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4 Things to Consider in your Trip to Peru
If you are thinking of taking a trip to Peru you are probably wondering when the best season to visit this country is. To better appreciate the destinations of this wonderful country it is good that you first know a bit of our geography. Peru is one of the countries that holds a variety of climates on its different regions. So, it depends a lot on the region you chose to visit for knowing when the best time to take a vacation to Peru is. The country is basically divided into three large regions: Coast, Amazonian Jungle and Andean Mountain Range; the last one it is where Machu Picchu Sanctuary is located.
If you are planning to tailor-made your trip to peru, you should know what will you find at any destination you may choose to visit. It’s better to be prepared! You can have the best experience with Peru Private Tours and we are happy to help you plan it.
Trip to Peru: Weather in Peru from December to March
This time is considered as the official rainy season throughout the country, although the magnitude of this storms its bigger at the Andean Mountain Range and the Amazon Rainforest, the Coast also receives strong impacts due to constant flooding of the rivers however the rains are not very heavy in this area.
This is not the greatest season to visit Cusco City, especially because rain can make many of the excursions more demanding and dangerous. It is not advisable to do the typical trekking routes to Machu Picchu: such as Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek or Choquequirao Trek, which are the ones that take us to the monumental Inca’s Santuary, the paths are usually earth or stone, which makes the journey much more difficult. But if you are willing to take the train to Machu Picchu, this may not be a problem, just prepare your rain coat and enjoy the colors of this beautiful mountain jungle.
Further north in the Amazon rainforest, the storms are a bit more intense as it is the temperature. So, a rainy day is not at all bad for this hot Amazonian weather. In this area most excursions are made in boats so this weather condition is favorable for navigation because the level of the rivers increases considerably. The only discomfort during this time is the presence of mosquitoes due to the strong temperature and humidity of the environment. You can take a cruise to make this trip to the Amazon a comfortable and luxury experience at Peru.
On the other hand, on the Coast the presence of rains is not so intense, Lima for example in December and January is most pleasant weather: temperatures reach a maximum of 26oC (77oF), combined with humidity levels of around 81% (the lowest of the year), so it is a good time to visit. Lima is the Peruvian capital and great to enjoy the gastronomic tours offered there.
In addition, this time is the best time to visit the northern beaches such as Mancora, Punta Sal, Zorritos, Huanchaco among many others, we must only consider that there is an increase in tourist flow that can mean the variation of prices and lower availability of services.
Trip to Peru : Weather in Peru from April to May
April marks the season in which the rain stops and we can witness the great amount of vegetation that appears from the previous season. It is the ideal time for those who enjoy trekking and nature, at this time you can appreciate the large number of natural resources offered by the valleys located through all the Andean Mountain Range, this is the perfect time to visit the most important Inca archaeological centers such as Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Pisac, Sacsayhuaman and many others, it is also the best time to do any of the Machu Picchu Trekking routes, cause the roads are drier and with a tempered environment.
The Amazonian jungle on the contrary keeps having abundant rains, however the temperature and humidity makes it a very pleasant space for getting in touch with the splendor of Peruvian biodiversity. Flowers’s bloom and there is a greater possibility of sighting exotic animals since they find more food and surround themselves with their natural companions
At the coast we can find amazing Peruvian beaches, such as Mancora, Punta Sal or Zorritos. You may feel a small drop in temperature; however, you can still enjoy a warm and pleasant weather. It also decreases a lot the flux of tourists, so, you might be able to find better services at a lower price. You can say that these months are better for visiting all of Peru.
Trip to Peru : Weather in Peru from June to – August
These are the months of highest tourist demand in Peru, these dates match the summer holidays in the northern hemisphere with the patriotic Peruvian festivities and the Inty Raymi festivity which it’s a magnum event for all tourist in the world. So, if you are planning to travel to Peru on these months, we advise you to grab your warmer coat to enjoy the amazing Peruvian landscapes. At the mountain areas the temperatures drop below 0º, but despite the cold, you can enjoy sunny days that makes the journey more enjoyable and easier to walk always looking at a beautiful blue sky. Just remember, the tourist fluxes its much bigger increasing the price of services.
On the coast, especially on the north coast, characterized by the beauty of its beaches, we can find fewer people and an even pleasant climate, since the heat is moderate and the water temperature is a bit warm.
