VITAL STATISTICS
The goliath of South American archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, is Peru’s most famous Inca ruin. The world-renowned citadel, perched a dizzying 2430m above sea level, was “rediscovered” by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Built around 1450AD, the Inca city – comprising more than 150 buildings – is an architectural and engineering wonder, centuries ahead of its time.
BRAGOMETER
Bragging rights for this Andean beauty are as colossal as the ruins themselves. Machu Picchu – meaning “old peak” – has just the right amount of wow factor and exotic cred to impress your mates. But you’ll get extra brownie points if you get there on foot, sweating it out on the Inca Trail.
FUN FACT
If you don’t pronounce Machu Picchu correctly (mah-choo pee-choo) it sounds like “old penis” in Quechuan (most of us are guilty of this phonetic atrocity).
GUATEMALA AND PERU: FINDING THE PLOT
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The dry season, from May to September, is the ideal time to visit. Days may still be warm but the nights can be freezing. Avoid the peak tourist crush from June to August, and if you plan to tackle the Inca Trail, forget February as the path closes for maintenance.
WALK IT
Trekking the Inca Trail is the fabled way to get to Machu Picchu. The 43km, four-day trek has been attracting energetic travellers for decades. But be warned, it’s a knee-crunching, butt-pumping slog across steep, high-altitude terrain. That said, the reward – glimpsing Machu Picchu for the first time at dawn from Sun Gate – is that much sweeter when you have earned it.
You must walk with a guided group, and be sure to book well in advance as permits are capped at 500 a day (200 for tourists and 300 for guides and porters). Alternatively, you can trek one of the lesser-known routes.
TRAIN IT
The most popular way to get to Machu Picchu is by train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo.
Inca Rail and Peru Rail have regular train services for all budgets including panoramic window carriages and swanky private dining cars.
Trains stop at the gateway town of Aguas Calientes and there are shuttle buses up a steep and winding road to Machu Picchu.
SOUTH AMERICA’S UNEXPECTED DINING DELIGHT
TICKETS
Tickets are best bought in advance, particularly if you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Entrance is limited to 5940 people a day and admission is divided into morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-4.30pm), with a maximum visit of four hours. Buy tickets (from about $63) in Aguas Calientes or at the official government site (machupicchu.gob.pe). You will also need a guide.
EXPERT HACK
If you make it all the way to Machu Picchu, stay more than a day, says Helloworld Travel senior product development manager Paul Medley. “My main recommendation to anyone visiting Machu Picchu is to overnight in Aguas Calientes and take a second entry the following day. This gives you the chance to fully explore the site and means you can also choose to do one of the short hikes from the site without missing out on time in the main ruins. For me, the best experience from the site itself is to climb Huayna Picchu – this is the taller of the two sugar-loaf-shaped hills in the classic Machu Picchu photo.”
SELFIE MOMENT
The Caretaker’s Hut is where you’ll snap that classic Machu Picchu shot that will be your screensaver for years to come.
COMFORT ZONE
Organised tours and luxury options make travelling to Machu Picchu a breeze but the site is steep, uneven and at high altitude.
Peru is a developing country, so also be mindful of hygiene and security.
GET ME THERE
Intrepid Travel has eight-day Inca Trail trips departing Lima from $1533 per person.
SEE NEXT
For another mind-boggling archaeological site, this time courtesy of the Mayans, check out Chichen Itza on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
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