Peru Machu Picchu Lost City of the Incas. The ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru - the point of death of a great civilization

Ilya Melnik

As I already wrote, the most striking trip of the first half of 2018 for me and my family was a trip to Peru. I will not be afraid to once again express the most enthusiastic epithets addressed to her and once again recommend everyone to definitely visit her.

Many people think that Peru is interesting only because it hosts the legendary Machu Picchu, the city of the Incas lost in the clouds, but this is not at all the case. In previous publications, I spoke in detail about the so-called Sacred Valley of the Incas and the Cusco region, which are of no less interest to the traveler. Moreover, outside the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru, there are many interesting things - the Ica stones, the Nazca lines, Lake Titicaca, the Amazonian jungle - so Peru is a country that you can come to again and again.

The idea to visit Machu Picchu was born spontaneously in our family as an extension of a planned trip to Brazil. At first, this idea was rejected due to very difficult logistics. A cursory search showed that Machu Picchu is a rather inaccessible place, where it is not easy for adults to get there, but we were supposed to travel with children. However, in fact, Machu Picchu can be reached quite easily, including with a preschool child, subject to competent advance planning. How to do this, I described in detail here

Machu Picchu is one of the new wonders of the world, the most visited attraction in Peru (more than 1 million tourists a year). Ancient city The Incas, founded, according to official science, in the middle of the 15th century, is located in a remote place high in the mountains at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. At the foot of the cliff flows the Urubamba River ( sacred river Incas, flowing through their entire sacred valley).

Before going into detail about amazing story Machu Picchu, I want to immediately emphasize that this is really the most amazing place I have seen from the man-made ones. Emotions, when you find yourself in this city, overwhelm, even despite the crowds of tourists (and if you arrive in the morning, the crowds can be avoided). This is a definite must-see, friends. Be sure to add it to your travel calendars.

"Discovery" of Machu Picchu

The "official" date for the discovery of Machu Picchu is July 24, 1911, when Yale University professor Hiram Bingham reached it, accompanied by the son of a local resident. Bingham explored the slopes of the Andes with the expedition and stopped for the night in the hut of an Indian family.

The little son of the owners was literally fascinated by the big white stranger and did not leave him a single step all evening. Bingham gave the boy a shiny one salt coin, not even suspecting that in return he would receive a truly priceless treasure. A small Indian led a scientist to the ruins of an ancient city.

Even a cursory examination was enough for Bingham to understand that he had just made the greatest discovery.

"Discoverer" Machu Picchu Hiram Bingham (first from left)

Like much that is connected with Machu Picchu, this date of "discovery" is a myth (or convention - call it what you want). The point is that even in late XIX centuries, Europeans began to learn about the existence of a "heavenly" city. There are documents that in 1894, another local farmer, Augustin Lizaraga, showed Machu Picchu to a certain Luis Ugarte, and in 1901, Lizaraga and two of his friends wrote their names on a rock near Machu Picchu. Bingham was well aware of this, but tried not to advertise such facts.

Machu Picchu remained unknown only to Europeans: there is a lot of evidence that locals were well aware of the existence of this place. Thus, the terraces of Machu Picchu were used by the Indians after the arrival of the Spaniards, which turned out to be recorded in the tax reports of the Augustinian monks of the 16th century. Moreover, by the time Bingham “discovered” Machu Picchu, several families lived on the territory of the ancient city, who used the same terraces to grow local crops.

At the same time, one should not belittle Bingham's merits either - after all, it was he who first began to study Machu Picchu as a professional historian, archaeologist, and scientist. True, a number of authors believe that he did not go far from ordinary robbers who plunder antiquities, since during his three subsequent expeditions (1912-1915) he sent more than 5,000 artifacts to the United States, allegedly for a while, for research, but they remained in America and were only returned by Yale University in 2007 after lengthy demands and threats from the Peruvian government.

Despite all efforts, historians and archaeologists have not been able to find anywhere indications of the real name of the city used by the Incas. The words "Machu Picchu" (translated from the language of the Quechua Indians who inhabited Peru before the Spaniards, literally means "Old Mountain" - as opposed to "Huayna Picchu - "Young Mountain") to designate this city was first used by Hiram Bingham, as they say, for want of a better one.

Foundation date

Machu Picchu and the age of the ancient city Machu Picchu is officially founded in the middle of the 15th century. However, there are many facts that indirectly testify to the much older age of this city.

The official version of the story refers to the comparison of buildings located in the center of Machu Picchu with buildings located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas and Cusco. These buildings are made in a similar manner of polygonal masonry, which I wrote about last time with admiration and delight, and official historiography considers them to be the authors of the Incas, which means that Machu Picchu could only be built when the Inca empire was created. Yes, yes, we are talking about those Incas, whose 12-million-strong empire was conquered by a detachment of two hundred Spaniards who did not know the wheel and writing. It sounds like complete nonsense, in my opinion, it is nonsense, however, if you come to Machu Picchu and take a guide, you will be convinced that it was so.

If we turn to the facts, they are inexorable: along with Inca objects, Bingham found in the city a lot of stone axes, bones of ancient bison, obsidian tips and pottery from the pre-Inca period. This, of course, is not about the fact that the city was built with stone axes, but it was known to the people living here for a very long time, obviously not 100 years before the Spanish conquest.

In his descriptions of Machu Picchu, Bingham, who devoted his whole life to it, repeatedly speaks not of the Incas, but of an unknown ancient civilization:

“The main thing is the delight of discovering here and there under the hanging vines or perched on top of the overhanging rocks of the massive stone structures of the past race ”(H. Bingham)

When talking about the age of Machu Picchu, historians cite radiocarbon data as an argument, which satisfies the main part of the general public. However, radiocarbon analysis is applicable only to organics, i.e. with its help, in principle, it is impossible to determine the age of the stone and buildings made of it. Organics found near this stone (for example, dishes) are analyzed, and at least a strange conclusion is made that if the jug dates back to the 15th century, then the building in which it is located also has this age. It's like if in 1000 years archaeologists will begin to determine the age of the Moscow Kremlin by some random plate from the presidential service.

In my opinion, the most important argument in favor of a much older age of Machu Picchu is on the surface. Like many things in Peru, Machu Picchu combines two types of buildings:

• those that were created using technologies that are not inferior or even superior to modern ones (to paraphrase - built by some other, clearly not Inca civilization),


• and those built directly by the Incas.

It is difficult for official historiography to dismiss such a clear difference in the quality of buildings in Machu Picchu, and historians have come up with a version that the city had houses of the nobility and houses of ordinary residents, for whom, figuratively speaking, no one bothered. Buildings from carefully processed blocks laid without any mortar fall into the category of “temples” or “palaces”, and structures from poorly processed or generally unprocessed stone on clay mortar fall into the category of houses for the lower classes and outbuildings.

At first glance, the architecture of Machu Picchu fits well into this formula - the city center is occupied by "houses for the nobility" and "temples" with high-quality masonry (outlined in red on the map), and much simpler buildings are located on the outskirts of the city (in zone outlined in yellow) - see the map of Machu Picchu (it is in Spanish, but the photographs and inscriptions are quite clear):

Map of Machu Picchu. The “profane” zone is highlighted in yellow, the “sacred” zone is highlighted in red. On the left of the map are terraces (agricultural sector). There is a small moat between it and the city.

