The ruins of Machu Picchu, rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, are one of the most beautiful and enigmatic ancient sites in the world. While the Inca people certainly used the Andean mountain top (9060 feet elevation), erecting many hundreds of stone structures from the early 1400's, legends and myths indicate that Machu Picchu (meaning 'Old Peak' in the Quechua language) was revered as a sacred place from a far earlier time. Whatever its origins, the Inca turned the site into a small (5 square miles) but extraordinary city. Invisible from below and completely self-contained, surrounded by agricultural terraces sufficient to feed the population, and watered by natural springs, Machu Picchu seems to have been utilized by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city. Two thousand feet above the rumbling Urubamba river, the cloud shrouded ruins have palaces, baths, temples, storage rooms and some 150 houses, all in a remarkable state of preservation. These structures, carved from the gray granite of the mountain top are wonders of both architectural and aesthetic genius. Many of the building blocks weigh 50 tons or more yet are so precisely sculpted and fitted together with such exactitude that the mortarless joints will not permit the insertion of even a thin knife blade.
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Peruvian cuisine is considered one of the most diverse in the world and is on par with French, Chinese and Indian cuisine. In January 2004, The Economist stated that "Peru can lay claim to one of the world's dozen or so great cuisines", while at the Fourth International Summit of Gastronomy Madrid Fusión 2006, regarded as the world's most important gastronomic forum, held in Spain between January 17 and 19, Lima was declared the "Gastronomic Capital of the Americas"

Machu Picchu Highlights:
Accomodation in Machu Picchu
From 5-star hotels to backpacker hostals, the finest spots in the former Inca Capital to lay your bones after a day-long hike.

Be Safe: Travel Insurance
Learn why taking out travel insurance before travelling to Peru is a good idea.

Train or Hike?
If you are not the Inca Trail type, consider Rail Transport to Machu Picchu. Trains are the best transport mean to get to the Lost City of the Incas (besides your own legs, that is). Check the different rail ruotes, departures, prices, and carriage qualities.

Restaurants & Pubs
Search for a Peruvian restaurant near you.

Tours in Machu Picchu
Find good option to take a tours in Machu Picchu

Facts about Machu Picchu
Everything tips before to arrive to Machu Picchu.