its 200 walls, exceptionally integrated… indissolubly linked to the wonderful natural environment in which it is located.

Why is Machupicchu famous?.

Machu Picchu is famous for its outstanding creative urban design, its outstanding architecture and the fine stonework of its constructions and for being an Inca citadel built around the year 1450 in the Peruvian Andes and discovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. It is one of the most visited places in Peru and in the world, and has been chosen as one of the seven wonders of the world in 2007. Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site and the pride of Peru. Although many details about its purpose and use are still unknown, its architectural beauty and fascinating history attract millions of visitors each year.

Where is Machupicchu located?

The archaeological site of Machu Picchu is located on the left bank of the Vilcanota River, in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters high. It is located 112.5 kilometers northwest of Cusco, District of Machu Picchu, Province of Urubamba. Northeast of Cusco, Peru.
There is no road linking the city of Cusco with the citadel of Machu Picchu, due to the geographical complexity of the place, since the citadel is located on top of a mountain in the middle of a mountain range cut only by the Urubamba River. Therefore, its access can only be by train or via the Inca Trail.

Aguas Calientes Machupicchu

Aguas Calientes is a small town located at the foot of Machu Picchu, in the region of Cusco, Peru. Also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, it is the starting point for those who wish to visit the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is located in the Vilcanota River Valley and is only 6 km (3.7 miles) away from Machu Picchu, which is about a 90-minute walk. There are several hotels and restaurants in Aguas Calientes, making it a popular departure and arrival point for travelers visiting Machu Picchu.The town is also known for its hot springs and is the location of the last train station.

How to get to Machu Picchu?

To get to Machu Picchu, you must first arrive in the city of Cusco, Peru. Then, you have several options to get to Machu Picchu:

  1. By train: You can take the train at Poroy train station or Ollantaytambo train station. The train will take you to the Aguas Calientes train station, which is the closest town to Machu Picchu. From there, you can take a bus or walk to reach the ruins of Machu Picchu.
  2. On foot: You can walk along the Inca Trail, which is a multi-day hike that starts in Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu. To do this hike, you must book a tour in advance to do the 4 or 2 day Inca Trail tour.
  3. By bus: You can take a bus from Cusco city to Ollantaytambo train station and then take a train to Aguas Calientes. From there, you can take a bus or walk to reach the ruins of Machu Picchu. It is important to note that, to visit Machu Picchu, you need to buy an entrance ticket in advance. In addition, there is a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed, so it is advisable to book in advance to make sure you can visit the ruins on the day you want.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco by train

To get to Machu Picchu from Cusco by train, follow these steps:

Book your train ticket: There are two train companies that offer services to Machu Picchu, Perurail and Inca Rail. You must book your ticket in advance, as seats sell out quickly. You can book online through their websites or visit one of their offices in Cusco.

  1. Go to the train station: The Poroy train station is located about 20 minutes drive from the center of Cusco. You can also go to the train station in Ollantaytambo, which is about 2 hours drive from Cusco. You can get there by cab or by public transport.
  2. Board the train: Once at the train station, board the train you have booked. Trains usually leave early in the morning and take about 3-4 hours to reach the train station in Aguas Calientes, which is the closest town to Machu Picchu.
  3. Arrive in Aguas Calientes: Once in Aguas Calientes, you can take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu or walk the trail leading to the ruins. The bus ride takes about 20-30 minutes and the hike takes about 1.5 hours.

*Remember that you need to buy a ticket to visit Machu Picchu and that there is a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure that you can visit the ruins on the day you wish.

How to get to Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail?

To get to Machu Picchu by the Inca Trail, follow these steps:
Book a tour: The Inca Trail is a multi-day hike and requires you to book a tour with an authorized agency. It is important to book in advance as there is a daily limit of permits to hike the trail.