However, there whole line places where this harmonious logic is clearly violated, and violated very seriously. The most indicative is the complex of buildings, which is usually called "workshops" in guidebooks. This is a whole row of houses located near the central square (on the map - the border between the yellow and red zones), just opposite the so-called "temples":

Two levels of technology in the "workshops" (from A. Sklyarov's book "The Sacred Valley of the Incas")

The lowest tier of the “workshops” complex is represented by the already well-known megalithic polygonal masonry of well-worked granite blocks laid without any mortar. However, the second tier of the same houses shows us a completely different construction technology: above the clearly visible border, there is already a masonry of much smaller, poorly processed blocks, fastened with clay mortar. This is quite understandable if we assume that the Incas "inherited" Machu Picchu and completed their constructions here on the remains of ancient buildings. But this is almost inexplicable from the standpoint of official historiography, except that the architects and builders suddenly lost their qualifications or suddenly died (jumped into the abyss or something). There is fundamentally different phases constructions spaced apart in time and radically different in technology, and later technologies turn out to be much more primitive.

And, of course, this happened not only "vertically" - as in the case of workshops, but most often - horizontally. The Incas built their buildings on the periphery, around the center of the city, built long before them by a completely different civilization.

Population and purpose of Machu Picchu

There are about 200 buildings in Machu Picchu, from which archaeologists conclude that at its peak, its population should have been about 1,000 people. At the same time, already in the middle of the 15th century, the city was drastically deserted (why, no one knows), and Bingham managed to find only 173 human skeletons in it.

AT different sources information is being replicated that of these 173 skeletons, 150 belong to women. This conclusion was made by Hiram Bingham himself, from which he concluded that best girls from all over the empire, apparently to form the harem of the Supreme Inca. This is a delusion, nothing more than a legend. Scientists from the University of Massachusetts concluded that of the 173 remains found, only half belong to women. Yes and appearance the city looks more like convent but an impregnable fortress.

Against the version of the "harem capital" of the Inca Empire, the complete absence in Machu Picchu of any gold items and jewelry that the Incas so actively used in the design of their main capital - Cuzco (remember the field of golden corn cobs near Coricancha) works.

So, the version of a secluded place where selected concubines were taken to the emperor seems untenable. What then was the purpose of this city? Different scientists express different versions, of which the version of a kind of "Vatican" seems to be the most convincing, the existence of which was not particularly advertised. Anyone who has been to Machu Picchu, the sacred nature of this place is obvious - it is really extremely unusual and filled with completely indescribable energy.

Thinking about the purpose of the city, we must not forget that it was founded not by the Incas, but by another, much more advanced civilization. In the book “The Sacred Valley of the Incas” I have already mentioned, Andrei Sklyarov puts forward a version that this place was ideal for the rest of the “gods”, away from the “human-monkeys” knocking bananas from palm trees with sticks. Be that as it may, the final truth, apparently, is not destined to be known to anyone.

Important tips for visiting Machu Picchu

• From July 1, 2017, the order of access for tourists to Machu Picchu has once again changed. An innovation has been introduced that it is impossible to turn around and walk around the city in different directions - all the paths are organized so that they form a large ring. In different parts of it there are guards who do not allow you to go against the flow and force you to go forward. So, this path inevitably leads you to the exit from Machu Picchu, and in order to enter the city again, you need to go through the turnstile again. When we were in Machu Picchu (May 2018), it was possible to make an unlimited number of entries on one ticket in the time interval indicated on the ticket (from 6:30 to 12:30 or from 12:00 to the closing of the complex). During the preparation of this material, I read that in the near future they plan to cancel the possibility of multiple passes to the complex on one ticket.

• You cannot buy tickets before entering Machu Picchu! This must be done at least in Aguas Calientes (or better yet, pre-order them via the Internet). How to do this is described in detail in my publication "How to get to Machu Picchu and not go crazy".


• Officially, you cannot bring food or drinks with you, but bags are practically not searched, and you can usually bring something (a sandwich or at least water). You can eat and drink right in front of the entrance to Machu Picchu, the price is raised, but not more expensive than on Red Square :).


• Unfortunately, quadcopters are strictly prohibited in Machu Picchu. Right at all. There is an article on Vinsky's forum about how the guys still launched the copter, carrying it in parts with the help of guides, but they were quickly caught and they ran into a bunch of problems. I tried to get permission in advance, but to no avail. By the way, in principle, the import of a quadrocopter into Peru is a hemorrhoids enterprise. At the border, you need to pay customs duty in the amount of 25% of the cost of the copter, and then, upon departure, get it back. However, this takes time, which is not always available at the airport, and the Peruvian customs officers are the same as ours (well, you understand).


• Don't trust the weather forecast. The weather at the top is unpredictable - it's best to play it safe and buy plastic raincoats. Weather programs can show you that there will be sunshine, but you can get into a terrible downpour (actually, as happened to us).

Actually, Machu Picchu. Beauty indeed!

At the end of this long publication - a few photos and notes directly from our walk around this ancient city.

Climbing up the half-hour serpentine on a special bus, we got into a terrible downpour. While they were pulling on their raincoats, they managed to get wet, plus the raincoats themselves turned out to be not ice either. The mood was so-so, because the sky seemed hopelessly covered with clouds. Nevertheless, we decided not to wait out the rain under the roof at the entrance (as most of the arrivals did), but to wander upstairs, taking the opportunity to take pictures of Machu Picchu with a minimum of tourists.

In the background is Mount Huaynu Picchu. To climb it, you need to buy a special ticket, but it's worth it. Recommended to anyone traveling without small children.

Fortunately, after about an hour the rain subsided, the clouds began to disappear and the weather began to improve, and these changes occurred quite quickly. Satisfied alpaca dries in the sun:

One of the many alpacas grazing on the terraces of Machu Picchu

I will say a banality, but the photographs do not convey even a hundredth of the emotions that you experience in this city. To quote the "discoverer" of Machu Picchu Bingham:

“By the variety of his charms, by the power of his charm, I know of no place in the world that can compare with him. Apart from the great snowy peaks rising more than two miles above the clouds; gigantic cliffs of multicolored granite rising sheer thousands of feet above a foaming, sparkling and roaring rapid, this place also has a striking contrast of orchids, ferns and trees, the attractive beauty of lush vegetation and the mysterious charm of the jungle. Irresistibly attracting continuous surprises in a deep windswept gorge, turning and meandering past overhanging cliffs of incredible height. (Hiram Bingham)

The feeling is that you are just walking next to the clouds - the way it is!

Due to numerous requests from readers, something has changed here. Now the pictures are stored on my small hosting, and not on flickr, and I increased the size of the long side to 918 pixels. If you have comments, write!

Machu Picchu (literally "old peak") is sometimes referred to as the "lost city of the Incas". This city was created as a sacred mountain haven by the great Inca ruler Pachacutec a century before the conquest of his empire, that is, approximately in 1440, and functioned until 1532, when the Spaniards invaded the territory of the Inca empire. In 1532, all its inhabitants mysteriously disappeared.

