Machu Picchu

Name: Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip
Brand: Contiki
Price: 33 ZAR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)

See all Machu Picchu trips

Travel in Machu Picchu

Hidden high in the Peruvian Andes lies Machu Picchu, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. A former citadel of the ancient Inca civilisation, discover the stories, mythology and historical significance of this amazing place.

What was once believed to be the city of the elite Incas, hidden away from the chaos of their bustling capital Cusco, enter Machu Picchu through its famous Sun Gate. Here, you’ll get your first glimpse of the small city that was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. While the city fell to disrepair following its abandonment – which was due to the arrival of the Spanish and the fall of the Inca Empire - most of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed. This gives tourists a better idea of how the city originally appeared.

Explore this incredible archaeological site to discover what life was once like in this majestic citadel. Take some time to wander around Machu Picchu’s three main structures. Explore the Temple of the Sun, one of the most sacred sites of Machu Picchu, and see how the careful placement of the stone alter aligned perfectly with the rising sun. Marvel at the stone carvings of the Room of the Three Windows. Learn about the role of the Intihuatana, a beautifully carved rock that was the key tool of the Inca astronomers.

Another notable monument to visit is the Machu Picchu bridge, which once provided an alternative entrance to the great citadel. The only way to see this site is to trek to it. A Machu Picchu hike through the Peruvian Andes towards the bridge is a breath-taking experience in-and-of-itself, where you’ll walk through lush forests and see great river canyons stretch out beneath you. Once at the bridge, you’ll learn about how the strategic placement and removal of this treacherous wooden bridge often made the difference between life and death.

With so much to uncover about this ancient citadel, breathe in the once-in-a-lifetime experience that is a trip to Machu Picchu Peru.

FAST FACTS
Language: Spanish, Aymara, Quechua
Currency: Nuevos Soles
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Peru.
Dialing Code: +51
Time Zone: (GMT-05:00)

ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.

See more about Contiki

Things to do in Phnom Penh

Climb Huayna Picchu

For one of the best views of Machu Picchu, scale the heights of Huayna Picchu. This giant mountain towers over the ancient city and has become an icon of this UNESCO World Heritage site. While you’ll be rewarded with amazing views at its peak, Huayna Picchu is so much more than just a lookout: this mountain had significant religious significance for the Incas. Uncover the secrets of the Inca civilisation at Huayna Picchu. While the top of the mountain was once reserved for the high priest and the local virgins –who were servants of the sun god – follow their ancient footsteps to learn more about traditional Inca rituals.

See the Inca Bridge

What is an often-forgotten area of this ancient city, take the time to discover the Machu Picchu via the Inca Bridge. This secondary entrance to the city is located about half an hour’s walk from the main site. The trek to the Inca Bridge is a must for all outdoor adventurers. Discover the breath-taking scenery of this mountainous hike, where you’ll see thick cloud forests and river canyons below. While the bridge is now blocked-off from the public due to safety risks, learn about its central role in protecting the Inca citadel from foreigners. This wooden bridge could be removed when invaders were approaching, who then had no choice other than to turn away, or to scale its steep walls and potentially face a treacherous death.

Visit the Temple of the Sun

Carved into the side of Huayna Picchu, you’ll find the Temple of the Sun. Known to the Incas as Torreón, explore this sacred site to learn more about the Inca religion. As the Incas worshiped the sun god, they performed many rituals in his honour. The Temple of the Sun was where many of these rituals took place, and as such, was once only accessible to the high priests. Inside the temple, you’ll discover a large rock, which is believed to have served as an altar. During the June solstice, the rising sun shines directly through one of the temple’s windows, which creates an alignment between the window, rock and solstice sun. Beneath the temple, you’ll also find a natural cave – which is believed to have been the royal mausoleum – as well as an underground chamber, in which the Incan priest performed religious rituals.

Walk into the Royal Tomb

For lovers of archaeology, you’ll love exploring the Royal Tomb of Machu Picchu. Located underneath the city’s main square, this tomb is vertically aligned with the Temple of the Sun. Due to its unique positioning, as well as the effort and care that went into carving this ancient chamber, experts believe this was once a mausoleum of some of the most important members of the Inca aristocracy. Geek out while studying the intricate engraving in the tomb’s walls, which depict all kinds of sacred symbols. Keep an eye out for the house with three tiers: this is the symbol of Pachamama the Earth Mother, the most important goddess of the Incas.

Wander around the Temple of Three Windows

One of the most sacred sites of Machu Picchu is the Temple of the Three Windows. Located just 8 metres away from the city’s main plaza, discover the spiritual significance of this fascinating structure. Consisting of only three walls erected on a rectangular base, you’ll discover that the roof of the temple is supported by a stone column. This column is carved with engravings that represent the three levels of the Andean world: Hanan-Pacha, the sky spirituality; Kay-Pacha, the Earth's surface and Ukju-Pacha, the subsoil or inner life. It is also believed that the temple sits on a sacred site, which marks the birthplace of the Inca civilisation. While wandering around the Temple of the Three Windows, try to spot the engraved names of the modern explorers who re-discovered the temple in 1902: Agustín Lizárraga, Gabino Sánchez, Enrique Palma and Justo Ochoa.

Food in Machu Picchu

Peruvian food has been making a name for itself in the west. With it’s delicious carapulca and mouth-watering ceviche, you’ll discover as many culinary treasures as archaeological wonders during your trip to Machu Picchu. Here are five of our favourites:

Sopa de Pescado y Mariscos

Fragrant, creamy and seriously tasty, sopa de pescado y marisco is made using fish, clams and prawns. Flavoured with onions, tomatoes, carrots and white wine, this delicious soup is thickened with rice and served with bread. Pick up a bowl from Avenida Imperio at Machu Picchu.

_{Best eaten at
Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine, Avenida Imperio de Los Incas 614, Aguas Calientes}

Chifa

When Chinese migrants came to work in Peruvian plantations in the 19th century, the fusion of these two distinct cuisines gave birth to chifa; the Peruvian stir-fry. The most famous chifa is chaufa. Local ingredients – such as chicken, pork, fried fish, sweet potato and pineapple – are stir fried with ginger and soy sauce to create this delicious Peruvian fried rice.

_{Best eaten at
Chullpi Machupicchu Restaurante, Avenida Imperio de los Incas 140, Aguas Calientes}

Carapulca

Originating from the Andes, carapulca is a traditional stew that celebrates one of Peru’s favourite ingredients: potatoes. Using tasty dried potato, this stew combines pork, potatoes and peanuts with spices and fruity chilli pastes. Grab a serve of carapulca with a side of rice at Avenida Pachacutec.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Julian Restaurant, Avenida Pachacutec, 601 y calle Yahuar Huacac, Aguas Calientes}

Anticuchos

Maybe something of a culinary adventure for foreigners, anticuchos are Andean cow’s heart skewers. Flavoured with spices and cooked over a wood fired-grill, these skewers are more delicious than they sound. If you’re not game enough to try the real-deal, you can find a version that uses beef steak.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Restaurant Indio Feliz, Loque Yupanqui 103, Aguas Calientes}

Ceviche

With their love of seafood, ceviche might just be Peru’s favourite dish. This tasty, refreshing meal is made using high-quality raw fish, lime juice, fresh herbs and chili. There are many different types of ceviche, which vary depending on the type of fish that’s used, as well as the sides and sauce its served with. No doubt you’ll want to try all of them.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Mapacho Craft Beer & Peruvian Cuisine, Avenida Imperio de Los Incas 614, Aguas Calientes}