- Introduction to Exploring Machu Picchu: What You Need to Know Before Visiting Now That Its Open for Tourism
- Understanding the Reopening of Machu Picchu for Tourism
- Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu Now
- Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Machu Picchu
- Top 5 Facts About Exploring Machu Picchu
- Conclusion: Is a Visit to Machu Picchu Worthwhile?
Introduction to Exploring Machu Picchu: What You Need to Know Before Visiting Now That Its Open for Tourism
Machu Picchu is an amazing, ancient Incan city located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The site has intrigued and inspired visitors since its discovery by the explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911 and is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Although visitors have been exploring Machu Picchu for close to acentury, until recently access was limited due to its fragile state and location. The Peruvian government has now opened up Machu Picchu to tourists after extensive conservation efforts, and it’s now possible for travelers to tour this incredible citadel first-hand.
If you’re planning on making a trip to explore Machu Picchu, there are some things you should know before traveling. First and foremost, due to its remote mountain location, it can take quite some effort just to get there! Most travel agencies and guided tours will provide assistance with transportation from Cusco or Lima, Peru’s capital city. Machu Picchu also requires protection from over-tourism, so visitors will need tickets which must be purchased in advance through authorized outlets; easily completed online at reliable websites like TicketMachupicchu.com – with such advance preparation your journey will be more organized when onsite at MaccuPiccu itself!
When staying in Machu Picchu for several days (as we recommend), you won`t find many large hotels conveniently nearby so camping or hostels may provide some viable accommodation choices; these allow visitors access sites around the area that would otherwise remain hidden from standard tourist routes. However once inside Machu Picchu itself you‘ll find an array of ancient structures preserved despite all these years that have passed – from terraces built specifically for farming production all the way up tot he ornately carved temple of Inti Punku (the Sun Gate). Everywhere in this UNESCO world heritage site architectural monuments showcase Inca culture making it necessary for tourists fulfill their desire for knowledge here first hand
Understanding the Reopening of Machu Picchu for Tourism
Machu Picchu is an iconic and historic Incan site located in the Peruvian Andes. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1983 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South America. After more than six months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, the reopening of Machu Picchu for tourism has been described as a landmark event. In preparation for this momentous occasion, Peru’s Ministry of Culture has implemented several safety protocols to ensure that visitors receive a safe and enjoyable visitor experience at one of the region’s most treasured spots.
When visitors return to Machu Picchu, they will notice some physical changes since their last visit. For example, face masks are now mandatory for all visitors entering the site and thermal screenings must be passed prior to entry. Social distancing requirements have also been implemented throughout various areas, including markers along pathways and trails that indicate appropriate distances between people walking or standing together so as not to overcrowd these portions of the citadel. Additionally, there are exit points down certain staircases instead of across crowded walkways as well as benches pulled out from public spaces before visitors enter them. All outdoor areas have been clearly marked with signs showing correct physical distancing while on-site guides provided headsets with limited station capacities at each attraction area where visitors can receive information while keeping their required socially-distanced distance from other guests and staff members alike.
The number of daily visits has also been limited due to national regulation regarding health protocols established by Caja de Seguro Social Peru (Essalud) including tickets available per shift per day: up to 462 people Inka Trail passport holders (in two shifts) as well as 1,008 ticket holders who are divided into four shifts that take place over three hours every day (6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m.). This measure serves both safety protocols ensuring social distancing
Step-by-Step Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu Now
Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca ruin situated high in Peru’s Andes Mountains, is one of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites in South America. Those seeking to undertake a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to this magical location should be aware that proper preparation and planning are key to making the most out of their Machu Picchu experience. From determining the best time of year to visit to selecting an accommodation option, here is a step-by-step guide to visiting Machu Picchu now.
Step 1: Choose the Best Time To Visit – The peak tourist season for Machu Picchu falls from June through August but if you’re looking for fewer crowds and more affordable prices then plan your trip around either May or September when there aren’t as many tourists onsite. Additionally, be sure to check whether there are any nationwide holidays occurring during your planned trip dates as these can affect opening hours and availability for certain tours.
Step 2: Plan Your Route – Once you’ve chosen when you want to go you should begin researching ways of getting there. Most foreign visitors take a combination of air travel into Cusco (about 4 hours away from Machu Picchu) followed by overland taxi/bus transfer between cities before boarding either a slow train or hopping on an adrenaline filled mountain bike ride down into Machu Picchu Town (also known as Aguas Calientes). You’ll need at least two days travel each way so make sure that your total visit takes up at least 4 full days including travel time.