There are two ways to get to Machu Picchi: by train or by car. By train it is cheaper and much more comfortable, but you need to book tickets in advance, and it costs more than by car. It is better to buy train tickets yourself at the station in Cusco. It is impossible to get from Cusco to Machu Picchi by car, so you have to take a tour. Tour prices start at $120 per person with an overnight stay. The biggest problem is the road, as it goes through the pass, many do not withstand the constant serpentine and elevation difference of several thousand kilometers and the green ones come. More than half of the road is a primer on which it is generally impossible to hit. Since there is no direct road connection to Machu Piccha, the last segment will still have to be traveled by train.

The city is of no interest. The only attraction is thermal springs(admission $10), but due to a large number people, it's not very pleasant to be there. There are few hotels, mostly hostels cost 20-40 dollars per night, it is better to search for a hotel on your own, as travel agencies will try to slip a bedbug. There is one good hotel for $150 per night.

Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu costs $40, if you have ISIC then $20. Buses run from the city to the complex from 5 am. The ticket price is $ 7, you can walk, but it's hard, because you have to go up the stairs along the serpentine, along which the buses run. It is forbidden to bring into the territory of the complex big bags, they must be handed over to the left-luggage office, it is also impossible to use professional photo-video equipment. Lenses larger than 200mm are considered professional, so it’s better to put them in a bag or hide them in advance. I had to leave my video camera and 28-300 at the checkpoint.

Due to its modest size, Machu Picchu cannot claim to be big city- it has no more than 200 structures. These are mainly temples, residences, warehouses and other premises for public needs. For the most part they are built of well-worked stone, slabs tightly fitted to each other. It is believed that up to 1200 people lived in and around it, who worshiped the sun god Inti there and cultivated crops on the terraces.

For more than 400 years, this city was forgotten and abandoned. It was discovered by an American researcher from Yale University, Professor Hiram Bingham on July 24, 1911. When he arrived here, accompanied by a government-sponsored guard and a local boy guide, he discovered the peasants living there. As they told him, they lived there "free, without unwanted visitors, officials who recruit 'volunteer' troops into the army, or tax collectors." In addition, lovers of sights have already visited here before, leaving their names inscribed in charcoal on granite walls.

The road from Machu Picchu to Cusco is a fine example of the art of the Inca builders. Even in the rainy season the road is in excellent condition. The entire empire was covered by a wide network of communications, approximately 40,000 km long. The roads in the state of the Incas were primarily of strategic importance - troops had to pass along them. In addition, they contributed cultural exchange between all regions of the state. Thanks to the roads, people learned from each other the art of ceramics, weaving, metalworking, architecture and construction.

The Incas did not know the wheel, and mountain roads were most often stepped. Those that passed along the ocean coast were specially fenced on both sides with adobe walls that protected from the sun, wind and sand drifts. If a marshy lowland was encountered on the way, an embankment was made. Stone bridges were built across the rivers and suspension rope bridges were thrown, which the Incas considered sacred objects - death awaited those who damaged the bridge.

To build a city in such an inconvenient place for construction, incredible skill was required. According to civil engineer Kenneth Wright and archaeologist Alfredo Valencia Segarra, more than half of the building effort went into site preparation, drainage, and foundation work. Massive retaining walls and stepped terraces have been supporting the city for more than 500 years, preventing rains and landslides from demolishing it from the rocky ledge.

In the morning, chinchillas run out onto the stones to bask, but more on that tomorrow!

It's me!

Machu Picchu - the mysterious city ancient tribe Inca, located in Peru. It got its name thanks to the American Hiram Bingham, who discovered it during an expedition in 1911. Machu Picchu means "old mountain" in the language of the local Indian tribe. It is also known as the "City in the Clouds" or "City in the Sky". This mysterious and picturesque corner is located on an inaccessible mountain peak with a height of about 2450 m. Today, the sacred city tops the list of memorable places in South America.

The true name of the monument of Indian architecture remained a mystery - it disappeared along with its inhabitants. An interesting fact: the locals were aware of the existence of the "lost city of the Incas" long before its official discovery, but carefully guarded the secret from strangers.

Purpose of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu and its location indigenous people always considered sacred. This is due to the fact that there are several the purest sources spring water, which is of paramount importance for human life. In the past, the city existed in isolation from the outside world, and the only means of communication with it were the Indian trails known only to the initiated.

The nearby cliff of Huayna Picchu (translated as “young mountain”), in its shape resembles the face of an Indian facing the sky. Legend has it that this is the guardian of the city, frozen in stone.

Today, researchers are still concerned about the goal of creating a city in such a remote and inaccessible place - on top of a mountain surrounded by dense forests and high peaks. The issue is still open for discussion. According to some scientists, the beauty of the local nature could be the reason for this, others are convinced that the matter is in the powerful positive energy of this territory.

The most popular assumption about a suitable astronomical observations the location of the tops of the cliffs. Apparently, this allowed the Indians to get a little closer to the Sun, the supreme deity of the Incas. In addition, many structures in Machu Picchu were clearly created in order to study the starry sky.

With a high degree of probability, this place served as the main religious center, intended for visiting astronomers and astrologers. Here they could teach various sciences to students from elite families.

The city, apparently, really has a strong patron. It is known that during the attack of the Spanish conquistadors on the Inca Empire in the middle of the 16th century, Machu Picchu was not damaged at all: outsiders never knew about its existence.

Pearl of ancient architecture

The architecture of the city, carefully thought out by Indian architects, is able to amaze the imagination of modern man. The ancient complex, located on a plot of 30,000 hectares, is recognized as a real pearl of antiquity.

During the first inspection of the city by the Bingham expedition, archaeologists were struck by the carefully thought-out layout and the rare beauty of the buildings. It remains a mystery how the Incas were able to lift to such a height and move huge stone blocks, reaching 50 or more tons of weight.

The engineering thought of the ancient Incas is amazing. Some scientists offer a version about the alien origin of the authors of the mining project. The terrain was selected with the expectation that the city would not be visible from below. This arrangement ensured complete safety for the inhabitants of Machu Picchu. The houses were built without the use of mortar, the builders created best conditions for a comfortable stay.

All buildings have a clearly defined purpose. The city has many astronomical observatories, palaces and temples, fountains and pools. The dimensions of Machu Picchu are small: about 200 buildings were built, in which, according to rough estimates, no more than 1000 inhabitants could be accommodated.

The central temple of Machu Picchu is located in a western direction from the center. Behind it there is an elevation with a long staircase leading visitors to the stone of the Sun (Intihuatana) - the most mysterious landmark of the entire architectural complex.

Given that the ancient Incas did not have tools like modern equipment, one can only guess how long it took to equip this beautiful place. According to some estimates, the Indians built Machu Picchu for at least 80 years.

abandoned shrine

The existence of the city is associated with the era of the reign of Pachacutec, known to historians as a great innovator. It is believed that the ancient city was chosen by him as a temporary residence during the hot season. Scientists have found that people lived in Machu Picchu from 1350 to 1530 AD. e. It remains a mystery why in 1532, without completing the construction, they left this place forever.

Possible reasons for their departure, modern researchers consider:

• desecration of a shrine;
• epidemic;
• attack by aggressive tribes;
• civil wars;
• shortage drinking water;
• the city's loss of importance.

The most common is the version of the desecration of the shrine of the Incas - violence against one of the priestesses. The Incas might have thought that even animals were not allowed to live on the polluted land.

No less popular is the assumption of a smallpox epidemic among the local population. Perhaps most of the inhabitants of the city went to another world as a result of an outbreak of this disease.

