Green Toad Bus Peru Bus

Machu Picchu is the most amazing ancient city in Latin America if not the world, which is why it is a mandatory destination for anyone who is backpacking in Peru. The impressive archaeological site is found impossibly perched on top of a hill, surrounded by incredible mountain views. This ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu remained forgotten and hidden during the Spaniards domination the region and it wasn´t until 1911 that the Yale University archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered it.

The archaeological site was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1983. Historians say Machu Picchu was a vacation residence and special sanctuary of the Inca Emperor. It is also considered a masterpiece of engineering and architecture. The site offers incredible views and the visitor can visit most of the citadel´s ruins, including the Sacred Stone (Intihuatana), the Temple of the Sun, the Main temple, the Sacred Square and many more. There are also many terraces, towers, stairs and graveyards to visit. Take the time to also climb up Huayna Picchu (young mountain) and get an impressive view of the ruins which feature the Moon Temple.

As in many archaeological sites, an early visit usually pays off: you can admire a magical sunrise and get awesome pictures of the ruins if you make the effort. Remember that many people come to visit Machu Picchu in Peru and it is usually less crowded in the early hours. The site has a nice restaurant and a museum at the entrance, plus you can find excellent guides in the area.

 The Machu Picchu Trail can be reached via many ways. If you are super adventurous, take the Inca trail, as it concludes at Machu Picchu. Many people say this is the best way to get to the site as the city is the great trophy at the end of the Inca trail. You can also take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, which is a village close to the ruins. Stay the night in Aguas Calientes and in the morning you can reach the ruins by bus and take advantage of a whole day for sightseeing around Machu Picchu. The last alternative is to travel by bus through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and then take a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes.

You cannot travel in Peru without visiting Machu Picchu!