Visiting Machu Picchu?
Unknown to the public, Machu Picchu was brought to the attention of the academic world in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. Since then, tourism has been growing steadily by those who are interested in witnessing a part of world history. The site itself was constructed by the Incas in 1450 and was abandoned a century later. Some will attribute the Incas evacuation to be a product of the Spanish conquests during the same time period.
Concerns over the growing tourism Machu Picchu has experienced over the years has many officials worried of the site’s future. Although it is open to the public and one of Peru’s more prominent attractions for tourist income, there is still a fear that the site itself will eventually be reduced to mere rubble. Time is ticking away for those who wish to visit this wondrous location before it is no longer accessible to the public.
Fine Lodging and Hotels Near Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge
Based at the foot of the trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most elegant locales to stay if you’re visiting the historical site. The lodge itself is but a short distance from the ruins making access to the monumental structure ideal for any length of stay. Loaded with elegant design and luxurious accommodations, the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge takes vacationing to a whole new level. The majority of reviews from families concerning the lodge have raved about the experience and fine cuisine – even for the children. Although a few families experienced a hard time sifting through the tourists in order to make their way to the ruin’s entrance, the heavy populated area is bound to create problems with mobility. Unfortunately, this experience is shared with millions of tourist attractions around the globe.
Hotel HatunInti
Located a short distance from the winding road of Carretera Hiram Bingham in AguasCalientes, Hotel HatunInti is another testament to elegance in Peru. While not as expensive or feature rich as the Sanctuary Lodge above, the rooms of this hotel are amazingly decorated with Peruvian style and the bathrooms are nothing short of spectacular. Those who visited the Hotel HatunInti with their families were delighted in the accommodations. One of the most prevalent attractions for adults and children alike was the sound of the river clearly audible at night creating a wondrous experience, especially for those who are accustomed to the sounds of city.
Hatuchay Tower Hotel
Located further from Machu Picchu than the other locales above, but still within a mile of the 550 year-old attraction, stands the Hatuchay Tower Hotel. Many find themselves visiting this particular establishment frequently for the impressive Urubamba River can be seen and heard with clarity. Although this hotel isn’t as lavish as the more expensive counterparts above, many visitors to Hatuchay Tower praise the comfort, food, and general aesthetics of the location. At the Hatuchay Tower Hotel, children are easily accommodated with rooms providing double-size beds. As the children are comfortable in their own room, families of virtually any size can experience this fine hotel.
Tours of Machu Picchu
The only way to access AguasCalientes and Machu Picchu are by the trains which leave the station at Ollantaytambo every half-an-hour starting at three-AM or hike on foot following the Inca trail at KM82. This is a long and taxing hike, making it difficult for younger children. However, the experience of nature makes the hike worthwhile. Air travel by helicopter had been eliminated caused from inappropriate dismantling of the ruins in order to accommodate a landing pad.
Can you visit Machu Picchu on your own?
Nearly all of the hotels in the area of the historical city offer guided tours of the site. If you plan a visit to the area, a variety of packages are available through the hotels that will include your travel, meals, and tour experiences. In the case of the Sanctuary, packages could also include 60 minutes of message therapy – which could be beneficial should you choose to hike the beautiful landscape. Many packages from the hotels are designed specifically for the family in mind, which could possibly include meals – depending on the type of package you receive.
Can you go to Machu Picchu without hiking?
It’s hard not to find a tour company willing to cart you around the area encompassing a great deal of the magnificence of Peru. Tours such as those offered by Highland Adventures take you across a week-long journey as you experience various locations such as Lima, Cuzco, and ending with the tour of Machu Picchu itself. Although there is a fairly large price tag attached to these seven-day tours, you are getting an experience to remember as you visit historical areas of the beautiful country. Tours of all kinds are present in the area specifically for families, such as those offered by ClassicJourneys.com. Packages like these are tailored for family experiences and can provide your children with some of the most amazing memories of the historical site.
Can I enter Machu Picchu without a guide?
Many organizations will offer custom tours of the locales in the area. Companies such as Peru For Less offer packages for less than $1000 that includes four days and three nights in a hotel, breakfasts, and tours of the desired location – in this case, Machu Picchu. With a customized tour, you have options available should you want to take them or stay with the standardized tour. For instance, you could choose to stay an extra night in AguasCalientes at the foot of Machu Picchu in order to continue your exploration of the centuries old Inca masterpiece. The beauty of custom tours for the family is that you can choose your own path each day. Depending on the “mood” of your family, you can choose to hike the Inca trail or relax at the pool in one of the hotels. Of course, the customization allowed will be dependent on the tour company you utilize. However, the options are plentiful.
Final Word
Machu Picchu is a wonderment of historical culture for the Peruvian people. The city has been deemed as a World Heritage Site and visitors are able to look over the clouds to great mountainous ranges beyond. Sitting at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level along a mountain peak, Machu Picchu is truly a marvelous city within the clouds.