Attack by aggressive neighboring tribes and civil war many researchers consider it unlikely, since no traces of violence, armed clashes or destruction have been found on the territory of Machu Picchu.

The lack of drinking water could push the residents to decide to leave the habitable place.

Also, the city could lose its original meaning after the disappearance of the Inca Empire under the onslaught of the Spanish conquerors. The inhabitants could leave it to protect themselves from the invasion of strangers and avoid the imposition of Catholicism alien to them. Finding out the true reasons for the sudden disappearance of people continues to this day.

Machu Picchu in the modern world

Today Machu Picchu carries much more than an archaeological monument of antiquity. This place has become the shrine of the Andes and the real pride of their country.

Many mysteries of Machu Picchu are still unsolved. A separate place in the history of the city is occupied by the long-term search for the missing gold of the Incas. As you know, the Indian shrine did not become the place of his discovery.

The city is open to visitors all year round and is still of great interest to scientists. Thousands of researchers go on a long journey, wanting to contribute to the disclosure of the secrets of Machu Picchu.

A trip to this beautiful place will be unforgettable and will give you many memorable photos. Numerous tourists arriving annually in the "city among the clouds" invariably feel the unique spirit of this mysterious place. From the numerous terraces, the most beautiful views of the river landscapes extend, and climbing the neighboring mountain Huayna Picchu, you can see the structure of the city in detail.

Machu Picchu was awarded the title of one of the new 7 wonders of the world, and entered the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Machu Picchu(Machu Picchu) is a world-famous ancient city of the Incas and a monument of their culture, which is located on the territory of Peru in the mountains of South America (on a mountain range 2430 meters high) above the valley of the Urubamba River, near the town of Aguas Calientes. Interestingly, Machu Picchu is often referred to as " by the lost city Incas, and in 2007 he received the title of the New Wonder of the World. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most famous cities in the world, lying in ruins today. It has also been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983 and is considered the main attraction of Peru.

Every year, Machu Picchu is visited by over a million people who travel here, to the heart of the Andes, from all over the world. So we, as part of our round-the-world trip and a trip to Peru, could not miss Machu Picchu and decided to come to distant Aguas Calientes to look at the famous Machu Picchu. And now I’ll tell you in detail about what the Inca city lost in the mountains is like and how to organize a trip to Machu Picchu on your own and, of course, a little about our impressions.

Machu Picchu

Anyone who is ready to travel between continents can see Machu Picchu. Turns out, tour to Machu Picchu It's not that hard to organize yourself. We ourselves went there without any problems, and now we will share with you our personal experience.

Basic information:

Name	Machu Picchu (Quechua: Machu Picchu). This name in translation means "old peak".
Where is	The ruins of the ancient city of Machu Picchu are located on top of a mountain range in Peru, on the mainland of South America, near the city of Aguas Calientes.
GPS coordinates	13°09′48″S, 72°32′44″W
How to get there	Fly to Lima by plane, from there take a bus to Cusco (or take another Lima-Cusco flight), and then get by train to Aguas Calientes, and from there take a bus to the entrance to Machu Picchu.
When built	Approximately in 1440, the Inca ruler Pachacutec
Height above sea level	2450 m
abandoned	In 1532
re-opened	July 24, 1911 by American archaeologist Hyrum Bingham
Number of structures	About 200 temples, residences, warehouses and residential buildings
Estimated number of inhabitants	1200 people
architectural features	In construction, megaliths were used and polygonal masonry was used. To level the slopes of the hills, cascading stone terraces were made. Of particular interest is the road built by the Incas from Machu Picchu to Cusco.

Preparing for the trip

Just a few simple steps will bring you closer to your cherished goal.

1. The first step is to buy tickets to Peru. First from Moscow to Lima and then to Cusco. See website for current prices. Aviasales. The distance between Lima and Cusco can also be covered by bus, but this is extremely tiring. Buses also run to Cusco from Arequipa, Puno (Lake Titicaca), Nazca and other cities in Peru.
2. Then choose the date of your visit and pay for tickets to Machu Picchu online or at a travel agency.
3. The PeruRail train will take you from Cusco to Aguas Calientes on a scenic route.
4. You can also choose the option to travel by train to Machu Picchu from Ollantaytambo. To do this, you need to go by taxi or bus along the Sacred Valley of the Incas from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, from where, having examined the local ruins, take the train to Machu Picchu.
5. After the arrival of the train, you need to check into a pre-booked hotel in Aguas Calientes for one or two nights.
6. In the morning, take the bus that goes from Aguas Calientes up the mountain to the entrance to Machu Picchu
7. And here it is, the long-awaited walk around Machu Picchu!

But it is worth remembering that each of the points has different alternatives:

• For example, you can go not by train, but by minibus right away from Cusco to Hydroelectrica, and then walk along the railway for about 10 km to Aguas Calientes. This method will allow you to save a lot, but it is rather unreliable and even somewhat dangerous.
• Get up instead of the bus to Machu Picchu walking up the stairs about 400 meters up, but this is only for the well-trained physically.
• You can also walk all the way to Machu Picchu from Cusco. For this there is the most popular track called Inca Trail, but there are others as well.

To visit Machu Picchu, you need to buy a ticket in advance. This can be done via the Internet on the official website http://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/ or purchased in one of travel agencies in Cusco.

Important information for those wishing to see Machu Picchu:

• Tickets are not sold directly at the entrance to Machu Picchu. What's more, access to the small ancient Inca city is limited to avoid crowds of people wanting to see some of the most famous ruins in the world. Therefore, in total 2500 people a day can get into Machu Picchu.
• The neighboring mountains - Huaynu Picchu and Montagno are also limited in 400 person per day.
• In peak dry season (April to October) tickets to Machu Picchu sell out very quickly and disappear from sale weeks or even months before the date of visit.
• All tickets are nominal (as in Cambodia when viewed) and are valid only upon presentation of a passport. Therefore, if you did not have time to buy them, then it makes no sense to hope and try to purchase them from resellers.

In connection with all of the above, it is worth deciding in advance exactly when you want to visit Machu Picchu, as well as Huayna Picchu and Montaña. After that, buy tickets to Machu Picchu via the Internet online. In low rainy season (November to March) you can also purchase tickets directly to Cusco upon arrival, but only if you are interested in Machu Picchu alone.

Huaynu Picchu and Montagna

Many tourists, in addition to visiting Machu Picchu, choose to climb one of the two neighboring mountains - Huaynu Picchu and Monagna, to do from their peaks beautiful photo ancient Inca city from above.

• Huaynu Picchu (Huayna Picchu) is the most high mountain in the Machu Picchu complex. Its height is 2720 meters. The difference with Machu Picchu is almost 300 meters. A very narrow and difficult to climb path leads to its top along the rocks, in which high steps are hollowed out. Consider your physical abilities wisely before purchasing tickets for Huayna Picchu. You can climb to the top in 50-60 minutes. Not all reach, some come back without getting up. From the top there is a stunning view of main square Machu Picchu, to the canyon of the Urubamba River and the surrounding area!
• Montagna (Machu Picchu Montana) is a mountain located at the southwestern end of the city of Machu Picchu. The trail there is longer, but less difficult, and there are fewer people here. However, the view from Montagna is also very beautiful. In terms of time, it is worth laying about 1.5 hours to climb to the top.

