Overview
Take a trip to Machu Picchu on your Peru Vacation
Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco region of Peru. One of the most impressive ancient sites in the world, Machu Picchu is an icon of the Inca civilization and, on a Peru vacation, remains the country's most popular tourist destination.
Machu Picchu was built around 1450 AD, at the height of the Incan Empire. It is believed that the area was constructed as an estate for Pachacuti, an emperor who ruled from 1438-1472. The site was abandoned just over 100 years later at the time of the Spanish conquest in 1572.
Despite settling in nearby Cusco, the Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu and the site eventually became overrun by the surrounding jungle. American historian Hiram Bingham discovered the site in 1911 and made it known to the outside world.
In 1981, Peru declared the area a Historical Sanctuary and in 1983, UNESCO named it a World Heritage Site because it served “as a unique testimony to the Inca civilization”. In order to conserve the area, entrance restrictions were put in place in 2011, but this has done nothing to diminish Machu Picchu’s immense popularity. People come from around the world to hike the famous Inca Trail on Peru tours and to come face to face with the past in this magical and iconic site.
Machu Picchu is one of the world's most famous landmarks. Book one of our Machu Picchu tours today and be awed by this spectacular site. You won't be disappointed.
At a Glance
Languages
Peruvian Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, AsháninkaCurrency
Peruvian Sol (PEN)What do the experts say?
For a unique experience visit an indigenous village high in the Andes for a Pachamama ceremony. I was fortunate to participate in one and the warmth of the people and how simple they lived, really touched my heart.
Dress for all weather types, climate can range from very warm and humid in Lima to cool and rainy in Machu Picchu and very hot and dry in the Sacred Valley
May to October is the best time to visit as it is the dry season with sunny days, clear skies, ideal for trekking and enjoy the landscape. However like in all Latin countries, the weather is unpredictable, so be ready if any rain show up during a sunny day
Everyone should make sure they try a Pisco sour - It's Peru’s national cocktail—a smooth, citrusy, and slightly foamy drink made with pisco, a type of grape brandy. It’s both refreshing and strong, with a sweet-tart balance and a signature foamy top from egg white.
It is astonishing how much incredible diversity of experiences can be packed into one country, Peru is full of deep cultural roots, a wide range of landscape, adventure and its delicious cuisine.
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Harjit CElisa planned our trip. We were met at the airport by Paul who drove us to Arusha. Adam, our guide and driver was with us the whole trip and was very knowledgeable about the country and the animals & birds we encountered. Accommodations were excellent, meals were delicious and the Tanzanian people we met at each location were so kind and welcoming. A wonderful trip.pat vickersWe had a wonderful trip to Peru for 11 days organized by Goway. Overall the trip was great, we loved our guides throughout, some of the hotels were truly amazing and it was helpful having everything organized and having a point person to ask questions and check in while we were there.
Some main highlights were:
1) Machu Picchu- I am so glad we did two tours, because the weather was perfect for views, but also had an opportunity to see Machu Picchu more in depth with a knowledgeable and friendly guide and had a little extra time in Aguas Calientes to shop, explore and even visit the butterfly garden and do some birdwatching.
2) Cusco especially the Hotel Aranwa Cusco. The hotel was incredible, excellent service, modern updates, it was a true highlight of the trip. Cusco itself was also a highlight, loved our half day tour, plus getting ideas for our guide on what else to see in our free time and where to eat.
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4) Everyone at Condor was great, from ensuring we had all our documents, tickets and itinerary to even stepping in to get water and agua Florida when we were feeling the altitude sickness the first hours in Cusco. Most of our rides and transfers were very comfortable and made the trip run smooth through all the different locations.
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