Cusco & Machu Picchu

The most famous region of Peru is surely Cusco, and the Sacred Valley. At the heart of this region, is the most famous site in Latin America, the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. Only discovered in 1911, it is visited by millions every year. Spectacularly located in tropical lush mountains around 2,400m above sea level surrounded by mountain peaks, it is considered the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire. Thought to be built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire, its purpose remains unclear, whether as a village, a ceremonial site or a military installation. You will amazed how far developed the Inca civilization was when you inspect the walls of the temples, palaces, plazas and other buildings on the site. Each stone fits into the next without any gaps or mortar in between. The buildings seem perfectly set on the natural uneven ground, and the terraces that are part of the complex serve to stop erosion with its water distribution and irrigation system.
Machu Picchu is now accessible by train from Cusco or the Sacred Valley. The most luxurious of these is the Hiram Bingham, named after the English explorer that discovered Machu Picchu. The Hiram Bingham is a rail journey not to be missed if you are after absolute comfort and style. The most authentic experience to reach Machu Picchu is to trek along one of the natural and ancient trails around it, following in the ancient footsteps of the Incas and more recently, of Hiram Bingham. You can only do the trail with a licensed guide. The most popular one hiking trail in South America is the classic 4-day Inca trail that passes through various ancient ruins over a few mountain passes. It is relatively hard-going and requires overnighting in a sleeping bag. Its popularity also means you will often encounter other hikers. An alternative trail is the much less trodden Salkantay Inca trail. Mountain Lodges of Peru offers luxurious options of overnighting in remote mountain lodges along this trail. There is even the option do to it on horseback. Any Inca trail you take will allow you to discover the majesty of this ancient site, its nature and history, and its living culture.
The magical city of Cusco is the region’s capital and was also the capital of the Inca Empire. The Spanish conquistadors chose to construct many of their monuments and buildings on top of existing Inca sites so almost every historic colonial building here has an Incan past below. The city was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1983. Expect Spanish colonial buildings and churches, and several beautiful squares.
Close to Cusco city, you will find the more secluded and serene Urubamba Valley in the heartland of the Inca Empire, also known as Valle Sagrado - the Sacred Valley of the Incas, due to its fertile land and perfect climate for local agriculture. This area is scattered with some impressive ancient Inca ruins, especially at Ollantaytambo and Pisac and also several villages reflecting the living cultures of this region. Located lower than Cusco city, it is an ideal escape to acclimatize before you go on an Inca trail or to relax and rejuvenate whilst discovering the rich culture of the Cusco region.