Machu Picchu draws thousands of tourists today, after it was forgotten for centuries until Hiram Bingham brought it to the world’s attention in 1911. The Incas kept the secret of its existence closely guarded from the Spanish invaders and no written records exist. Theories abound; Machu Picchu is thought to have been constructed perhaps as a site of astronomical significance, an observatory, an important agricultural station, a military fortress, a place of learning, an important ceremonial centre, a royal Inca retreat or perhaps just to celebrate the unspeakable greatness of the natural beauty around it.
The Inca Trail and Sun Gate
While it is possible to reach Machu Picchu by train, most adventure travellers strive to reach these dizzy heights by the power of their own two feet on the Inca Trail. Once you’ve scaled Dead Woman’s Pass, pushed yourself to your limits on the ancient Inca pathways, passed through the mystic cloud forest and countless Inca ruins en route, you’ll be rewarded at the Sun Gate – Intipunku – by the panorama of Machu Picchu laid out before you. Truly one of the world’s most thrilling viewpoints and the only way to see Machu Picchu in its full glory.
Inside Machu Picchu
Those hiking to Machu Picchu along the Inca Trail will get their first glimpse of the ruins at the Sun Gate however the ancient main entrance is closer to the citadel, where most of the buildings and other points of interest are located. It’s worth taking a closer look at the stones in order to appreciate the exquisite technique of Incan masonry. One of the best places where this can be seen is the Principal Temple, the largest building in the entire Machu Picchu citadel, facing the main plaza. Another is the torreon or Temple of the Sun, an elliptical-shaped tower once used for astronomical observations. It is believed to be a sacred place where only high priests and dignitaries were allowed to enter.
Endangered Machu Picchu
Can ancient monuments like Machu Picchu sustain the impact of 21st-century tourism? It’s a troubling question, especially as scientists have already discovered landslide threatening subsidence on its western side and UNESCO has called for restrictions on the number of visitors taking Machu Picchu tours in recent years. Currently, the international community is keeping a watchful eye on the situation and the Inca Trail already operates responsible tourism policies with restriction on numbers, licensed local guides, organised porter welfare and eco-camping regulations.
Tours to Machu Picchu
Peru, once home to the sun-worshipping Inca civilization and the glorious mountaintop citadel of Machu Picchu. Encounter traditional culture, cuisine, condors, llamas, and a warm welcome from the Peruvian people. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu tour is a path every enthusiastic outdoor traveler must take at least once in their lifetime. Possibly the most famous panorama and archaeological site on the planet, Machu Picchu hiking tours are an intricate labyrinth of stone temples and palaces on brilliant green terraces, cradled between two dramatic peaks and surrounded by the all-consuming beauty of the Andes.
In addition Exodus is thrilled to share we were the very first travel company to ensure that all of our trekking porters receive a tour of this ancient world wonder in their native language of Quechan through our heartwarming Inca Trail Peru Porter Project initiative.
The surrounding mountains reach for the skies above as cloud forests give way to sheer cliff faces, sharply descending into the deep canyon and the rushing river Urubamba far, far below. It is famous for a reason – there’s not a soul on Earth who can fail to be impressed by the awesome majesty of this lost Inca city in the clouds. Our Inca Trail & Machu Picchu hike offers something for everyone. From a little extra comfort and super-specialist expert local tour guides to extended trips taking in the best Peru has to offer, find the perfect trip for you below.
What happens when one Irishman takes on the Inca Trail – as a porter?! In 2016, Jarlath McHale took on Peru’s most famous trek, the Inca Trail. In 2017, he went back to complete the same four day route – but this time as one of the porters who so inspired him first time round. Filmed and edited by our own videographer.
I’ve wanted to do this trip for over 20 years and it exceeded all my expectations. I did this trip with my 16 year old son in the long summer break after his GCSEs and it was the most perfect father-son time we’ve ever shared. The views are incredible, the air as clean as it comes and the team were just outstanding. Our guide, Wilmer, led the group expertly despite different walking speeds, and the porters were just humbling. This trip ticked every single one of my boxes and we look back on it with both the sense of achievement and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This was our first time with Exodus and we are already looking for our next trip. Essential Peru was an amazing adventure packed with sights, sounds, smells and experiences that would be hard to beat. We saw so much and experienced everything from thunder and rainbows at Machu Picchu , to haute cuisine, to historical sites, high mountain passes, thousand year old plants, vicunas, llamas, and alpacas, sailing on Lake Titicaca, staying with a family on Amantani Island, hiking, and condors.
This was my first trip to South America and won’t be my last. I’ve now taken 6 Exodus tours and this was my favourite. There were numerous and various places to visit, even the long drives through the Andes was full of amazing scenary and things to see. There were highlights every day. Your health is well looked after, with testing twice a day whilst at altitude.
If you want to get the iconic Machu Picchu photo of the archaeological site surrounded by wispy clouds set against a clear blue sky, your best bet would be visiting during the dry season between May and October. But do be aware that early morning mist and unexpected downpours are likely to happen no matter what time of year you choose to travel.
The months of June, July and August are also the busiest in terms of mass tourism. During these peak times it will be difficult to move around the ruins freely. There are likely to be lines everywhere—on the way to Huayna Picchu, for the bathroom, and to access the best photos of Machu Picchu.
April, May, September and October are all good shoulder season months. During this time you’ll find smaller crowds and dry (but still pleasant) weather, with warm days and cool nights. They are probably the best all-round time to travel to Machu Picchu.
Book Your Tour to Machu Picchu Today!
Are you ready to set your sights on this sprawling Inca citadel? Whether you’re hoping to experience Machu Picchu in isolation or as part of a wider journey through Peru, our Inca Trail to Machu Picchu trips are justifiably popular. It’s a good idea to book early to secure your place on the journey of a lifetime.