To get permission to climb these mountains, you need to add a visit to them when buying an e-ticket to Machu Picchu on the official website and pay for a single ticket Machu Picchu + Montagna or Machu Picchu + Huaynu Picchu. The price of such tickets is much higher. Separately, tickets only to Huayna Picchu or only to Montagna are not sold.

New rules for buying tickets to Machu Picchu from 2017

From July 1, 2017 New rules for access to Machu Picchu came into effect. Due to the increase in the number of tourists, the official authorities of Peru decided to protect the main cultural heritage of the country and regulate people's access to the ruins of the Inca city.

So, here new rules for visiting Machu Picchu:

1. Entrance to Machu Picchu is possible in two time periods:

• Morning period: from 6:00 to 12:00;
• Daily period: from 12:00 to 17:30.

A separate ticket is sold for each period. When buying a ticket to Machu Picchu, you must choose one of these time periods. Visiting is possible only at the time indicated on the ticket, which cannot be changed after purchase.

2. The time that you can spend on Machu Picchu with a ticket has been reduced to 4 hours (previously the ticket was valid for the whole day). For example, if you bought a ticket for the morning period, you can enter any time from six to twelve, and you will only have four hours at the top. If you want to spend Machu Picchu all day, then you have to buy evening hours.

For the convenience of visitors, new maps have been compiled for walking around Machu Picchu, which are issued to everyone at the entrance. With these maps, you can easily make a route and not wander aimlessly around the lost city in search of sights of interest to you.

3. As for those who chose a ticket for Machu Picchu with a visit to Huayna Picchu or Montagna, then for them the time to visit is increased:

• 6 hours for those who bought a ticket for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu
• 7 hours for those who bought a ticket to Machu Picchu + Montaña

How much are Machu Picchu tickets? It depends on the options you choose. The official website offers the following options in Spanish (by the way, it is better to buy tickets in the Spanish version so that all transactions go through):

• Machupicchu (Machu Picchu) - 152 salt = $47
• Machupicchu (2do Turno) - Machu Picchu in the second time period. Entrance at 12.00 — 152 salt = $47
• Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu 1G (7:00 - 8:00 a.m.) - Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu on the first run (from 7:00 to 8:00) - 200 salts = $62
• Machupicchu + Huaynapicchu 2G (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.) - Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu in the second run (from 10:00 to 11:00) - 200 salts = $62
• Machupicchu + Montana (7:00-8:00 a.m.)– Machu Picchu and Montagna from 7:00 to 8:00 – 200 salts = $62
• Machupicchu + Montana (9:00-10:00 a.m.)– Machu Picchu and Montagna from 9:00 to 10:00 – 200 salts = $62
• Machupicchu + Horario Vespertino(13:00) - Machu Picchu, evening visit from 13:00 - 100 salts = $31

We bought tickets for Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu on the first run. It is much more convenient, as there are fewer people than after 10-11 o'clock. And it’s easier to climb not in the heat of the day.

How to get to Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is located very close to the tourist town of Aguas Calientes, from where every day thousands of tourists recover to see the ancient city of the Incas. Therefore, the main thing is to find out how to get to Aguas Calientes.

This can be done in the following ways:

• by train— convenient and expensive;
• by bus to Hydroelectric + on foot- inexpensive, but quite dangerous due to the possibility of landslides in the mountains and very frisky drivers;
• walking in the mountains– expensive (inka trail) or budget, depending on the choice of route. This is definitely the most adventurous and exciting way to get to Machu Picchu.

Aguas Calientes - Gateway to Machu Picchu

Aguas Calientes (Aguas Calientes) is a small town located at the foot of Machu Picchu. It is also called "Machu Picchu Pueblo", meaning the City of Machu Picchu in Spanish. It is quite small, and almost completely filled with hotels and guesthouses, cafes and restaurants, and there are also hot springs.

There is no way to get to Aguas Calientes by car by road, as it simply does not exist. Only a railway line that runs along the bed of the Urubamba River leads to the city. Therefore, to get here, you need to buy an expensive train ticket, or use a combination of different vehicles: train, bus and your own legs.

But as soon as you get to Aguas Calientes, then Machu Picchu is already very close - over there on the mountain that rises above the city. There are two ways to get to the top: on foot along the trail (free of charge) or on an eco-friendly bus.

Getting to Machu Picchu by train- This is the most convenient, but at the same time quite expensive way. Best suited for those who do not have much time for tracks in the mountains or on the road with changes in different vehicles. There are cars with a transparent roof on the train, through which panoramic views of the mountains open. On the way, you can have a good lunch and drink a glass of wine, anticipating a quick date with Machu Picchu.

• The train from Cusco to Machu Picchu runs several times a day. He leaves the station Sometimes near Cusco in the morning (from 6 am to 9 am). Travel time is approximately 3 hours.
• Also, Aguas Calientes can be reached from Ollantaytambo or Urubamba. There are many more opportunities here: trains run from morning to evening. Travel time is 1.5 hours.

Train ticket price to Machu Picchu is from $54 to $450 one way per person.

Train tickets can be purchased online in advance. Peru Rail by choosing a convenient time and a suitable price.

Two day visit to Machu Picchu

The smartest way to visit Machu Picchu is to arrive in Aguas Calientes in the evening, check into a hotel, and in the morning set off to conquer the Inca city on foot along the trail or by bus, which departs very often and costs $ 19 (round trip). In the evening, take the train again and go back.

Hotels on Machu Picchu:

• Panorama B&B– excellent hotel with comfortable rooms, panoramic mountain views and breakfast;
• Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel 5*- most best hotel next to Machu Picchu with restaurant, sauna and spa.

Machu Picchu in one day

have time to see Machu Picchu in one day- possibly! If there is very little time, then you can go to Machu Picchu from Cusco by train and have time to return on the same day. This will require:

• Departure by the first train from Cusco (Poroy) at 6 am or from Ollantaytambo at 5 am. He will arrive in Aguas Calientes in 3 hours.
• Then you need to immediately take a bus that will take you to the top of the mountain to the entrance to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.
• On Machu Picchu you will find yourself around noon. You can spend several hours there studying lost city Incas.
• After descending at about 17:00 in Aguas Calientes, you need to re-board the train that will take you back to Cusco. The last train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo leaves at 21:50, and to Cusco at 17:20 (normal) and 17:50 (most expensive).

We ourselves would be happy to go this way for the first time, for informational purposes. And this method is suitable for most travelers who are not financially constrained and can easily pay for rather expensive train tickets. However, for a more detailed examination of Machu Picchu and climbing the Huayno Picchu and Montagnu mountains, I would recommend coming to Aguas Calientes and returning back on different days.

To Machu Picchu by bus and on foot in 2 days

Almost all budget travelers know that Machu Picchu can be reached in another way - combined - by bus (or inexpensive train) to the Hydroelectric station, and from there on foot.

Personally, we saw Machu Picchu in exactly the way described above. The cost of this route will be from $50 to $100 from a person.

We recommend planning three days for a trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu. It is better to spend the whole day in the Inca city and spend the night twice in Aguas Calientes than to rush back to the Hydroelectric by 14:00 and subsequently regret that we spent so little time in Machu Picchu itself. This is especially true for those who, in addition to the city itself, also want to climb Huayna Picchu or Montagna and go to the Temple of the Moon.

