Three Places Travel Peru amazon and Machu Picchu tours
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3 Must-Visit Places When Travelling to Peru

In recent years, Peru has become one of the most visited countries in South America.  Peruvians are immensely proud of their culture and heritage, and happily welcome all visitors who wish to admire the impressive features of their country.

If you want to explore a country with a variety of features, then Peru may very well be the place to visit. But before doing that you need to search for ideal Amazon and Machu Picchu tours to make the most of your vacation.

Peru is a country that has a lot to offer, but let’s talk about the 3 must-visit places.

Peruvian Amazon

When compared to the lower-lying portion of Amazon, the Peruvian Amazon headwaters contain a greater concentration of wildlife. If you are a wildlife lover, then Peruvian Amazon is a great choice as you will be able to spot a wide array of species. Peru also has a large portion of the remote forest which is still relatively untouched by human settlement. These remote forests are a great place to spot some of the jungle’s most unique wildlife.

Peruvian Amazon is an ideal destination if you are interested in cultural encounters with many indigenous communities that reside in this part of the Amazon. However, most of the communities prefer isolation to visitation.

Amazon and Machu Picchu tours
Amazon and Machu Picchu Tours

Cusco

Cusco is a city in the Peruvian Andes and was once the capital of the Inca Empire. This city is now home to an array of historical and archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. After exploring the main sights, you can explore Cusco’s thriving culinary scene.

Most of the travelers use this city as a launching point for Machu Picchu, which is Peru’s largest tourist attraction. Backpackers, from around the world flock to Cusco year-round, making it a welcome refuge.

Machu Picchu

When in Peru, one can’t simply miss this place. Widely regarded as one of the greatest archaeological wonders of the world, this magnificent ancient Inca settlement is a definite highlight of any Machu Picchu and Amazon tours. The well-preserved stonework, spectacular backdrop and mysterious character of the site draw visitors in numbers each year.

When you catch the first glimpse of the terraced ruins, you will be awestruck and it will be the moment you won’t ever forget.  If you love adventure, then you can hike the Inca trail into the Andes, crossing lush rainforest and high-mountain passes before receiving the ultimate reward for your effort.

At 2,340m above sea level, the site encompasses both the mountainous terrains of the Andes and the tropical jungles and forest of the Amazon. Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century and is believed to have been built by the ninth ruler of the Inca, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui.

Best time to visit

If you have decided to visit Peru, then plan your trip in the winter season (May-September). The winter is the driest season and the best time of the year to travel especially if you are planning to trek to Machu Picchu or visit Cusco. However, this is considered to be the peak season. If you want to avoid crowds, then try visiting in the summer season (December-March). Though there are high chances of rain during these months, you can try to align yourself to clear weather forecasted day. Facebook.

Machu Picchu trip
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

7 Amazing Things to do in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is undeniably Peru’s leading tourist attraction and very few visitors to the country fail to make their way to the Andean hills, to see the ruins of the ‘lost city of the Incas’. Its iconic status as one of the wonders of the world means that millions of tourists flock to see the ancient citadel every year.

The large ruins, perfect masonry, and strange architecture have bemused the researchers for several years and continue to attract visitors on mass. Stretched over 13 square km, Machu Picchu is a wealth of interesting sights. You can spend hours wandering and getting lost in a city of wonders.

To assist you to get the most out of your Machu Picchu Trip, here are some amazing things you can do.

Climb up to the Sun Gate

Sun Gate is considered one of the most important features of Machu Picchu. Your first view of Machu Picchu after tough trekking will be through Intipunku, the Sun Gate. However, if you are visiting Machu Picchu from Aguas Calientes, you can climb up to the Sun Gate to look down on the ruins from above. Though it takes around an hour to reach Intipunku, the view from up there will be worth seeing.

Climb Huayna Picchu

If you want to see the bird-eye view of Machu Picchu, then you need to climb the Huayna Picchu. The towering mountain is a fairly straightforward climb and requires no technical ability. The top of Huayna Picchu will offer you the best view of the site and the surrounding mountains.

However, only 400 people are permitted to scale it per day, so better to book your tickets in advance.

Don’t miss the Temple of the Sun

Located next to the main fountain, the Torreon is one of the most important buildings in Machu Picchu. It is also one of the finest examples of Inca masonry. The Temple of the Sun is believed to be used for astronomical observations in the past.

Click photos from the Watchman’s Hut

After entering the city you will see the Watchman’s Hut. This is the perfect place to get a breathtaking view of the whole city, so don’t miss the opportunity to capture the beautiful view.

