Machu Picchu Local Tours and Excursions
Exploring the Wonders of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas, is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations in the world.
Perched high in the Andes Mountains, this archaeological marvel offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re hiking along ancient paths, uncovering the secrets of Incan engineering, or simply soaking in the mystical atmosphere, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences. Here are some must-do activities to make the most of your journey to Machu Picchu:
Hike Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the towering peak that rises above Machu Picchu, offering breathtaking views and a challenging climb. The steep trails and ancient stone staircases lead adventurers to hidden Incan ruins, including terraces and temples believed to have been used for astronomical observations. Due to its popularity, access is limited, so securing tickets in advance is essential.
Walk the Inca Trail
The iconic Inca Trail is a multi-day trek through stunning landscapes, cloud forests, and ancient ruins, culminating in a grand entrance to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate. This legendary path retraces the footsteps of Incan royalty, providing travelers with a rich mix of history, culture, and natural beauty along the way.
Explore Wiñay Wayna
Wiñay Wayna, meaning “Forever Young” in Quechua, is a breathtaking archaeological site along the Inca Trail. Featuring beautiful terraces carved into the mountainside, this site showcases the advanced agricultural techniques of the Inca civilization. Visitors can explore its well-preserved structures and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Visit Patallaqta
Patallaqta is a lesser-known Incan site filled with agricultural terraces and intricate ruins built along the mountainside. Once an important administrative and farming center, this location offers insights into the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. A visit here allows travelers to walk in the footsteps of ancient Incan communities.
Cross the Inca Bridge
Hidden along the edge of Machu Picchu, the Inca Bridge is an awe-inspiring stone pathway carved into a cliffside. This narrow and strategic route was used as a secret entrance, designed for easy defense—one section could be removed to prevent passage. Today, visitors can admire its engineering genius, though crossing it is restricted for safety reasons.
Discover Mandor Waterfalls
Just outside Aguas Calientes, Mandor Waterfalls offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush vegetation and diverse wildlife. The hike to the falls passes through vibrant cloud forests, providing opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Exotic species like hummingbirds and Andean cock-of-the-rock make this area a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts.
See Intipuncu (Sun Gate)
The Sun Gate, or Intipuncu, was the original entrance to Machu Picchu and remains one of the best viewpoints for the ruins. Trekkers on the Inca Trail enter through this gate, marking their triumphant arrival. A scenic uphill hike leads to the site, and catching the sunrise from this spot creates an unforgettable experience.
Admire the Temple of the Three Windows
This intriguing temple is one of Machu Picchu’s most architecturally fascinating structures, showcasing massive stones precisely fitted together. The three large windows align with the surrounding peaks and are believed to symbolize the three realms of Incan spirituality: the heavens, the earthly world, and the underworld.
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A Luxury Tour Through Chile and Argentina
Visit three vineyards in the world renowned Maipo Valley before bidding Chile farewell to cross into Argentina’s famous wine country, Mendoza. You will spend a luxurious three days among the towering Andes peaks at the Cavas Wine Lodge indulging in a huge variety of activities, from massages and spa treatments to rafting, yoga, biking, and winery tours.
Guyana in Living Color Travel Package
Guyana rewards curiosity. It’s a country that has managed to keep its wild heart intact—an expanse of rainforest, rivers, and savannahs that remains more lived-in than overrun. This journey traces its contrasts: the creole pulse of Georgetown’s markets, the ancient calm of the interior, and the thundering solitude of Kaieteur Falls.
Packing Suggestions
A rule of thumb - if you cannot carry all of your luggage by yourself with ease, then you have probably packed too much. It is best to fit everything into a single piece of checked luggage and a carry-on.
The Dientes Circuit Navarino Island Trek – Chile Tour Package
Walk through the Dientes de Navarino massif at the far end of South America, trekking along rural roads through and alongside forests, peat bogs, valleys, ponds, lakes, and rivers.