Trek to Machu Picchu - walking to the city of the Incas along the Andes

Trek to Machu Picchu- this is definitely the most interesting and exotic way to get to the ancient city of the Incas. You can choose from a large number of treks that include access to Aguas Calientes and an ascent to Machu Picchu.

1. Inca trail - the classic route to Machu Picchu

This is the most popular route in South America and perhaps the most famous in the world. Main Feature inca trail is that this path was laid out of stone by the Incas themselves, and they used it. Designed for 4 days, the track starts 82 km from Cusco, not far from the city, and passes through the mountains. Along the way, you can see other Inca ruins of the Machu Picchu National Park.

• Distance: 45 km
• Travel time: 4 days
• Inka trail cost: from $550 to $1550

You can go to the Inca Trail throughout the year, with the exception of February, when it is closed due to bad weather. To travel through the Andes, you need to hire a guide and porters. Total people who travel daily to the Inca Trail are limited. To get on this route, you need to reserve a place in one of the organized groups. It is better to do this in advance, about five months before the proposed trip.

2. Inca Jungle Tour

Another four-day trek to Machu Picchu is called Inca Jungle Tour. This is a real gem for extreme adventure lovers! The main difference from the Inca trail is that you don't have to walk all the time. Part of the route, which coincides with one of the sections of the Inca Trail, is covered on foot, another is on a mountain bike, and another is rafting on the Vilkanota River. Also, one of the sections, passing directly above the Santa Teresa Canyon, will literally have to fly through the air on a zip-line.

Without a doubt, this is a very popular option to see Machu Picchu. Organized groups depart from Cusco every day. You can book this trip at any time of the year. Its cost is from $200 to $350.

3. Trek to Salkantay

the most beautiful trek to Salkantay This 4-day tour takes you through the Cordillera Vilcabamba and is a fascinating alternative for those who prefer to walk on unexplored trails. Mount Salkantay is the second highest mountain in the Cusco region (Ausangate takes the first place), which confidently stands guard between the mountain range and the jungle.

• Distance: 58 km
• Travel time: 4 days
• Price: from $250 to $450

On the way, you will need to overcome on foot the pass between two mountains - Salkantay (6270 meters high) and Umantay (6070 meters), and you will also see glaciers and beautiful valleys. According to National Geographic, this track is one of the top ten in the world.

4. Track Lares

For sophisticated travelers lares track is another alternative to the crowded Inca trail. This track leads through various villages in the Andes. Along the way, you can see the majestic peaks of mountains with glaciers, mountain lakes and valleys, peaks covered with forests in the clouds, and hot springs. It will also be interesting to visit the people of Quechua, famous for their unique textiles.

• Distance: 37 km
• Days on the road: 4 days
• Price: from $200 to $400

Keep in mind that Lares track is not available every day. Specify details in advance.

5. Trek to Choquequirao and Machu Picchu

Trek to Machu Picchu through Choquequirao is one of the most beautiful tracks in the world, recognized by National Geographic as the most the best trip in 2015. During this trek, you will first have to visit another Inca city lost in the Andes - and then go further through the mountains to Machu Picchu. The track is quite difficult, autonomous and suitable only for experienced hikers. We passed only the first part of it - from Kachora to Chokequirao and back.

• Distance: 93 km
• Travel time: 9 days
• Price: from $100 to $500, depends on your habits and autonomy. You will need a tent, a gas burner, food and water for the whole journey. Equipment can be rented in Cusco. Along the way, there are small villages where you can sometimes have a cheap meal.

Let's calculate how much a trip to Machu Picchu costs. Let's imagine that we have two options: to go by the cheapest way or more expensive (but not the most expensive). To simplify, we will agree that we have already arrived in, and then got from there to the city of Cusco. So we will consider the costs only for the journey from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

1. The minimum cost of visiting Machu Picchu is made up of:

• Bus from Cusco to Hydroelectrica and back - 80-90 soles ($30)
• Hotel in Aguas Calientes - $20-30 per day
• Ascent to Machu Picchu - free
• Food is different for everyone.

Total: to see Machu Picchu, you will need minimum 120 dollars provided that you are already in Cusco.

2. How much does it cost to see Machu Picchu on average:

• Train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes - $90-100; train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo - $60-100
• Bus - 10 soles or taxi - $25 from Cusco to Ollantaytambo
• Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and back - $24
• Hotel in Aguas Caliente - $40-60 per day
• Ticket to Machu Picchu – minimum $47
• Food is different for everyone.

The total comes out to about 350-400 dollars per person.

Just take it and go to Machu Picchu will not work. It is necessary to prepare in advance for visiting Machu Picchu so that the visit goes smoothly. Next, I will share information and give tips and recommendations that can be useful to all travelers who are going to see the ancient city of the Incas with their own eyes.

general information

• In Quechua name Machu Picchu means "Old Mountain". And Huaynu Picchu is the "new mountain".
• At the entrance to Machu Picchu, you can put visit stamp to the lost city of the Incas in your foreign passport. The cost of the service is 1 sol. However, be aware that some embassies may not like such travel and collection stamps when applying for visas.
• The Inca technique of processing and fitting stone blocks and building structures from them is called ashlar(Ashlar). The stones are so close to each other that even a sheet of paper cannot be squeezed between them.
• Machu Picchu also served observatory. The sacred stone in the Temple of the Sun marks the equinox twice a year, and the sun stands directly above it and casts no shadow.
• On the inca trail only 500 people a day are allowed to prevent erosion. And in February the track is closed altogether.

What to bring

On Machu Picchu you will absolutely need the following things:

• Passport. You can't get to Machu Picchu without a passport;
• Ticket for Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu/Montagna. And just in case, you need to have a bank card with you, with which the payment was made (it is sometimes asked at the entrance);
• Money for a stamp (1 salt), a toilet (1 salt), a guide (as agreed) and a restaurant (very expensive);
• Camera and phone;
• Comfortable layered hiking clothes and good trekking shoes;
• Drinking water;
• Some food. Keep in mind that officially you are not allowed to enter Machu Picchu with food, and if you find it at the entrance, you will be required to hand it over to the storage room;
• Umbrella or raincoat + sunscreen.

What not to take with you

Some of the things that you are so used to traveling with may turn out to be completely superfluous to Machu Picchu. I will list what is forbidden to bring with you to the territory archaeological complex:

• Tripods are not allowed on Machu Picchu. If you have it, then you will have to leave it in the storage room.
• Professional photographic equipment. Use of such equipment is possible only in agreement with the administration and for an additional fee.
• You can not carry large backpacks and bags, only small ones with personal belongings are allowed. It is best to leave your suitcase and any other bulky luggage in Aguas Calientes.
• The use of trekking poles with sharp ends is unacceptable. It is allowed to use a cane only to those people who are entitled to it for health reasons.
• Large spoked umbrellas are also prohibited. You can take only a small folding umbrella to hide under it from rain or sun.

