Machu Picchu was voted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

The mysterious splendor of this location has earned it a lot of adulations.

Some call it a village above the clouds.

Scientist and Geologist simply refer to it has the lost city of the Incas.

But with cute illamas grazing in the distance and a temple where the sun rays touch down with breathtaking beauty; this location has earned its name the stairways to Heaven

Whatever name sticks, one thing is certain; it’s a bucket list for anyone who loves to travel.

It is located in Peru. South America around a small village called Incas.

 

Mysterious existence;

The history of this scenic location is shrouded in Mystery.

The Inca people who are said to have built the Machu Picchu are primitive.

They did not use brick, mortar or any special instrument. Simply a citadel of cut stone fit and held so tightly that it’s cracks can’t be penetrated by a knife blade.

Machu Pichu has lived through earthquakes and tremors but still stands.

The purpose of the building is still a mystery. Many modern-day archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu served as a royal estate for Inca emperors and nobles.

Others have theorized that it was a religious site, pointing to its proximity to mountains and other geographical features that the Incas held sacred.

 

 

 Once upon a lost city

Discovered in 1911 by an American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. He was conducting a historical research on Spanish conquest of Columbia.

This led him and his team mostly on foot to remote areas in Cusco Peru. A local farmer told them of some ruins located at the top of a nearby mountain.

The farmer called the mountain Machu Picchu, which translates to “old peak”.

On July 24, after a tough climb to the mountain’s ridge in cold and drizzly weather, Bingham met a small group of peasants who showed him the rest of the way.

Led by an 11-year-old boy, Bingham got his first glimpse of Machu Picchu.

He spread the word about his discovery in a best-selling book, “The Lost City of the Incas,”

This led Hordes of eager tourists flocking to Peru to follow in his footsteps up the formerly obscure Inca Trail.

The lost city has been found now its a world wonder.

 

So go ahead immerse yourself in this mystery, but have some fun along the way;

Along the route to Machu Picchu, Stop at Lima (Peru’s capital) visit the Huacachina Oasis.

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  Attractions En-Route to Machu Picchu

  This place features a small village surrounding a postcard-perfect oasis in the middle of a white sandy desert.

Afterwards, proceed to Cusco still En-route Machu Picchu

Stop by at Cusco’s main square – Plaza de Armas – Soak in the city’s ancient cathedral and vibrant square

Finally, take a train ride to Aguas Calientes, a small town at the Valley of the hill; this is where most people lodge.  Feel the excitement of everyone else who has come for an adventure

Join the The Inca Trail. This is one of the most popular ways to get to Machu Picchu, hiking over a long distance in the Andes Mountains, camping on the trail, and being able to see other Incan ruins along the way.

Don’t want to take the trail, then join the cable car rides.

Presently Machu Picchu Peru, boast at least one million unique visitors each year.

When to travel?

Machu Picchu is busiest in July and August, the peak tourist season and also the not-quite-so-wet season.

The actual months of November and April – are ideal if you want to avoid the heaviest crowds and heaviest rains.

 

Travel packages

In Africa, South Africa has the best holiday package to and from Machu Picchu

With about R30, 000 (N800, 000)   per person sharing it’s possible to get the following benefits

• Return international flights ex JHB/Sao Paulo/Lima
• Return internal flights Sao Paulo/Lima/Cusco
• Airport taxes
• 6 nights’ accommodation
• Daily breakfast and lunch on day 5
• Services in shared vehicles with English/Spanish speaking guide
• Transfers
• Expedition train from Machu Picchu
• Entrances fees
• Sightseeing activities as per itinerary.

 

In Nigeria with about 2. 5million naira;  it simply covers a return ticket  to Cusco a town close by.

Limited holiday packages because Nigerians are not big on tourism ( sadly)