THE 5-DAY MACHU PICCHU TRADITIONAL

The Andes mountain range runs through the center of Peru, dividing the country into three distinct regions: the coast, the highlands, and the Amazon rainforest. The highlands are located in the central part of the country. They are a mountainous region with high peaks, deep valleys, and fertile plateaus. Peru is a land of rich history and culture. The earliest inhabitants of Peru arrived over 10,000 years ago. The Moche, the Nazca, and the Chimú were some of the most important pre-Inca cultures in Peru. The Inca Empire, which was founded in the 13th century, was one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas. The Incas built a vast empire that stretched from the coast to the highlands and into the Amazon rainforest. The center of the Inca civilization was of course based in Cusco and Machu Picchu, making for a fascinating cultural and historical part of the world. Find out more about our 5-day Machu Picchu Traditional tour here.

Machu Picchu

Cusco

Cusco is a city that straddles two worlds: the ancient Inca Empire and the modern world. Cusco is steeped in history and was once the capital of the Inca Empire, and it's still home to many important Inca archaeological sites. Today, Cusco is also a modern city, with vibrant nightlife and a thriving arts scene. The city's unique blend of old and new is one of its biggest attractions. You can wander through the streets of Cusco and see colonial buildings that stand next to the Inca ruins. You can also visit museums that showcase the city's rich history. Cusco is more than just a place to learn about history. It's also a great place to experience the culture of Peru. You can sample the local cuisine, which is a blend of Spanish and Andean influences. You can also go hiking in the surrounding mountains, or visit the Sacred Valley, which is home to many other Inca and pre-Inca sites.

Cusco Street

Cusco is located at an altitude of over 3400 meters elevation so it's important to take it easy when you first arrive.  The official language of Cusco is Spanish, but Quechua, the language of the Incas, is still widely spoken, adding to the city's cultural heritage. Today, Cusco is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cusco is a fascinating city to explore, with its colonial architecture, Inca ruins, and vibrant culture. Some of the most popular things to do in Cusco include visiting the Sacsayhuaman, a massive Inca fortress; the Qorikancha, a temple dedicated to the sun god; and the Coricancha Museum, which houses a collection of Inca artifacts. Cusco is also a great base for exploring the Sacred Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning scenery and traditional villages.

Plaza de Armas, Cusco

The Sacred Valley of The Incas

The Sacred Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is a valley that was sacred to the Incas, and it is still home to many Inca ruins and archaeological sites. The Sacred Valley is also a popular tourist destination, and it is a great place to experience the culture and history of Peru. Pisac is a town in the Sacred Valley that is known for its handicraft market. The market is a great place to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional clothing. Pisac is also home to a number of Inca ruins, including the Pisac ruins.

Pisaq

Ollantaytambo is a town in the Sacred Valley that is known for its Inca fortress. The fortress is a massive structure that was built in the 15th century. Ollantaytambo is also a great place to hike, and there are a number of trails that lead to the top of the fortress. Ollantatambo is the perfect example of living Inca culture, with traditional Quechua communities still living on its ancient cobblestone streets. Today the town is busy due to the train station with regular trains heading to and from Machu Picchu.

Ollantaytambo

The Train to Machu Picchu

Today, Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination. Visitors can hike to Machu Picchu from the town of Aguas Calientes, or take a train from Cusco. PeruRail is the oldest and most established train company in Peru. They offer a variety of train services to Machu Picchu, including the Expedition, Vistadome, Sacred Valley, and Hiram Bingham.

Hiram Bingham

The Vistadome Train offers a more luxurious experience than the Expedition Train. It has panoramic windows that offer 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. The Belmond Hiram Bingham is a luxury train that offers a truly unforgettable experience. This train was named after the American explorer who rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911. The Belmond Hiram Bingham is a great option for those who want to travel in style. Inca Rail is a newer train company that offers a more luxurious experience. They offer four train services to Machu Picchu: The Voyager, The 360º, The First Class, and The Private.

Peru Rail

Machu Picchu 

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located in the Sacred Valley, about 70 miles northwest of Cusco. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Machu Picchu is a truly awe-inspiring sight, with its towering stone walls, lush green terraces, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The city was built in the 15th century and is believed to have been a royal estate or sacred religious site. Machu Picchu was abandoned in the 16th century and was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is located at an altitude of 2,350 meters, so it is important to acclimatize to the altitude before you visit. Inside the ancient site are 2 mountains you can climb with the appropriate permits. Huayna Picchu and machu Picchu Mountain. The citadel is open to visitors from 6:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Temple of The Condor

Train to Machu Picchu

Historical information 

The exact purpose of Machu Picchu is still unknown, but there are a few theories. Some believe that it was a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, while others believe that it was a sacred religious site. There is also evidence that Machu Picchu was used as an astronomical observatory. Machu Picchu was abandoned in the 16th century, shortly after the Spanish conquest of Peru. The city was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer. Bingham's discovery of Machu Picchu sparked a renewed interest in Inca culture, and the city has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Aguas Calientes

 A visit to Machu Picchu is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It is a chance to see an ancient city that is still relatively well-preserved, and it is a chance to experience the stunning beauty of the Andes Mountains. If you are looking for a truly unique travel experience, then Machu Picchu is definitely worth considering. Find out more here about this 5-day tour that includes Cusco and Machu Picchu as well as the scenic train journey through the Sacred Valley.