Machu Picchu (Quechua: Machu Pikchu = old peak) is an archaeological site in Peru and one of the most famous Inca cities. It is located about 75 km northwest of Cuscowhere the capital of the ancient Inca Empire was. Machu Picchu has been an archaeological national park since 1974, and the place has been part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage and since July 8th 2007 to the new seven wonders of the world.
background
The ruined city of Machu Picchu was built on a granite rock ridge at about 2400 m altitude between two mountain peaks (Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu) 610 m above the river valley of the Río Urubamba. During the construction, an area of 32,500 hectares was leveled and the buildings were laid out on terraces. The building of Machu Picchu is one of the greatest achievements of the Incas and it probably took place under the Inca rulers Pachacútec Inka Yupanqui (1438-1471) and Tupac Inka Yupanqui (1473-1493). The city remained hidden from the Spanish conquerors, so that it escaped destruction.
The city was mainly of agricultural importance. It was subdivided into separate quarters for the living area, for palaces and public buildings as well as for agriculture. All 200 buildings were built from the granite stone, but less effort was made for the residential buildings. To break the stones, holes were made in the rock and these were filled with tree trunks, which were then allowed to swell. The large stones were ground in time-consuming work with damp sand.
The terraces were connected by stairs. The population was supplied with water from sixteen wells, from which irrigation channels emanated. The city also had a sewage system.
The discovery of the site in 1911 is attributed to the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The Yale University archaeological expedition under his direction exposed the city between 1911 and 1915. The site was discovered in 1867 by the German Augusto Berns, who with his company owned gold mining rights for this area. Land surveyor Herman Göhring drew the site exactly on a map for the first time in 1874. The location of the archaeological site has been known to the local population at least since then.
Machu Picchu is one of the largest tourist attractions in South America and is visited by many thousands of people every day. In 2017, over 411,000 people visited the attraction, which corresponds to a daily average of just under 3,900 people[1]. In 2011, the Peruvian Ministry of Tourism (MINCETUR) announced the result of a study that showed that Machu Picchu can withstand two million visitors a year;[2] accordingly, as of July 1, 2017, the maximum number per day was set at just under 6,000;[3] In 2005, a maximum capacity of 2,500 a day was planned.[1] However, UNESCO calls for a reduction to a maximum of 800 visitors a day in order not to endanger the cultural heritage. Since 2019, admission has only been granted by the hour between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. with a limit on the number of visitors per hour and a maximum length of stay of four hours.[4] Machu Picchu is a significant source of income for the Peruvian government, especially since the number of visitors has shown itself to be quite unaffected by price increases. You have to be prepared for the fact that the prices for admission, guided tours, accommodation, meals and travel are almost European levels. Machu Picchu is probably the most expensive place in Peru for foreign tourists.
getting there
The city is located in an inaccessible area about 70 km northwest of Cusco and can only be reached by public transport via the village at the foot of the mountain Aguas Calientes can be achieved.
Train to Aguas Calientes
The railway line from Cusco above Poroy and Ollantaytambo after Aguas Calientes serves primarily tourist purposes. The journey time is around three and a half hours. The San Pedro train station in Cusco is closed. The trains run from the 13 km to the west Poroy. The train station of Aguas Calientes is officially named Machu Picchu, although the actual Machu Picchu is about 600 m higher. Three different classes of Peru Rail tourist trains operate on the route with different levels of comfort: Vistadome, Inca and Backpacker. The round trip from Poroy is included Vistadome or Inca from 130 €, with Backpacker about half. This means that tourists pay a multiple of the usual national fare on this route. The much cheaper tickets for locals are not valid for tourists.
From Ollantaytambo there are additional lines operated by Peru Rail (round trip with Vistadome approx. 122 US $ - as of July 2015) and Inca Rail (round trip with Executive 100-120 US $). There is also the new railway line Tren del Valle Sagrado from Urubamba (Round trip with Vistadome approx. 50 €). It is advisable to buy tickets a day or two in advance.
Travel times
| class | Cusco | O'tambo | M.P. (Station) | M.P. (Station) | O'tambo | Cusco |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vistadome | 6:00 | 8:05 | 9:35 | 15:00 | 16:30 | 18:00 |
| Inca | 6:15 | 8:25 | 10:00 | 15:25 | 17:00 | 19:25 |
| Backpacker | 6:30 | 9:00 | 10:30 | 16:10 | 17:50 | 20:30 |
| Vistadome | - | 10:10 | 11:20 | 13:30 | 14:45 | - |
| Vistadome | - | 15:10 | 16:30 | 8:25 | 9:50 | - |
| class | Urubamba | M.P. (Station) | M.P. (Station) | Urubamba |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vistadome | 6:00 | 8:10 | 17:00 | 19:15 |
The railway line is interrupted from time to time by storms and landslides or only used to a limited extent, so obtain current information on site.