In the jungle, it is the driest time, the rains decrease a lot, on the one hand, it does not cease to have favorable conditions for navigation since the rivers are large and flowing, in addition you can better explore the circuits on foot, since we find less moisture and the territory is more accessible. Also, the presence of mosquitoes decreases considerably.
Trip to Peru : Weather in Peru from September to November
It is the beginning of spring, temperatures throughout the country usually increase and the number of visitors decreases, it is a good season to visit Peru. In Cusco some light rains can begin, but the mild climate favors trekking along the Inca Trail that leads us to the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Along the coast, temperatures reach 22c (71oF) in Lima in November, with the decrease in humidity, making it a good time to explore the capital city as well as other shore places.
In the jungle, rainfall remains low, allowing for rainforest walks as well as boat rides through the Amazon rivers.
When it’s the best time to visits Peru? ALLWAYS
Now that you know about the differences you can find on your next tour to Peru, ask yourself, what do you enjoy most on a trip? And if you still not sure, with Peru Private Tours you can find the best option for your next vacation to Peru.
Our travel agents are willing to provide you a service that suits all your needs, to make your trip to Peru into an unforgettable experience, that exceeds your expectations and makes you enjoy the attractions we have what you need. We are specialized in tailor-made trips. We strive to make your trip to Peru that experience you’ve always dream of.
If you are planning to visit Peru, we are more than sure that one of your destinations will be Machu Picchu citadel. With Peru Private Tours` Machu Picchu Luxury Travel you will experience the true magic of Peru. Visiting Machu Picchu is not an easy journey, you need to book many services to access this marvelous Sanctuary.
HOW TO CREATE A MACHU PICCHU LUXURY TRAVEL?
All begins in Cusco City, where you can arrive by plane, bus or train. From here you will need to cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a place full of amazing landscapes and inca’s architecture like: Pisaq, Urubamba, Chinchero, Maras – Moray to finally get to Ollantaytambo, from here you will need to take a train to Aguas Calientes, it’s important that you know that the only ways to get to this town are by train or by walking (check the trekking routes to Machu Picchu).
Once you get to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town, you will need to take the bus up to the sanctuary. Finally, at the entrance you’ll be asked to present your Machu Picchu Ticket to visit this amazing citadel. As you can see, for taking a Machu Picchu Tour it’s necessary to arrange some services before reaching this wonder of the world. With Peru Private Tours, you can visit this wonderful place without worrying about anything.
Entrance Ticket Machu Picchu
Whichever route you decide to take to get to Machu Picchu you will need the official entrance ticket, this is the only ticket that allows you to get into the Sanctuary. It has entry time variations and some other activities for you to complete the Machu Picchu experience, such as: climbing Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu mountain or visiting the site museum. Some of these extra activities need to be booked up to 6 months in advance.
Transportation to Ollantaytambo’s Train Station
The Ollantaytambo’s train station is the one that has the highest departure frequencies of trains to Machu Picchu.
Ollantaytambo town is located 72km from Cusco City (two hours approximately). San Pedro and Poroy stations also have some departures, mostly for the Luxury Train Services to Machu Picchu, such as: Hiram Bingham, First Class or Private trains. Peru Private Tours can help you book the train service you wish, adapting our services to your travel needs.
Train Ticket for Machu Picchu Luxury Travel
There are only two railway companies that drive the route to Machu Picchu by Train, this is the safest and quicker way to get to the citadel. If you don’t have enough time or energy to do one of the trekking routes to Machu Picchu, your best option is to take the train service of your choice.
Peru Private Tours can help you tailor made your vacations and help you experience the Machu Picchu tour as a memory you will never forget.
Train tickets can be bought in advance and there are many services you can choose from, as: Hiram Bingham Luxury train, First Class Service, Vistadome or 360º panoramic services and the basic Expedition or Voyager services. Ask our agents about these services and visit Machu Picchu full of comfort.
Bus ticket for Machu Picchu Luxury Travel
You are almost there! The final stretch to reach Machu Picchu is on a bus ride from Aguas Calientes that lasts approximately 30 minutes.
You can choose to the two-way ticket, or just one-way and take the walking path through the jungle, although we recommend you to do the way up in bus, mostly if you have a schedule time for your guidance into the Sanctuary. Avoid queuing on the day of your visit and book this service in advance. Take advantage of discounts for children and travel safe.
Your Official Guidance To Machu Picchu
If you had made all this trip to visit the amazing Machu Picchu Wonder, we highly recommend you to visit it with an official tourism guide. The citadel is quite big and has many temples and construction sites that need to be really explained by and expert. After having made this enormous journey, we are sure that you would like to know all the secrets that surround this majestic site of the Inca’s society.
