Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Need to Know
WHEN TO GO
June to August are the sunniest months.
AVOID
February, when it's wet
and the Inca Trail is closed.
TIP
Pack insect repellent.
For further coverage,
Click here
.
Machu Picchu Don't Miss
List
BY CHRISTOPHER HEANEY, AUTHOR OF
CRADLE OF GOLD: THE STORY OF
HIRAM BINGHAM, A REAL-LIFE INDIANA JONES, AND THE SEARCH FOR
MACHU PICCHU
1 WATCH THE SUN RISE OVER MACHU PICCHU
The best time to visit Machu Picchu is very early in the morning or late in the day,
when the trains have come and gone. This means spending the night in Aguas Cali-
entes. It's worth it: at dawn, the light is especially beautiful.
2 EXPLORE THE EAST SIDE
The tours will take you to key sights like the Intihuatana (an astronomical point), but
be sure to go east, where the terraces meet the jungle. You'll get a feel for what it was
like to live at Machu Picchu, either as an
inca
(king) or one of their servants.
3 VISIT THE MUSEO DE SITIO MANUEL CHÁVEZ BÁLLÓN
This museum (
Click here
)
might seem small, but it's worthwhile. It has the only gold
found at Machu Picchu, as well as excellent displays that chronicle the history of the
site and how it fit into a larger entire network of Inca settlements.
4 HIKE UP TO THE RUINS FROM AGUAS CALIENTES
There's a little footpath (
Click here
) that leads up the side of the mountain to the ru-
ins. It's a little steep, but in terms of experience, you'll put yourself right in the mindset