Alternative arrival by minibus from Cusco to Hidroelectrica
 Dirt road from Santa Teresa to Hidroelectrica with crossing water |
 Bridge over the Urubamba, pedestrian path on the left |
 Track crossing on the way to Aguas Calientes |
 Tunnel just before Aguas Calientes |
It is easily possible to avoid the expensive train journey with Perurail (officially the only way to get to Aquas Calientes). From Cusco there is an almost continuously very good asphalt road to Santa Maria (180 km). From there, a dirt road leads via Santa Teresa another 35 km to Hidroelectrica, a hydroelectric power station. In contrast to what is shown in dramatic blog reports and YouTube videos, this route is completely unproblematic, at least in dry conditions. From the Hidroelectrica you can walk the remaining 11 km to Aguas Calientes along the tracks, although the route there (210 meters in altitude) is much more strenuous than back.
The Peruvian authorities are officially warning against walking on the tracks, the route is peppered with warning signs. In reality, they encourage and support this trail as for many - especially the locals - it is the only inexpensive trail. There are a number of information boards about the right way; a path with stairs was built to shorten the route; and along the way there are always small shops and restaurants that specialize in the hikers. Walking next to the tracks is possible without any special requirements; But you should have sturdy shoes. The hiking is strenuous because of the ground conditions (gravel, stones, puddles), which is why a time of 2½ to 3½ hours is usually realistic. The route leads through an extremely scenic area, which of course you can see a lot more of on foot than on the train.
Several places are / were problematic: On the one hand there is a longer iron bridge over the Urubamba, where it used to be fatal if you met the train on it. In the meantime, the authorities have added a pedestrian walkway to the bridge (the dramatic warning signs from the past are still there!), Which is completely separated from the tracks. You also need a bit of nerve strength for the short crossings of tributaries of the Urubamba on the route, where you can only tame over the rail sleepers (at a distance of 30 - 50 cm) and see the water below. You no longer have to walk through the two railway tunnels, but can walk to and from Aguas Calientes on the road around the tunnels. The trains announce themselves well in advance that you will have no problems standing a little off the track.
 Coming from Hídroelectrica turn right and follow the road to bypass the tunnels |  From Aguas Calientes here to the left you bypass the tunnels |
Whereas in the past you had to change trains twice on the way from Cusco to Hidroelectrica, today there are offers for a direct connection on every corner in Cusco, which (as of March 2019) costs 30 soles (approx. 8 euros) each way. The journey takes 6 hours and goes over a pass at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Arrival is usually between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., so you can be in Aguas Calientes by 6:00 p.m. On the way back you usually have to be back at the parking lot at 2:00 p.m. to catch the minibus back to Cusco. Since the return journey cannot be planned as well by the agencies as the outward journey, it is optimized for hell and the passengers are pushed back and forth between the buses and the agencies if necessary, which can lead to unsightly situations; In the end, everyone was taken away. There are now 2 assembly points, one nicely developed 1 Parking at the restaurant with a larger, covered restaurant and a simple ground floor at the railway station 2 Collection point at the railway station. Arrival is usually on the former, not the return journey, pay attention to the (Spanish!) Announcement of the driver!
Arrival with your own car
This is also possible without further ado, for a rather small fee you can park the car on a (hopefully!) Guarded place on the ground at the Hidroelectrica, there is a large advertising sign as you drive in. The route Santa Maria - Hidroelectrica is also no problem for a driver who has already driven a few dirt roads and knows how to behave on blind bends.
Shuttle bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
From Aguas Calientes there are buses to Machu Picchu and back every day between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Departure is when the bus is full, which usually only takes a few minutes. The approach is via an approx. 8 km long unpaved serpentine route with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Fare is US $ 12 each way (as of March 2019, current information here[5]), Journey time approx. 30 minutes. Tickets are available in the official 1 Point of sale in a side street off Av. Hermanos Ayar, you need the passport. The ticket inspection is quite modern with code readers.
On foot
- on the Inca path (approx. 80 km, 4-5 days)
- from Aguas Calientes via the bus route or a footpath that crosses it several times, approx. 1,600 m, approx. 400 meters in altitude, duration depending on condition 1 - 2½ hours.
entry
There are a few pitfalls to watch out for when entering. The two biggest are that, on the one hand, the tickets cannot be bought at the entrance point in Machu Picchu itself, and on the other hand, you need your passport to enter next to the ticket. Both are countered by checking tickets and tickets before getting on the bus or entering the path.
