Traveling is one of the great experiences of life. Being able to meet and explore the many exotic destinations in the world can be exciting. Going to Peru is no exception, with so many wonderful places waiting for you to experience. For Machu Travel Peru and many people from around the world, Machu Picchu is one of the best tourist sites in Peru. It is considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, with three different zones that complete the country. The most popular place to visit in Peru is Machu Picchu, which is undoubtedly a must-see during your trip to Peru. The ancient Inca site has captivated both tourists and scientists for many years. Many of you may know a little about the ruins and many of you may not know anything, so get to know what Machu Picchu is here with our Machu Picchu Map.
The main aspects of the Machu Picchu map
- Where is the Wonder of the World located?
- Main sectors of the Machu Picchu map
- All the places to explore and know
- Hikes and routes to enjoy inside Machu Picchu
- The best time to tour the map of Machu Picchu
- Tips to keep in mind during your visit
WHERE IS THE WONDER OF THE WORLD LOCATED?
Machu Picchu is located in the middle of the Andes mountain range on the side of a valley that was made by the Urubamba River. It is located about 2360 meters above sea level. You can find the Inca citadel 130 kilometers northwest of the Inca city of Cusco to be exact. The entire Machu Picchu map is divided into 3 main areas. The Sacred Quarter includes the Intihuatana, The Temple of the Sun, and the Hall of the Three Windows. The second sector is where the residential area of Sacerdotes y Nobles is located. While the third sector is in the southern part of the site. This is where the local people of the area used to live. To get there, you can opt for a train to Machu Picchu as well as the renowned Inca Trail.
The archaeological complex is located just below the Urubamba Valley. Machu Picchu can be located in the Cusco region, right in the south-central part of the country. North of Machu Picchu y Colombia and Ecuador. To the east are Bolivia and Brazil. While to the west is the Pacific Ocean. The region has an unprecedented geographic diversity. Since Machu Picchu is bordering the Peruvian jungle and the Andes mountain range. The place where the site was built is located about 72 kilometers northwest of the city of Cusco. This equates to about 44.7 miles of distance. So Cusco is the city where you start your adventure.
MAIN SECTORS OF THE MACHU PICCHU MAP
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Machu Picchu stands between two iconic mountains. Thanks to its strategic location, the complex offers some wonderful views of the Valley. Many of the visitors who come to Machu Picchu do so as part of a guided tour. And those planning a hike to the complex will be able to explore much more of the Machu Picchu map. Local guides also offer a detailed explanation of what to expect in front of the map.
Machu Picchu can be divided into 3 main areas: The Sacred Plaza, The Residential Zone, and the Popular Area. The Sacred Plaza includes structures such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, and the Hall of the Three Windows. Machu Picchu is protected under the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. This is a natural and archaeological reserve, it covers about 32,592 hectares. The archaeological treasures linked to the Inca Trail are also of great importance to know the Machu Picchu map.
The Inca Trail at the same time presents some of the most spectacular landscapes to know the Machu Picchu map. And just as you will find spectacular landscapes, you will also find varied species of flora and fauna.
Within the Machu Picchu map, there are more than ten habitable areas for different animals as well as two other ecoregions. You will find low-rise forests, high Andean grasslands, high jungle, high and low-rise forests, and much more. The great diversity of ecosystems is what gives rise to the great diversity of flora and fauna. In fact, the wonderful sanctuary has much more biodiversity than the ecosystems that surround it. In addition to a large number of native species that deserve protection.
The map of the citadel has so much to offer that you can visit the following areas:
- Enclosures and storage houses
- The Agricultural Terraces
- The Principal Temples
- The Sacred Palaces of the Incas
ALL THE PLACES TO EXPLORE AND KNOW
INTIHUATANA
There are many things that you should not miss on a Machu Picchu tour. One of them is the renowned Intihuatana, one of the last standing structures. It was very likely that Inca astronomers used this carved rock to predict solstices. It survived since the Spanish never got to discover Machu Picchu. They destroyed all the other similar stones around the entire Inca Empire.
TEMPLE OF THE THREE WINDOWS
Another great place that you cannot miss visiting on the Machu Picchu map is the Temple of the Three Windows. This one has a great view of Machu Picchu below through the three trapezoidal windows. One of the most surprising Machu Picchu facts is that there are three windows inside the structure. Since in Inca architecture the windows and trapezoidal shapes were reserved for the Inca nobility.
TEMPLE OF THE SUN
The Temple of the Sun is another incredible sight to behold. The Temple of the Sun is the rounded tower best seen from above. The temple features some of the finest stonework in Machu Picchu that was used for astronomical purposes. During the time of the Incas, only those high priests part of the nobility had access to this place. Different important sacred ceremonies and rituals were held there. The construction has a semicircular shape and is built on a huge solid rock. If you plan to visit Machu Picchu, you have to know about this place.
ROYAL TOMB
Believed to have had special ceremonial purposes, the Royal Tomb is a natural rock cave below the Temple of the Sun. It is formed by a small natural cave with an entrance facing east. Inside you can see some precisely carved rocks and other different niches. The main attraction is the large altar that can be seen inside. You are not allowed to enter, but you can see the step change from the main entrance.
