Few sights have taken my breath away quite like the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu. Framed by Andean peaks and surrounded by lush green forest, Machu Picchu’s temples, streets, staircases and terraces stretch between the surrounding mountains. The fact that the city is still standing today is a testament to the incredible skills of the Incan people.
With the intricate maze of white granite ruins and walkways to explore it’s easy to spend an entire day or more wandering through Machu Picchu, enjoying this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Trekking the trail
The extraordinary Inca Trail, often described as one of the top five treks in the world, allows thousands of visitors and lovers of adventure travel the opportunity to walk to Machu Picchu in the footsteps of the Incan pilgrims.
Taking around four days to trek, the 26-mile route passes through sites of archaeological importance, mysticism and beautiful scenery, meaning that this epic journey is guaranteed to be a memorable one.
As the area is protected by the Peruvian state, Trail hikers must be accompanied by a guide and a maximum of 500 hikers are allowed on the track per day. You will need a permit, which must have been booked no later than 90 days before departure, but if you book a tour then operators will ensure that these details are organised on your behalf.
The Inca path takes visitors through rugged mountain pathways and steep inclines, so the journey can prove a challenge to those with lower fitness levels. Make sure you give yourself time to acclimatise to the high altitude before setting off on the Inca Trail – altitude sickness can be exhausting and is likely to hold you back on the physically demanding journey. Spending a few days in Cusco before the hike should allow your body time to acclimatise
General tips for travel to Machu Picchu
The site opens from 6am until 6pm but is much busier when the crowds from the train are visiting – usually between 11am and 3.30pm. If you’d like to take in the ruins without the crowds, then try to avoid these times
Monday is the busiest day, and Sunday is one of the quietest. June, July, August and September are the busiest months when as many as 3,500 people visit the ruins every day. Even during the low season you can expect between 1,500 and 2,000 visitors per day
You can take small bags into the ruins but anything larger must be left at the luggage store near the entrance for a small charge
Inca Trail tours are best booked at least a couple of months in advance to ensure you get a place on the trek. Gap Adventures offers a range of packages that incorporate acclimatisation time, visits to local markets and the nearby Sacred Valley, with a four-day Inca Trail. For more information visit the Inca Trail tour page or call 0844 272 0000
