Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu or as it is sometimes refered to, “Old Peak” is a pre-Columbian Inca site located 2,430 metres or 8,000 ft above sea level. It is to be found on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres or 50 miles northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. To many it is deemed “The Lost City of the Incas”. Machu Picchu is one of the most notable historical sites of the Inca empire.

It is in a subtropical zone. As a result of this the climate is mild, warm and damp, with temperatures averaging 130 degrees Celsius throughout the year in the day. There are two specific seasons during the year. The first is the rainy season which spans from November to March. During this season there is a lot of heavy rain fall. The dry season occurs from April to October and corresponds with higher temperatures. Tour guides will normally advise visitors to dress in accordance with the seasonal alterations.

Of the numerous things to be observed in Machu Picchu the flowers and animals that reside there are of particular interest. There are numerous varieties of animals and plants. The commonly seen plant life in the historic reserve of Machu picchu is inclusive of pisonayes, q’eofias, alisos, puya palm trees, ferns and over 90 species of orchids.

Animals that may be observed in the reserve include the spectacled bear, cock-of-the-rocks or “tunqui”, tankas, wildcats and a wonderful variety of butterflies and insects that are unique to the region.

The guided tour of Machu Picchu begins on a path that leads from the bus terminal. The path which was carefully constructed to accommodate tourism enters the massive structure in the area that holds a set of rooms that are close to the outer wall. The path passes through a terrace and then into the agricultural zone just before entering the urban area.

The large is divided into two parts: the agricultural and the urban. There are main squares, temples, palaces, storehouses, workshops, stairways, cables and water fountains which run through both areas. The agricultural sector measures 20 hectares while the urban area measures 10 hectares.

Its complete architectural design was strongly based on Cuzco, which is the capital of the Inca empire. Machu Picchu was built in accordance with its natural surroundings. Its structure follows the natural curves and dips and rises that are noticeable in the land.

There is railway line that runs between the city of Cuzco and the station of Puente Ruinas or Machu Picchu. The trip is initiated in the station of San Pedro in Cuzco, after which the train makes it way up the Picchu mountain until it reaches the highest point an area called “El Arco” (in English the arch), located in the northwest part of the city. The route then goes down to the villages of Poroy, Cachimayo and lzcuchaca until it arrives at the Anta plains, which is a predominantly cattle area. It climbs down the gully of Pomatales before once again making a descent to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. At this part of the journey it arrives at the station of Pachar. The train will then make it last stop at Machu Picchu.