Destination ~ Machu Picchu

Situated 120km NW of Cuzco, overlooking the Urubamba River valley, the lost Inca city of Machu Picchu abandoned by its people lay undiscovered until 1911. It was the North American explorer Hiram Bingham who found the mist shrouded ruins covered in jungle. Simply spectacular... a 'must-see'! Nothing could have prepared him for what he was to find, before him stood walls of granite carved by the finest craftsmen, partially covered over by trees and moss, the growth of centuries. Today the ruins can be seen in all their glory set in a spectacular landscape surrounded in rugged peaks. The most interesting structures to be seen are the Royal tomb, close to the entrance of the city, the temple of the sun, the tower, the priests house, the temple of the three windows, the central temple, the sunken plaza, and the fountains forming the baths. Machu Picchu is overlooked by Huayna Picchu, who's terraces and summit also have Inca ruins. It will amaze you as to how they managed to work the terraces on this hazardous peak. Getting there The approach to the ruins can be taken on foot from the town of Aguas Calientes it takes around two hrs and can be difficult due to the altitude and heat, however taken slowly and taking breaks the walk is very rewarding and the first sight of the ruins this way is unforgettable. A regular bus service is also available taking a winding road as it climbs the 700mts. Site Facilities All facilities are available at the site including a fine hotel, restaurant, refreshment bar and hygiene facilities. We suggest you take a large supply of photographic film with you as it is easy to use several rolls, take a wide hat and a good sun screen as the sun is very strong. No bottled drinks are permitted in the site (an effort to prevent the litter of plastic bottles) so take a purpose made water carrier as it is important to maintain your fluid levels at this altitude. The site is relatively easy to walk around however care should be taken in the wet as the paths may get slippery. Aguas Calientes The nearest town to Machu Picchu is Aguas Calientes, it is not so much a town but more a railway station. Here the visitor can find a variety of lodgings to suit any budget, the town also has a good range of restaurants and colourful displays of crafts can be seen. From the town can be visited the famous hot springs used by the Incas which give the town its name. Several trains leave Cuzco every day offering a variety of services from a tourist train with first class carriages to the normal service train that carries local people and stops at every station on route. From here a regular bus can be taken to the ruins or the shorter Inca Trail (approximately two hours) can be taken. Accommodation Peruvian Secrets not only offers the best in accommodation but a hotel complex that is worthy of a stay even without the existence of the ruins. Set on the edge of town, the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (once a large orchard producing a variety of fruits) offers the visitor not just a place to sleep but a place to discover the many natural wonders of this area. The accommodation comprises of traditional style apartments set on the hillside carefully constructed to blend the new with the old. The grounds are extensive and contain an orchid trail with over 140 natural and exotic species, the hotel also boasts a botanical garden, a tea plantation, waterfall and the inspiring petro-glyphs. Some of the activities to be taken include leisure walks to discover the beauty of the cloud forest, bird watching and the myth, mystique and mystery tour: For many a visitor the mountains yield awe-inspiring esoteric or hidden meanings. The Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers the highest in standards and service with 62 rooms, restaurant, bar and the original old chapel, still used as a place of worship. The Princess Royal had the pleasure of visiting this hotel in 1998 and took a great interest in the orchid trail. Return to Destinations

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