🏞️ Machu Picchu and Umantay: a guide to the main wonders of Peru

Peru attracts tourists with many attractions. One of them is even included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. And this is the ancient city of the Incas – Machu Picchu.

general information 

The mysterious city was built back in the 15th century, but was discovered only in 1911. And, by the way, this happened completely by accident. American archaeologist from Yale Hiram Bingham was looking for a completely different city, where, according to legend, treasures were kept. But while exploring the area, he came across a boy holding an ancient jug. Without thinking twice, Hiram Bingham asked where the boy found such a valuable thing, to which he pointed to the top of the mountain. It is assumed that the locals knew about the location of the “lost city” a long time ago, but they didn’t really want to share the secret with the rest of the world.

In fact, Machu Picchu is the name of a mountain that is translated from Quechua as “Old Mountain.” The ancient city is located at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level. The best way to get here is from the city of Cusco, which, by the way, is located even higher.

It is best to relax a little upon arrival in the Inca capital and spend 2-3 days in the city, getting used to the altitude, and only then go on an excursion to Machu Picchu. Moreover, in this stunning city there are many places that are a must-see. You can find out about them here.

How to get to Machu Picchu

There are many ways to get here. The cheapest of them is by car. A lot of excursions are offered in various shops in Cusco. This car trip will cost $100 per person. We, in turn, chose the most expensive, but also the most interesting option.

You can also get to Machu Picchu by train with panoramic windows. Your path will stretch through mountain villages. And you will be able to watch the locals go about their daily activities surrounded by such incredible views – what else to spend money on than on such an experience? Having familiarized ourselves in advance with information about train tickets and entrance tickets to the city itself, we discovered that buying them was not very easy. After all, locals buy tickets in advance so that they can profit from tourists later.

Of course, I'll be honest, it wasn't a very pleasant moment. But, as they say, no matter what is done, everything is for the better. This is what happened in our case.

Our experience 

The owner of our apartment recommended that we buy a tour from his friend for $650 for two. Of course, the cost is rather high, but let’s figure out what was included. Namely:

• we were met at the airport;
• on the day of the excursion, the driver took you to the Poroy bus station;
• then we went by bus to the railway station, where we were placed in a VIP carriage, by the way, it was practically no different from a non-VIP carriage;
• upon arrival, we were met by a personal guide in the city of Agua Calientes – this is the closest settlement to Machu Picchu;
• we were also treated to lunch in a cafe;
• We were taken from the foot of the mountain by bus to the top and given a tour.

Then, of course, all this was repeated in reverse order, but without lunch. Some travelers travel from Agua Calientes on foot in 8 hours.

As you can see, to make such a route, you need to very carefully plan all the vehicles. Therefore, it is still more comfortable to choose our option.

Interesting Facts

Our personal guide conducted the tour in English and told the history of Machu Picchu in a very interesting and accessible way. And here's what we found out. The city is divided into upper and lower parts. The Incas fed themselves by growing coca and then trading it for food in Cuzco. Therefore, here you can see the famous path along which goods were delivered.

By the way, some travelers reach Machu Picchu on foot along this trail. This journey takes several days. The Incas had their own residential buildings and even their own temple. They did not deliver stones for buildings from below, but chipped them from the mountains directly above. By the way, when the skeletons were found, at first they thought that these were the remains of exclusively women. But in fact, due to their constant movement, Inca men had short stature and wide hips, which is not typical for men.

And the most important question: why did the Incas leave Machu Picchu? According to one hypothesis, when the Spanish colonialists came to Cusco, the exchange of coca for food became impossible. And it was hunger that forced these people to leave their homes.

Machu Picchu is simply an incredible place with magical energy. In addition to the mystery, the mountain views here are breathtaking. Llamas and alpacas also live here, adding even more magic to this already magical place.

Umantay Lagoon

One day we went on another equally interesting excursion, which we found on Airbnb. It cost $90 for two.

This is an ascent to the Umantai Lagoon, where there is a lake with the purest clear water, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It seems that you are the hero of some fairy tale, because such views can only be seen on TV.

Difficulties during the excursion

But to achieve this pearl, you will have to work hard. Namely: go up on foot or, for an additional fee, ride on horseback. If you think that this is easy, then I hasten to disappoint you, the climb is incredibly difficult. Every 10 meters you want to stop to take a breath.

An increase in height makes itself felt by difficulty breathing, and the inclined surface does not allow you to stand even for five minutes. After all, it seems that if you stop, you will immediately slide down. Unfortunately, when booking an excursion, the degree of difficulty is not indicated anywhere, so be prepared that such a climb is not possible for everyone. But the most incredible views will be revealed to the strongest.

What is important to know

During all excursions you must have sunglasses and cream, a hat, water, and a raincoat.

By the way, you can learn more about souvenirs from Peru here.