Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Creating The Machu Picchu Tour Package That Works Best For You

By Kathleen Kelly


Some people like to spend their vacation relaxing on the beach or skiing in the mountains. Others plan trips to see relatives who live in far off places. Still others love the adventure of going to exotic locations that have historic significance. Peru is such a place, and you can tailor a Machu Picchu tour package that will fit your budget, interests, and time limits.

Flying into Lima, the capital of Peru, is usually the first stop on one of these trips. If you have a day before you fly to Cuzco, you should see as much of Lima as possible. It has survived colonial and Republican periods, and some of that time is still in evidence at the Plaza de Armas. The palace and cathedral believed to house Pizarro's remains is located here. Tourists with a weakness for jewelry will love the Gold Museum with its extensive collections.

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.

Touring the Sacred Valley should be on your list of things to do. This generally takes a full vacation day. You will get to see Incan ruins and the agricultural terraces of Ollantaytambo. No visit would be complete without a leisurely stroll through the famous Pisco market. Chinchero is the site of another Incan ruin that most visitors recommend to first time tourists.

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.

Hiking isn't the only way to get to the Lost City of the Incas. You can sit back and enjoy the amazing views during the two hour train ride up the mountains. Once you get to your destination, guides will lead you through the ruined royal palaces, temples, and astronomy observatories. The Sun Temple, Room of Three Windows, and Stone Sun are must sees. If time permits guides allow guests to walk around on their own.

If you have time, Lake Titicaca is a wonderful side trip to take. The unusual floating islands called the Uros are extremely interesting. You can also ride in a reed boat that is something the natives use to get around.

For lovers of history, culture, and archeology, the Lost City is the destination of a lifetime. It is difficult to believe the ingenuity and creativity that must have thrived in this ancient civilization. This is a trip to be treasured and remembered for a very long time.




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