Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, is beyond any doubt the most famous of Inca ruins and of the most iconic places in the world, due to its spectacular natural setting; 2,400 metres above sea level, perched between the Peruvian Andes and the Amazon Basin.
Built in the 15th century, probably by the Inca Pachacutec, the site contains a mix of religious, ceremonial, astrological and agricultural structures. Machu Picchu was abandoned when the Spaniards conquered the Inca Empire. It laid ‘undiscovered’ until the American explorer Hiram Bingham’s expedition of 1911.
Our journey began on a rather posh train named after the explorer. Not very backpack-y, but we have an excuse – My generous ex-boss gave me a voucher for Belmond trains and cruises when I left work, and we were delighted to find out that we could use it in Peru!
The Hiram Bingham train was a welcome little piece of luxury. We had drinks and snacks, musical entertainment, a 3 course lunch, tickets for the bus to the ruins, the entrance ticket itself, an English guide and an afternoon tea at the Sanctuary Lodge (the only hotel actually at Machu Picchu).We were certainly sad when it was time for us to go back down the mountain to stay in the touristy town of Aguas Calientes.
The site allows 5000 visitors a day. Due to it being high season, we could feel that the place was packed. Last year we went in April which is the end of the rainy season; whilst there were still a lot of visitors, it felt like the site absorbed them. I often think that other Inca sites can be just as dramatic and rewarding, especially when you have one of those moments of being totally alone. That said, Machu Picchu needs to be on your bucket list!
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