Things to do in Machu Picchu

View of Salkantay River

J Mill

In Machupicchu there are a few extra options, except the regular tour. One option is to go up to the Inca drawbridge, which is also a nice viewpoint.
Another option is up the Hauyna Picchu mountain, also nicknamed "the nose". It is the mountain behind the site, in the famous pictures.
More options appear here or in guidebooks.

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Peru boasts a wealth of culture attracting thousands of tourists yearly from all over the world. Peru’s most popular tourist destinations generally include ancient ruins of the Inca civilization. The most popular attraction of all is Machu Picchu, where visitors can find a multitude of Machu Picchu things to do. Nearby the ancient hidden city of Machu Picchu is the bustling modern city of Cusco. Located near historic Inca sites, Cusco is a great place to find lodging and schedule tours and activities.

Inca Trail

One of the most sought-after hiking expeditions is the famous Inca trail. It is considered a trekking endeavor not for the faint of heart. Those who choose to attempt the climb will be rewarded with aesthetically enticing sights of scenic mountains shrouded in mist, exotic jungle foliage, dense rainforests and incredible ruins of the lost Inca civilization. The successful climb results in reaching the “summit” of Machu Picchu, one of the most important cultural sites in the world.

Exploring Machu Picchu

Known as one of the “new seven wonders of the world,” once a person is at Machu Picchu, there are certain things that cannot be missed. One such site is the Temple of the Sun, an ancient structure used for astrological observation. Another is one of the most architecturally impressive structures on site, The Temple of Three Windows. A third of Inca importance is a structure only accessible by stone staircase, the Intiwatana. By using a prism, angles, sunlight and shadows, this site served specifically to measure time.

Trekking

Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most popular trekking destinations. Surrounding the “lost city of the Incas” are even more summits and peaks to conquer. One trek recommended by avid climbers is Huayna Picchu. Though the trails are steep, and sometimes arduous, there are cable ropes along the way to help climbers, and the destination is worth the effort. At the top of the peak is one of the most incredible views of the ruins below.

For the adventurer, Machu Picchu is a dream destination. It is a place where the imagination can run wild. Like a storybook fairytale, this ancient city is mysterious and one of grandeur. It is a site to be traversed, explored and appreciated.

Contributors
July 18, 2006 new by yohay elam (2 points)

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Alternative Inca Trail and Eco Tourism Peru

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View of Salkantay River
photo by: J Mill

Alternative Tourism in Peru

Inka Magik offers alternative 4 day eco Inca Trail routes to Machu Picchu - through the warm jungle on foot and on horseback, staying a night in tent, hotel and in a rustic adobe lodge with a local family who live in the jungle. The family welcome the traveller in and cook a traditional meal. There is freshly picked fruit from the trees in the garden, such as papaya or pineapple, and coffee beans are toasted for a fresh breakfast wake up. more..

type:	Trekking
World66 rating:	[rate it]

Huayna Picchu

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Huayna Picchu from below
photo by: Yohay Elam

Hauyna Picchu is the mountain that appears behind the citadel in the famous pictures of Machupicchu.
In order to climb to the top, you must register at the entrance to the path. At the time of writing, only 400 people are allowed there every day. So be sure to start it before noon. There is no additional cost.
After a steep but well maintained uphill path, you reach the top, which is only a bunch of big rocks. Machupicchu is down below, in the valley that surrounds the mountain. Around the valley are more mountains. The awesome view makes it feel like you are on the top of more..

type:	Hiking
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Santa Teresa hot springs

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Santa Teresa is a village along the Salkantay trek. 45 minutes away from the village, in the middle of nowhere are the lovely hot springs. Contrary to other places, which are commercialized, this place seems quite wild. Being in the warm waters, surrounded by mountains is a great experience. Entrance costs 3.5 soles. You can rent a towel for 1 sol, if you didn't bring one.

type:	Spa and Sauna
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Santa Teresa

Salkantay trek

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Salkantay mountain
photo by: Yohay Elam

The Salkantay trek is the alternatvie "back door" route to Machupicchu. The standard route takes 5 days, and it can be extended to 7 days.
There are a few differences between the Incal Trail and the Salknatay trek. The Inca Trail can be done only with a group, so if you don't book it a few months in advance, you probably will not have a place there. The Salkantay trek can be done either independently or with a group. During the high season, groups go every day, and there is no problem joining one. Those people who are seriously into Inca culture will prefer the Inca more..

type:	Trekking
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Any travel agency in Cusco, or independently

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