During the high tourist season, Machu Picchu tickets may sell out several weeks in advance. For those hiking the Inca Trail, it is necessary to have a permit to hike in the National Park that will also allow you to enter Machu Picchu during the first entrance time.
Inca Trail permits generally sell out much faster and it is best to book months in advance, depending on when you would like to do this hike. There are many tour options available to visit Machu Picchu, depending on your travel preferences and time available. For travelers who are short on time, it is possible to do a 1-day tour starting and ending in Cusco. The walk follows a fairly even path to a lookout point to see the bridge. Crossing the Inca Bridge itself is strictly forbidden today for safety reasons, but you can take as many photos as you want.
The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu. Most people reach the Inca Bridge in about 20 to 30 minutes. Visitors to Machu Picchu with general entrance tickets have access to the trail to the Inca Bridge. The path to the Inca Bridge. Cosio has been a tour guide for 15 years and a specialist guide at Machu Picchu for He was born and raised in Cusco and spent his free time as a child playing around the awe-inspiring archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman. Here are some tips for your Machu Picchu hike , straight from Cosio himself:.
Huayna Picchu peak. Trail along the Machu Picchu Mountain hike. There are plenty of longer hikes to Machu Picchu. Embark on a multi-day trekking journey through the Andes Mountains to reach the archaeological site. With treks ranging from two to ten days and varying difficulties, there is something for everyone. The classic 4-day Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world.
Ending with a grand entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, this hike passes 28 miles 45 km of Andean terrain. Pass by remote Inca ruins, sleep under starry night skies and follow the ancient path the Inca once used to reach Machu Picchu.
Due to its popularity, the trek can sell out several months ahead of time. However, there are plenty of Inca Trail alternatives to consider. Trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in either a four or two day trek. For those with limited time but a strong desire to hike to Machu Picchu, consider the 2-day Inca Trail. This hike allows you to enter Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate after a 6 to 7 hour hike on the first day.
That night, you can get some rest and return to Machu Picchu the following morning for a guided tour and a short hike within the citadel see options above. Witness the unique ways of life in the Andean countryside passing through quaint Quechua villages in the Lares Valley. Follow the 4-day Lares trek to Machu Picchu for a look at rural life surrounded by picturesque scenery. Combine the best of the Lares and Inca Trails on a 4-day adventure.
The Lares and Inca combination trek takes you through indigenous villages and ancient ruins en route to the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu. Pass by beautiful landscapes in the Lares Valley. With architecture even more grand than Machu Picchu, visit this hidden gem while it is still relatively unknown.
Embark on an 8 or 10 day Choquequirao trek where the Andes and Amazon Rainforest collide to visit both impressive ruins. Trek into the cloud forest on the Vilcabamba trek to Machu Picchu. On this journey, trekkers cross the Urubamba River and pass through many small villages and incredible landscapes. Contact us to find out more or get a copy of the complete detailed itinerary.
It is wise to spend a few days in Cusco before your Inca Trail tour begins in order to acclimate to the higher altitude. This extra time will increase your chances of success on your adventure. In the evening, enjoy some of the best food in the world, sample the local fare of this agricultural region, and perhaps taste one of the 3, varieties of potato cultivated here!
The hike starts relatively flat, and is a great way to warm up your body for the adventure. You will camp near the Inca ruins of Llaqtapata, overlooking a spectacular backdrop of terraces and mystical mountains. Keep your eyes open for the smooth flight patterns of Andean Condors soaring overhead. It eventually opens to a cloud forest of Polylepis trees and, ultimately, a large Pampa plain.
Here, you will rest for the evening at the idyllic campsite of Llulluchapampa, nestled at 3, meters 12, feet above sea level. On the third day of the Inca Trail tour, you will wake up and head into the heart of the Andean mountains.
Take a minute to capture some photos before descending to the Pacaymayo River before beginning another climb to the ruins of Runkuraqay. From here, the trail passes through a high cloud forest while the scenery grows more and more dramatic. You can also take a leisurely walk through the grand structures before continuing along the ridge under the watchful summits of Mt. Salkantay to the west and Mt. Pumasillo to the north. Follow the rolling stone trail, eventually arriving at Phuyupatamarka, your campsite for the evening, and spend the remainder of the day exploring the five fountains and an altar that might have been used by the Inca for ritual purposes.