Step 3: Check Entry Requirements – As long as you have 1 valid government issued photo ID (e.g., passport) upon entry then you should have no problems obtaining access into Machu Picchu grounds; however, visitors may also be required to show proof of prior accommodation arrangements and international flight details for further verification purposes too. Face masks must also be worn at all times within all
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Machu Picchu
1. When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The ideal time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, which generally runs from May to October. The days are bright with clear weather and mild temperatures that are perfect for exploring the archaeological site. The months of May through September are typically the most popular times as they also offer pleasant nighttime temperatures, making them ideal for camping around the area. Keep in mind that Machu Picchu receives an average of 22 inches of rain between January and April so if you’re interested in avoiding showers be sure to plan your visit outside of these rainier months.
2. How can I get there?
Though Cusco is most often used as a launching point, there are several routes available when travelling to Machu Picchu. The classic Inca Trail is a designated path stretching 43 kilometres and connecting 80 Incan sites en route to the famous site’s Sun Gate; travellers should be aware permits must be acquired before setting out on this journey due to limited spaces per day and high demand throughout the year. Alternatively, visitors can opt for any number of leisurely-paced treks on nearby trails or take Peru Rail’s Vistadome train directly into Aguas Calientes—the town at Machu Picchu’s base—for an easier travel experience steeped in Andean scenery .
3. Do I need a guide?
Whether or not you choose to have a traveling guide may depend on what kind of experience you prefer when visiting archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu; guides provide valuable insight into a sight’s history and culture but also come at an added cost (though it typically includes entrance fees). Keeping that said, opting for a tour package means being able to observe highlights more easily with minimal planning required while also having an expert part of your travels who can answer any questions you may have while visiting
Top 5 Facts About Exploring Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a famous archaeological site located in the Peruvian Andes, known as the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ due to its untouched ruins since Spanish invasion in the early 16th century. With its stunning history and incredible scenery, it’s no wonder that Machu Picchu draws thousands of visitors annually. Here are 5 fascinating facts about this remarkable historical destination:
1. You can spot 116 different species of birds on your journey – From vibrant parrots to majestic condors flying above, over 100 bird species inhabiting the Amazonian treetops around Machu Picchu make it a mecca for bird watching lovers from around the world. Some of these species include tanagers, toucans, hummingbirds, and even pink flamingos!
2. The Inca Trail is the most popular way to reach Machu Picchu – This iconic trail has been part of South America’s landscape for centuries, stretching from 86kms (53 miles) set along winding stone paths through ancient ruins and over mountain passes with views reaching all corners of Peru below. Trekking along this path will take you up some steep inclines; however it provides an unforgettable experience as you traverse cloud forests full of llamas and alpacas before arriving at Machu Picchu!
3. Uncover history among 12 sacred sites inside its walls – Not only are there temples and palaces strewn across this mysterious citadel but also 12 terraces preserved within it’s enclosure designed to represent twelve points on a calendar every year equates to solstices or equinoxes used by astrologers during those times; enabling them to study seasonal changes. These carefully arranged sacred sites were built as higher vantage points into religion by promoting reverence towards natural forces such as sun or rain gods worshipped by the Incas themselves.
4. An incredible location 500 meters (1 600 feet) above sea level – Set atop a
Conclusion: Is a Visit to Machu Picchu Worthwhile?
Machu Picchu is a truly remarkable place – a timeless ancient wonder that sits atop a mountain in the Andes. Breathtakingly beautiful, with its terraced gardens and other archeological ruins, it’s no surprise that this destination is one of the world’s premier tourist attractions. Its mysterious aura has been intriguing travelers since its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. After visiting Machu Picchu, many people swear they will never forget it – and more often than not, they recommend others to make their journey as well. So is a visit to Machu Picchu worthwhile? Absolutely!
When you visit this stunning scene, you can’t help but feel like you’re stepping back into history itself. From the various intricately carved structures to the vast expanse of expansive vistas, there’s nothing quite like it on Earth. But not only does Machu Picchu offer an amazing visual experience; visitors can also learn about major Inca achievements in religion and craftsmanship at this site. Although much remains unknown about how the Inca used Machu Picchu for spiritual and political purposes, that mystery only adds to its appeal.
Overall, a trip to Machu Picchu should be part of any traveler’s South American itinerary — if feasible due to access restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols in Peru–thanks to its incredible beauty and immense cultural importance as one of the region’s leading World Heritage Sites. There really isn’t another place on Earth quite like it—so make sure that you don’t miss out on seeing this magnificent ruin during your time in South America!