The Amazing Inca Stone City of Machu Picchu

Inca engineers' expertise can be seen in the intricate stonework found at Machu Picchu.

Cusco is a city located at 3352 meters above sea level, where the mountain weather is spectacular and the Inca traditions are evident. Cusco is a stunningly Spanish colonial town, rich in Peruvian culture. Sacsayhuaman, an impressive complex of huge stones which were meticulously crafted by Incan engineers, is located just up the hill.

The train ride from Aguas Calientes to Cusco is well worth the effort. Surprisingly Machu Picchu, located at 2438 meters above sea level, is actually lower than Cusco. This Inca citadel is located in the southeastern part of Perú, deep into the Amazon rainforest and near the National Park of Manu Peru . One sees changes in the biomes as they travel along. You will see incredible rivers all the way, especially the Urubamba. This river plunges endlessly into white water and can be seen for miles. Get some hot corn on cob from locals and jump out of the train when it stops.

It is also important to remember that Machu Picchu is located in the Andes. These mountains tower over all other mountain ranges of the region. The Andes are so majestically high and steep that it is hard to see how the Incas managed to conquer them.

The Romans and Greeks are highly regarded for their architectural excellence. What about the Inca? Can they really be considered superior to them architecturally? In their respect for stone and water, the Inca actually surpasses everyone.

On Machu Picchu, sixteen stone waterfalls run down one side. The massive, hand-crafted stones of Machu Picchu blend in near perfect harmony.

Machu Picchu is one of the most impressive architectural achievements and cultural centers in the Old World. Its construction is so perfect that it can withstand earthquakes. This is a common occurrence in Peru, and Machu Picchu in particular, since it was built on top of two fault lines.

The citadel has been a popular tourist attraction since its discovery. Nowadays, Machu Picchu is recognized as a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Before You Go

In an effort to manage the large number of people who visit Machu Picchu each day, stricter rules have been put in place for Machu Picchu since 2017. Visitors are not allowed to enter the city without a guide. Machu Picchu allows only 2,500 tourists to enter per day. Although there are already arrows in place to manage the flow of tourists, these will be even more prominent. Changes have also been made to the opening hours of Machu Picchu/Wayna Picchu as well as Cerro Machu Picchu. There are two entrance times to Machu Picchu: 6:00 AM and 12:00 pm.

Buses often depart from Aguas Callientes, which is itself a charming mountain town and very touristy! The journey to the site takes about 30 minutes and is made on a road with fourteen turns. It is possible to also trek the Inca trails to Machu Picchu. These include the Classic Inca Trail Trek 4 Days and one-day trail. The Mollepata and Mollepata trails all reach Machu Picchu and each take one, five, or four days. Each one offers a memorable and rewarding trekking experience.

Alternatively, you can hike solo to Machu Picchu via Hidroelectrica. Hidroelectrica takes approximately 2.5 hours to get to Aguas Calientes. You can follow the tracks and it is very easy. You'll reach Aguas Calientes in 5 minutes if you take the 7am van to Hidroelectrica from Cusco. You should leave Hidroelectrica by 11 AM to catch the vans back to Cusco at 2. You will find many steps on the site that are uneven and stone-like. They can be difficult for your legs and feet. It can get very cold at night so bring warm sleeping bags if you decide to trek the Inca Trail. Some alternative ways to Machu Picchu include the Lares Trek to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley Machu Picchu Tour, which are common travel packages that cover several Inca sites.