The citadel of Machu Picchu is known as the “Lost City of the Incas” and it is one of the most important archeological discoveries of our time. Machu Picchu is included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by the American archeologist Hirman Bignam.
The word Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain”
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Machu Picchu is not only known for its archeological ruins, but also for its great diversity of exotic flora and rich fauna. This historical sanctuary, which is 32,592 hectares, comprises 35 archeological groups, with the citadel of Machu Picchu as their most important one. Machu Picchu was a fortress in the Andes and center for their religion.
Machu Picchu is located on the left edge of the Vilcanota River, in the Kusichaca Ravin. This area belongs to the Machupicchu District, which in turn is part of the Urubamba Province, Department of Cusco. Directly across from Machu Picchu is the Huayna Picchu or Young Mountain, both divided separated by the Urubamba River.
Altitude: 2,490 m above sea level
Weather: The rainy season runs from December to April and the temperature varies from 8º a 22º C or 46º to 73º F
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Access: By train it takes approximately four hours (112.5 Km or 70 miles) from the San Pedro train station in Cusco to the Aguas Calientes train station. Aguas Calientes is situated at the base of the Machu Picchu mountain. A 30-minute bus ride climbing the mountain is necessary to reach the Historical Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. People who enjoy adventure and trekking can reach Machu Picchu through the INCA TRAIL.
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