Machu Picchu the pre Columbian Inca site is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru almost 50 miles northwest of Cuzco. Machu Picchu is located 7800 feet above the sea level and is surrounded by several mountains. The peak of Huaya Picchu is 350 feet higher than Machu Picchu mountain and hiking on the top of Huaya Picchu provides a spectacular view of Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu was made Public in 1911, after the explorer Hiram Bingham had reached there. The Spaniards never found it. Machu Picchu has several terraces, rooms, temples and chambers. There is not a definite answer about its purpose. It is believed that Machu Picchu was an observatory because during winter at dawn the sun shines through the “Torren” located at the sun temple.
There are two ways to arrive at Machu Picchu. Either by train or by hiking the Inca trail. Arriving at Machu Picchu after three days of hiking is just one of those things that you will never forget for most of your life.
Since 1911, many articles, books have been written about Machu Picchu and in 2007 Machu Picchu was chosen as one of the new wonders of the world.
Machu Picchu in brief :
Location : At 50 miles from Cusco city.
Elevation : 7800 feet above sea level
Discovered : 1911 by Hiram Bingham
How to reach there : By bus/train from Cusco or by Train from Ollantaytambo..
Time to reach : 3 hours by train from Cusco
Nearby town : Aguas Calientes (few miles)
Hotel : Only one hotel Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, many hotels in Aguas Calientes
Best Hotel : Inka Terra Machu Picchu
Restaurant : Many restaurants at Aguas Calientes
