Machu Picchu Pictures
Machu Picchu has something to offer to every visitor. The scientists from different fields continue to understand its harmony with the surrounding environment and the universe. Hikers climb the steep narrow Inca paths to the mountain tops. Photographers look for the best light and camera angle to take that perfect picture. People from all over the world come to fulfill their dream. Machu Picchu continues to fascinate us. This visual essay will take you on a journey around the most iconic spots of Machu Picchu close up.
Machu Picchu Facts
Location: Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machu Picchu District – where the Andes Mountains meet the Amazon Rain Forest.
Altitude: 2453m – Sacred Square
Environment: semi tropical
Climate: dry season and rainy season
Temperature: low 6°C – high up to 29°C
Amazon Peru
‘The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical ecosystem on the planet, covering an area of South America close to the size of the continental United States. It houses the greatest abundance of life on Earth and thousands of indigenous people rely on this forest for their livelihoods. The Amazon’s forests are so vast they help moderate our planet’s weather patterns and provide natural protection against climate change.’[1] Generations to come will long cotinue to be fascinated by this astonishing forest and its importantce in preserving life on Earth.
The Amazon rainforest has the power to move individuals to do beyond-imaginable things. Ed Stafford, Guinness World Record holder, walked along the Amazon River from its spring in Peru to where it flows to the Atlantic ocean in Brazil. This challenge took him two years. ‘The Amazon River is over 4,000 miles long forming the largest river basin in the world,’ which is why ‘20% of the world’s freshwater flows through the Amazon.’[2]
Machu Picchu Weather
Generally speaking there are two marked seasons in Cusco and Machu Picchu: the rainy season October through mid-April, although this year the intense rains arrived later – in the beginning of November, and the dry season April/May through September.
Saylla – the Ultimate Chicharrón Challenge
Saylla lies in the South Valley about 15 km or 40 minutes bus ride from the center of Cusco on the way to Puno before arriving to Tipon. Saylla or Los Leones combis go there for 1 sol. When your bus is getting closer a new valley opens in front of your eyes and that is the moment to start looking out for the restaurants. They are situated right on the main road, so as soon as you can see them get off on the next paradero. There are so many open-air restaurants it seems like all the chicharrón cooks agreed to move to Saylla and start a culinary imperium there.
Discovering Lake Titicaca, Puno, Peru
Titiqaqa – Quechua spelling – is known as ‘the highest navigable lake in the world, with surface elevation of 3,812 meters (12,507 ft).’ [1] The Titicacas’s name is interpreted as ‘puma’, due to the shape of the lake. Temperatures are influenced by the high altitude rather than the tropical latitude. The locals joke to have the cold season and the colder season; the cold season being the dry one and the colder season being the rainy one. The temperatures rarely get over 15°C during the day and the drop below the freezing point at night. Sun rays are very strong in this high Altiplano location, so 50+ sunblock is a must. A pair of comfortable water-proof shoes too.
Things to Do in the Sacred Valley
Stretching along the Vilcanota River, also called Urubamba, the Sacred Valley of the Incas is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks capped with snow all year long. The river’s name comes from Aymara word Willkanuta, which means ´House of the Sun;´ in Quechua it is called Willkamayu meaning the Sacred River – both original Andean Languages[1]. The Sacred Valley once was an important agricultural, spiritual, and political center for the Inca Empire. Today, due to its lower altitude and warmer climate compared to Cusco, it’s a much sought after destination to relax and acclimatize. The landscape is especially beautiful at its greenest during or after the rainy season.
Things to Do in Cusco
First Adjust to the Alitude. Here in Cusco we are 3,300m above sea-level, so it is best to spend the first day resting. Re-hydrate, limit alcohol intake, and eat slowly, in order to best acclimatize. Chewing coca leaves or one morning cup of coca tea are known remedies for the lower oxygen levels in the altitude. Relaxing camomile tea is recommended for the rest of the day. Had a rest? Now you are ready for Cusco!
Get a Taste of Uniquely Peruvian Expressions
After our blog about Runasimi/Quechua we realised that there are many uniquely Peruvian Spanish jerga (or slang) expressions that were too funny not to share. Enjoy making yourself sound local. Here is our finest and 100% locally verified selection:
Best Time to Visit Machu Picchu and What not to Miss
If you want to avoid the downpours and the biggest crowds the ideal time to visit Machu Picchu is right before or right after the rainy season in September or May.
Rainy season: October to mid-April (including the warmest time: November to March)
Dry season: Mid-April to September
Best time: May – September