Your visit to Peru with not be complete without a visit to the iconic site of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this fascinating structure lay concealed amidst dense jungle foliage for centuries until its discovery in 1911. Built without mortar, and without the aid of wheels or iron tools, this archaeological site pays homage to the marvels of Inca engineering. It holds a lofty position in the Andes, overlooking the Vilcanota River Valley, secured in place by a network of over 600 terraces.
The Inca Trail is the only trek (hike) arriving at the site via the Inti Punku (Sun Gate). This is the point where you will get your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu. You have two Inca trail options, one being the more challenging 43 km (26 mile) 4-day Classic Trail, the other being the shortened 13 km (8 mile) 2-day trek, with a 2 ½ hour scenic train trip linking you with the trail. Both provide the elation of wonderful vistas – cloud-forests, subtropical jungle, and mountainscapes – interspersed with Inca paving stones and rambling ruins.
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