Machu Picchu, a Must See Destination When Traveling to Peru

When visiting Peru, there is one place that nobody should ever miss.  Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest ruins and a must see destination for anyone visiting this colorful land.  
Located at 2500 meters above sea level high in the Andes Mountains, this ancient Inca complex is extraordinary.  The grounds stand atop a flat peak and its terraced steps plunge down the mountain clinging to the side of its slopes.   
Trying to understand how the Incan Empire built these structures so many centuries ago is mind-boggling and to think about how it has survived the elements and remained in tact is even more puzzling.  It is truly a wonder of the world.
There are two ways to get to the ruins. One is to join a trek and hike along the Inca Trail from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. This 33 km hike takes four days and should be booked well in advance.  Only 500 hikers are allowed to start the trail each day and during high season, many people book at least one year ahead of time.  Don’t let the low mileage fool you, this is a tough climb making its way up, down and around the mountains, but the pay off is worth it as you emerge onto the grounds of the mystical Machu Picchu.
Another way to go is by train. Unfortunately tourists cannot take local transport, but you can catch the tourist train from Cuzco or Ollayantaytambo.  It is worth paying a little extra and taking the Vista Dome service for $100 USD. Glass ceilings give you a panoramic view of the Andes and you are served a nice little meal during the ride.  Once again, it is only a distance of 35 km, but the ride takes over 2 hours.
The Train takes you to Aguas Calientes where you can spend the night eating at one of the many restaurants.  Sample some guinea pig if you dare and sip on a pitcher of Sangria or Pisco Sours at happy hour.  
You can buy your admission tickets to Machu Picchu at the Cultural Centre in Aguas Calientes for the following day.  Busses start making their way up the mountain to the ruins at 5:00 am.  Make sure to rise early if you are traveling at high season, they fill up quickly and there are limits on the amount of people allowed on the grounds each day. Plus, by arriving early, you will beat the organized tours that come later in the day as well as the trekkers emerging from the Inca Trail.  You will have a far less crowded view of the Ruins and a chance to take better people free photos.
Entering the grounds at dawn is magical experience.  As the sun slowly peaks through the rising fog, a grand view appears before your eyes.  Nestled in among other taller peaks, Machu Picchu sits comfortably below the clouds. Llama’s graze on grassy terraces as the temple complex stretches out in front of your eyes.
Walk up to the Hut of the Caretaker and you will have the best view of the entire grounds.  This is where all of those famous photographs that you see in magazines are taken and you will not be able to resist taking one yourself.
Be taken back in time as you sit on a ledge overlooking the ruins and imagine what life must have been like all those years ago.  
Machu Picchu is South America’s greatest treasure and if you are only going to do one thing in Peru, a visit to this spectacular sight will not disappoint.