Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary

The sanctuary of Machu Picchu is 112 km norhwest of the city of cusco near the town of aguas calientes at the foot of Machu Picchu mountain (approx. 3,5 hours by train). From aguas calientes it is 8 more kilometers to the citadel (25 minutes on bus or 1 hour on foot). Originating in epic and legend, the historic santuary of Machu Picchu is sacred and enigmatic down to its deepest essence.

Defying time, Machu Picchu fortifies and fulfills the human spiritual condition. This inca citadel was first discovered in 1902 by juan lizarraga (a cusqueño), who lived in the surrounding area. It was later discovered by explorer hiran bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu is a place with much scientific and cultural importance, being one of the greatest expressions of the inca culture`s architectural development. The complex is made up of ceremonial plazas, expansive gardens, perfectly individualized dwellings and temples imbedded with histories lost in time. In 1983 unesco declared Machu Picchu as cultural heritage site for humanity. Machu Picchu, a marvelous masterpiece harmonised with the natural landscape, is the principal tourist attraction in south america.

The complex is also known as the arrival point of the famous inka trail, which is densely spotted by an average of 33 smaller arquitectural sites. The forests in the area are densely populated with pisonay, nogal intimpa, quishuar, cedar and many other kinds of trees.
There are more than 180 species of orchids, which flower at intervals throughout the year.

In all the different levels of the ecosystem, there are all kinds of animals, like the majestic condor, several kinds of hummingbids, pumas, ocelots and some monkey species. We cannot forget to mention the national bird, the cock of the rock, the andean spectacled bear, the river otter and the mountain cat. At the foot of Machu Picchu mountain sits the modern day town of Machu Picchu which bares the same name as the mountain, as well as being called “aguas calientes”.

This town was founded in 1941. Imbedded between rigorous folds of the andean mountains merging into the jungle, the town of Machu Picchu emerges from dense and lush vegetation constantly nourished by the vilcanota rivers and the hot springs. The town boasts of luxury hotels, hostals, tourist lodging, and restaurants serving a great variety of typical peruvian dishes. The settlers in aguas calientes are friendly, hospitable people that will receive you with open arms.

Machu Picchu Program

(Bring passport) transfer from your hotel at about 5:30 am to the train station.
Catch train to “aguas calientes”. *catch bus up to “Machu Picchu” with guide (or next day optional).
Visit “the sanctuary of Machu Picchu” with your guide for approx. 3 hours.
Free afternoon in “Machu Picchu” (optional).
Catch bus down to “aguas calientes”.
Catch train to cusco at approx. 4 pm.
Spend the night in “aguas calientes” (optional – highly recommended).