The Greatest Ten of Machu Picchu

10. The Inca Trail (or by train to aquas calients)

Many people want to go to Machu Picchu walking the Inca Trail. It’s a three to four days walk through the mountains. The trail leads between Cuzco and MP.

An alternative option is to go by train from Cuzco to Aquas Calientes. From there take (the first!) bus to Machu Picchu.

9. Machu Picchu in fog

Get to Machu Picchu as early as possible for a chance to witness a magical moment. In the early morning Machu Picchu might be shrouded in mist. When the cloud cover slowly disappears and Machu Picchu slowly emerges, that is truly an amazing moment. Then it’s time to discover Machu Picchu for yourself!.

8. Funerary Rock hut

7. inca walls

One of the great mysteries of our time. How did the Incas make their walls so incredibly solid? Look at any of the Inca walls in Machu Picchu and other sites of Cuzco itself.
The large blocks fit together seamlessly. It is such a beautiful piece of architecture from the Incas.
The crumbled stones you may encounter are the result of a process of years (even centuries), not a lack of construction skills. The Incas did not use grout to join the walls; they cut the stones exactly to size. Their best structures have endured many centuries and even several earthquakes.

6. Sacred plaza

The Sacred Plaza was probably the political center of Machu Picchu. It is surrounded by the main temple, the temple with the three windows and the Intihuatana rock.

5. intiwatana – the sundial

The Intiwatana is known as the “pole of the sun” of Machu Picchu. The standing pillar is located in the middle and the four corners are oriented to the four cardinal directions. The Incas were avid astronomers and used the angles of the pillar to calculate the solstice. The sun was very important for agriculture and therefore for the well-being of the whole society. On June 21 and December 21 the solstice was discussed. The high priest is said to hang a gold disc on the Intiwatana, to symbolically capture the sun and return it to earth. 
The Intiwatana is the only one of its kind that has not been chopped off by the Spanish conquerors. During their conquests, they systematically destroyed all symbols and buildings of the Inca religion.

Machu Picchu is a special place, with a very special atmosphere. Sit on the edge of the Central Plaza, with views of the Urubamba River below, the stone temples and squares at the front, and the peaks surrounding Machu Picchu.

4. machu Picchus lamas

Around the Central Plaza there is a good chance you will encounter llamas and alpacas. These funny animals are so fluffy you might want to cuddle them, but remember they are wild animals. You will probably spend a will taking pictures, but when you’re done please look around. The Central Plaza is a grassy area, surrounded by stone buildings with no roofs and steep terraces. From this place you have a beautiful view of Huayna Picchu. The square is the green island amidst the stone buildings that make up Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a special place, with a very special atmosphere. Just sit on the edge of the Central Plaza, with views of the Urubamba River below, the stone temples, the peaks surrounding Machu Picchu and try to absorb the special atmosphere.

3. royal tomb

You will find the Royal Tomb on your left after descending a long stone staircase.
This cave-like area of ​​Machu Picchu contains many ceremonial niches in the walls. You will find an Inca cross cut into a wall, adjacent to the Temple of the Sun.

The cross appears to contain a number of steps. It represents the three levels of “existence” according to the Incas. The first step, symbolized by the snake, represents the underworld or death. The second step is the present, human life, and is symbolized by the jaguar. The highest step represents heaven with its gods; this is symbolized by a condor.

2. the look-a-like

At the end of the Sacred Plaza you will find the so-called Sacred Rock, an object that was central to most Inca settlements. Before a village could be established, a sacred stone had to be placed in the center of the construction site. The Sacred Rock of Machu Picchu is located at the foot of Huayna Picchu (literally translated “small peak”). You can climb to the top in one hour from Sacred Rock, for another beautiful view of the entire valley. If you have undertaken this steep trek, you can receive a certificate at the Gatekeeper’s cabin.

1. huayna picchu

The Huayna Picchu (meaning “young peak” in Quechua) is the peak situated on the north side of Machu Picchu and part of the Machu Picchu experience. If you wish that is. The top reaches 2693 meters above sea level, Which is 260 meters above Machu Picchu. It’s an adventurous climb with steep stairs, disproportionate steps and finally a rope to get to the summit of Huayna Picchu, but the reward is amazing. Without a doubt one of the greatest ten views in the world!

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