Machu Picchu and the Incas (1438-1534)
Machu Picchu cannot be disconnected from the builders in this case the Incas, the Incas used and perfected techniques to handle the stone in construction of public buildings, transportation, astronomy, agriculture, driving, water and places and buildings with religious purposes, all the technology was perfected from previous cultures that handle similar technologies in construction, metal work, among others.
The Incas worked hard to build cities and to make infrastructure to connect cities and places to Cusco the world’s navel, one of the preeminent governors or Inca is Pachacutec who extended the Incas empire in great part of South America, and who is considered the author of the construction of Machu Picchu, we will see how he ordered the construction of Machu Picchu.
The Incas
The construction of Machu Picchu was made during the reign of Inca Pachacutec, it all began in 1440 during his campaign in Vilcabamba when the Picchu gorge was conquered by the Incan Emperor Pachacutec (1438-1470).
The location of Machu Picchu most likely impressed the monarch due to its particular character and impressing panoramic view and for that reason he ordered to build an urban complex with luxurious buildings, civil as well as religious.
In the era of Inca Pachacutec the Inca architecture was advancing by adopting new and revolutionary forms and it’s in Machu Picchu that we can see this new avant-garde architecture of the imperial building. The conquest were in many ways a de-civilization process as it killed an empire that was known as one of the few autonomy cultures that humanity knows about.
It’s believed that Machu Picchu had a moving population as most of the Incan villages and that the population fluctuated between 300 and 1000 inhabitants who belonged to the elite, probably members of the royal Panaca and the acllas of Pachacutec. It has been proven that the agricultural forces were made up by mitimaes (migrants) settlers.
Machu Picchu wasn’t by any means a remote compound, for that reason the myth of the “lost city of the Incas” and “the secret retreat” of the Incan emperors lack authencity.
To understand Machu Picchu we need to consider the philosophy and how the constructors thought in those days, they were formed by the nature and the high ethical and moral level as well as their high work moral where idleness was nowhere to be found.
When Pachacutec died according to the royal Incan customs he along with his personal belongings were given to his panaca where they mummified the late king. It’s presumed that their tradition kept during the government of Tupac Yupanqui (14-70-1493) and Huayna Capac (1493-1529)
Machu Picchu must have lost part of its importance when it had to compete with the personal properties of the successors. For that matter, the opening of a road that was broader and more secure between Ollantaytambo and Vilcabamba (in the Amaybamba valley) made the road of the Picchu gorge less used.
Machu Picchu, an enigmatic city with a thousand year old mysterious story that gets lost between the reality, myth and legend.
Peru Private Tours, we have the best team to bring you to this awesome place, we have the best qualified English speaking tour guides to lead you discovering history and stories behind the walls of this spectacular Machu Picchu, join to Peru Private Tours in to a unique, insightful, unforgettable and Luxurious trip to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu holds an impressive architecture, developed by the Incas, the Inca (emperor) Pachacutec (1438-1470) ordered the construction of Machu Picchu, the place impressed to the emperor, the Inca was developing new and revolutionary architecture, its believed that the population fluctuated between 300 and 1000 inhabitants believed to be an elite a royal Panaca and the acllas, the construction was develop with top techniques, Pachacutec was probably mummified there and put with his belongings.
Would you like to see each detail in this Inca citadel and revive the history of this place?
Salkantay Trek
The Salkantay Trek is a marvelous route from Cusco to Machu Picchu and is a great alternative if you can’t take the traditional Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Going on this journey will let you appreciate some of the most beautiful landscapes in Cusco with snow-covered mountains accompanying you, you’ll get through the Salkantay Pass, with an altitude of 20,574 feet (6,271 meters) above sea level. n
It is a unique combination of culture and mystique, proudly preserved by the Peruvian people around, this incredible adventure has an extraordinary natural beauty. You will be walking near to one of the highest peaks of the Humantay Mountain and you will have the chance to visit the wonderful Humantay Lake.
Salkantay trek is very diverse and rich geographical walk, imagine walking with a breathtaking view of the most beautiful mountains in the world and surrounded by the Andean culture and history.
The hike along this route offers an incredible diversity of attractions and adventure opportunities not found anywhere else on earth. We will get to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs in the middle of the jungle.
