Machu Picchu Mountain - Inca Citadel

Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, you have many options to explore the ruins. Here are some things that you can do once you get to Machu Picchu to make the most out of your trip:

• You can visit the site with a guide to provide you with more details about the history of the Incas and the construction of the site.

• Of course, it is necessary to get that perfect picture with Machu Picchu in the background!

• You can hike to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain, which takes about an hour and a half. The view at the top is truly incredible!

• You can also do the Huayna Picchu Hike and go to the top of Huayna Picchu or Waynapicchu, the mountain that you see in the typical Machu Picchu pictures. The view from the top of this mountain is unique because it provides a perfect view of the city of Machu Picchu.

• If you aren’t interested in Machu Picchu hiking, it’s always an option to find a grassy area to relax and take in the history and mystery of the ruins.

Note that for both the Machu Picchu Mountain and the Huayna Picchu Hike, tickets need to be booked in advance.

Machu Picchu Facts

It is believed that Machu Picchu was originally built as a home for the Inca emperor Pachacutec, but the Incas also used it for sacred religious gatherings. Construction of this site began at the height of the Inca Empire, around 1450, but was never completed due to the Spanish invasion. While still under construction, the Incas abandoned the city in order to keep the city hidden from the Spaniards. In fact, one of the reasons why Machu Picchu is so well-known is because the Spanish never discovered the site.

The city was first re-discovered by an American historian, Hiram Bingham, in 1911. He and a team of excavators uncovered the city that tourists can explore today. Since their discovery, Machu Picchu has been named a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each day, thousands of tourists visit the famous site and explore its many mysteries.

Overall, visiting Machu Picchu is an enchanting experience that will make a once in a lifetime memory. Its historical richness and magical beauty will captivate you beyond measure!