Here is an idea for your summer: visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Just in case you are wondering, Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and often considered an ultimate vacation destination. It’s the backpackers’ mecca. In fact, Machu Picchu is one reason why Peru gets over one million tourists every year. A visit to South America is not complete until you’ve seen this place.
Machu Picchu is rich in history, beauty, and perfect stonework. It is unlike any other place you’ve seen before. According to people who have visited Machu Picchu in the past, they felt spellbound in this place. It is like visiting a real-life Disneyland. You will be able to experience the runs uncovered from the jungle over a century ago. Machu Picchu is a vacation destination on almost everyone’s bucket list. You can hardly see a hardcore traveler who has not been to Machu Picchu. The reason is simple: everyone agrees that Machu Picchu is unique and a must-see paradise if you love traveling.
However, just like every other destination, you need enough preparation if you want to enjoy your experience in Machu Picchu. This includes having the right information and working with the right people to plan your tour. If you are thinking of visiting Machu Picchu this summer, then you will definitely find this guide very enlightening. Today, you will learn everything you need to know about Machu Picchu. Keep on reading to find out more.
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Top 7 Things You Need To Know About Machu Picchu
1. The Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu
Source: Intrepid Travel
When planning your visit to Machu Picchu, the first thing you need to do is to figure out the best time to visit this awesome place. If you visit from November to early April, chances are you won’t enjoy it so much because of heavy rainfalls. Usually, the authority closes the Inca Trail every February for maintenance.
The best time to visit is between July and October. A lot of people visit during this time. This means that you will get to meet lots of people. If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu during this period, ensure you purchase your tour ticket early enough. If you want to avoid the crowd, then come visit during the months of April, May, and June.
2. How Much Time To Spend In Machu Picchu
Source: REI Co-op
Ideally, most tourists spend the entire day enjoying the views and ruins. You will also get to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains, temples, terraces, and even the mortar-free stone walls. Most tour packages offer one day tour. When you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, a day-trip will be enough to enjoy it totally.
3. Is Machu Picchu Crowded?
Source: machupicchu.com
Interestingly, Machu Picchu used to be a very lonely place with just 1,000 inhabitants. But those days are over. Now, it is very crowded on any given day except during the rainy seasons and in February. On other days, there are about 6,000 tourists who spend hours going from one end of Machu Picchu to the other end admiring its beauty. Nonetheless, there is nothing to fear about the crowd. It is very orderly and you will enjoy yourself whenever you visit.
4. Can I Take Photos?
Source: Dan Flying Solo
Yes. In fact, your visit to Machu Picchu is not complete without taking beautiful pictures, especially from the far left side from the top of the cultivation terraces. This location lies above the city. Any photo you take here will be breathtaking. Most images of Machu Picchu you’ve seen before were probably taken from this spot.
5. Where Should I Stay in Machu Picchu?
Source: Andean Travel Web
There is a gorgeous town at the bottom of Machu Picchu known as Aguas Calientes. This is the place almost every tourist that visits Machu Picchu stays. The town is small, beautiful, and very affordable. One of the benefits of staying in Aguas Calientes is that you will be close to everything. Besides, most hotels here have delicious local and foreign cuisines. Some even serve free breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
6. How Do I Make Payments?
Source: Peruvian Soles
Peru currency is known as Peruvian Soles. You don’t always have to convert your currency to pay for things like transport and food in Peruvian Soles. You can always pay in US dollars. In fact, prices of things here have their equivalents in dollars and the US dollar are highly valued in Peru and often accepted as a legal tender. If you don’t have Peruvian Soles, you can make your payment in the dollar. The only upside is that you will be subjected to the prevailing exchange rate.
7. Do I Need a Guide To Visit Machu Picchu?
Source: CNN.com
It is possible to visit Machu Picchu alone. However, the odds are that you won’t enjoy it so much. It is highly recommended that you get a guide or better still, get a tour package. When you sign up for a Machu Picchu tour package, you will be assigned a local guide who understands the history and all the best places to visit and enjoy yourself in Machu Picchu. A good local guide will be able to get you into places where you will be unable to enter on your own. Make your research before choosing a local guide. You can also check out 10Adventures who work with the local guides in Peru and offer a great Inca trail to Machu Picchu tour.
Final Words
Peru is one of the most favorite places to visit in the world. However, Machu Picchu makes the trip to Peru a must-go for everyone. Since Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu in 1911, it has remained one of the most popular attractions in South America. If you want your summer to be exceptional this year, make sure you get a tour package to Machu Picchu on time. Fortunately, there are a lot of reliable travel agencies that offer an affordable Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco. You may be able to get an irresistible tour package offer if you do your research well.
