Machu Picchu
Peru’s ‘Lost City of the Incas’ is one of the most awe-inspiring sites you’ll ever visit. And thanks to this selection of Machu Picchu tours from South America Tours Pty Ltd, you can see and experience the best of this mountain-top citadel in South America.
Your journey begins in the city of Cuzco, which has many attractions of its own. Whilst here, you can admire the architectural sights, visit the artisans’ quarter of San Blas or even enjoy short hikes into the surrounding area.
But the real treasure here are the exquisite ruins of Machu Picchu. There’s so much to dazzle and amaze you on your ascent to this iconic attraction – legendary roads, citadels lost in the Andean heights, churches built on top of palaces and so much more. The ancient Inca citadel nestles atop a mountain saddle high above the Urubamba River in the middle of the cloud forest. It was both a centre of worship and astronomic observatory for the ancient Incas – as well as the private retreat of the ruler, Pachacutec.
Machu Picchu Tour Highlights
At Machu Picchu, visitors can take part in all kinds of adventure sports and participate in the most spectacular religious festivals in South America. Here are some of the highlights you can plan to enjoy:
- Inca Trail: The Inca Trail leads from just outside of Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu, and the entire trek takes four days to complete. However, you don’t have to hike the entire trail to see Machu Picchu, as there are several shortened tours that begin midway.
- Temple of the Sun: Though much of this grandiose temple was destroyed during an earthquake in 1950, it’s still an absolute wonder to behold.
- Temple of Condor: This temple offers amazing insight into Incan stonemasonry. The Incas actually carved a natural rocky outcropping into the shape of a condor’s wings, with stone blocks added to complete the temple structure.
- Ancient Technology: Speaking of stonemasonry, the Incas were able to build walls and temples of perfectly fitting stones that did not require the use of mortar. You’ll see evidence of this everywhere on your tour of Machu Picchu.
- Huayna Picchu: Whilst technically not part of the Machu Picchu complex, the peak of Huayna Picchu still looms on the periphery. You can climb to the summit for incredible panoramas of the mountains.
South America Tours Pty Ltd offers a series of tantalising tours of Machu Picchu. Browse the tours we’ve posted on this page and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have something in mind that isn’t listed here.