• If you are traveling on a budget and traveling to Machu Picchu by bus, then you may encounter a collapse in the mountains. This will delay your journey. During our trip, due to a landslide, we lost a lot of time and we had to overcome steep mountain slopes on foot. Tourist minibuses go to Hydroelectrica not along an asphalt road (it simply doesn’t exist there), but along the very edge of the cliff of the Santa Teresa Canyon. This is quite scary and you will need strong nerves and endurance. Especially in complete darkness. Some drivers drive like crazy.
• If possible, buy the cheapest train tickets and save your life.
• When buying tickets or trek permits to Machu Picchu in Cusco, pay attention to the fact that a real trusted travel agency must have two certificates - from the city and from the tourist department. They should hang in the office in a conspicuous place. This will save you from wasted money, time and nerves.
• As with any tourist destination, always keep an eye on your valuables. Personally, we have not encountered crime in the tourist places of Peru, and we do not advise you either.
• What is the best way to see Machu Picchu? If you have a full day, then the most reasonable option would be to leave the hotel as early as possible. You need to reach the bridge, through which the entrance to the mountain is opened at five in the morning (buses start running there at about six). The climb will take at least an hour. It is better to watch Machu Picchu until 11 o'clock (if you are lucky with the weather and there is no heavy fog), while there are not many people in the ancient city of the Incas. And then you can find a secluded place where you can try to relax, have lunch, even sleep. From 15:00, when most of the people will leave and the sun will no longer burn so hard, continue your acquaintance with Machu Picchu. To do this, you will have to buy two tickets to Machu Picchu - in the morning and in the afternoon.
• Due to the new rules for visiting Machu Picchu, it is most reasonable to buy tickets for the morning time slot, as well as evening tickets (half price). Then all day ticket will cost 47+31= $78 instead of 94.
• Is it possible to get to Machu Picchu for free? No. But you can look at the unique city of the Incas from one of the mountains - Putucusi (Phutuq Kusi) for free. The beginning of the ascent to this mountain is on the road to Gidroelektika. However, this road can only be conquered by experienced climbers and rock climbers. You should not go there without equipment, as the rocks in some areas are completely bare and there is nothing to catch on. There used to be wooden stairs, but they decayed and broke due to humidity. The ascent can be completed in 1.5 hours. From the top of Mount Putukushi, you have a view of Machu Picchu, very beautiful, but a little further than from Huaynu Picchu. By the way, Mount Putukushi was revered by the Incas along with Machu Picchu and Huaynu Picchu.

Machu Picchu - Our Journey to the Ancient Inca City

Journey to Machu Picchu is the dream of many inhabitants of our planet. We also dreamed of Machu Picchu for a long time and prepared for a long time to visit this city lost in the Andes. And now we will tell you exactly how we got there and how we saw it.

So, our trip to Machu Picchu took place at the end of October, and we were very lucky with the weather! From the very morning it was cloudy and very beautiful, the ruins lay in the fog, and in the afternoon the sun took its place in the firmament and everything was perfectly visible. Both at the top and in the city, as well as on the path to Machu Picchu, it was very warm, a weak refreshing wind was blowing.

It was already in complete darkness that we arrived at the Hydroelectric railway station, from where we set off on a night track along the sleepers towards Machu Picchu. The main thing is that we got to Aguas Calientes and even slept a little at the hotel and had breakfast (the hosts took care of those who start Machu Picchu at 4-5 in the morning).

Now there was another serious test: to climb Machu Picchu. We wondered if it was worth climbing up the very steep stairs on our own. Of course, there is an alternative - a $19 bus that will take you up to the Machu Picchu entrance in just 10 minutes (and then take you down). But we are as severe as the Incas or the Zealots, the defenders, or the followers of the rebellious Kasapa, decided that we could still climb to the top of Machu Picchu on our own.

And we succeeded, although we were pretty exhausted. We were so tired that at first we simply did not have the strength to enjoy the beauties of the ancient city of the Incas.

Here is how you can climb Machu Picchu on your own:

Several of the very first buses overtook us along the way, and one of yesterday's fellow travelers waved to us from the window, deciding that he was no longer able to walk on foot after yesterday's adventures in the mountains and unplanned night trekking.

According to my feelings, I can say one thing: if you really go on foot to Machu Picchu, then only in the early morning and for the sake of such mountain views in the morning haze. This, of course, is unrealistically beautiful.

And here is Mount Putukushi in the morning mist

With tickets to Machu Picchu, everything is strict. To enter, you must have a passport, a card with which the payment was made, a printed ticket. And do not forget that the ticket is valid only for the day for which you bought it. So if you are late, then you will not be able to walk along it to Machu Picchu on another day.

Right at the entrance we came across sobbing people who had some misunderstandings with tickets. They were refused to let them in, and, of course, people could not stand it and let out all their emotions: after all, they got here, to the end of the world in Peru, having overcome a bunch of obstacles! After all, even coming by train is an adventure! But everything is strict on Machu Picchu - 2500 people a day, and strictly by tickets, in accordance with the date of visit indicated on the ticket.

And even despite the rather high price (about $ 60), there are more and more people who want to get to the ancient city of the Incas every year, although Machu Picchu is still very far away from the USA with its 5 million visitors a year.

Walk around Machu Picchu

Having overcome the turnstiles at the entrance, we immediately got to the same patch, which is well known to everyone from photographs from the Internet. Trained llamas hang out on it, who take pictures with tourists against the backdrop of Machu Picchu. It is believed that this is like a mandatory selfie. But we decided to take a picture of the llama only.

After getting up we had a few minutes to look around and finally see Machu Picchu with our own eyes! Wow, a dream come true!

Then we wandered around the main plaza. There was still morning mist all around, which was gradually dissipating, and the sunlight was so beautiful that morning! Although we were very tired from the ascent, we couldn’t believe how beautiful the views were around!

Ascent to Huayna Picchu

Since we bought Huayna Picchu tickets in advance, we had one more ascent in the first run, which starts at 7 am (the second group starts at 10:00). So, barely having time to catch my breath and look around, I had to stand in line to those who wanted to look at Machu Picchu and the surrounding area from the top of the highest mountain.

Here is a staircase when climbing Huayna Picchu

Those who happen to buy a ticket to Huayna Picchu, I want to warn you in advance that it’s not easy to go up there! Very steep and narrow stairs, carved into the rock, on which people hardly disperse, limit the flow of those wishing in a natural way. Therefore, only 400 people are allowed there a day, in two sets, 200 people at a time. And tickets for Huayna Picchu must be purchased separately, and no later than a month before the visit!

And not everyone gets to the top of Huayna Picchu, many overestimate their physical form and subsequently leave the race. However, climbing to the top of Huayna Picchu is worth the effort, because from there you can enjoy a wonderful view of Machu Picchu from above.

And here you can see not only the city of Machu Picchu and Mount Montagno, but also the road along which the bus rises from Aguas Calietes

See also our video: view of Machu Picchu from Huayna Picchu:

• orange on the map– auto and railway stations
• green color– Approximate designations of walking routes to Machu Picchu
• blue- the main sights of Machu Picchu

Have an interesting trip to Machu Picchu, dear readers!

It is located about 100 km from the capital of the Inca Empire, the city of Cusco, in the mountains at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level and is so secluded in the Andes that the Spanish colonialists could not reach it. We became aware of this city in 1911 thanks to the American scientist from Yale Hiram Bingham. Although in fairness it should be noted that the locals always knew about Machu Picchu, but were in no hurry to share information with outsiders.