This morning, you will descend nearly 3, feet on a combination of trail and irregular staircase composed of 1, steps carved into the granite. The Willkanota River comes into view, and the lush jungle grows back around you as the songs of birds and butterfly wings fill the air, eventually joined by the sound of the river and train as you near the railroad tracks below which lead to Aguas Calientes.
Finally, you will reach a series of steep stairs that ascend to the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku. As you pass through the Sun Gate, the mighty citadel of Machu Picchu comes into view. Typically, after hikers finish this Inca Trail trek, they are tired and hungry and wish to head to their hotel in Aguas Calientes for a fresh shower and meal.
Most hikers elect to do their full tour of the citadel the next day. If you opt for this, you will walk through the outskirts of the Machu Picchu citadel, getting a glimpse of the ruins as you head down the mountain to the entrance area.
Here, you will take a short ten-minute bus ride to the downtown area of Aguas Calientes, where you can then walk to your hotel and relax for the evening. When you finally complete the four-day Inca Trail hike, the real adventure begins! However, some visitors elect to skip the hikes at Machu Picchu altogether and instead spend all their time exploring the ruins of the Machu Picchu citadel.
This video highlights many of the most striking highlights of the Inca Trail tour and Machu Picchu, and it is truly one of the best visual summaries of this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Two hotels in Aguas Calientes that guests have enjoyed in the past are:. For memorable dining experiences in Aguas Calientes, guests on previous trips have enjoyed the restaurant at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine with contemporary twists, and unmatched views of the Vilcanota River.
There is also the Indio Feliz , a Franco-Peruvian fusion place full of character that is also vegetarian-friendly. These two options offer two very different but equally enjoyable culinary experiences in Aguas Calientes! For adventure lovers, Inca Trail tours are just the beginning. If you are looking to do more hiking once you reach Machu Picchu, there are two popular short but stunningly beautiful hike options: Huayna Picchu and Cerro Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Mountain.
Both require permits and early morning wake-ups to ascend, so make sure you work with your tour operator in securing those before your arrival in Peru.
Huayna Picchu is the more popular trek, but if permits are all sold out, Machu Picchu Mountain is also a great option. We go into further detail on each hike below. Known as Wayna Picchu or Huayna Picchu, this is the mountain that surrounds the Urubamba River and rises prominently over the Machu Picchu citadel and provides the backdrop against which the rest of the mysterious city is set.
The Incas built an original trail up the side of Huayna Picchu, and built temples and terraces at its peak — which is about 8, feet above sea level. Every morning before sunrise, it is said that a high priest would walk to Machu Picchu with a small group to signal the coming of the new day. The Temple of the Moon, one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area, is nestled on the mountainside and is situated lower in elevation than Machu Picchu.
Adjacent to the Temple of the Moon is the Great Cavern, another sacred temple with fine masonry. This incredible excursion takes approximately 4 hours round trip, starting at the Machu Picchu citadel, hiking through the Inca Trail hidden under the forest, and arriving at the top of this striking mountain.
Along the trail, you will find yourself surrounded by a wide variety of flowers and wildlife, including orchids, begonias, ferns, and beautiful hummingbirds, while enjoying the outstanding view of the Machu Picchu citadel, the Urubamba River that runs below, and all the sacred mountains that surround Machu Picchu.
This area is very interesting because it is located in the high-cloud forest, where the highland joins the rainforest, thus creating many micro-ecosystems within the area.
Machu Picchu Mountain has a special meaning for the Incas. Below this mountain, two rivers from the two most sacred Inca mountains join together into one confluence. From the south runs the Urubamba River that originates in the Ausangate area, and from the west comes the Aobamba River that originates from Salkantay Mountain.
For this reason, Machu Picchu Mountain becomes a monument of worship to the sacred waters. At the top, hikers will be welcomed by the Tawantinsuyo flag and a little shelter, providing respite from the sun and the wind.
Reaching the top of this mountain requires a moderate ability to climb, as there are parts where it is very steep, but not considered to be dangerous. The hiking trail is well maintained; it is a paved road with many steps, though it does zigzag in places. Experiencing this trek for yourself offers an insight into why the Incas selected this mountain as the place to build the Machu Picchu citadel.
It can get fairly crowded, as 2, people per day are permitted to visit the citadel. However, there are several sites that you can not access, as the Peruvian government has restricted them for conservation purposes. Walking amongst the ancient walls, doorways, paths, and stairs imparts a unique feel to this archeological site — one that transports you many centuries back in time.
