MACHU PICCHU

by
Enjoy Peru

ATTRACTIONS IN MACHU PICCHU SURROUNDINGS

Huayna Picchu The Moon Temple Intipuncu The Drawbridge

Inca Trail Mandor Waterfalls Hot Springs

INCA TRAIL

The so-called Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the spectacular and ancient road the Incas took to get to the citadel of Machu Picchu. It is 38/40 kilometers long and during the journey, many different points of archaeological interest may be visited: Patallacta, Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñay Huayna, Intipata, Killapata and Chaskapata, are some of them, aside from Machu Picchu itself.

This trail is normally covered in a four-day-long walk through valleys, woods, passes and Andean gullies. It is the best known trekking route in America. The official point of departure of the Inca Trail is "Kilometer 88" on the railroad track linking Cusco with Quillabamba. This point can be reached by train or private transportation.

These four days cost around US$ 450.00 including the ticket that must be paid to the National Institute of Culture to access the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. This price also includes the necessary furnishings of the camp such as porters and a guide accompanying the group. This person is responsible for the crossing and organizes the campsites and the food. As well, this guide explains the history of the archeological remains at the different stops on the way. The groups can be made up of up to 15 people, but can also be arranged privately.

This ancient trail joins Cusco and Machu Picchu (length: 39 km). You will see different archaeological sites along the trail, such as: Patallacta, Runkuraqay, Sayaqmarca, Phuyupatamarca, Wiñayhuayna, Intipata, Killapata, and Chaskapata, before you finally reach Machu Picchu citadel.

Sacred Inca Trail
It starts at km. 104 of the railway; with a length of about 10 km. You will see these monuments: Chachabamba, Wiñayhuayna, Intipata, Killapata ,Chaskapta, and, as a natural attraction, a crystalline waterfall, before you finally reach the citadel of Machu Picchu.

Routes along the Inca Trail Network to Machu Picchu
Besides the two roads mentioned above, there are also another four alternative roads, all in use for longer trips. They are:

Route 1: Inca Trail- 04 Days /03 Nights
Km. 82 (Piscacucho),Cusichaca, Huayllabamba,Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu citadel.

Route 2: Inca Salkantay Trail- 07 Days / 06 Nights
Salkantay, Huayllabamba,Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu citadel.

Route 3: This is the alternative Inca trail during the month of February 04 Days / 03 Nights
Km. 82 (Piscacucho), km. 88 (Qoriwayrachina), Pacaymayo Bajo, km. 104 (Chachabamba),Wiñay Wayna and Machu Picchu citadel.

Route 4: Trail to Salkantay
Salkantay, Huayllabamba, km. 88 (Qoriwayrachina). Machu Picchu citadel not included. On this road, in the stretches between Nevado Salkantay and Huayllabamba, you can use pack-animals, especially horses and mules.

MANDOR WATERFALLS

Visiting Mandor Waterfall is an unforgettable adventure. It is an area of lush forest surrounding the town of Machu Picchu.

You just have to follow the railway line from Machu Picchu Pueblo for a 45 minute-hike. You will reach a railway crossing, from which you will see a small group of houses whose dwellers will tell you how to reach Mandor Waterfall.

HOT SPRINGS

This is a definitely relaxing experience. You will enter different pools containing mineral waters at varying temperatures. This "natural sauna" in Machu Picchu Pueblo is located on Av. Pachacutec, just 7 or 8 minutes walk from the main square.

The Hot Springs offer all of the necessary infrastructure and are one of the main natural resources for medical therapy, being an ideal treatment mode for ailments such as rheumatism. They also provide a great way to relax, get rid of stress and toxins, enhance your metabolism and avoid high blood pressure, among their other properties.