Many local eateries provide a reasonably priced set menu, which may feature the famous cuy guinea pig , choclo con queso corn with cheese , or lomo saltado steak with pepper and onions amongst its offerings. For those who prefer more familiar cuisine, the city also has an array of non-Peruvian options, including hamburger restaurants, vegetarian takeaways, and kebab shops.
For excellent Peruvian food, two popular Cusco restaurants that guests have enjoyed include Inti Raymi restaurant , which is part of the 5-star Palacio del Inka hotel.
It specializes in both Peruvian and world cuisine in a luxurious and romantic fine dining setting. Keen shoppers will enjoy the San Pedro market.
The market has become slightly more tourist-oriented over recent years, with a growing number of stalls offering clothing, jewelry, and other souvenirs. However, the market is where city residents also come to buy fresh foods and is ideal for anyone who wants to try local ingredients. As night falls, the atmosphere in Cusco shifts to a more upbeat party mode, with tourists of all ages letting their hair down and having fun. Those who want to dance the night away will find discos playing a wide variety of contemporary music and clubs hosting live music.
An unforgettable option is to take in a folkloric dance and music show at the Qosqo Native Art Center. To hike this route to Machu Picchu, you are required by the government of Peru to hire a licensed guide service or tour company with the required permits to take trekkers on the journey.
The company you choose will often arrange road transportation from Cusco to the start of the trek, with pickups that generally occur early in the day around AM local time. The most popular place to start the hike is known as Kilometer 82, which is the start of the Classic Inca Trail route discussed below. Once you reach this location, you will generally conduct a gear check, fill up your water containers, and make sure everyone is fully prepared to start the journey.
How long does it take to hike the Inca Trail? There are several route options to take, which allows you to choose your preferred experience.
Outlined below are three hiking choices, followed by more detailed information on the Classic Inca Trail hike. Varying from one to fourteen days in duration, each of these routes caters to different audiences based on their length, popularity, and availability of accommodations en route. All four of them are one-way treks. Depending on the tour operator that you make your trip reservations with, you will typically use a mixture of public and private transportation to return to Cusco from Aguas Calientes.
If you are short on time, you can trek to Machu Picchu in one day with an early start, of course! To achieve this, you will take the train from Cusco to a location on the trail known as Kilometer This is a great choice if you want to view Machu Picchu and experience a short section of the Inca Trail trek, all in the same day.
At 65 miles long, this is considered to be one of the most challenging ways to hike to Machu Picchu. Though it still requires reasonably fit participants, the Salkantay Trek sometimes known as The Lodge Trek runs along the Salkantay Trail through the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range, but allows for nightly rests at fully serviced lodges spaced along the route. The trail reaches 15, feet in elevation before arriving in Machu Picchu. The Classic Inca Trail Hike is the most popular trek of the four options which we presented in this post.
It begins at a location along the trail known as Kilometer 82, at the village of Piscacucho. During the hike, adventurers travel 26 miles in total and reach a maximum altitude of 13, feet above sea level. Depending on your preference and the trekking itinerary, hiking this route can take between three and five days. The trek covers 26 miles and begins at the village of Piscacucho. On this journey, trekkers cross the Urubamba River and pass through many small villages and incredible landscapes.
Contact us to find out more or get a copy of the complete detailed itinerary. It is wise to spend a few days in Cusco before your Inca Trail tour begins in order to acclimate to the higher altitude. This extra time will increase your chances of success on your adventure. In the evening, enjoy some of the best food in the world, sample the local fare of this agricultural region, and perhaps taste one of the 3, varieties of potato cultivated here!
The hike starts relatively flat, and is a great way to warm up your body for the adventure. You will camp near the Inca ruins of Llaqtapata, overlooking a spectacular backdrop of terraces and mystical mountains. Keep your eyes open for the smooth flight patterns of Andean Condors soaring overhead. It eventually opens to a cloud forest of Polylepis trees and, ultimately, a large Pampa plain.
Here, you will rest for the evening at the idyllic campsite of Llulluchapampa, nestled at 3, meters 12, feet above sea level. On the third day of the Inca Trail tour, you will wake up and head into the heart of the Andean mountains.
Take a minute to capture some photos before descending to the Pacaymayo River before beginning another climb to the ruins of Runkuraqay. From here, the trail passes through a high cloud forest while the scenery grows more and more dramatic.
