Peru is among the most famous countries in South America, and thousands of tourists are drawn to this country every year to explore and enjoy its’ magnificent geographic and cultural diversity. One of the main destinations for most of the tourist is the incredible Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. Also referred to as “Lost City of Incas,” Machu Picchu was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1983, and was voted one of the New 7 World Wonders in the year 2007. Machu Picchu stands at 7875 feet above the sea level, in the middle of an amazing tropical mountain forest. Its’ stone construction spreads along an uneven and narrow mountain vista, which is tucked up against the 1300 foot cliff which overlooks Urubamba river and valley.
This World Heritage Site is among the most visited tourist attractions in the whole of South America, and is considered to be the best historical site on the planet. The ruins are way high up, and are at times obscured by the clouds, which adds to its’ mystery. Granite, aqueducts, limestone temples and many other forms of the Inca architecture, are beautifully preserved at this spectacular tourist attraction. Machu Picchu’s caves, walls and the buildings are adorned with very intricate carvings, and boasts well selected cave entrances, mysterious altars, and impressively engineered terraces and buildings.
Getting to Machu Picchu, is best through the famous Inca Trail. The hike will allow you to enjoy amazing views of the jungles and mountains. That said, it’s important to note that the ruins are best explored with a tour guide, so that you can get to see and also learn about the site’s fascinating highlights, including the Temple of Condor, Temple of the Sun, Temple of Three Windows, Intihuatana rock, the Sun Gate, among others. There are a number of tour guides waiting near Machu Picchu’s entrance, and it’s possible to set up a private or group tour with any one of them when you arrival at the ruins. Keep in mind, much of the Machu Picchu’s history and purpose still remains a mystery, and quality tour guides will make this clear, instead of giving you potentially false information.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Machu Picchu
The peak season usually starts in late May, all through to early September; it’s important to note that the months of July and August are the driest, and the busiest. The months of January and February are usually the rainiest, and are there are less crowds. That said, you can expect some brief showers, regardless of the time of year you visit.