The tickets can be bought in a number of places, the sales outlets in Cusco and Aguas Calientes and above all on the Internet are of practical relevance[4]. The access conditions have been continuously modified in recent years; Since 2019, admission has only been granted by the hour between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. with a limit on the number of visitors per hour. There are also combinations with climbing the two "local mountains" Huayna Picchu and Montaña Machu Picchufor which a separate fee is charged. The danger that Machu Picchu is fully booked only exists in the main travel season, while the two mountains are always sold out several months in advance. It is highly recommended to go to the official site[4] to check the situation on the desired date. The conditions are quite rigorous: If you don't come on the booked day, the money is gone. In March 2019, entry cost 152 soles (approx. 40 euros) plus a fee of 6 soles (internet). At the same time, a maximum length of stay was determined, which is relatively complicated: visitors in the morning may stay a maximum of 4 hours, visitors from 12:00 noon (but admitted from 11:00 a.m.) to 5:30 p.m. the visitors of Huayna Picchu 6 hours and those of Montaña Machu Picchu 7 hours.[6] In reality, however, this is not controlled at all; this would also only be practicable when leaving, but there are no devices for this.
If you want to go to the "local mountains", there is practically no way around the Internet. That can be quite a nerve thing if the process gets stuck multiple times and you don't know whether you've paid multiple times. It is important that you buy the actual tickets in Aguas Calientes in the 2 Ministerio del Cultura have to be issued (free of charge). Entrance can only be booked by the hour between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., for each hour there are contingents of a maximum of around 400 - 500 visitors. The dates very early (to experience the sunrise) and at noon are particularly popular. It should be noted that there is often early morning fog and nothing can be seen; for some it is delightful to watch the fog lift and Machu Picchu appear. However, the hundreds of fellow tourists then inevitably appear. The lunchtime dates are so popular because the rows of visitors thinner towards the afternoon and evening and you have the site almost to yourself just before dusk. According to official information, the dates apply from the selected period, so you can come later; Experience has shown that earlier entry is a matter of negotiation; in any case, this does not block any electronic system.
Since July 1, 2017, the use of a guide (guia) compulsory, at quite steep prices. For groups of 10-16 participants the fee is US $ 8 per person, a private guide is US $ 60.[7] For many, this is uncomfortable not only because of the costs, but also because you want to let the site work on you without forced sound from a third party. The guides wait in large groups at the entrance and immediately loudly offer their services. The reality shows that the enforcement of the claim is quite incomplete; As in all of Latin America, the presence of Spanish language skills is an immense advantage in all situations, especially in such.
mobility
In Machu Picchu you can only travel on foot. Accessibility is not given in any form; on the contrary, a minimum of stamina and flexibility is required.
Tourist Attractions
The Holy District
 Intihuatana |
 The temple of the sun |
 The temple with the three windows |
 Machu Picchu residential buildings |
Similar to the palaces and public buildings, the buildings were carefully constructed from large stone blocks. The cuboids were probably not connected with mortar, and when it was inserted then in such a way that the mortar could not be seen. The windows, doors and niches are trapezoidal, they taper towards the top. Buildings and sites with a ceremonial purpose include:
- 1 Intihuatana.
The Intihuatana, "where the sun is held fast", also called the seat of the sun, is a prismatic block of granite. Possibly he fulfilled the task of a sacrificial altar ushnuas we know it from other Inca cities. An astronomical meaning is also conceivable. - The temple of the sun (Temple of the Sun, Machu Picchu)
- The temple with the three windows (Temple of the Three Windows)
At a greater distance are also:
- 2 The moon temple (Templo de la Luna)
- The cave sanctuary
Palaces and mausoleum
These include the buildings of the upper class and the priests.
- The royal tomb
- Temple of the Condor (Temple of the Condor, Machu Picchu)
Residential areas
The common people lived here. Their houses were built from granite rubble stones that were held together with mortar. The houses were laid out in a central square.
Hike and view
The town offers an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges and the 600 m deep valley of the Río Urubamba with its river meanders.
The ascent of the Huayna Picchu (approx. 300 m difference in altitude) and then especially the view from above will deepen the experience even more. Apart from the additional costs and the need to make a reservation, you should be in really good physical condition and neither be afraid of heights nor be claustrophobic. The ascent is not as life-threatening as can always be read as dramatic, but there are actually narrow stairs past the abyss without protection.
The ascent of the Montaña Machu Picchu is even more strenuous with a difference in altitude of about 610 m, but not so breakneck. The view of the area is impressive, but not as much of Machu Picchu itself as it is from Huayna Picchu, since one is quite a distance away.