Find the Inca Bridge

Built as a secret entrance for the Incan army, the bridge is carved into a cliff face on the west route of Machu Picchu. From the Watchman’s Hut, the path will lead down to the Inca Bridge.

Search the Intihuatana

One of the most recognizable sights in Machu Picchu, Intihuatana was used by the Inca people as a sundial to predict solstices. The shape of the pillar rock itself mimics that of Huayna Picchu that sits directly behind the stone.

Visit the agricultural terraces

One of the greatest achievements of the Incas was their ability to adapt the mountainous terrain of the Andes for agriculture. You can walk along the terrace and appreciate the techniques they employed to make the land suitable for cultivation.

Whether you arrive at Machu Picchu on a bus or foot, the first impression of the site will never disappoint. With so many things to do and see, your Machu Picchu Trip will be worth remembering. Facebook.

Amazon Region Machu Picchu Affordable Peru Tours
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

Interesting Facts about Peruvian Amazon Region and Machu Picchu

With its diverse land and rich culture, Peru is the perfect country for an explorer, but when someone talks about Peru- the first thing that comes to mind is Machu Picchu and the Amazon forest. These two places are the most visited in Peru.

Before you book any of the Amazon and Machu Picchu Tour packages, here are some amazing interesting facts about these places:

Amazon

The Amazon is the largest rainforest on Earth, which stretches across nine countries in South America. The Peruvian part of the Amazon rainforest is probably the most diverse and prolific section of all. You can witness the widest variety of flora and fauna here. Peruvian region of the Amazon River and rainforest system is the most untouched and is known as the birthplace of the Amazon River.

Amazonas-Iquitos
Amazonas-Iquitos

Machu Picchu

Set atop the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and is also one of the most traveled places not only in Peru but in the world as well. Machu Picchu is translated to “Old Mountain” or “Old Peak.” in the Quechua language. Machu Picchu covers an area of more than 320 square kilometers.

Facts about Machu Picchu

  1. Machu Picchu is a 15th Century Inca site, located in the Cusco Region. The Inca Empire, the largest empire in pre-Columbian Americans, built the estate in around 1450 but abandoned it a century later after the Spanish Conquest. Though most of the archaeologists believed that it was built for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472).
  2. Machu Picchu, although known to locals, was unknown to outsiders until 1911, when it was brought to international attention by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO world heritage site, and, in 2007, it was named one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
  3. Even after the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s, the Spanish never found the site of Machu Picchu and due to this belief Machu Picchu is often mistakenly referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.”
  4. To construct Machu Picchu, granite rocks of heavyweight over 55 tons were used. Machu Picchu was constructed with a technique called “Ashlar” that involves stones being perfectly shaped so that mortar is not needed.
  5. Machu Picchu is one of the most famous sites in South America and Peru’s most visited attraction. Therefore, there’s a no-fly zone above the site.
  6. Peru is prone to earthquakes and Machu Picchu sits on top of two fault lines. However, its intelligent design allows the stone to bounce through tremors before it safely falls back into its place. It is believed that, without the “Ashlar” technique, the site would have collapsed a long time ago.
  7. More than 150 buildings make up Machu Picchu and these buildings range from temples, sanctuaries to baths and houses.  Archaeologists identified 3 main structures- the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, which is a stone created by the Incas to be used as either a calendar or an astronomical clock.

Both Machu Picchu and Amazon are undoubtedly popular destinations in South America. Facebook.

Amazon Region Machu Picchu Affordable Peru Tours
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

11 Tips to Plan your Machu Picchu Vacation Well

Once lost in the majestic Peruvian Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is now counted amongst the most sought-after tourist destinations across the globe. Its sophisticated buildings unravel ancient techniques of astronomical alignments and amazing panoramic views.

This ancient Inca settlement in Peru never fails to amaze people by its mystifying beauty, lush green cover, and esoteric ruins. To be honest, Machu Picchu Vacation is more like an adventurous journey of mysteries and bewilderment when compared to ordinary holidays you go on every year.

If you are also planning to experience one of the most thrilling ventures, the following tips will help you a lot in making your journey a successful and exciting one.

