Amazon Region Machu Picchu Affordable Peru Tours
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

Interesting Facts about Peruvian Amazon Region and Machu Picchu

With its diverse land and rich culture, Peru is the perfect country for an explorer, but when someone talks about Peru- the first thing that comes to mind is Machu Picchu and the Amazon forest. These two places are the most visited in Peru.

Before you book any of the Amazon and Machu Picchu Tour packages, here are some amazing interesting facts about these places:

Amazon

The Amazon is the largest rainforest on Earth, which stretches across nine countries in South America. The Peruvian part of the Amazon rainforest is probably the most diverse and prolific section of all. You can witness the widest variety of flora and fauna here. Peruvian region of the Amazon River and rainforest system is the most untouched and is known as the birthplace of the Amazon River.

Amazonas-Iquitos
Amazonas-Iquitos

Machu Picchu

Set atop the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is one of the new 7 Wonders of the World and is also one of the most traveled places not only in Peru but in the world as well. Machu Picchu is translated to “Old Mountain” or “Old Peak.” in the Quechua language. Machu Picchu covers an area of more than 320 square kilometers.

Facts about Machu Picchu

  1. Machu Picchu is a 15th Century Inca site, located in the Cusco Region. The Inca Empire, the largest empire in pre-Columbian Americans, built the estate in around 1450 but abandoned it a century later after the Spanish Conquest. Though most of the archaeologists believed that it was built for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438-1472).
  2. Machu Picchu, although known to locals, was unknown to outsiders until 1911, when it was brought to international attention by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO world heritage site, and, in 2007, it was named one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
  3. Even after the Spanish Conquest in the 1500s, the Spanish never found the site of Machu Picchu and due to this belief Machu Picchu is often mistakenly referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.”
  4. To construct Machu Picchu, granite rocks of heavyweight over 55 tons were used. Machu Picchu was constructed with a technique called “Ashlar” that involves stones being perfectly shaped so that mortar is not needed.
  5. Machu Picchu is one of the most famous sites in South America and Peru’s most visited attraction. Therefore, there’s a no-fly zone above the site.
  6. Peru is prone to earthquakes and Machu Picchu sits on top of two fault lines. However, its intelligent design allows the stone to bounce through tremors before it safely falls back into its place. It is believed that, without the “Ashlar” technique, the site would have collapsed a long time ago.
  7. More than 150 buildings make up Machu Picchu and these buildings range from temples, sanctuaries to baths and houses.  Archaeologists identified 3 main structures- the Temple of the Sun, the Room of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, which is a stone created by the Incas to be used as either a calendar or an astronomical clock.

Both Machu Picchu and Amazon are undoubtedly popular destinations in South America. Facebook.

Amazon Region Machu Picchu Affordable Peru Tours
CategoriesMachu Picchu Tours By Sun Gate Tours

11 Tips to Plan your Machu Picchu Vacation Well

Once lost in the majestic Peruvian Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is now counted amongst the most sought-after tourist destinations across the globe. Its sophisticated buildings unravel ancient techniques of astronomical alignments and amazing panoramic views.

This ancient Inca settlement in Peru never fails to amaze people by its mystifying beauty, lush green cover, and esoteric ruins. To be honest, Machu Picchu Vacation is more like an adventurous journey of mysteries and bewilderment when compared to ordinary holidays you go on every year.

If you are also planning to experience one of the most thrilling ventures, the following tips will help you a lot in making your journey a successful and exciting one.

Machu Picchu Tours
Machu Picchu Tours

Make a booking in advance

  • Your first step should be to ask your tour operator to reserve train tickets and arrange your entry into Machu Picchu beforehand. Every year, more than 1.1 million visitors wander in Machu Picchu and authorities grant only limited permits each day. So, booking early will ensure your entry with no hassle.
  • In case you are also interested in hiking the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, you need to book it in advance again as the trek is well controlled and gets sold out months upfront as well.
  • Unless you are from Asia, you don’t have to worry about obtaining a tourist visa. However, you need to keep a copy of your passport with you during your entire stay in Peru.
  • When you enter Peru, the customs official will provide you with a tourist card. Ensure to keep it with you safely throughout your trip as you will need it again while leaving Peru. Otherwise, a fine will be imposed.

How to avoid Machu Picchu Crowd

  • During the afternoon, huge crowds of tourists will arrive from Cuzco – a city two hours away from Machu Picchu. If you are no fan of big gatherings or crowds, it is best to spend your night in the town of Aguas Calientes that lies at the foot of Machu Picchu.
  • To get the best view of the mountain sunset in Machu Picchu, visit up there in the late afternoon. Though the park closes at 5 pm, you will surely be able to catch some memorable and stunning photographs as the light beams will fall over the ancient ruins and radiate the surroundings in the most charismatic manner.
  • Another thing you could do to avoid huge throngs of tourists is to book your trip in ‘shoulder seasons’ i.e. between April and May or September and October.

How to Dress and Stay Healthy

  • While traveling to Peru, check the climate of the region you are planning to visit. In Machu Picchu, you can expect large temperature swings at different times within a single day. So, choose to dress accordingly.
  • Keep your body hydrated more than usual as you will be hiking at elevated heights. Bottled water is recommended to drink rather than tap water.
  • Bring insect repellent and apply sunscreen. Just to be safe, keep extra napkins or toilet paper in your daily touring backpack, and remember to throw it in the trash bin instead of the toilet.
  • Take time to get accustomed to the high altitude – at least 12 hours. Bring some altitude sickness tablets, avoid smoking and alcohol, and stay away from coffee and energy drinks. Rather, you can try some coca tea.

Follow these tips while planning for Machu Picchu Vacation and manage your money wisely to avoid scams and counterfeit cash. Facebook.