You can also take a leisurely walk through the grand structures before continuing along the ridge under the watchful summits of Mt. Salkantay to the west and Mt. Pumasillo to the north. Follow the rolling stone trail, eventually arriving at Phuyupatamarka, your campsite for the evening, and spend the remainder of the day exploring the five fountains and an altar that might have been used by the Inca for ritual purposes. This morning, you will descend nearly 3, feet on a combination of trail and irregular staircase composed of 1, steps carved into the granite.
The Willkanota River comes into view, and the lush jungle grows back around you as the songs of birds and butterfly wings fill the air, eventually joined by the sound of the river and train as you near the railroad tracks below which lead to Aguas Calientes. Finally, you will reach a series of steep stairs that ascend to the Sun Gate, or Inti Punku. As you pass through the Sun Gate, the mighty citadel of Machu Picchu comes into view.
Typically, after hikers finish this Inca Trail trek, they are tired and hungry and wish to head to their hotel in Aguas Calientes for a fresh shower and meal. Most hikers elect to do their full tour of the citadel the next day. If you opt for this, you will walk through the outskirts of the Machu Picchu citadel, getting a glimpse of the ruins as you head down the mountain to the entrance area. Here, you will take a short ten-minute bus ride to the downtown area of Aguas Calientes, where you can then walk to your hotel and relax for the evening.
When you finally complete the four-day Inca Trail hike, the real adventure begins! However, some visitors elect to skip the hikes at Machu Picchu altogether and instead spend all their time exploring the ruins of the Machu Picchu citadel.
This video highlights many of the most striking highlights of the Inca Trail tour and Machu Picchu, and it is truly one of the best visual summaries of this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Two hotels in Aguas Calientes that guests have enjoyed in the past are:. For memorable dining experiences in Aguas Calientes, guests on previous trips have enjoyed the restaurant at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, featuring traditional Peruvian cuisine with contemporary twists, and unmatched views of the Vilcanota River.
There is also the Indio Feliz , a Franco-Peruvian fusion place full of character that is also vegetarian-friendly. These two options offer two very different but equally enjoyable culinary experiences in Aguas Calientes! For adventure lovers, Inca Trail tours are just the beginning. If you are looking to do more hiking once you reach Machu Picchu, there are two popular short but stunningly beautiful hike options: Huayna Picchu and Cerro Machu Picchu Machu Picchu Mountain.
Both require permits and early morning wake-ups to ascend, so make sure you work with your tour operator in securing those before your arrival in Peru. Huayna Picchu is the more popular trek, but if permits are all sold out, Machu Picchu Mountain is also a great option. We go into further detail on each hike below. Known as Wayna Picchu or Huayna Picchu, this is the mountain that surrounds the Urubamba River and rises prominently over the Machu Picchu citadel and provides the backdrop against which the rest of the mysterious city is set.
The Incas built an original trail up the side of Huayna Picchu, and built temples and terraces at its peak — which is about 8, feet above sea level. Every morning before sunrise, it is said that a high priest would walk to Machu Picchu with a small group to signal the coming of the new day. The Temple of the Moon, one of the three major temples in the Machu Picchu area, is nestled on the mountainside and is situated lower in elevation than Machu Picchu.
Adjacent to the Temple of the Moon is the Great Cavern, another sacred temple with fine masonry. This incredible excursion takes approximately 4 hours round trip, starting at the Machu Picchu citadel, hiking through the Inca Trail hidden under the forest, and arriving at the top of this striking mountain.
Along the trail, you will find yourself surrounded by a wide variety of flowers and wildlife, including orchids, begonias, ferns, and beautiful hummingbirds, while enjoying the outstanding view of the Machu Picchu citadel, the Urubamba River that runs below, and all the sacred mountains that surround Machu Picchu. This area is very interesting because it is located in the high-cloud forest, where the highland joins the rainforest, thus creating many micro-ecosystems within the area.
Machu Picchu Mountain has a special meaning for the Incas. Below this mountain, two rivers from the two most sacred Inca mountains join together into one confluence. From the south runs the Urubamba River that originates in the Ausangate area, and from the west comes the Aobamba River that originates from Salkantay Mountain.