Now if you are thinking that this may not be a Luxury Trip, you are mistaken. You can enjoy luxury services among the route, while you enjoy an exclusive service in the camps, a private cooker, porters that helps you carry your luggage, specialized guides to help you on the way and even a massager if you want the complete luxury experience.
7 Tips to remember while doing the Salkantay trek!
The best time to travel is from March to October. Sure, it’s the high season (especially from June to August), but it’s also the dry season. And without a doubt, you will not want to visit this site during the rainy season!- Make your reservations for Salkantay Trek and Huayna Picchu entrance with several months in advance, so you can find all the services you need.
- You must take your passport and a photocopy of it, also we recommend you to store it in a plastic bag in case of rain.
- There are some biting mosquitoes in Machu Picchu, Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes, wear long-sleeved shirts use lots of strong insect repellent. Avoid open shoes!
- Be prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Some people even get small umbrellas. Feel free to look a little silly, but don’t burn!
- Take some Peruvian currency to buy bottled water and snacks along the way, as well as to tip the guide, cook and porters.
- Waterproof and good trekking boots. Good quality and comfortable footwear and headlamp are essential.
How is the weather in the Salkantay Trek
FROM DECEMBER TO MARCH
This time is considered as the official rainy season throughout the country, although the magnitude of the storms is quite bigger in the salkantay trek and the Amazon Rainforest.
It is not advisable to do the typical treks to Machu Picchu: such as Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Choquequirao Trek because the paths tend to get wet and more challenging. But if you are willing to take the train to Machu Picchu, this may not be a problem, just prepare your raincoat and enjoy the colors of this beautiful mountain jungle.
On the other hand, in the coastal cities, you can enjoy comfortable weather: temperatures reach a maximum of 26oC (77oF), combined with humidity levels of around 81%. God time to visit Lima.
FROM APRIL TO MAY
April indicates the stop of rains and the bloom of colors; vegetation appears and flowers blossom.
It is the ideal time for those who enjoy trekking and nature, at this time you can appreciate the great number of natural resources offered by the valleys located through all the Andean Mountain Range.
It is the best time to do any of the treks to Machu Picchu like Salkantay trek or the full-day tours to Humantay Lagoon and Rainbow Mountain.
FROM JUNE TO – AUGUST
These are the months of highest demand in Peru, to do the salkantay trek, these dates match the summer holidays in the northern hemisphere with the patriotic Peruvian festivities and the Inti Raymi festivity which it’s a magnum event for all tourist in the world.
If you plan to travel to Peru during these months, we advise you to grab your warmer coat to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes. In the mountain areas like salkantay trek pass, temperatures drop below 0º, despite that, you can enjoy sunny days that make the journey pleasant and easier to walk through. Just remember, the tourist flux it is much more extensive which tend to increase the prices.
FROM SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER
It is the beginning of spring, temperatures in the salkantay trek and throughout the country increment and the number of visitors decreases, it is a good season to visit Peru.
In Cusco, some light rains can begin, but the mild climate favors trekking along the Inca Trail or Salkantay trek that leads us to the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
Sun temple in Machu Picchu
Sun temple is one of the most important places in Machu Picchu, its a place to enjoy the beauty of a complex architectural work build with pure stone without any mortar or gluing material just pure carved stones, Cusco Peru has to offer you a diverse of places to enjoy the Inca architecture a very beautiful but also complex work made in stone, Peru Private Tours offer you a very personalized experiences with the most incredible places.
On the way to the pyramid of Intiwatana there is a low facing circular wall that looks like a seat where an enigmatic circular wall can barely be seen.
The unfulfilled construction of this magnificent half circular wall suggest that it was a tower for the setting sun, it has a magnificent watchtower from where you can see the whole San Miguel valley and whose position matches the Sun temple in Cusco Peru.
Come to discover this beautiful place, come with the whole logistics that can provide a luxury travel agency, in Peru Private Tours we have a team devoted to your comfort and to give you the best service that can be provided, challenge yourself and to your senses with Peru Private Tours.
The Inca architecture has numerous displays of beauty in Cusco Peru, one of them is in Machu Picchu and the sun temple, from where you can see the beauty of nature in landscape and also the beauty of the Valley of San Miguel, the shape of this precinct is circular and resembles to a seat, matching the Sun temple towards Cusco Peru.
Do you want to discover and see by yourself this amazing place?
Or you can leave your experience in our hands by contacting us to our email info@pptoursperu.com
Titicaca Lake; 5 interesting things to know.
