[2025 Urubamba Attraction] Travel Guide for Intihuatana, Urubamba (Updated Mar)

| A complete guide to Machu Picchu, Peru. 🗺️The Lost City in the Clouds | A Complete Guide to Machu Picchu, Peru "Every stone seems to be telling an ancient story. When the breeze blows, you can seem to hear the former glory of the Inca Empire." When I set foot on the magical land of Machu Picchu, these words kept echoing in my mind. 📍【Location and Transportation】 Machu Picchu is located about 130 kilometers northwest of Cusco, Peru, hidden deep in the mountains of the Andes. The most common way to get here is to go to Cusco first, then take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, and then take a bus from Aguas Calientes directly to Machu Picchu. The scenery along the train is stunning, with a rushing river on one side and magnificent mountains on the other, as if it is a prelude to a mysterious world. 🎫【Ticket Guide】 Machu Picchu tickets need to be booked in advance on the official website, especially during the peak season (May - September), otherwise they will easily sell out. There are different types of tickets. Ordinary tickets only allow you to enter the Machu Picchu ruins. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you need to buy a package that includes mountain climbing. Please note that there are limited places for climbing and there are specified time periods for climbing, so you must plan your time reasonably. 🌄【Best time to visit】 Early morning is the most beautiful time in Machu Picchu. The first ray of sunlight shines on the ancient city wall, and the entire site is dyed with a layer of gold, mysterious and charming. It is recommended that you take the first bus up the mountain early to avoid the peak crowds and take beautiful photos. There are usually more tourists in the afternoon, but the light is soft at this time, which is suitable for savoring every detail of the ruins. 🏛️【Highlights】 Temple of the Sun: This is the most sacred place in Machu Picchu, with exquisite architectural craftsmanship and huge stones fitting together perfectly. It is said that during the winter and summer solstices, sunlight would precisely shine into specific locations of the temple. The ancients' understanding of astronomy and architecture is amazing. Inca Terraces: The layers of terraces winding up the hillside not only demonstrate the Inca people's superb agricultural technology, but also present a beautiful pastoral scenery. Imagine that the Incas thousands of years ago worked hard here and harvested hope. Sun-Tie Stone: According to legend, the Incas used it to "tie" the sun to prevent it from running too far away during the winter solstice. Standing next to the Sun-Tshuan Stone, overlooking the entire Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountains and clouds, it feels like you are in a city in the sky. 📸【Photo check-in point】 Machu Picchu Viewing Deck: An excellent viewing deck that can be seen as soon as you enter the scenic area. Here you can take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. The mountains in the distance and the ancient city at your feet blend perfectly. It is a must-see place. Puerta del Sol: It’s a little tiring to hike to Puerta del Sol, but when you stand at the gate and see the sunlight shining through the gate onto the ancient city, the shock is incomparable, and any shot you take will be a blockbuster. 🍜【Nearby Food】 There are many local specialties to try in Recuerlo, such as ají de gallina (chicken and pepper stew), which has a rich soup with tender chicken and a unique spice flavor. It is super satisfying in one bite. There is also cuy (roasted guinea pig). Don’t be scared, this is a traditional Peruvian food. The skin is crispy and the meat is tender. 💡【Travel Tips】 Machu Picchu is at a high altitude, so be careful to prevent altitude sickness and prepare anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance. There is no restaurant in the scenic area, so remember to bring some snacks and water to maintain your energy. Please abide by the regulations of the scenic area, do not touch or climb the historical sites, and work together to protect this precious historical heritage. Machu Picchu, this isolated ancient city, carries thousands of years of history and civilization. Every exploration is like a dialogue with the past.

⛱️Must-visit Attractions • Machu Picchu Ruins: This is the absolute core attraction. This ancient Inca city stands atop a mountain, shrouded in mist like a fairyland, and when the sun shines, it reveals its rich history. Be sure to visit the Temple of the Sun to feel the Inca people's reverence for the sun, and the Central Plaza to imagine the bustling life that once took place here. Watch the breathtaking sunrise and sunset by the Intihuatana Stone. The view is simply stunning🌅 • Huayna Picchu: Climb Huayna Picchu for a bird's-eye view of Machu Picchu, with its terraced fields and ancient buildings, offering an unparalleled visual impact. However, the climb is challenging, so be prepared in advance🧗‍♂️ 🍜Food Guide • Ceviche: Fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, chili, and various spices. The fish is tender, tangy, and appetizing, with a mouthful of ocean flavor. • Peruvian Roast Chicken: Crispy skin and tender meat, marinated with unique spices for a fragrant aroma, served with local sauces. It's a delicacy that many tourists can't get enough of😋 • Inca Kola: A unique Peruvian beverage with a different taste from regular cola, featuring a hint of vanilla flavor. Be sure to try it and experience the local flavor. 🏨Accommodation Guide • Aguas Calientes: Close to Machu Picchu, offering a range of hotels and guesthouses. For a more comfortable stay, choose a hot spring hotel to relax after a day of sightseeing. For budget travelers, there are affordable and cozy guesthouses. • Cusco: A major transit city for Machu Picchu with more accommodation options. Stay near the historic center for easy access to Cusco's attractions and to experience the local culture. 🚄Transportation Guide • First, get to Cusco: International flights usually arrive in Lima, the capital of Peru, and then transfer to Cusco. • Cusco to Aguas Calientes: Take a train with scenic views of the Andes Mountains. Trains offer different classes and services to suit your budget. Alternatively, take a bus, but the journey is longer. • Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: Take a bus to the site, the main transportation to Machu Picchu. 💗Other Tips • Book Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets in advance, especially during peak season, as tickets are limited. • Machu Picchu is at a high altitude, so be prepared for altitude sickness with medication. • The local climate is unpredictable, so bring rain gear and warm clothing. • Respect local culture and customs, avoid loud noises, and don't touch artifacts when visiting the ruins.

In the heart of Peru, 130 km west of Cusco, lies a mysterious place surrounded by the lush greenery of the tropical rainforest - Machu Picchu. Like a guardian of history, it quietly awaits the arrival of every visitor. Machu Picchu, meaning "Old Mountain" in Quechua, is also known as the "Lost City of the Incas." As one of Peru's most famous tourist attractions, it is a well-preserved pre-Columbian Inca site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The climate here is like the heartbeat of the rainforest, sometimes sunny, sometimes drizzling, always full of surprises. If you want to explore this mysterious land, May to September is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather and stunning scenery. As you climb the stone steps of Machu Picchu, you can feel the weight of history. Every step is on the steps of history, making you wonder which era you are standing in. The polished stone walls, regular shapes, and almost seamless joints are a testament to the wisdom and craftsmanship of the Incas. Machu Picchu is not just an ancient city site, but a place full of stories. The Temple of the Sun is not only a sacred place for the Incas to worship the sun, but also an astronomical observatory. You can visit here at dawn and experience the mystery of the astronomical observatory. The Intihuatana Stone in the center of the city is a symbol of the Incas' eternal pursuit of the sun. When you stand at the highest point of Machu Picchu, overlooking the Urubamba Valley, you will be amazed by the magnificent scenery of this land. The terraced fields and ancient gates are like a tranquil painting. Moreover, Machu Picchu is also facing concerns about damage from tourism. Therefore, when you step on this land, please remember to respect history and protect the site, so that this precious human cultural heritage can be preserved forever. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and embark on a spontaneous journey. Machu Picchu is waiting for you, and the chapters of history are waiting for you to read. This is not just a tribute to history, but a spiritual baptism. In every corner of Machu Picchu, you can find your own touch and shock.