110 km. North-Wenst of the city of Cusco (three and a half hours by train), lies the locality of Aguas Calientes or Machupicchu’s Village, from which an extra 8 km.(10 minutes by bus), take us to the Historical Sanctuary or Archeological complex of Machu Picchu which is an impressive incan city located on a mountain. its Quechua name translated to Spanish means -Old Mountain- and was also called -the Incas Lost City-, as it was unknown to the Occidental world, ’till it discovered by Hiran Bingham, in 1911, according to estimations, the Incan city’s construction would date from the 14 century and is attributed to the Inca Pachacuteq. The Agricultural Sector present benched terraces built on the mountain slopes and which reach up to 4meters in heigh. The urban Sector is composed of a variety of constructions and squares, among which stand out the so-called –Temple of the Sun-, the intihuatana or solar observatory, the three Windows’ Temple, the Main Temple and the so-called Condor’s Temple. There si an impresive carved monolithic rock, 3 meters high and with a 7 meter long base, known as the Sacred Rock and today, we know that, in order to build Machu Picchu, were used blocks of the stone extracted from the nearby area. the walls fish displays different qualities and techniques. One of the best built walls is the Main Temple’s central wall in which the blocks fit perfectly. The Historical Sanctuary of Machupicchu is not only as archaeologically invaluable, but it also is associated with a very rich diversity of fauna and flora.
During the tour of the sanctuary, one is presented with a plethora of fascinating and incredible attractions, each with its own unique history and meaning, yet all possessing great architectural beauty.
The citadel boasts approximately 196 tourist spots, including archaeological complexes, squares, temples, water fountains, monuments, and residences, all intricately intertwined with each other and with the natural environment.
When exploring Machu Picchu, visitors will encounter two well-defined sectors separated by a wall spanning approximately 400 meters in length. One sector is oriented towards agricultural purposes, while the other is more urban in nature. The agricultural area is characterized by the presence of terraces or platforms that were utilized for the cultivation of various crops. In close proximity to this area, one may find small houses that could have served as dwellings for farmers.
Conversely, the urban area is home to the Royal Residence, which was the most exquisite, extensive, and well-distributed house in the vicinity. Other notable attractions include the Plaza Sagrada, the primary ceremonial site of the city, the Intihuatana Pyramid, which houses the great solar clock, the Grupo de las Tres Portadas, a group of buildings consisting of three large portals, and the Grupo del Cóndor, which encompasses temples for ceremonial use.
The Historic and Natural Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is situated in the province of Urubamba, within the department of Cusco Peru. Nestled amidst a breathtaking range of mountains belonging to the Cordillera de los Andes and the jungle eyebrow of the Amazon Basin, it houses one of the most remarkable historical legacies of human history, representing the greatest civilization that ever existed in the Western Hemisphere. However, its significance extends beyond its historical value, as its stunning natural features, including its exuberant flora and fauna, have earned it the distinction of being recognized as a natural heritage of humanity, in addition to its status as a historical heritage.
It is a site of great significance, as it encompasses the Inca City of Machu Picchu, the Inka Trail, and numerous other Inca and pre-Inca structures. It is considered a historic sanctuary due to its rich cultural heritage, and a natural sanctuary due to its exceptional biodiversity, which makes it a prime candidate for designation as one of the world’s finest biosphere reserves. The sanctuary boasts a stunning array of flora and fauna, including several species that are unique to the area. It is situated amidst breathtaking landscapes, with verdant forests and towering mountains providing a stunning backdrop to the Inca city of Machu Picchu, which is shrouded in a vast cloud forest. The Peruvian government and international organizations have taken measures to safeguard this precious site. Among the many species of plants and animals that inhabit the sanctuary, two are particularly noteworthy for their endangered status: the Gallito de las Roccas (Peruvian National Bird) and the goggle bear or Andean bear.
From an aerial perspective, the expanse of the Sanctuary presents itself as a voluminous tome, with the imposing Urubamba River serving as its focal point, flanked by two mountain ranges that enclose a verdant valley. Furthermore, scholarly investigations have disclosed that the Incan metropolis of Machu Picchu, when viewed from above, assumes the shape of a bird, specifically one of the revered avian species of the Andean condor.
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu Ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your Vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.
The best season is during the dry season, which covers the months April to the end of September. In October the rains begin and you can find Machu Picchu covered by clouds. If you travel in June, we recommend you to book the Inti Raymi 2020 Tour that takes place in June 24th, and also hike the Palcoyo Mountain Tour, which is an incredible Rainbow Mountain located in the Andes.
