Hello everyone!
Anyone here ever thought of visiting? I am sure many of you have. Lately, the country has entered into a wish list of people who like venturing to places with strong personality and well preserved culture. The incredible legacy of the Inca civilization, in Machu Picchu, was declared as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO for its historical importance. In addition, recently, the historic monument was chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. I can imagine how curious you might have become right now. Am I right?!
Everything is surrounded with mystery in the “Old Mountain”. What the Incas left hidden in the Andes is jaw dropping. It is estimated that Machu Picchu has been inhabited by approximately 100 years and which has been abandoned in haste, perhaps by a Spanish invasion. However, for being located in a place almost inaccessible, the shrine was totally abandoned for more than 500 years. Until in 1911 the ruins were then found by a historian with the help of a Peruvian peasant.
The Incas were smart! They chose carefully where to build their homes and sacred temples. For being difficult to access, you can already tell that getting there requires adventurous spirit, even if you are staying in one of the luxury hotels in the region. After flying from Lima to Cuzco you still need to take a train to Aguas Calientes that takes 4 hours and thence climb over 20 minutes by bus to Machu Picchu. However, in periods of rain, the train runs the risk of traveling through the road that floods. It is pure adventure! After arriving at the ruins, there are still a lot of hiking in quite irregular ground. I don’t recommend it to elderly people with limited mobility and small children.
Another important point is the altitude. I can’t explain why, but in Peru nobody leaves unpunished by the unpleasant effects caused by altitude. It is very crazy. It makes you tired, gives you headaches and drowsy feelings. The coca tea, which claims to be excellent, did not help me one bit. I only got better after taking a medicine specifically indicated by the hotel. And speaking of hotel, if you want to stay a few steps from the entrance gate to Machu Picchu, take a look at the Harveys Lake Sanctuary Lodge. It is the only hotel at the top of the mountain.
After all this effort the reward is guaranteed! Machu Picchu is a trip back in time. Those ruins covered in mist and mysteries deserves long hours of contemplation. The legacy of the Inca civilization is spectacular and powerful. In this case, hire a good guide, it makes all the difference for you to better understand how they were advanced in architecture, agriculture and astronomy.This leaves everyone baffled till the present day.
Did you like the tip? I hope I was able to clear a bit of your curiosity. Leave your questions below about Machu Picchu. Also check out my adventures on Instagram @blogviajarpelomundo.
XoXo and until next Tuesday!
