Machu Picchu

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Magnificent Machu Picchu & the Serene Sacred Valley

A June 2005 trip to Machu Picchu by akakd

First ViewsMore Photos

Leaving Lima, this portion of the journal covers the Sacred Valley, Pisac, Yucay, Ollantaytambo, and Machu Picchu (including Aguas Calientes, or Machu Picchu Village).

  • 6 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 18 photos

Magnificent Machu Picchu & the Serene Sacred ValleyBest of IgoUgo

Overview

First Views
Machu Picchu is the expected highlight. Also, the SOUND of cornstalk runners, the children of Aquas Calientes, and the nature hike at Pueblo Hotel Inkaterra.

Quick Tips:

1) To avoid altitude sickness, fly from Lima to Cuzco, then go immediately down to the Sacred Valley (a lower altitude). From there, travel to Machu Picchu, THEN back to Cuzco. 2) No matter what time of year you visit Machu Picchu, wear a hat and sunscreen! We went in their winter (opposite seasons from us), and we both got sunburned.

Best Way To Get Around:

Private driver, train, bus

Sonesta Posada del IncaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay, Sacred Valley
Recommended by a friend, the Sonesta Posada del Inca Yucay was the perfect place to stay en route to Machu Picchu. Located in the Sacred Valley, the hotel is an ancient monastery, surrounded by mountains, gardens, and floral decorated fountains. A cheery chapel is on the extensive property. Rooms were large and quaint. The grounds were beautiful. We wandered at length, every turn a photo opportunity. We even came across alpacas out back. Andean music was played in the evening, perfect to lull you to sleep.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by akakd on July 12, 2005

Sonesta Posada del Inca
Plaza Manco II de Yucay 123 Machu Picchu, Peru
(084) 201 107

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel"

Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel Inkaterra Nature Hike
The unprecedented hotel, Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, is a rustic boutique hotel made up of individual cottages, many with fireplaces. On-site amenities include a bar, restaurant, cafe, boutique, media room (books and Internet service), and an Andean sauna. Nestled into the hillside in the Cloudforest, the 12-acre property is the best part of this hotel stay.

If you stay there, take advantage of the guided nature hikes featuring orchids, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Here you find "the largest orchid collection," according to the American Orchid Society, with 372 species growing here. The National Geographic Traveler magazine calls Pueblo Hotel Inkaterra "paradise at Machu Picchu's feet." I concur. This was well beyond our expectation. The staff even surprised my husband with a beautiful birthday cake, and they even sang to him! Learn more at www.inkaterra.com.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by akakd on July 12, 2005

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Foot of Machu Picchu Mountain Machu Picchu Pueblo, Peru
51 1-610-0400

Pacha IllaryBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Pacha Illary
Even though we were the only guests, it took a while to prepare the fire, make and toss the dough, and cook the food in the open horno-style oven. It was worth the wait. The food was good, service was great, and the staff was friendly. If you go, look for the tiny flower and moon symbols on the red concrete floor as you enter.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by akakd on July 12, 2005

Pacha Illary
Upper Village of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes) Machu Picchu, Peru

Pisac MarketBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Tented Market at Pisac"

Pisac
En route to Machu Picchu, stop at the tented market in Pisac, where local handicrafts abound, especially hand-woven textiles. Visit Santa Lucia Horno Colonial, an eating establishment. Notice the moon and sun flanking the entryway, as well as the twin bulls overhead, a symbol for good luck and protection.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by akakd on July 12, 2005

Pisac Market
Pisa Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu (General)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Machu Picchu"

Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu means Old Mountain or Old Peak, and the higher peak of Huayna Picchu, Young Mountain, stands vigil over Machu Picchu. The climb up was a tough one, but that first sight took my breath away. Pablo Neruda, upon seeing Machu Picchu for the first time, said, "We come upon permanence... the city upraised like a cup in our fingers." Our private guide reminded us of the Incan motto/creed upon entering a city: "ama sua, ama quella, ama sua." Translated: Don't lie, don't steal, don't be lazy, all punishable by death. Imagine our guide's surprise when he began to tell us that motto/creed, and I said it along with him. He was even more surprised to learn that I've had those words (in ancient Quechua) posted in my office for 3 years, where I work as a counselor.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by akakd on July 12, 2005

Machu Picchu (General)
Machu Picchu, Peru

Cornstalk RunnersBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Sacred Valley
We rose very early, pre-dawn, to get a head start to Machu Picchu before the crowds. I wandered alone out onto the road in front of our hotel (Sonesta Posada del Inca). From behind me, I heard a rustling sound getting closer and closer. I'll never forget that sound, like angels' wings. I stood for a second, taking in the sight of men running (some barefoot) on the cobblestone road with cornstalks attached to their backs taller than they were. They ran so fast and rhythmically; I'll never forget the sound.

About the Writer

akakd
akakd
Arizona, United States

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