Creating The Machu Picchu Tour Package That Works Best For You

By Kathleen Kelly


If you are planning a trip to South America and are a lover of history and ancient cultures, Peru must be on your agenda. There is so much to see and do that most visitors have to pick and choose what they want to experience. There are companies happy to create a Machu Picchu tour package that fits your interests, time constraints, and budget.

Most of these tours begin with a flight into Lima, the capital and largest city in Peru. If you are going to be in the city for a day or so, you should see as many sights are possible. You can see what is left of the Republican and colonial periods. The Presidential cathedral and palace, where Pizarro is reportedly interred, is located in the Plaza de Armas. The Gold Museum has extensive exhibits that include jewelry and weaponry.

Chocolate lovers always look forward to a visit to the ChocoMuseo in Cuzco where they can watch the candy being made. If you have a couple of hours, you can learn how to make some of the treats yourself. Pre-Colombian artifacts are on display at the Museo de Arte Precolombino. They have been gathered from all regions of Peru.

It will take about a day to visit the Sacred Valley and the Incan ruins at Chinchero. The agricultural terraces found in Ollantaytambo are surprisingly interesting. You won't want to miss the Pisco's famous market where you can haggle for bargains.

Hardy souls, with plenty of time, often decide to hike the Inca Trail. It begins in the Sacred Valley and ends at the Gate of the Sun. Local guides take guests up the Andes, which can take anywhere from three to five days. They point out the amazing colored moss and wild orchids along the way. Visitors spend the nights at the campground accommodations.

Of course, you can choose to take a breathtaking train ride up the Andes to the ancient city. Once there you should definitely see what many consider the three most significant sites, the Room of 3 Windows, the Sun Stone, and the Sun Temple. Guides describe the ruined city's former glory with its temples, lavish royal palaces, and astronomy observatories.

Although this should be the centerpiece of your vacation, there are wonderful side trips for those who have the time. Titicaca Lake is one of them. It is the largest body of water in South America and borders both Peru and Bolivia. You can visit the Uros, which are tiny floating islands, and take a ride in one of the reed boats used by the natives of this region.

With some careful planning, your trip to Peru and the Lost City of the Incas will be something you never forget. You will come away with a new appreciation for the culture and ingenuity of this ancient civilization. It may be a place you return to again and again.




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