  1. Get to Cusco: Cusco is the closest city to the Inca Trail. You can arrive by plane from Lima or by bus from other cities in Peru.
  2. Start the trek: The trail begins at kilometer 82 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railroad. The first day you walk approximately 12 km and arrive at the first camp. The second day is the most difficult, as you cross the Warmiwañusca pass, which is at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level. On the third and fourth day you walk through the cloud forest until you reach the last camp.
  3. Reach Machu Picchu: On the last day of trekking you arrive at Machu Picchu early in the morning. After visiting the ruins, you can take a bus to Aguas Calientes or walk along the trail that leads to the city.

It is important to keep in mind that the Inca Trail hike is demanding and requires a good physical condition. It is also necessary to bring adequate equipment, including warm clothes and a sleeping bag. Remember that you need to buy a ticket to visit Machu Picchu and that there is a daily limit on the number of visitors allowed. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure that you can visit the ruins on the day you wish.

What is the weather like in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu has a tropical and humid climate that is pleasant for visitors, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 27 °C to a minimum of 8 °C. The rains usually occur at any time due to the geographical area of the place, although they are more constant in January, February and March. The climate in Cusco and Machu Picchu is characterized by two seasons: the rainy season (from December to April) and the dry season (from May to November). During the dry season, which runs from May to October, the weather is dry most of the time, especially in the months of June, July and August. The days are warm, with an average temperature between 17 and 19 °C.

What is the best time to visit Machupicchu?

There are different opinions about the best time to visit Machu Picchu, but in general, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the weather is usually sunny, with clear skies, and temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius (60-77 F). It is important to note, however, that even during the dry season, there may be occasional rainy days, but the chances of them interfering with your trip are minimal.The rainy season in Machu Picchu starts from November to March, and during these months rainfall is frequent. In summary, the best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to October, to take advantage of the clear skies and pleasant climate.

Where to buy tickets to Machu Picchu?

To purchase tickets to Machu Picchu, there are several options online. The Peruvian Ministry of Culture offers electronic tickets on their main website: machupicchu.gob.pe.
There are also tour agencies that offer tickets to Machupicchu each website may have different ticket options, dates and prices, so it is important to check each site before making a purchase.

What should I bring to Machu Picchu?

To visit Machu Picchu, you should bring essential items such as a medium-sized backpack, hiking shoes, sunglasses, hat or cap, detachable pants and light cotton clothing or shorts. You should also bring personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, shampoo, shower gel, soap, towel, deodorant, lotions, creams, lip balm, wet wipes, sunscreen, insect repellent and (if necessary) feminine products. In addition, it is important to take care of your skin and protect yourself from the sun’s rays by wearing a hat to prevent possible sunstroke.

What are the circuits in Machu Picchu?
Machupicchu has 4 circuits:

It is important to note that to visit any of these circuits you need an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, and that you must follow the rules and regulations established to maintain safety and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site.

Entrance to Machu Picchu

To enter Machu Picchu, you must purchase a ticket that can be purchased online through the official website of the Peruvian Ministry of Culture or in person in the city of Cusco or in Aguas Calientes, the town near the archaeological site.
It is important to keep in mind that there is a daily limit of visitors and that certain rules and regulations must be followed to maintain safety and preserve the integrity of the archaeological site. For example, food, alcoholic beverages, aerosols, umbrellas, selfie sticks, among other objects, are not allowed.
It is also important to follow the established routes and not to leave the marked paths. In addition, to access certain areas within Machu Picchu, such as Huayna Picchu, a special entrance is required and there is a daily limit of visitors to these areas.
In summary, to enter Machu Picchu you must purchase a ticket, follow the established rules and regulations, and respect the integrity of the archaeological site.

