What to do in Machupicchu?

Hello bloggers. Today I am going to write about a place that impacted me. MachuPicchu is well worth the title of Wonder of the World, an incredible place, one of the places that have given me more impression in my life, this place has an incredible energy, there are no words or photos that describe it, before my trip I looked at many photos and many videos and it never compares to see it with your own eyes and see that Inca architecture surrounded by impressive mountains, without a doubt it is an incredible experience.

History of Machupicchu

The most important monument of the SHM-PANM is the llaqta or Inka city of Machupicchu, which was planned and built around 1400 AD. The work demanded the participation of specialists in architecture, engineering and astronomy, in addition to a large amount of labor. They spent more than 50% of the effort required in its construction preparing the land, foundations, and drainage system.

Its construction responds to the need of the Inka State to have a religious, political and administrative center within a sacred space considered the nexus between the Andes and the Amazon.
The llaqta of Machupicchu represents a masterpiece of art, architecture and engineering in perfect harmony with nature and is the most important legacy of the Inka civilization to humanity.

During the second half of the 16th century, people abandoned it; however, occasional visitors and inhabitants ensured it was never truly lost.

Excursion to Machupicchu:

The train ride surprises travelers, as it traverses one of the world’s most spectacular railway routes, offering unforgettable landscapes. The train, with its glass ceiling, is incredible!

The trip is 112 kilometers long and lasts an hour and a half.
Once in Aguas Calientes, take the bus for a 25 to 30 minute ride to the top of the mountain, where the citadel of Machu Picchu is located. This first sight will not be easily erased from your retina.
In Machu Picchu there is a guided tour of two and a half hours in which we will discover the history, legends and all the secrets of the place. We will walk through passages, alleys and places like the Guardian’s House to discover the greatness of the Incas.

What activities can be done in Machu Picchu?

Putucusi Mountain:

If you like outdoor trekking, Putucusi mountain is the activity of choice for adventurous people in Aguas Calientes.
This mountain is located at 2,560 meters above sea level (8,398 ft) and is one of the most difficult short hikes in Aguas Calientes. It traverses a poorly marked trail as well as some extreme vertical stairs. The trek takes approximately 2 hours, the top of this mountain allows you to take amazing views of the Inca City of Machu Picchu from a little known angle. You need to be in good physical condition to climb this mountain, use hiking shoes and take plenty of water with you.

Machupicchu Butterfly Farm:

The Butterfly Farm is a local conservation project to study and protect butterfly species. The goal of the Butterfly Farm is to increase the butterfly population.

On the 15 to 20 minute guided tour for S/ 10 ($ 3) you will learn more about the different species and developmental stages of butterflies.

Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum:

In the Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum you can learn more about the history, culture and rediscovery of Machu Picchu. The special thing about the museum are the four exhibition rooms with more than 250 original objects of stone, bone, ceramics, metal, etc., that have been found in the city of Machu Picchu and on the Inca Trail in recent decades.

Adjacent, you’ll find a botanical garden displaying native plants like coffee, coca, and other indigenous species.

The museum is only 2 km from Aguas Calientes and the entrance fee is S/22 (approximately $6) per person.

Hot Springs in Machu Picchu Pueblo:

The hot springs are excellent for recovering from a hike or to prepare the body for the next physical effort. In the place you will find six different pools with different water temperatures.

They are open every day from 5 am to 8 pm and the entrance fee is S/ 20 (about $ 5). Don’t forget to bring your bathing clothes and a towel. There are changing tables on site.

How to get to Machupicchu:

Cusco and Machu Picchu are about 100 km apart. You will have to combine several means of transportation to get to the archaeological center.

The best way to get to Machu Picchu is to take public transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo (1.30 hours), then take the train that will take you to Aguas Calientes or Macchu Picchu Picchu village (1.30 hours). From there you will have to take a bus to the entrance of Machu Picchu (30 minutes). In total, the journey takes about 4 hours.