Tourism, sightseeing, attractions, sports and recreation, plus photos for Machu Picchu, Peru, the most visited ruins in South America.
Machu Picchu is the most visited tourist destination in Peru, with good reason. The ruins stand atop a steep mountain overlooking the Urubamba river far below, and raise questions archaeologists and historians are still asking. Enjoy these photos of the site.
Every year during the dry season between May to September multitudes of visitors from all over the workd stand in awe of the spectacular ruins of the Lost City of the Incas.
Views of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu include views down deep river gorges and up at snow-clad mountain peaks. These images are only a sample of the trek through barren puno, up and down rocky mountain trails, through meadows and cloud forest, sheer cliff faces and on to the fabled ruins at Machu Picchu. Enjoy!
Clarence Fisk describes his trip, in Spanish, to Machu Picchu on a drizzly day and includes site usage with notes from his guide's talk.
Descriptions, photos, recommended sightseeing and getting there information, plus an excellent guide to the ruins by sector.
The residential palace of the Inca king Pachacuti has drawn tourists from all over the world because of its lovely impossible location at the edge of the world. Gina Carey was at Machu Picchu during the Summer of 2004, and shares her photographs of the famous site.
An introduction to the many sights and areas of Peru.
The Inca Moche Chimu Paracas Nazca and Chachapoya Peoples - creators of civilization in the Andes.
Photos and commentary by Steve Underwood.
"The Hiram Bingham carries passengers on a spectacular journey through changing landscapes, passing lush fields, colorful villages and wonderful vistas of the beautiful Andes."
An introduction to the man who discovered Machu Picchu in 1911.
Called
ruinas for good reason -- it's the only hotel within the Inca citadel.
"Huayna Picchu is the pinnacle to the south of Machu Picchu, the famous archaeological site in Peru, visible in the background of the traditional postcard view of Machu Picchu. "Machu Picchu" means "Old Mountain" or "Old Peak" in the local dialect, while "Huayna Picchu" is "New" or "Young Peak".
View the National Geographic report of the ice mummies.
Machu Picchu, the Lost City! Books about explorations, discoveries, treks, photographs, tours, the Inca Trail, ruins and Hiram Bingham, plus videos, tapestries and music.
"To travel by train to Machu Picchu, PERURAIL, the company that operates the Southern Railways, offers a wide variety of services which cover the needs of the different types of travellers to the former Inca citadel or the nearby area." Choose between the Inca Route from Cuzco, the Ollanta Route through Ollantaytambo, or the Poroy 18 km. from Cuzco, right in the Urubamba valley.
Take a look at this fabulous photo of Machu Picchu, then use the interactive features to zoom in on specific areas for surprising detail. Photo by Andre Gunther.
Culture and customs of the Incas.
Description and photos of a whirlwind trip to Machu Picchu.
Photos from Clarence Fisk.
If you stay at this updated, now luxury hotel at the entrance to the ruins, you'll see Machu Picchu before and after the tourist busses, but be sure to make your reservations months in advance.
Excellent historical and cultural description of Inca civilization and the discovery of the ruins. In Spanish.
"This simulated natural color ASTER image covers 12 x 15 km, and was acquired on June 25, 2001."
Inca expert Gary Ziegler explores the riddle of how this center of Inca culture could hide itself in the mountain jungle.
Brief history and photos.
Great photos and fun graphics plus
El Condor Pasa....
Courtesy of Lonely Planet.
360 degree tour of the ruins plus useful getting there info fro Expedia.com.
The Machu Picchu Magazine -- also covers other areas. Browse through the articles and the breaking news.
Accounting from the Modern History Sourcebook.
This view of the Lost City of Machu Picchu, seen from Huayna Picchu, presents a different perspective on the terraces, scope and intricacy of the ruins. Note: Machu Picchu means Old Mountain in the local dialect and Huayna Picchu is Young Peak.
"SUMAQ is the only five star hotel in Machu Picchu Town (formerly Aguas Calientes), it is located at only 20 minutes from the Machu Picchu archaeological site. The large and fine facilities offer a living experience with the most representative of the Inca culture."
Depending on your starting point, the Inca Trail is 27 to 35 miles long passing through high-mountain desert, cloud forest, and mountain passes with elevations of nearly 14,000 feet and an orchid-rich jungle before it brings you to to Machu Picchu, the fabled Lost City of the Incas.