How Machu Picchu was discovered

The history of the discovery of this city is very interesting: the fact is that Hiram Bingham was looking for a completely different city - the legendary Vilcabamba, where, according to the legends of the Incas, many of their treasures and mummies of the rulers were taken during the conquest of the country by the Spaniards. Bingham wandered through the mountains in the hope of finding some trace of this city and on the way he met a boy carrying a ceramic jar. Bingham, being a scientific specialist, immediately realized that the jug was not simple, and asked the boy where he got it. The adult locals did not trust the gringo and tried not to give out their secrets, but the boy, out of the simplicity of his soul, told about Machu Picchu and showed Bingham the way.

New 7 Wonders of the World

Today, the construction of Machu Picchu seems incredible - the stones were transported from remote quarries: they were lowered down the wet clay slopes, dragged along the logs, and then they were polished so perfectly that even now it is impossible to stick a knife blade into the gap of the joints! Machu Picchu fits amazingly into the surrounding landscape, which is why it is often called the "city in the sky" or "the city among the clouds." The triangular roofs of his buildings seem to be part of the landscape. This is an engineering and architectural masterpiece: to build such a city, the builders had to have extensive knowledge of topography, geology, astronomy and ecology: natural slopes were used in the construction, and the construction technique ensured the stability of the buildings even in the event of a rock tilt of 40 * or in case of an earthquake.

City appointment

It is not known for certain why Machu Picchu was built. According to the documents of the 16th century, it was the residence of the Supreme Inca Pachacutec (1438-1470), which, after his death, turned into a place where children of noble families of Cusco were sent to study. Men studied astronomy, and women studied textiles. According to another version, the city had a military and defensive purpose: firstly, it provided control over the surrounding tribes subordinate to the Incas, and secondly, Machu Picchu controlled access to fertile tropical and subtropical regions where fruits, pumpkins, and coca were grown. and various medicinal plants - the most important products for that time.

Inhabitants of Machu Picchu

The city existed for just over 100 years - until 1532, when the Spanish colonizers invaded the territory of the Empire. At this time, the inhabitants of Machu Picchu mysteriously disappeared. According to one version, this happened because Machu Picchu was food dependent on the capital - Cusco, and when the Spanish conquerors came and food supplies stopped, hunger gradually forced the inhabitants to leave the city. According to another, 5,000 inhabitants belonging to simple classes went to fight against the Spaniards, and 3,000 nobles went to the legendary Vilcabamba and took their treasures with them. But perhaps the reason for their disappearance lies in something else.

Return of artifacts removed from Machu Picchu

2011 marks the 100th anniversary of Machu Picchu's “grand discovery” by Yale professor Hiram Bingham. After discovering the city, the professor explored it to the best of his ability and took a huge amount of artifacts found there to Yale. Since then, Peru has been negotiating with the United States for years to return the exhibits to their homeland, and in 2010 an agreement was finally reached. In 2011, more than 4,000 artifacts returned to Peru and were exhibited in one of the museums in the city of Cusco.

Huayna Picchu

(Huayna) Wayna Picchu is the mountain you see in all the classic images of Machu Picchu just outside the city. Translated from the Quechua language, this name means “Young Mountain”, while “Machu Picchu” means “Old Mountain”.

There are many residential and temple buildings on Wayna Picchu. The way up is quite dangerous; people with good physical fitness can decide on it. There are many people who want to go up there, but a limited number of people can pass: only 400 people a day. To get into this number, you need to buy an entrance ticket to Machu Picchu in advance, which includes a pass to Wayna Picchu. This ticket costs $10 more than a regular ticket.

When to go to Machu Picchu

The weather allows you to travel to Machu Picchu throughout the year. The dry season here lasts from April to October, and the rainy season - from November to March. You can also visit Machu Picchu during the rainy season, you just need to grab an umbrella and a raincoat: it's raining intermittently and sometimes the sun peeps out. In addition, during this period there are fewer tourists and you can walk more quietly through the ruins.

The temperature is quite even throughout the year, with strong fluctuations in daytime and nighttime values: -1 / +14C degrees at night and +23 / +27C during the day.

How to get to Machu Picchu

If several ways to get to Machu Picchu:

1. The most popular: take the train to the town of Aguas Calientes. You can get to it from Ollantaytambo station, which is an hour's bus ride from Cusco, or from Poroy station near Cusco. It is on this route that the excursion to Machu Picchu takes place.
2. The most interesting: walk along the Inca Trail. Classic trekking is designed for 4 days and average physical training. There is another very beautiful walking route to Machu Picchu: Salkantay trekking.
3. The most budgetary: get from Cusco to Ollantaytambo by minibus or bus. Then, by bus, get first to Santa Maria, then to Santa Teresa and Hydroelectrica. This journey will take 7 hours. From Hydroelectrica to Aguas Calientes can be reached on foot in 2 hours.

Please note that tickets to Machu Picchu are limited. Choose a time to visit and book a tour in advance!

Tours to Machu Picchu

We offer:

Rules for visiting Machu Picchu

The main provisions of the rules for visiting Machu Picchu, in force since 2019:

• Visitors are required to pre-arrange a time to visit Machu Picchu.
• The time spent on the territory of the archaeological complex is limited and depends on the type of ticket.
• Visitors can only enter Machu Picchu with a guide.
• You can use the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu once - you can’t go to the ruins a second time in a day with the same ticket.

ticket type	Entry time	Exit time
Ruins of Machu Picchu	From 6.00 to 7.00	Not later than 11.00
	From 7.00 to 8.00	Not later than 12.00
	From 8.00 to 9.00	Not later than 13.00
	From 9.00 to 10.00	Not later than 14.00
	From 10.00 to 11.00	Not later than 15.00
	From 11.00 to 12.00	Not later than 16.00
	From 12.00 to 13.00	Not later than 17.00
	From 13.00 to 14.00 From 14.00 to 15.00	Not later than 17.30

Only 400 tourists per day can climb Wayna Picchu. 200 tickets are available for the 7 am lift and 200 for the 10 am lift.

ticket type	Entry time
Ruins of Machu Picchu and Mount Wayna Picchu	To Wayna Picchu: from 7.00 to 8.00
	To Wayna Picchu: from 7.00 to 8.00	7 hours (3 hours to the ruins of Machu Picchu and 4 hours to visit Wayna Picchu)
	To Wayna Picchu: from 10.00 to 11.30	6 hours (3 hours to the ruins of Machu Picchu and 3 hours to visit Wayna Picchu)

Only 400 tourists a day can climb Mount Machu Picchu. 200 tickets are available for the 7am lift and 200 for the 9am lift.

ticket type	Entry time	Maximum time spent in Machu Picchu
Ruins of Machu Picchu and Mount Machu Picchu	To the territory of Machu Picchu: from 6.00 to 7.00
	To the territory of Machu Picchu: from 7.00 to 8.00 To Machu Picchu: from 7.00 to 8.00	8 hours (3 hours to the ruins of Machu Picchu and 5 hours to visit Mount Machu Picchu)
	To the territory of Machu Picchu: from 8.00 to 9.00 To Machu Picchu: from 9.00 to 10.00	8 hours (3 hours to the ruins of Machu Picchu and 5 hours to visit Mount Machu Picchu)

Permission to climb to Vaina Picchu or Machu Picchu is purchased along with an entrance ticket to the ruins of Machu Picchu, subject to availability on the desired date.

The main attraction of Peru.