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DESTINATION: MACHU PICCHU
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MACHU
PICCHU
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Machu Picchu was
made public in 1911
once the explorer
Hiram Bingham
arrived there. When
Bingham was taken to
Machu Picchu by
locals, some of them
where
using some of the
terraces to
cultivate their
harvests. Machu
Picchu was never
found by the
Spaniards. Since
1911, Machu Picchu
has been the reason
of many studies,
articles, and books.
In 2007, Machu
Picchu was chosen as
one of the new
wonders of the new
world.
Machu Picchu is
located on top of
the Machu Picchu
Mountain at 7,800
feet above sea level.
Machu Picchu is
surrounded by
several mountains.
The closest one is
the Huayna Picchu
Mountain and hiking
to the top provides
a spectacular view
of Machu Picchu.
Only 400 people are
able to hike to the
top of the Huayna
Pichu Mountain per
day. The peak of
the Huayna Picchu
Mountain is about
350 feet higher than
Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu has
several terraces,
rooms, temples, and
chambers. It is
believed that the
Incas left Machu
Picchu to go further
towards the jungle
to hide from the
Spaniards. There is
not a definite
answer about its
purpose. One theory
says that Machu
Picchu was an
observatory because
during the winter
solstice at dawn the
sun shines through
the “Torreón”
located at the Sun
Temple. This is
only one of
mysteries of Machu
Picchu. Also, it is
believed that Machu
Picchu is full of
energy.
There are two ways
to arrive to Machu
Pichu. One is by
taking the train and
the other one by
hiking the
Inca
Trail or
an
alternative trek.
Definitely, the most
spectacular one by
far is by hiking the
Inca Trail. Arriving
to Machu Picchu
after three days of
hiking is just one
of those things that
you will never
forget for the rest
of your life. If you
would like to get
more facts about the
Inca Trail trek,
please click here.
The train can be
taken from Cusco or
Ollantaytambo
towards Aguas
Calientes. Aguas
Calientes is the
nearest town to
Machu Picchu. It is
recommended to stay
one extra night in
Aguas Calientes. By
staying one extra
night, you will be
able to come back to
Machu Picchu the
next day or visit
the town of Santa
Teresa and enjoy the
hot springs of the
town.
You will be able to
go from Aguas
Calientes to Machu
Picchu by taking a
bus or hiking to the
top of the Machu
Picchu Mountain. At
the top of the Machu
Picchu the
Sancatuary Lodge is
located. Spending a
night at the
Sanctuary Lodge will
provide you a
magical experience,
however, it is a
pricy hotel because
of its location.
Whenever you decide
to go to Machu
Picchu, please make
sure that you choose
a company that you
can trust in and
takes care of the
environment.
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