Brief History
The “Lost City of the Incas” is arguably the most familiar site of the ancient Incan Empire. Constructed in the 1400’s the site was left intact by the Spanish conquistadors – not because they were altruistic, but because they couldn’t find it. Nestled high in the mountains (elevation 9060) it is virtually unseen from below. Abandoned and then forgotten by the outside world, the city lay untouched and enshrouded by the jungle until re-discovered in 1911 by a Yale archaeologist.
Many legends and myths surround the purpose of the site – spiritual sanctuary; sacred priestess training ground; retreat for the privileged; ceremonial center; astrological observatory. Whatever the purpose, the site is home to palaces, baths, temples, and houses all remarkably preserved. Some of the stones used in building weigh over 50 tons and are so well aligned that a knife blade will not fit between them.
Visiting the sanctuary requires advance planning. Options for visiting the site include day-trips via train from Cuzco, hiking the Inca Trail, and staying overnight within the compound itself.
When to Go
June through early September (winter) means drier weather and easier traveling, but higher lodging prices and larger crowds. Prices and visitor numbers drop dramatically during the summer rainy season. Spring and fall are happy mediums: fewer crowds and reasonably good weather.
Currency
The official currency is the Nuevo Sol.
Passport/Visa Requirements
A passport valid six months or longer after return is required for US citizens. No visa is needed for tourist visits. Additional documentation may be required for other countries.
Ready to Go?
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Itinerary 1 – Legacy of the Incas
Lima, Ica, Cuzco, and Lake Titicaca are highlights of your tour of ancient Incan sites. The crown jewel of this tour is Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The San Francisco Monastery, Santo Domingo Monastery, the baths of Tambomachay, the Temple of Sacsayhuaman, Fortress of Ollantaytambo, and the train to the Urubamba Valley are features of this trip. Add an optional extension to the Galapagos and see two wonders in one trip! 9 nights starting at $3,388, including air. Book it! |
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Itinerary 2 – Hike the Inca Trail
Cuzco, Sacred Valley, Inca Trail, Machu Picchu.
Spend a week living in the land of the Incas as you hike this great civilization's ancient trail to Machu Picchu. The long hike culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise over the ruins and Andean peaks that surround it. Tour includes roundtrip air from Cuzco to Lima. 8 nights starting at $1,095. Book it! |
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Itinerary 3 – Customize It!
OK. We’ve given you a couple of ideas. Not quite what you are looking for? Whether you are a solo traveler or a group of 1000, like to rough it or prefer being pampered, we’ll create your dream vacation. We can tweak one of these, or start from scratch. Call today and we’ll get right on it. Book it! |
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