Your Machu Picchu Experience
Unforgettable Views of Machu Picchu
Embark on a captivating journey starting at the main entrance of Machu Picchu, treading the ancient stone paths graced by Incan nobility. A leisurely 30-minute ascent up stone staircases leads you to the Guardian’s House, the iconic viewpoint offering postcard-perfect vistas of the Incan citadel. Beyond the visual spectacle lies the invigorating mountain breeze, the serene tranquility broken only by the whispering foliage, and the profound wonder of witnessing the majestic city sprawled below. This location affords a privileged glimpse into history, overlooking the urban sector, revered temples, and the intricate design of this ancient marvel. Pause, breathe in the breathtaking panorama, and delve into the upper terraces, including the cemetery and the funerary rock, to grasp the Incan customs and traditions. Did you know that the funerary rock was primarily utilized for mummification? The Incas believed that higher altitudes brought them closer to the divine, hence their preference for conducting rituals at these elevated sites.
Having absorbed the splendor of Machu Picchu from its most renowned viewpoint, commence your descent. Follow the ancient stone steps in reverse, retracing your path back to the main gate of Machu Picchu.
Enhance Your Exploration
Instead of bidding farewell, consider elevating your adventure with one of three extraordinary extensions. Scaling Machu Picchu Mountain entails a challenging 4-hour uphill trek, rewarding you with unparalleled panoramic vistas of the ruins and the Sacred Valley. Seeking a shorter yet exhilarating detour? Opt for the Inca Bridge trail, leading to a nerve-wracking stone pathway sculpted into the cliffs—a once-secret entrance to the citadel. Alternatively, embark on the Qhapaq Ñan trail, a 2 km uphill hike to Intipunku (the Sun Gate), the original gateway to Machu Picchu for Incan travelers, where the first rays of dawn once illuminated the weary pilgrims. Each path you tread unravels more mysteries of this Incan masterpiece, enriching your Machu Picchu odyssey.