From the main complex you can and should hike about 2 km to the 3 Inti Punku (Sonnentor), which takes 40 - 60 minutes depending on your fitness level. Unfortunately, the height information all differs, but it is at least at the same height as Huayna Picchu (probably even 20 m higher), so that you have a similar view, only considerably further away, free of charge. There are about 300 meters of altitude to be overcome here as well; the path is easy and fear of heights should only play a role in extreme cases. You pass one on the way 3 Guard system. Inti Punku marks an edge of Machu Picchu and is exactly the point where the Inca Trail arrives in Machu Picchu. From here one could enter the path in the opposite direction; However, this is forbidden without a valid ticket and a guard at the sun gate is watching.
Another hike goes to the "Inca Bridge", where you simply follow the signs from the main complex. This further Inca path leads a bit out of Machu Picchu, along steep cliffs, to an old Inca bridge on a rock wall (approx. 15 minutes walk). You can step onto the bridge, but not walk any further.
Behavior when visiting
Machu Picchu is of immense importance to all Peruvians, especially local residents, and is a source of great national pride. It is very advisable not to criticize anything, even if there may have been a few disagreements. If you say in Machu Picchu itself or in Aguas Calientes - possibly in Spanish - that Machu Picchu is a milagro (Miracle) and a regalo para la humanidad (Gift to humanity), then you will encounter deep movement (up to a spontaneous hug).
One should never forget that it is ultimately a sacred site. Theoretically there is a strict code of conduct that even prohibits eating on the complex and loud shouting is forbidden anyway, but you will inevitably come across groups of mostly US-American teens during a visit who dances and screeches for half an hour Posing contortions until the last one has an extensive selfie on their mobile phone. In St. Peter's Basilica they wouldn't (yet) dare to do that. It's not a bad idea, especially as a European one Gringoif you are not a coward but say a few bars. With all the Latin Americans present (except for the teens maybe, unfortunately) you will have a big stone in the board.
accommodation
The area of Machu Picchu itself is not allowed to be built on. Accommodation is therefore only available in the nearby one Aguas Calientes and are comparatively expensive.
- Inkaterra Machu Picchu. Luxury hotel with 85 rooms.
- Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. Tel.: (0)84-2110-39, (0)84-2110-39-38. Luxury hotel with 31 rooms and suites.Price: from $ 715.
- Various guesthouses / hotels in a simple style, double rooms equivalent to approx. 20 euros if booked in advance in Cuzco (luggage is accepted at the train station, then you can go straight up to MP)
Trivia
In German (and probably in a host of other languages) Machu Picchu is mostly pronounced "Matschu Pitschu". The correct answer is - as can already be seen from the spelling - "Matschu Pikbye ".
Literature (selection)
- Hiram Bingham: Machu Picchu. The legendary journey of discovery in the land of the Inca, National Geographic Paperback, 2007. ISBN 3894058331
- Antoine B. Daniel: The Incas. The light of Machu Picchu, Hoffmann and Campe, 2002. ISBN 3455013902
- Martin Fever: Machu Picchu. The city of peace, Bergkristall, 2003. ISBN 3935422482
- Berthold Riese: Machu Picchu. The mysterious city of the Inca, Beck, 2004. ISBN 3406521177
Web links
- Machu Picchu: Breakfast with the Incas (Marco Polo)
- Peru: Machu Picchu VERSUS Choquequirao (The Time)
- Machu Picchu: the city in the clouds
- Machu Picchu: ruined city of the Inca
- Machu Picchu: The Inca Grail Castle (Spiegel Online)
- Travel report
- ↑ 1,01,1Machu Picchu recibió 3 mil 800 turistas diarios en 2017. In:larepublica.pe, accessed April 27, 2019.
- ↑Mincetur anuncia capacidad de carga para Machu Picchu. In:www.connuestroperu.com, accessed April 27, 2019.
- ↑New límite de visitas a Machu Picchu: 5,940 tourists per day “en dos turnos” on 01 of July 2017. In:www.boletomachupicchu.com, accessed April 27, 2019.
- ↑ 4,04,14,2Tarifa General / Reservas para visitantes extranjeros with tarifa general. In:machupicchu.gob.pe, accessed April 28, 2019.
- ↑Boleto Machu Picchu. Retrieved April 28, 2019.
- ↑Boleto Machu Picchu / ¿Cuánto tiempo puede permanecer en Machu Picchu? In:www.boletomachupicchu.com, accessed April 28, 2019.
- ↑Guías obligatorios para visitantes a Machu Picchu desde the 01 de julio de 2017. In:www.boletomachupicchu.com, accessed April 28, 2019.