One of the greatest unsolved mysteries of South American civilization is Machu Picchu. The ancient Inca city looks like a dream and reality surpasses the imagination. Situated between the crest of two mountains along the Peruvian Andes at more than 2,400 meters above sea level, the almost intact remains of an ancient culture consisting of alcoves, terraces, plazas, and temples make this ancient city the premiere archaeological site of South America. Once you get there, it is not difficult to imagine the inhabitants of the place and the priests and Inca royalty that made the existence of the city possible in the 1400s.

The ancient holy city of the Incas, or the so called ‘Lost City of the Incas”, occupies about 33 hectares on a flat plateau. It is situated at an altitude of 2700 m above sea level in the Valley of Urubamba, nestled in the two peaks of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu. Excavations carried out in Machu Picchu unearthed the world famous Gateway of the Sun, now referred to as the “Intiuatana and Observatory”.

machu picchu tours – Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru, and one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Pachacuti started a huge campaign of diplomacy and conquest that resulted in the extension of the Incan Empire to the other parts of the South American regions, reaching the Southern and Central Peruvian Highlands. Pachacuti and his sons managed to conquer large parts of the Peruvian coasts, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia.

From Puerto Maldonado, fly to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Cusco was once located at the crux of the four regions of the Inca Empire which gave the emperor the ability to rule such a vast amount of territory from one location. In fact, Lima was only founded and declared the capital by the invading Spanish because of its coastal location, prior to colonialism Cusco was the most important city in Peru. In addition to Cusco you will want to visit the Sacred Valley, a lovely, lush valley in the Andes with ruins scattered about and linked by the intricate network of trails developed by the Inca’s.

As Machu Picchu has long been associated with sun worship, attending the ceremony is a great way to get a feel of the authentic rituals which were conducted on the grounds of Machu Picchu during solstices of the sun. The most important temple to the sun god, Wiracocha, was housed at Machu Picchu and therefore Inti Raymi couldn’t be a more apt start to your Inca trail trek.

It was confirmed as a The Country’s Historical Attraction in the early part of the 20th Century and garnered a distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since the Machu Picchu was not plundered and destroyed by the colonizing Spaniards, its structure remained intact and became an important cultural location and is measured as a consecrated location based on the Incan’s religion. Machu Picchu was acknowledged as a part of the New Seven Wonders of the World throughout a telephone and online polls accomplished by the New7Wonders foundation.

The perplexing structure of Machu Picchu, the most important and exquisite legacy of the Inca people, is a part of the Historic Sanctuary with which it shares its name. It is also among just a few sites in all of the Americas that rank on the World Cultural AND Natural Heritage Lists put forth by UNESCO. Located atop a mountain almost 8000 feet above sea level, this sacred site celebrates and enhances the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds it. It is truly a unique location, making it easy to see why Machu Picchu tourism continues to expand.

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Explore one of the Seven New Wonders of the World on an exciting tour of Machu Picchu that will take you back into time. Get fascinating insights into the Inca Regime way of life with a tour of the magnificent and mysterious ruins. Read this guide to know what to see and do on Machu Picchu tours. You can either choose a guided visit which will take you to the noteworthy spots, or explore the citadel on your own. Take your time to explore this archeological gem as there are myriad places to see, all featuring distinctive characteristics which will help you understand a little better how the Incas lived and died.

If you are up to it, climb the strenuous hike up to the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu from where you will get the most spectacular views of the ruins as well as of the surrounding mountains and valley covered with lush forests. You will arrive on the site through the Sun Gate if you are coming from the Inca Trail, and if you catch an early bus in Aguas Calientes, you may in time to admire the sun rise lighting up the entire area.

There are several ceremonial sites and temples throughout the site. Near the summit of the main city stands the gorgeous Temple of the Sun, characterized by spectacular stonework, which was used to celebrate Inti (The Sun), one of the most important Inca deities. On Huayna Picchu, lies the beautiful Temple of the Moon, covering the entire slopes of the mountain. The temple comprises a set of architecturally enhanced caves, most likely used to hold mummies of important Inca ancestors and provide places for their worship. It also features intricate stonework on the walls which are decorated with niches and altars carved into the native rock.

Don’t miss the Intihuatana Stone, whose exact purpose is still unknown, and the only one that has been well-preserved. All others were found by the Spaniards in other Inca cities and destroyed. Some people believe the stone has special powers that fill you with energy when you touch it. Why not lay a hand on it and see? Maybe it will give the energy to hike up Wayna Picchu to get the most breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from above.