Machu Picchu Tours
Machu Picchu Tours

Make a booking in advance

  • Your first step should be to ask your tour operator to reserve train tickets and arrange your entry into Machu Picchu beforehand. Every year, more than 1.1 million visitors wander in Machu Picchu and authorities grant only limited permits each day. So, booking early will ensure your entry with no hassle.
  • In case you are also interested in hiking the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need to book it in advance again as the trek is well controlled and gets sold out months upfront as well.
  • Unless you are from Asia, you don’t have to worry about obtaining a tourist visa. However, you need to keep a copy of your passport with you during your entire stay in Peru.
  • When you enter Peru, the customs official will provide you with a tourist card. Ensure to keep it with you safely throughout your trip as you will need it again while leaving Peru. Otherwise, a fine will be imposed.

How to avoid Machu Picchu Crowd

  • During the afternoon, huge crowds of tourists will arrive from Cuzco – a city two hours away from Machu Picchu. If you are no fan of big gatherings or crowds, it is best to spend your night in the town of Aguas Calientes that lies at the foot of Machu Picchu.
  • To get the best view of the mountain sunset in Machu Picchu, visit up there in the late afternoon. Though the park closes at 5 pm, you will surely be able to catch some memorable and stunning photographs as the light beams will fall over the ancient ruins and radiate the surroundings in the most charismatic manner.
  • Another thing you could do to avoid huge throngs of tourists is to book your trip in ‘shoulder seasons’ i.e. between April and May or September and October.

How to Dress and Stay Healthy

  • While traveling to Peru, check the climate of the region you are planning to visit. In Machu Picchu, you can expect large temperature swings at different times within a single day. So, choose to dress accordingly.
  • Keep your body hydrated more than usual as you will be hiking at elevated heights. Bottled water is recommended to drink rather than tap water.
  • Bring insect repellent and apply sunscreen. Just to be safe, keep extra napkins or toilet paper in your daily touring backpack, and remember to throw it in the trash bin instead of the toilet.
  • Take time to get accustomed to the high altitude – at least 12 hours. Bring some altitude sickness tablets, avoid smoking and alcohol, and stay away from coffee and energy drinks. Rather, you can try some coca tea.

Follow these tips while planning for Machu Picchu Vacation and manage your money wisely to avoid scams and counterfeit cash. Facebook.

Machu Picchu and Urubamba River
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

What most people lose when visiting Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu Tours — What most people lose when visiting Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu stands high above the Sacred Valley in the Cusco Region of Peru. Constructed during the height of the Inca Empire, this landscape of rock and stone is a place that is both magical and timeless. This mysterious and intriguing site is surrounded by mounds of emerald earth and dramatic peaks. With every step you take over the sacred ground here, you’ll marvel at Andean peaks that resemble skyscrapers carved from Mother Nature’s careful hand. Visitors from all over the globe come here to explore an empire built by the Incas sometime around the year 1450. It may surprise you to know that this iconic and historically significant site remained virtually undiscovered by the rest of the world until it was found by a young Yale lecturer in 1911. It wasn’t long before archaeologists and tourists began journeying to the Andes Mountains to enjoy Machu Picchu tours.

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Machu Picchu and Mountains
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Machu Picchu the Land of Orchids

Machu Picchu the Land of Orchids

The citadel of Machu Picchu is home to numerous tourist attractions. Hence numerous Machu Picchu tours are conducted throughout the year. It is commonly known for its cultural importance reflected in the ruins of the Incan civilization. These ruins are unmatched wonders with respect to their construction and architecture which has preserved this city in its original state for more than five centuries. The mere existence of this city at the height of 2430 meters above sea level is nothing short of a miracle, and therefore, attracts numerous visitors traveling to Peru. Read More “Machu Picchu the Land of Orchids”

Machu Picchu Terraces
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Interesting Facts about Machu Picchu

Interesting Facts about Machu Picchu

Travelling to Peru can be an extremely rewarding experience. With the abundance of natural, educational and cultural resources present in this country, Peru has largely emerged as an important tourist attraction with a major part of its economy supported by the tourism industry. It is home to 8 national parks, 4 national forests, 9 national reserves and 28 national sanctuaries. It was recently elevated to the status of New Seven Wonders of the World. Read More “Interesting Facts about Machu Picchu”

Machu Picchu Woman
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Before Choosing a Machu Picchu Tour

 

Before Choosing a Machu Picchu Tour

The Machu Picchu tours are known to have unparalleled cultural and educational value for all travelers. Not only is this region rich in natural resources. It is also home to the Incan civilizations and contains historic ruins from the 15th century. So while you enjoy the scenic beauties offered by the forests and jungles. You can also witness the lifestyle and architecture of the ancient Incans. As the city of Machu Picchu has been preserved in its original form. One can practically step back into the 15th century.
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