Machu Picchu is a bucket-list archaeological site that attracts people from all over the world to Cusco, Peru, to see this magnificent Inca Wonder of the World. Many people are short on time but do not want to miss out on the spectacle of seeing Machu Picchu for themselves. Here is some important information to get the most out of your visit to one of the most iconic landmarks on the planet and how to visit it on a one day Machu Picchu trip!
History of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu sits on top of a mountain and was believed to be a sacred religious site, built in an extremely remote region by the Incas. Archaeologists will tell you that Machu Picchu was also the seasonal retreat for the Inca ruler and his family. Built by the ninth Inca, Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui around 1450 AD, the citadel was abandoned a century later following the arrival of the Spanish Conquerors. At the height of its existence, they believe that approximately 1,000 people lived there and the city was divided into rural and urban zones. The massive granite stones were taken from the banks of the Urubamba River, which is 30 km from the Machu Picchu citadel. One thing that is still a mystery, is how the city was actually built. One thing is certain however, the fact that the Spanish never found the site, means it remains in an excellent state of preservation.
Machu Picchu´s meaning in English
Although the Inca royalty were believed to have spoken Pukina, a now extinct language, the main language spoken by the Inca people was Quechua also called “Runa Simi”, meaning “the people’s language”. Machu Picchu translates to “old mountain” in Quechua. The famous mountain of Huayna Picchu inside the Machu Picchu complex in called the “young mountain”.
Machu Picchu and Hiram Bingham
When Yale University professor and archaeologist Hiram Bingham arrived at Machu Picchu in 1911, he was searching for Vilcabamba, the lost city of the Incas. At the time of Bingham’s arrival, there were a number of local families living in Machu Picchu. In fact, nine years earlier, a local farmer who was searching for new land, came across the ruins, then drew his signature on one of the rocks and eventually purchased the land for agricultural use. Bingham is credited for exposing the ruins to the scientific world and outside world; however, the site was never really lost.
Best Time to visit
To protect this World Heritage Site, UNESCO has set a limit of 2,500 visitors per day. You have to buy your ticket online or through an authorized agency in Cusco ahead of time. Machu Picchu opens from 6am to 5pm. To avoid the crowds, we suggest you spend a night in Aguas Calientes and take the first bus up to the archaeological site, the next day. However, time restrictions do not always allow this, which is why we offer this Machu Picchu trip in one day! There are certain times of the year such as New Year, the Inti Raymi (24th of June), and easter time that are much busier than other times of the year and Machu Picchu attracts not only tourists, but many local visitors also. The general high season is from May to September when more international visitors come to marvel at the Inca site. Rainy season runs from December to March void with months like January and February seeing the most rain. Your views can be drastically affected due to Machu Picchu´s location in a cloud forest in the wet season, though the cloud cover offers a magical and mysterious veil over this awe-inspiring site. Long story short, you can visit Machu Picchu at any time of the year!
How to get to Machu Picchu
There are no roads to Machu Picchu, except for the ancient Inca trail road which is a 4 day trek to Machu Picchu. The easiest way to get to Machu Picchu is by train. You can travel with Inca Rail or Peru Rail. It is recommended you book your train ride right after securing your tickets for your Machu Picchu trip as trains fill up quickly. This is where we come in and we can advise you in advance of available dates, train availability as well as take care of transfers to and from the train station to your hotel, especially if you are short on time and want to visit in just one day, and want a stress-free trip! There are other ways to get to Machu Picchu such as hiking there along the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu for example, but these are multi day treks and generally for people with no time restrictions.
Absorb the energy
Many visitors travel to this sacred city believing it is the source of special energies. One of the most popular spots in Machu Picchu to find this energy is the “Intihuatana” Quechua for ‘the place where the sun is tied’. Here, you will see lots of visitors gathering, with their arms wide open, trying to channel the magical energy of Machu Picchu. Some claim to feel a cold sensation, followed by a tingling, which turns into heat. Before entering the Huayna Picchu mountain, there is another fenced off rock, which is also said to be energy-filled. This ancient religious site attracts people in its thousands, who want to experience the spiritual vibrations of Machu Pichu, first-hand.
Admire the surrounding Views
One thing that visitors are often not quite prepared for, is the actual geographical location of Machu Picchu. While this Inca feat of engineering is spectacular in itself, the actual geography surrounding the site is mind-blowing and has to be seen to be believed. The imposing mountains that surround the archaeological site, the deep valley below and the archaeological site itself, built right in the middle, really is a unique experience and something to be ingrained in your memories for years to come. You will be able to appreciate fully, why The Spanish never actually arrived here as you take a variety of modes of transport and your trusty hiking boots around the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu.
If you are short on time, but want to appreciate Machu Picchu to the maximum, contact us to reserve this fantastic One Day Machu Picchu Trip and complete one of your bucket list items!