{"id":5533,"date":"2023-08-31T16:53:42","date_gmt":"2023-08-31T21:53:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/?p=5533"},"modified":"2023-08-31T16:55:09","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T21:55:09","slug":"machu-picchu-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/machu-picchu-travel-guide","title":{"rendered":"Machu Picchu Travel Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MachuMachu Picchu Travel Guide – Machu Picchu has rightly been considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its impressive history and misty mountain landscape create a sense of wonder and mystique.<\/span><\/p>\n

Built in the fifteenth century by order of the Inca Pachacuteq, this place was inhabited for approximately one hundred years. Machu Picchu remained hidden during the Spanish conquest, meaning it escaped vandalism and destruction. It was not until 1911 that local villagers presented the ruins to the American historian Hiram Bingham. Soon the outside world would be reading stories about this forgotten city and marveling at photographs of its ingenious architecture and engineering.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Machu Picchu Travel Guide, we will cover absolutely everything you need to know before visiting Machu Picchu, including information about the site and the best places to visit, where to eat and stay in the city, how to book your trip and get to Machu Picchu, as well as like some essential tips and a packing list.<\/span><\/p>\n

History of Machu Picchu<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"HistoryMany people call it as \u00abLost City of the Incas\u00bb, Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuteq. It was abandoned around 1550, at the time of the Spanish conquest.<\/span>
\nThe Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu in Quechua) and the nickname of Ciudad Perdida stuck. It remained unknown to the outside world until 1911.<\/span>
\nThat year, local indigenous farmers brought American historian Hiram Bingham to the ruins. Bingham published the findings of his explorations and Machu Picchu went global.<\/span><\/p>\n

Climate of Machu Picchu<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"ClimateMachu Picchu has a subtropical highland type of climate, with temperatures mainly in the temperate range.<\/span><\/p>\n

It has wet and humid summers (Oct-March) and dry and frosty winters (May-Sept). At any time of year, it is common to see morning mist rising from the river Urubamba.<\/span><\/p>\n

Much of the surrounding area is cloud forest, bringing mist and occasional afternoon rains at any time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Geography of Machu Picchu<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Machu Picchu lies 50 miles northwest of Cusco. It is usually accessed by train via the Sacred Valley or by hiking the Inca Trail or other alternative hikes in the area.<\/span>
\nThe ruins sit at an altitude of 2,430m \/ 7,970 ft. on a mountain ridge that forms part of the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru.<\/span>
\nAt its feet lies the Urubamba river, which cuts a canyon through the Cordillera. <\/span>
\nAccess to the ruins is either by foot via the Sun Gate or by taking a bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Machu Picchu is a year-round destination. However, there are distinct advantages to traveling during each season. While there is still the chance of rain during the dry season, it is minimal. <\/span><\/p>\n

This makes for clear views and excellent hiking conditions. In contrast, during the rainy season, crowds are smaller, and the heavy mist adds a sense of mystique. The shoulder months offer a balance with temperate weather and fewer travelers.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>How to Get to Machu Picchu<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"HowMachu Picchu is at a considerable distance and transportation there is limited. No roads connecting Cusco and the Sacred Valley with Aguas Calientes, so your only two options are to take the train or walk there.<\/span><\/p>\n