Your guide may have a particular order in which you will visit these sites. Watching the sunrise from Intipunku is one of the most spectacular views you will experience on your trip, and it serves as the first point during your approach on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from which you will be able to view the whole sanctuary. A polished and carved monolith, this stone is situated in one of the three windows of the temple in Machu Picchu.
Many who have visited the Intihuatana have reported experiencing a strange aura or energy when in the presence of the stone. Cloaked in thick atmospheric mist and cloud during the rainy season, this site is a must-see when you visit Machu Picchu due to its breathtaking views over the rest of the mountains.
This beautiful area contains terraces, baths, and fountains with circulating fresh water. Sacred Plaza: arguably the most famous landmark in Machu Picchu. The Sacred Plaza also clearly illustrates the skillful and magnificent engineering and architectural feats undertaken by the Inca. The building is also the most beautiful man-made site in Machu Picchu. With vast amounts of stone used to create the three magnificent walls, the Inca also engraved the internal space and entrance stones with intricate carvings.
Principal Temple: this is the main temple to see in Machu Picchu, located at the highest point and position in the city. Centered in the Sacred Plaza, the location of this temple holds great historical significance to the Inca, as the plaza square also includes two of the great temples in the city. The temple itself has a magnificent structural design, in keeping with the architectural styles of the time.
Ceremonial Baths: often located at the front of a temple site, there are several clear areas reserved for the ceremonial baths located throughout the city. Using the mountainous terrain to channel fresh water over walls and into the bathing areas, these baths were and continue to be an area of socializing and community. Royal Tomb and the Temple of Three Windows: the Royal Tomb and the three windows located within are a symbolic reference to the Inca emperors who ruled the city.
Though there are many competing theories and research papers that have tried to shed light on the reasoning behind the three windows located in the tomb, many scholars cannot agree as to the reason for their significance. On a darker note, at the lowest point of the plaza resides the Prison Group, a series of passages and cells burrowing under the stone and upwards into different areas of the city.
With the long corridors and tiny stone rooms, the feel is that of claustrophobia and cramped discomfort — hence the ominous name. Temple of the Condor: this is one of the most beautiful examples of the stunning stonework that the Incas are famous for. The name of the Temple of the Condor is inspired by the natural formation of the rock it is situated on, which is reminiscent of a condor in flight. Temple of the Sun: located behind a gated urbanized section of Machu Picchu, this temple is a truly impressive feat of Inca design and structural engineering.
Chosen for its high altitude, the temple is situated here to show its heavenly attributes — the higher the structure, the closer its connection with the Sun. This location was also considered important when carrying out astrological experiments and religious proceedings. With its circle of sacred stones and dramatic design, this temple is a stunning example of how man-made Inca structures were perfectly complimented by their breathtaking natural backdrops.
Are you already eager to book a world-class journey to Machu Picchu to see some of these sites for yourself? If you have committed to embarking on this adventure the planning process most likely started six or more months in advance. There are two critical areas of preparation that one needs to take into consideration if they wish to successfully complete this trek: these are Gear and Fitness.
Hikers will need to add the proper gear and equipment to their Inca Trail packing list to complete the journey to Machu Picchu. This includes appropriate footwear, lower body clothing, upper body clothing, face and head protection, and outerwear to protect yourself from the elements. You will also review your packed loads. It is common practice for each hiker to have a specially sized duffle bag, which porters will carry throughout each day on the trail.
Your guide s will weigh the duffle bag at your hotel in Cusco to ensure it is under the maximum weight limits, which are typically around 17 pounds. Below we have provided a brief overview on the key characteristics of all the possible hikes to Machu Picchu, along with links to specific pages that provide detailed information on route profiles and itineraries.
We do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice. If you would like an exact quote from our recommended tour operator click Get a Quote. Permits for the trail sell out months in advance so it is advised to book at least 6 months prior to your preferred trekking date.
We briefly outline the key characteristics of all three here. They all arrive at Machu Picchu town i. Trekkers sleep in a hotel in Aguas Calientes and either catch a bus up to Machu Picchu in the morning, or hike the final switchback paths to the entrance gate.
None of these treks arrive at Machu Picchu via the famous Sun Gate. It is possible to complete these treks unsupported, but not recommended for anyone who is not familiar with the area or inexperienced in backcountry trekking. Get a trek quote from our recommended local partner. It is, however, not the only trek to Machu Picchu.
0コメント