Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
Location: Cusco, Peru
Year of Inscription: 1987
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
Overview: Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is believed to have been built in the 15th century and abandoned just over 100 years later. The city is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley, and is surrounded by steep cliffs and the Urubamba River. It is considered a masterpiece of human creative genius, and is a testament to the incredible engineering and architectural skills of the Inca civilization.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Machu Picchu include:
History: The history of Machu Picchu is shrouded in mystery, as there are no written records from the Inca civilization. It is believed that the city was built in the 15th century as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. The city was abandoned just over 100 years later, during the Spanish conquest of Peru, and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Since then, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available at Machu Picchu, including:
Fun Fact: Machu Picchu was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, and is considered one of the most iconic and breathtaking archaeological sites in the world.
Entry Fees: As of 2023, the entry fees to Machu Picchu are as follows:
Foreign adults: S/152 (about $40 USD) for a morning entrance, S/200 (about $53 USD) for an afternoon entrance, or S/256 (about $68 USD) for a full-day entrance.
Foreign students: S/77 (about $20 USD) for a morning entrance, S/100 (about $26 USD) for an afternoon entrance, or S/128 (about $34 USD) for a full-day entrance.
Peruvian citizens and residents: S/15 (about $4 USD) for a morning entrance, S/30 (about $8 USD) for an afternoon entrance, or S/40 (about $11 USD) for a full-day entrance.
How to Reach it: To reach Machu Picchu, you can take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to the site. From there, you can either hike up to Machu Picchu or take a bus.
The most popular hiking trail is the Inca Trail, but there are other routes available as well.
It's important to note that visiting Machu Picchu requires purchasing tickets in advance, and there are limits on the number of visitors per day.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for where to stay near Machu Picchu. The most popular nearby town is Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. This town is located at the base of the mountain where Machu Picchu is situated and is the closest option for accommodation. There are many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to choose from in Aguas Calientes.
Alternatively, some visitors choose to stay in the nearby town of Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes. Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with Inca ruins and offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to Aguas Calientes.
If you're looking for a more luxurious stay, there are also a few high-end hotels located in the Sacred Valley, about an hour away from Machu Picchu by train.
It's recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the high season (June to August), as rooms can fill up quickly.
Next Stop: Manú National Park
Year of Inscription: 1987
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
(vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
Overview: Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is believed to have been built in the 15th century and abandoned just over 100 years later. The city is situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley, and is surrounded by steep cliffs and the Urubamba River. It is considered a masterpiece of human creative genius, and is a testament to the incredible engineering and architectural skills of the Inca civilization.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Machu Picchu include:
- The Temple of the Sun: A semi-circular temple that is believed to have been used for astronomical observations and ceremonies.
- The Intihuatana Stone: A unique stone structure that is thought to have been used for astronomical and ceremonial purposes.
- The Temple of the Three Windows: A rectangular temple that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- The Main Plaza: A large open area that was likely used for gatherings and ceremonies.
- The Inca Trail: A popular hiking trail that leads from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu, passing through several Incan ruins and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
History: The history of Machu Picchu is shrouded in mystery, as there are no written records from the Inca civilization. It is believed that the city was built in the 15th century as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. The city was abandoned just over 100 years later, during the Spanish conquest of Peru, and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Since then, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Family-Friendly Activities: There are a variety of family-friendly activities available at Machu Picchu, including:
- Hiking on the Inca Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and passes through several Incan ruins along the way.
- Exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu with a guide, who can provide insight into the history and culture of the Inca civilization.
- Visiting the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, which offers a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as hot springs for soaking and relaxing.
Fun Fact: Machu Picchu was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, and is considered one of the most iconic and breathtaking archaeological sites in the world.
Entry Fees: As of 2023, the entry fees to Machu Picchu are as follows:
Foreign adults: S/152 (about $40 USD) for a morning entrance, S/200 (about $53 USD) for an afternoon entrance, or S/256 (about $68 USD) for a full-day entrance.
Foreign students: S/77 (about $20 USD) for a morning entrance, S/100 (about $26 USD) for an afternoon entrance, or S/128 (about $34 USD) for a full-day entrance.
Peruvian citizens and residents: S/15 (about $4 USD) for a morning entrance, S/30 (about $8 USD) for an afternoon entrance, or S/40 (about $11 USD) for a full-day entrance.
How to Reach it: To reach Machu Picchu, you can take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to the site. From there, you can either hike up to Machu Picchu or take a bus.
The most popular hiking trail is the Inca Trail, but there are other routes available as well.
It's important to note that visiting Machu Picchu requires purchasing tickets in advance, and there are limits on the number of visitors per day.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for where to stay near Machu Picchu. The most popular nearby town is Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. This town is located at the base of the mountain where Machu Picchu is situated and is the closest option for accommodation. There are many hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to choose from in Aguas Calientes.
Alternatively, some visitors choose to stay in the nearby town of Ollantaytambo and take the train to Aguas Calientes. Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with Inca ruins and offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to Aguas Calientes.
If you're looking for a more luxurious stay, there are also a few high-end hotels located in the Sacred Valley, about an hour away from Machu Picchu by train.
It's recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the high season (June to August), as rooms can fill up quickly.
Next Stop: Manú National Park