A Simple Guide to Visiting Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham III. An explorer who at the time went in search of a different city called Vilcabamba and discovered this mysterious city with secrets behind its walls. Although he discovered Machu Picchu, he argued that both Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba were the same cities. This was what people believed until 1956 when his theory was proven wrong.
People also doubt that Macchu Picchu can be considered a lost city because when Hiram Bingham III ‘found’ the city, there were a few families of farmers that already lived there.
Thousands of people visit the Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu every year, but it is difficult to capture the essence of this mysterious citadel as it isn’t easy to hike nor is it cheap to access. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trek can be enjoyed all year round and there are many hiking trail options depending on how much crowd you are comfortable with. Below is a guide on visiting and enjoying Machu Picchu:
Come With Some Water and a Rain Coat
Water is one of the first things you should pack when going on a hike. The hike to Machu Picchu takes quite a while and the weather is quite unpredictable as well. Water prevents dehydration, especially in sunny weather. A raincoat prevents the weather from taking you by surprise. In Peru, it rains as much as it suns.
Along with water and a raincoat, you also need sunscreen, insect repellent, some money and a passport. To access the bathroom or get food, you would need to show your passport. In addition, make sure not to lose your ticket, as they will come in handy from time to time.
Buy Your Tickets
A hike to the citadel requires no ticket, but to get there you need to hike Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. These two hikes require you to buy tickets, so don’t come empty-handed as the hike to the citadel is not exactly free. You can get your tickets online where a local guide will be recommended for you.
You may also book your tickets from somewhere else either through an operator or a hotel, make sure that it is legit.
Visit the Machu Picchu Peak
One of the highlights of visiting Machu Picchu is climbing to the peak of the trail. You would require a separate ticket for this hike, it is steeper than the usual hike, so maybe an extra bottle of water will go a long way too. You need to be healthy and fit to properly hike and enjoy this trail. You will need to ask the management of Machu Picchu about when the hike starts and the place of convergence.
Use this guide to discover the mystery that the beautiful walls of this ‘lost city’has.