For this reason, Machu Picchu Mountain becomes a monument of worship to the sacred waters. At the top, hikers will be welcomed by the Tawantinsuyo flag and a little shelter, providing respite from the sun and the wind. Reaching the top of this mountain requires a moderate ability to climb, as there are parts where it is very steep, but not considered to be dangerous. The hiking trail is well maintained; it is a paved road with many steps, though it does zigzag in places.
Experiencing this trek for yourself offers an insight into why the Incas selected this mountain as the place to build the Machu Picchu citadel.
It can get fairly crowded, as 2, people per day are permitted to visit the citadel. However, there are several sites that you can not access, as the Peruvian government has restricted them for conservation purposes. Walking amongst the ancient walls, doorways, paths, and stairs imparts a unique feel to this archeological site — one that transports you many centuries back in time.
Your guide may have a particular order in which you will visit these sites. Watching the sunrise from Intipunku is one of the most spectacular views you will experience on your trip, and it serves as the first point during your approach on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu from which you will be able to view the whole sanctuary.
You can also request your tour guide to go with you up to the mountain; however, this is an extra charge as Machu Picchu guided tour only includes the Citadel. If this is your plan, you will only need one ticket, and the cost is USD in total.
Group Tours: If you are part of a group tour, the one-ticket option is not for you. The group guided tours are always in the morning when Machu Picchu is not very crowded. You need 2 tickets; 1 for Machu Picchu e arly entry TreXperience has a premium staff of tour guides!
They are all locals and come from the surrounding villages and speak Quechua an ancient language of the Incas as their first language, Spanish is their second language, and they are fluent in English. Our tour guides have constant training in first aid, updated knowledge of the history of Machu Picchu, animals, plants, and always ensure that their knowledge is up to date. You can also request tour guides in French, German, Italian, Portuguese for an extra charge.
By hiring a private tour guide, you will be able to explore Machu Picchu at your pace, talk about topics of your interest, and learn Peruvian history from our expert tour guides. Machu Picchu is located in the tropical cloud forest, the warm and humid upper Amazon.
Like in the movies of lost cities , Machu Picchu is located on a high mountain top with difficult access and cannot be seen from the lower part. Also, the area is covered by mist and clouds for most of the year. Travelers will visit Machu Picchu all year round, and even with intense sun, clouds, or rain, the city will still amaze you. Below are some recommendations to consider on when to visit Machu Picchu.
The Dry Season is from May to October and is expected to have little rain; however, you must always have rain gear as the weather can change in minutes. This season is also the busy season, especially June to September, where there will be long lines for the buses, Machu Picchu, and trains. The Wet Season is from November to April, and rain is expected early in the mornings, and around 9 to 10 am, the sun will come out; however, in the cloud forest, the weather is unpredictable.
It would be best if you were prepared for the sun, rain, cold weather as well. The hike starts and ends in Machu Picchu citadel, located at meters ft. Great to relieve shortness of breath from elevation hiking. Thank you Jim! At 48 with some mild atheletic asthma I think this is a brilliant idea!! Buying myself some mint oil for my hike! I agree with Anonymous, June there is no such thing as too old!
Thanks for the encouragement Jen. Thanks Jen , really good info in here … ans yes socks … I have a thing about bringing extra socks and my mates always moan … until they borrow a pair. Nobody hadda hold my hand for a minute. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Be ready for all four seasons As you gain altitude, temperatures become more extreme. Feeling inspired? Inca Trail Express. View trip. Inca Trail Express from Lima. Hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park. Happy hikers. The heights are pretty epic! Intrepid leaders are there to help you out.
Trek Jordan. Jen Welch I've dragged my backpack across six continents, but for now it rests in the bottom of my wardrobe in Melbourne. You might also like. Spooky stories: a guide to the most famous Meet Annette, the Intrepid traveller who created a Seeing Australia through the eyes of a traditional Be Together: Stories of love found and connections Be Together: a celebration of special travel friendships. Be together: a celebration of family travel memories.
Thank you letters between two Moroccan women changing An open letter from travel photographer, Lola Akinmade Carl Gutierrez October 27, - pm thanks for this. Michele Hammock July 28, - am Fabulous info — thank you! Hey, can I use any of your images? Intrepid Travel August 19, - pm Hi Michelle, you can email marketing intrepidtravel. Arunkumar Ramakrishnan January 6, - pm This was a great read. Intrepid Travel August 20, - pm Hi Arunkumar, we offer a number of different hikes to Machu Picchu, please check them out and let us know if you have any questions!
