Visit Machu Picchu, Peru (UNESCO site)

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Machu Picchu is a 15th century Inca “estate”, built for an Inca Emperor, situated on an incredibly scenic mountain ridge high in the Andes above the Urubamba Valley (The Sacred Valley of the Incas) in Peru, 80 kilometers northwest of Cusco. Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is frequently regarded as the best and most familiar image of the Inca world. Considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The buildings of Machu Picchu exhibit classic Inca architectural style known as “ashlar” with rectangular stone blocks fit together without the use of mortar. The area around Machu Picchu is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and this mortar less style of construction allowed the buildings to shift slightly during seismic occurrences without collapsing. The site consists of more than 140 separate buildings, parks, temples, sanctuaries and residences. The world famous “Inca Trail” terminates at Machu Picchu and is still used today by visitors walking to and from the iconic ruins. The site can be reached from nearby Aguas Calientes by either bus or walking. Aguas Calientes is only reachable from Cusco by train or foot. There is only one hotel at Machu Picchu with most tourists wishing to stay overnight in the area finding accommodations in Aguas Calientes. Include an excursion on your list to See Machu Picchu during your dream trip to Peru. Your fantasies may include hiking the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu may very well be your reward when you check this adventure off.

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