If you are exploring different options for Machu Picchu trips, the odds are good that you are at least considering a trek on the Inca Trail. This is a popular way to arrive at the famous mountain city of the Incas. Before we get there, though, let’s explore a few of the less time-consuming options.

The most popular means of reaching the Mountain City, by far, is by train. A four-hour ride from Cusco gives travelers ample time to enjoy the amazing scenery of verdant mountains and beautiful hillside villages.

Another popular option for Machu Picchu trips is a shorter train ride, departing from the ancient town of Ollantaytambo. Other options include buses and, for a truly memorable visit, a helicopter flight from one of the aforementioned departure cities.

For the most immersive travel experience, however, you’ll want to consider a trek along the famous Inca Trail. A walking trip along this trail will allow you to more fully understand the Inca culture, witness the majestic beauty of the Andes and Inca ruins, and contemplate the amazing accomplishment of constructing Machu Picchu. These trips usually last four days, and culminate with a visit to the Inca mountain city.

Routes along this trail are now quite popular, and as a result there is good infrastructure that functions to support trekkers on Machu Picchu trips. This offers many options for dining and lodging along the way.

To plan your trip, though, you’ll want to go with one of the many tour operators conducting tours on this route. Selecting a tour company can be a very difficult decision. While I’m not going to make any specific recommendations, I can give a few tips. First, you’ll want to make sure that your operator is licensed. Many companies claim to conduct treks, but not all are licensed by the Peruvian government to do so.

machu picchu tours – Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru, and one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Next, you’ll want to be careful when hunting for the best price. If you see a tour operator offering prices lower than about US $450 for a complete trek, tread carefully. Odds are good that in order to offer such a low price, the company will be cutting costs in some way, often breaking the law to do so. Most commonly, these companies will be breaking minimum wage laws or requiring employees to carry too much cargo on their treks. Carefully consider whether you want to do business with a company that conducts itself in this way.

And keep in mind as you plan your Machu Picchu trips, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience – do you really want to cut corners? Go “all in,” experience it fully, and never forget this wonderful historical site.

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Explore one of the Seven New Wonders of the World on an exciting tour of Machu Picchu that will take you back into time. Get fascinating insights into the Inca Regime way of life with a tour of the magnificent and mysterious ruins. Read this guide to know what to see and do on Machu Picchu tours. You can either choose a guided visit which will take you to the noteworthy spots, or explore the citadel on your own. Take your time to explore this archeological gem as there are myriad places to see, all featuring distinctive characteristics which will help you understand a little better how the Incas lived and died.

If you are up to it, climb the strenuous hike up to the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu from where you will get the most spectacular views of the ruins as well as of the surrounding mountains and valley covered with lush forests. You will arrive on the site through the Sun Gate if you are coming from the Inca Trail, and if you catch an early bus in Aguas Calientes, you may in time to admire the sun rise lighting up the entire area.

There are several ceremonial sites and temples throughout the site. Near the summit of the main city stands the gorgeous Temple of the Sun, characterized by spectacular stonework, which was used to celebrate Inti (The Sun), one of the most important Inca deities. On Huayna Picchu, lies the beautiful Temple of the Moon, covering the entire slopes of the mountain. The temple comprises a set of architecturally enhanced caves, most likely used to hold mummies of important Inca ancestors and provide places for their worship. It also features intricate stonework on the walls which are decorated with niches and altars carved into the native rock.

Don’t miss the Intihuatana Stone, whose exact purpose is still unknown, and the only one that has been well-preserved. All others were found by the Spaniards in other Inca cities and destroyed. Some people believe the stone has special powers that fill you with energy when you touch it. Why not lay a hand on it and see? Maybe it will give the energy to hike up Wayna Picchu to get the most breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from above.