Sectors of Machupicchu

UPPER AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

The upper agricultural sector of Machu Picchu is one of the most important areas of the archaeological site, as it was used for food production and agricultural practices by the ancient inhabitants of the citadel. This agricultural sector is located in the upper part of Machu Picchu, in staggered terraces that are built on the mountainside. The terraces have a slope of approximately 60% and are built with stone walls that allow the retention of soil and water. On these terraces, the ancient inhabitants of Machu Picchu mainly cultivated corn, potatoes and other Andean crops. It was also used for the production of coca, which was a sacred plant for the Incas and was used in religious ceremonies and rituals. In addition to the agricultural terraces, in the upper agricultural sector of Machu Picchu there are also irrigation canals and drainage systems, which allowed the control of water and irrigation of crops. These irrigation systems are very advanced and are built with polygonal stones that fit together without the need for mortar. In summary, the upper agricultural sector of Machu Picchu is a sample of the advanced knowledge and skills of the ancient inhabitants of the citadel in the field of agriculture and hydraulic engineering.

LOWER AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

The Lower Agricultural Sector of Machu Picchu is an important area of the ancient Inca citadel, located in the Cusco Region of Peru. This sector was mainly used for agriculture and was responsible for providing food for the inhabitants of Machu Picchu. The Lower Agricultural Sector is located on a steep hillside just below the urban area of Machu Picchu, and is divided into several terraces that were used for agriculture. The terraces were constructed using a technique called andenes, which consisted of building retaining walls made of stone and filling them with earth and gravel. The result was a series of flat, level surfaces that could be used for planting crops. In the Lower Agricultural Sector, a variety of crops were grown, such as corn, potatoes, quinoa and beans. The Incas knew how to use the terraces to create microclimates conducive to growing different crops. They also used irrigation canals to carry water from nearby streams and rivers to the terraces. Today, visitors to Machu Picchu can still see the Lower Agricultural Sector and appreciate the impressive engineering and agricultural skills of the Inca civilization. The site is a testament to the ingenuity and inventiveness of the Inca people, who were able to thrive in a mountainous and challenging environment.

TEMPLE OF THE SUN

The Temple of the Sun is one of the most important structures of the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, located in the Peruvian region of Cusco. As its name suggests, this temple was dedicated to the worship of the sun, which was a central aspect of Inca religion and mythology.

The Temple of the Sun is located in the urban area of Machu Picchu, near the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Three Windows. It is a rectangular building with finely carved stone walls that fit perfectly. The temple has two large windows facing the rising sun during the winter solstice, which is an important event in Inca cosmology.

The temple also contains several altars and niches that were used for ritual purposes. The most significant feature of the temple is a large circular stone that is believed to have been used for astronomical observations and measurements. This stone, known as the Intihuatana, is aligned with the cardinal points and casts no shadow during the equinoxes.

INTIHUATANA MACHUPICCHU

The Intihuatana is a stone pillar in the shape of a human head, with four sides aligned with the cardinal points. The stone is located on a platform excavated in the rock and located at the top of a steep hill in the urban area of Machu Picchu. The platform is surrounded by a series of stone pillars that are believed to have been used for astronomical observations and measurements.

TEMPLE OF THE 3 WINDOWS

The Temple of the Three Windows is one of the most important constructions of Machu Picchu. It is located east of the main square, in the lower part of the Urin residential sector. The temple has a rectangular floor plan and owes its name to the three beautiful windows and two blind openings in the wall. The walls of the temple are the most finely carved in the entire Inca city, and some of the stone blocks used are among the largest. This indicates that it was one of the most important precincts for the Incas.

THE SACRED ROCK OR TEMPLE OF THE CONDOR

The Sacred Rock is a natural granite outcrop located in the urban area of Machu Picchu, in the Peruvian region of Cusco. This rock formation is one of the most important and revered structures in Machu Picchu, and is believed to have played an important role in the religious beliefs and practices of the Inca people.
The Sacred Rock is a large, irregularly shaped rock about 5 meters high and 8 meters long. The rock is located in a small plaza in the urban area of Machu Picchu, near the Temple of the Sun and the Royal Palace. The rock is carved with a series of channels and niches, which are believed to have been used for ritual purposes.
It is believed that the Sacred Rock was a point of connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, and that the Inca people used it for various religious and ceremonial purposes. It is believed that the rock was a place of pilgrimage for the Inca people, who traveled to Machu Picchu from all over the empire to offer gifts and offerings to the gods.