Machupicchu
It is the most famous and spectacular archeological park on the continent, considered by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Besides its archeological wonders, it has an exotic flora with more than 180 species of orchids, as well as an abundant fauna; the amazing ant bear and the cock of the rocks (rupícola Peruvianis) national bird.
People arrive at the Sanctuary either by train or helicopter and then take the buses that leave every 30 minutes from Aguas Calientes, travelling 5 miles (8 km.) (about 30 minutes), up a steep road with many switchbacks. For those who can spend more time and would like to visit first the Sacred Valley, they can travel from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by road (via Pisac or Chinchero) and later on by train up to the station of Puente Ruinas.
Regarding trekking, there is an important Inca Trail in South America that allows people to walk along portions of the Inca road network, passing through several archaeological sites. Furthermore, people have the chance to enjoy excellent landscapes and observe a large variety of flora and fauna. All this before they arrive to the spectacular citadel of Machu Picchu.
This is an approximately 25-mile (40 km.) walk. The climbing starts at kilometer 88, where people arrive from Cusco by train.
It is advisable to do the walk in 4 days and 3 nights and preferably in the company of other people; people should not leave the marked routes. There are special camping zones.
Machu Picchu - Main Attractions
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- Watch Tower
- Upper cemetery and ritual rock
- Urban Sector
- Temple of the Sun
- The Intihuatana
- Group of the Sacred Rock
- Main temple
- Huayna Picchu
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