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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- South America
- Peru
- Cusco
- Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu
The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is regarded as the most
significant archaeological site in South America and one of the
finest examples of landscape architecture in the world. Nestled
high in the towering Andes Mountains on a saddle between two peaks
is this most spectacular and enthralling of Inca citadels, 'The
Lost City of the Incas'. Totally concealed from below it escaped
destruction by the Spanish, and was only discovered by the western
world in 1911 when an American explorer stumbled across the thickly
overgrown ruins in their majestic setting high in the clouds.
Surrounded by steep agricultural terraces and grazing llamas, the
ruins consist of a central plaza, a sacred ceremonial area with
intricately carved temples and royal tombs, palaces, stairways and
perfectly balanced archways, towers, food storehouses, ornate
fountains and water canals. Highlights of the site include one of
the most famous Inca constructions, the sacred Temple of the Sun,
with its distinctive round tapering tower and the centre stone that
is illuminated by the rays of the sun every winter solstice. Huayna
Picchu forms a dramatic backdrop to the city and a treacherously
steep stone trail leads to a platform offering dizzy views of the
city below and a sweeping panorama of the surrounding mountains and
forests. Despite the continuous hordes of tourists the ancient Inca
citadel preserves its sense of mystery and majesty, especially in
the quieter hours after sunrise and before sunset, when the light
and wispy strands of mist create an aura of isolated majesty.
Information & Facts
Admission
US$20 (adults), US$10 (students)
Language
Spanish and Quechua are the official languages, but many
other dialects are spoken. English is spoken only in major tourist
centres and hotels.
Money
The official currency is Nuevo Sol (PEN) divided into 100
céntimos. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all
major international credit cards, including Diners Club and
MasterCard, are accepted in many, but not all, establishments.
Outside Lima facilities may be more limited. Travellers cheques may
also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and
travellers are advised to have cash on hand. US Dollars are the
easiest currency to exchange and plenty of restaurants, hotels and
shops in the main cities accept dollars for payment.
Casas de cambio(exchange bureaux) often give better rates
than hotels and banks and can be found in any town on the tourist
circuit. ATMs are available in the main cities.
Opening Times
Daily 6am-5pm. Huayna Picchu closes at
3pm.
Time