Puno city is located at 3800 meters above sea level, on the shores of the deepest blue and bright Titicaca Lake, this is the highest navigable lake in South America and was a sacred place for the Inca civilization. Visiting this ancient and magical environment it’s a mandatory “to do in Peru”. If you are planning to take your next vacation to Peru, don’t forget to take a tour through Puno islands.
All to know about Titicaca lake
Location
Titicaca Lake is located 3812 meters above sea level in the south east of Peru, sharing frontier with Bolivia territories. It is located some hours from La Paz, capital of the neighboring country.
¿How to get to Puno City, the closest city to titicaca lake?
You can find three ways to get to the Titicaca Lake: you can get there by train, departure from Arequipa or Cusco cities, in a luxury service called Andean Explorer, another option you can take, is by plane most taken from Lima City or some other cities of your choice, towards the capital of the Puno region: Juliaca, from where you must take a car that will take you for 1 hour Puno City where the port of titicaca lake is located. Finally, you can take a bus to Puno, which will cross the mountains until you get to this great destination.
In Peru Private Tours we can arrange all of these services for you so won’t worry about anything on you vacation to Peru. Ask our agents for the many options you have and they can tailor-made your trip to Peru.
¿How to move around Puno?
The Puno’s historic center is relatively small so we recommend you to walk it. In the surroundings of the main square or “Plaza de Armas” you’ll be able to find services such as: restaurants, exchange currency agencies, banks, hotels and all you may need.
¿What to do and what to see in Puno?
You can visit the Plaza de Armas: located in the heart of this historic city, here you can find the cathedral and other important buildings of Puno. On the other hand, on the way to Juliaca you can find two destinations highly required by travelers: Sillustani’s Chulpas and the inter dimensional portal of Amaru Muru. Don’t forget to ask about this amazing and unconventional tours in Puno.
The majestic Puno’s Islands in the titicaca lake
Uros Floating islands
These are artificial islands built on totora, a reed that grows under the waters and that the villagers use to build their houses and the crafts they sell to tourists. Many families offer comfortable lodgings, as well as teaching visitors their daily activities: cutting totora, fishing, sailing in totora boats, cooking, among others. There are many of these islands and from time to time must be replaced by new constructions to give sustainability to this natural environment.
Taquile island
It is located about 35km from the port of Puno and is characterized by its friendly inhabitants, who preserve traditional customs and clothing. They still live with the Inca regulations: “Don’t be a thief”, “Don’t be idle”, “Don’t be a liar”. There is no medical center on the island, no commissioners, no state institution. You can admire the Andean habits and beliefs through their textiles with strong colors and symbolic decorations made by the men of the island. Tourists who want to spend a night on the island of Taquile can stay in the house of some local family.
Amantaní island
It is divided into ten communities that are especially dedicated to the cultivation of potatoes, corn, geese, quinoa, beans, peas and more; providing experiential tourism in their homes; the most representative craftsmanship consists of textile and stone carving. We recommend walking along the path that leads us to the temples of Pachatata and Pachamama, both have spectacular views of the lake as well as interesting archaeological remains.
Which one would you like to visit?
Visit all three, with Peru Private Tours, you can tailor made your experience to this city by doing one of our many tours to Puno. We have the best options to make your holiday in Peru and Puno an unforgettable experience, where you will spend some time of coexistence in the house of a local family, you will know its culture and customs being participate in the dynamics and activities that still Preserved.
Our travel agents are ready to provide you with a service that suits your needs and make your trip an unforgettable experience, that exceeds your expectations and makes you enjoy the attractions we have to offer you on our tours to Peru. We specialize in creating tailor-made trips.
Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu pueblo or town, it’s a small village which is beside the Vilcanota river, and two small rivers the Aguas Calientes river and the Alcamayo river, this Village it’s the stop point before reaching the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, this beautiful and picturesque village host the train station, bazars, restaurants, hotels, banks, and in there is the thermal baths called Aguas Calientes this Hot Spring is really close in the village, and you arrive just walking, it has a pool to enjoy and relax the whole time also good for the health, there are buses to climb to the Inca citadel now, the whole village is small and you can just walk in the narrow streets of singular beauty.
Aguas Calientes is a very picturesque place located at the shore of the Vilcanota river, between mountains that raises like huge green walls for over 400 meters, this small village is a great bazaar in the open air. Happier and much more varied than the shops in the amusement parks in the center of Florida.
