When deciding where to travel to on your next adventure, you’re highly likely to have come across stunning photographs of Machu Picchu – one of the newly pronounced natural wonders of the world! This symbol of natural beauty offers tourists the opportunity to indulge in the holiday of a lifetime, whether they’re looking for five-star luxury or the opportunity to hike the Inca Trails. Set in the epicentre of subtropical rainforest and offering the opportunity for several endangered species of animal to thrive, the mountain trails are certain to provide you with a memorable trip.
The swirling mist creates a true element of atmosphere in this incredible destination, and with free-roaming llamas making the perfect partner for your picture, Machu Picchu is the ideal destination for all. Here, we’re taking a closer look at the wonder of Peru and the prodigious Machu Picchu.
The History Of Machu Picchu
The breath-taking Machu Picchu is a sight to marvel for a lifetime. The incredulous Incan city was built atop the Andes Mountains and while it has had several eras of occupation, the archaeologists believe that Inca Pachacutec was the mastermind behind this incredible architecture. Despite the incredulous fortress being occupied by at least three generations of Incas, the empire’s home was suddenly abandoned – for reasons which remain unknown to this day.
The citadel was then lost and forgotten until its rediscovery in 1911. With the Peruvian government having spent a considerable amount of time preventing the erosion of the area, the citadel now stands as a legacy, displaying the greatness of the ancient world. This preservation has been made much simpler by the fact that the city had naturally conserved many of its original structures due to the granite plateau, Basalt, and andesite, all of which were chosen by Pachacutec upon building.
Cusco
Cusco is a currently thriving Inca capital which acts as a grand gateway to Machu Picchu. Here you can witness some of South America’s richest cultures and traditional locals dressed in the finest of clothing. Visiting Cusco is a must on your trip to Machu Picchu and to get the true Peruvian experience, make sure to support the local artisan and indulge in velvety Amazonia chocolate before you make the pilgrimage to the heart of the lost civilisations.
The Sacred Valley
Located nearby to Machu Picchu and Cusco, the Sacred Valley is one to be marvelled. This area of farmland was once the heart of the Inca Empire, and here you can visit the likes of the Ollantaytambo ruins and town and other incredible Inca citadels such as Pisac and Chinchero. The altitude is much lower here than it is in Cusco and in Machu Picchu, so you may want to spend some time here if you are concerned about altitude sickness at all. El Valle Sagrado awaits.
Socially Responsible Lodgings
The increased footfall in Machu Picchu has led to serious and concerning erosion of the natural wonder and as a result, the government has chosen to restrict the number of tourists per day to 2500. When hiking this spectacular location, it is important to remain socially responsible – In dry climates in the Andes, toilet paper and other waste can take a significantly longer time to break down.
Responsible hiking is imperative when venturing through this incredible location in order to ensure thatPeru’s natural beauty can be preserved for even longer, so it’s important to ensure that you take care of the environment around you when hiking. Along the trails, you may find a number of socially responsible lodgings, including Mountain Lodges of Peru which are located in the Sacred Valley. Opt for these in order to ensure that you are doing your utmost to preserve Machu Picchu’s beauty.
If you want to travel to Machu Picchu, our experts here at Window To Travel can provide you with a bespoke package to ensure your itinerary meets your every requirement. Get in touch today!