What do you think of when you think of Machu Picchu? Perhaps ancient civilizations, lush mountain peaks, or exquisite architecture? And what do you think of when you think of actually visiting this wonder of the world yourself? Do you think of long hikes, great elevation changes, and lots of bugs?
While these are all issues you might struggle with during a Machu Picchu vacation, it doesn’t have to be that way. As the popularity of a Peru vacation to Machu Picchu continues to grow, the quality of travel services in the Cuzco region is also improving. Here are some ways you can ensure you have the best luxury travel experience possible in South America.
Choose a first-class hotel. Machu Picchu continues to be visited by thousands of backpackers every year. And there are plenty of hostel accommodations to suit them. But if you are looking for something more luxurious, you are in luck. Many know Sanctuary Lodge because it is the only hotel on the mountain where the ruins are located.
It is literally right next to the entrance gate. But just because it’s the closest doesn’t mean it’s the best. Only some of the rooms have a view of Machu Picchu, and you are not allowed to enter the park earlier or later than everyone else. It may be better to stay at the base of the mountain at the Pueblo Hotel. The prices are better and the experience is much more luxurious. The hotel consists of bungalows laid out like a traditional Andean village, giving each guest plenty of privacy.
Take the right train. The only way to get to Machu Picchu Pueblo, the town at the foot of the Machu Picchu ruins, is by train. There are three different classes of trains: Expedition, Vistadome and Hiram Bingham. Although many people are happy with the middle option (the Vistadome train), you should take the Hiram Bingham train if you are really looking for a luxury experience.
This train ride, often called one of the best rain rides in the world, includes a gourmet lunch on the way to the ruins and dinner on the way back, alcoholic beverages included. The train cars look like the inside of a 5-star hotel, and there is a private tour guide for every 14 passengers. There is also tea at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge near the ruins.
Choose the right tour company. When you take a luxury vacation to Peru, you want to be sure you’re in good hands. Look for and book with a quality travel company that has a strong presence in both the U.S. and Peru, as this will give you the best mix of travel safety and local knowledge. If you are looking for a luxury vacation, be sure to book with a company that specializes in this type of travel.
Machu Picchu Tours
Ince shortly after Hiram Bingham made the “Old Summit” famous in 1911, Machu Picchu Luxury Tours have been taken by tourists. Bingham was guided to the site by a young Quechan boy. At that time, there were already people living there who discovered the site after it was abandoned by the Incas.
Machu Picchu is 2,430 meters above sea level and overlooks the Urubamba River in the Andes. It is located near the town of Aguas Calientes in the department of Cuzco and was built by the Incas around 1460 AD. There are theories, but no one knows exactly how the Incas built it. Huge stones were used, which had to be brought to the area over difficult mountainous terrain.
The stones fit together so perfectly that in some places a knife blade would not fit between them. Machu Picchu is built to withstand earthquakes because the stones move slightly when the ground shakes and then settle back into their original position.
The Inca Pachacuti, the founding father of the Inca Empire, probably built the citadel as a ceremonial center to worship the sun god and as an observatory for sunrise. It also has an agricultural area. Not only was grain harvested on these slopes, but they also served to defend the site from invaders. Machu Picchu is located in such a way that a military attack would be very difficult to carry out.
Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is known for its magnificent architecture, ancient mystique and breathtaking scenery. The ruins are a must-see for any visitor to Peru.
One Day Machu Picchu Tours
In the city of Cuzco, there are several agencies that offer one-day Machu Picchu Luxury Hiking Tours. Almost all of them follow the same basic structure. Early in the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the San Pedro train station. The train will take travelers about three hours up into the Andes to the mountain town of Aguas Calientes (Hot Water).
The town offers great views of the Andes that surround it, usually with low-hanging clouds that add to the mystical feel of the town. The streets are paved with cobblestones and go uphill, which is a bit of a challenge for physical fitness. Some residents still wear their colorful traditional clothing.
After a short stop in Aguas Calientes, your guide will take you to a shuttle bus that goes up the road to Machu Picchu. The entrance to Machu Picchu overlooks the site. Your guide will lead you through the ruins and explain the significance of each section. Most guides speak both English and Spanish very well.
5 Ways to Stay Comfortable While Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Luxury Inca Trail Tours to Machu Picchu is one of the best travel experiences in the world. This trail, which consistently appears on “best of” lists and sells out months in advance, has it all: spectacular scenery, a fabulous destination, and a challenge that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something.
But let’s face it - not everyone who wants to hike to Machu Picchu is a rugged outdoorsman. Some of us want to tackle the Machu Picchu trek with a reasonable level of comfort. If you fall into this category (and even if you don’t), here are 5 things you should pack to make your Machu Picchu trek as comfortable as possible.
1. your own sleeping bag. Although you can rent a sleeping bag in Cuzco, it is impossible to guarantee its quality in advance. Avoid the risk of an inferior sleeping bag by bringing your own from home. If you must rent a sleeping bag, bring a silk sleeping bag or a lightweight sheet to make the sleeping bag more comfortable. A sleeping pad will also greatly increase comfort.
2. Extra socks. You can never have enough socks. Many hikers swear by the double sock rule, while others say socks and sandals work best. And of course, you don’t want to wear dirty, sweaty socks to sleep, do you? However you look at it, extra socks will make your hike more comfortable. Take a pair just for sleeping and a spare pair in case one of your other pairs gets wet - because few things are worse than wet socks.
3. personal toiletries. Even if you’re only hiking the 4-day Inca Trail, there are a few things you’ll need to remember, first and foremost toilet paper. There is a small chance you will find some at the campsites, but it is always better to be prepared. Small plastic bags are also very useful, as well as a small container of hand sanitizer. There is also a campsite with a shower, so you can take small containers of soap and shampoo if you want.
0 Comments