Kaylie July 12, - am Hi! This is a great read. What time of year did you go though? Emily Kratzmann January 9, - am Hi there, Thanks for the message! Hope that helps! Tamara White December 21, - am Great blog, Which company did you go with? Joanna January 25, - am I used Salkanty trek, I did 5 days trip on the salkanty trail and the company was amazing and much cheaper than the ones that go on inks trail.
Michel November 8, - am Do recommend the hike more than the day trip? Anonymous October 29, - am Great advice from everyone except D Rock.. Maxine August 31, - pm Thanks for this…wish I would have read it before I did the trek! Anonymous April 1, - pm When I was there last year I found the toilet situation terrible. Adriana March 15, - am thank U! Really usefull tips!!! Thanks, this was extremely helpful! And what was the cost for your guide? Rebecca Shapiro January 21, - am Hi Danielle!
Jan November 27, - am Can5 wait to do this trip in August Leanne November 27, - pm Omg i am doing it in august also, see you on the trek! Liz February 1, - am Hi we are also going in Aug. M3inCA January 6, - am I will be there with husband and adult children in tow during August. And will be cold at night,might be below freezing. Toubk May 4, - am Am gonna do this trip on September, is it gonna be coold there?
Edz July 9, - pm Hi. JEF September 3, - am Try to get a private tour starting very early. Dirk September 4, - pm Assuming you are on a guided hike, you can ask the guide to help you on the steeper and more narrow paths.
Gh June 27, - am Jen, uh, what is the, uh, bathroom situation? Anonymous July 1, - am The campsites and lunch stops along the trail all had some form of toilet usually squat. Amy July 1, - am The campsites and lunch stops along the trail all had some form of toilet usually squat. Red July 18, - am Pack extra pants!! Isush August 29, - am I used my GoGirl many many many times in South America google it and to be honest after the first rest stop, I took Immodium the rest if the way up so as to not go 2.
Chris Putro September 4, - pm I went the full 4 days without having the urge to poop. Anonymous June 25, - pm I have heard it is a good idea to take liquid iron prior to if not during your trip—helps to prevent altitude sickness by enabling your red blood cells to carry more oxygen. No special ticket is required. The surrounding mountains and beautiful valleys should be all the encouragement you need to reach the summit.
Photo by Lizzie Thomas of Peru for Less. It takes most people between 40 to 60 minutes to reach the Sun Gate , figuring in time to rest and take photos. Visitors to Machu Picchu with general entrance tickets have access to the trail to the Sun Gate. It is possible to complete this walk before touring the citadel. The Sun Gate hike at Machu Picchu. The Inca Bridge — constructed of a few narrow logs perched above a sheer vertical drop — is believed to have served as a secret entrance to Machu Picchu.
The trail to the Inca Bridge wraps around the backside of Machu Picchu Mountain in the opposite direction of the Inca citadel. A special ticket is not needed to walk the path, although daily traffic to the Inca Bridge is documented.
Each visitor must log their name in a book at the entrance and then sign out. The walk follows a fairly even path to a lookout point to see the bridge. Crossing the Inca Bridge itself is strictly forbidden today for safety reasons, but you can take as many photos as you want.
The Inca Bridge at Machu Picchu. Most people reach the Inca Bridge in about 20 to 30 minutes. Visitors to Machu Picchu with general entrance tickets have access to the trail to the Inca Bridge. The path to the Inca Bridge. Cosio has been a tour guide for 15 years and a specialist guide at Machu Picchu for He was born and raised in Cusco and spent his free time as a child playing around the awe-inspiring archaeological complex of Sacsayhuaman.
Here are some tips for your Machu Picchu hike , straight from Cosio himself:. Huayna Picchu peak. Trail along the Machu Picchu Mountain hike. There are plenty of longer hikes to Machu Picchu. Embark on a multi-day trekking journey through the Andes Mountains to reach the archaeological site. With treks ranging from two to ten days and varying difficulties, there is something for everyone.
The classic 4-day Inca Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world. Ending with a grand entrance to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate, this hike passes 28 miles 45 km of Andean terrain. Pass by remote Inca ruins, sleep under starry night skies and follow the ancient path the Inca once used to reach Machu Picchu.
Due to its popularity, the trek can sell out several months ahead of time. However, there are plenty of Inca Trail alternatives to consider.
Trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in either a four or two day trek.
0コメント