The royal tomb is located under the Temple of the Sun. It is formed by a small natural cave with an entrance facing east. Inside you can see some precisely carved rocks and other different niches. The main attraction is the large altar that can be seen inside.
TEMPLE OF THE CONDOR
On the other side of Machu Picchu is the Temple of the Condor, where you can appreciate the carved head and the rocks that resemble wings. The Temple of the Condor is located just below the Temple of the Sun. It is called this way due to the shape of the stones that resemble a condor head and its wings. Some of the theories indicate that it is a place that functioned both for the worship of deities and for the practice of rituals. A great place that should not be missed within the Machu Picchu map. For the ancient Incas, the condor represented fertility and production. If you have not had the opportunity to see a condor live, it is a real sight to appreciate. The Andean condor was considered an animal of great spiritual importance.
CENTRAL PLAZA
In the center of the ruin is the Central Plaza, where you will see llamas eating the grass. In Inca times the Plaza was used as the ceremonial sector of Machu Picchu, in front of the Plaza, you will see the residential sector. The Central Plaza of Machu Picchu counts as one of the most important sectors of the complex. There it was where different sacred celebrations for the Inca religion were hosted.
CARETAKER’S HUT
The House of the Guardian, also known as the Caretaker’s Hut. This building functioned as a kind of guardhouse. The different soldiers guarded both the IntiPunku entrance and the Caretaker’s Hut entrance.
SUN GATE
The Sun Gate is known as the true gateway to the Inca citadel. It is through here where the ancient Incas came to Machu Picchu. Also known as IntiPunku, it was the original entrance to the archaeological complex. From there the Incas entered the citadel. The Inca Trail is one of the best options to emulate the original Machu Picchu route.
WATER FOUNTAINS
Water Fountains are one of the most attractive and intriguing elements of the complex. Machu Picchu has an irrigation system with about 16 fountains. The different sources of water are one of the most wonderful examples of Inca hydraulic engineering.
STORAGE HOUSES
In the complex, you will also be able to observe different Storage Houses where precious foods were kept among other things.
THE WATER MIRROR
The Water Mirror is an enclosure that women used to carry out different activities related to hygiene and the worship of water.
SACRED ROCK
Sacred Rock is a large stone, surrounded by a small low wall. In front of the rock is a large open flat area flanked by 2 open-sided shelters.
INCA BRIDGE
The Inca Bridge was built by the Incas as a secret entrance to Machu Picchu. This entrance was permitted for the Inca army.
HIKES AND ROUTES TO ENJOY INSIDE MACHU PICCHU
Fortunately, not everything is structures and buildings to see within the Machu Picchu map. You will also have the opportunity to go on certain hiking trails that will leave you speechless. The peak that you will see in all the photos of Machu Picchu is called Huayna Picchu. To do this trek, you will need an additional ticket that will cost you around $ 20 and around 3 hours round trip. The view from the top of Huayna Picchu makes the hike worth it. The different hiking trails are one of the best things to do in Machu Picchu.
Be careful when climbing as the steps can sometimes be slippery, especially in the rainy season. Make sure to book in advance as tickets for Huayna Picchu sell out quickly. For the adventurers among you, you may consider doing the Machu Picchu mountain hike. There are several different treks to consider, the most famous being the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This hike to Machu Picchu features 4 days of tough hiking, but the rewards are endless. Most of these treks end in Machu Picchu with a guided tour.
THE BEST TIME TO TOUR THE MAP OF MACHU PICCHU
For those of you wondering what is the best time to go to Machu Picchu, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Machu Picchu has two seasons, the wet and the dry.
The rainy season is from November to April and it rains daily. The advantage of the rainy season is that there are fewer people visiting Machu Picchu and the ruin is much more relaxed. You will need to bring wet weather shoes and a raincoat, but as long as you have the right gear you will be fine.
The dry season is from May to October. Besides, in these months, it is also considered high season. Besides, there are many people visiting and you will have to wait in long lines. The good thing about the dry season is that the weather is perfect and the sky is an incredible blue. Make sure you get to know the citadel within our tours in Peru, so you can get to know this excellent place in depth.
TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND DURING YOUR VISIT
If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, you have to keep some important things in mind. Some of the things to keep in mind during a visit to Machu Picchu are that there are now two entry times to enter the ruin; you will need a morning ticket or an afternoon ticket. Besides, you cannot enter the ruin without an official guide. But this is a good thing, as you will learn some of the stories of the ruin.
You can enjoy a certified guide to explain the Machu Picchu meaning in addition to its mysterious history. Walking poles aren’t approved in the archaeological site. They will be taken from you at the front door. You are allowed to bring snacks and water to the site, but no food. You may not realize that in Machu Picchu there are small biting insects. And you will not feel them biting, but it will be itchy for a week. So take your repellent with you.
“DARE TO LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED.”
We hope together with the experts of Machu Travel Peru to have guided you a little in the Machu Picchu map. We believe that one of the best ways to discover this attraction is with us. Don’t miss out on all the beauty this site has to offer. If you want to know more about our tours of the citadel, you can consult with our advisors.
