There are several ways to reach the world-famous Machu Picchu. One of these is the classic Inca Trail–tagged as the direct path to the ancient Inca citadel.
Highlights of a multiple-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu Tour:
- Cross over the Sun Gate to get that first magical glimpse of Machu Picchu
- Traversing a trail of delicately carved rocks to fit with precision
- Experiencing a range of microclimates due to the varying altitudes
- Visiting several ruins such as the Winay Wayna, Intipunku, Sayamarcak, and Patallacta/Llactapata to name a few
Destinations:
Patallacta – the first ancient Inca checkpoint on the trail to Machu Picchu and first archaeological complex on the classic Inca trail
Runkurakay – an archeological site with a semicircular shape that looks like it’s perched above the clouds
Sayacmarca – an archeological complex with maze-like pathways, its height at 3600 masl allows you to view the Aobamba valley and snow-capped Pumasillo mountain
Phuyupatamarca – the archeological site on the Inca trail that is called the “place of the clouds”; features mountainside terraces, ritual baths, and a sophisticated hydraulic system
Intipata – believed to have been built for agricultural purposes
Wiñay Wayna – the most impressive Inca complex along the trail and is only 4 kilometers away from Machu Picchu; known for its high waterfall and views of the Urubamba gorge and Apu Veronica
Inti Punku – directly translated as ¨Sun Gate¨ or ¨Sun Door¨; the entry point to Machu Picchu citadel; used for ceremonial worship of the sun god, Inti
Machu Picchu – the most famous and iconic ruins of Peru where you can explore various chambers of this ancient citadel including the Royal Tomb, Temple of Three Windows, Temple of the Sun, the Condor Temple, the Intihuatana or sundial rock, the main plaza, and so much more
Activities:
- Ruins exploration
- Luxury camping
Modes of Travel:
Bus, train, van, walking, and hiking