In one part of Aguas Calientes village there are small shops at both sides of the railroad line, giving the impression of a street, until the train arrives. In another part there is really broad sidewalk that we almost identified as a made for cars if it wasn’t because it has steps. There are also shops along the road that the buses use to get up to Machu Picchu.
On the pilgrimage to Machu Picchu most of the visitors take the train from Cusco to reach the village. From the village to the mountain there are small buses for about 20 passengers. When changing transportation, the local salesmen offer all types of souvenirs which can come in handy or serve to get rid of the obligations when you get back home.
The river has a good flow and it flows out in streams that flows inside the village. The water is transparent, mirroring a light turquoise color. On both shores, as in the center, you can see big rocks that cause strong currents that adds white streaks to the attractive color of the river.
“When you arrive to Aguas Calientes in a train. Everything is well organized and efficient. We spotted a train that seemed to come from another place that stopped in the middle of the village, a couple of tourists and many that looked like local people got off, it was a real show for us”
(Visitor’s review)
Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, is a Peruvian village which dates back to 1928 when the railroad that united the villages of Cuzco and Santa Teresa reached the campsite of Maquinachayoq about 110 km from the city of Cusco and it became the center of operations of machinery and heavy equipment of the project where the railway workers settled.
Due to its geographic location (just 30 minutes in bus from Machu Picchu) it’s the place where the people that wishes to visit the ruins comes to by train from Cusco, which has led to its notable development in touristic and hotel infrastructure.
Among its important tourist attractions, we find the thermal springs situated 800 meters from the village that have medicinal qualities and that gives its name to the village.
If you want to enjoy the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes with the best services provided for you, come with Peru Private Tours, and enjoy a distinguish service.
Machu Picchu pueblo or Aguas Calientes town, it’s the small village beside the Vilcanota river and two small rivers, this Village it’s the host for the travelers to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, the train station to Ollantaytambo, where you also have bazars, restaurants, hotels, banks, among other services, in there is the thermal baths called Aguas Calientes this Hot Spring is really close in the village, and you arrive just walking, it has a pool to enjoy and relax the whole time, is also good for the health, the whole village is small and you can just walk in the narrow but beautiful streets, surrounded by huge rock walls from the sides.
Would you like to enjoy the top facilities in this picturesque village?
Peru Private Tours has the best services in Machu Picchu to give you an experience of life in this unforgettable trip.
Between Machu Picchu and Quillabamba city in La Convencion province there is a place with outstanding beauty called Santa Teresa a small town but of quietness and singular beauty and few minutes from there is the thermal baths of Santa Teresa also known as Cocalmayo, a place beside the shore of the Vilcanota River, there are pools with all the services you would like to have there, a place of singular beauty where you can relax and enjoy the healthy warm baths fed by underground naturally heated water with minerals that is really good for health, and relaxation.
Thermal baths of Santa Teresa
There is a place not far away from the city of Machu Picchu in Cuzco where the people, the nature and the thermal baths make a difference, said spot is close to the Quillabamba city, capital of the province of La Convention but not many know that about 10 to 15 minutes from there is a place that looks like it’s taken from a movie; totally peaceful where the nature and thermal springs form a paradise called Cocalmayo.
There are three pools of different sizes and depth, the water is medicinal and comes from the underground. The hot springs have dozens of visitors every day, the entrance fee is around 6 USD and it’s an excellent place to rest after a long trek. There are showers and a camping area.
HOW TO GET THERE THE THERMAL BATHS OF SANTA TERESA
From Cusco you go to the Santiago bus terminal where you can catch a bus to the district of Santa Maria which will take you around 5 hours and from there you take another bus to Santa Teresa for another 1 hour and from there you take a taxi to the thermal springs (about 10 minutes).
This journey takes about six hours. During the trip you will see a marvelous landscape with different ecological zones and a flora and fauna that is unique to the region. The best time to visit Cocalmayo is from April to October. There are plenty of B&Bs, hotels and restaurants.
Some tourist agencies offer a four-day tour to Machu Picchu that starts in Cusco and when reaching the Malaga Mountain at 4350 m a.s.l. you start biking down the road (or if you want to you can stay in the car) until the district of Santa Maria. The second day you walk until Santa Teresa and camp close to the thermal springs of Cocalmayo, he third day you walk to Aguas Calientes and the fourth day you will visit Machu Picchu. This tour usually includes food, accommodation, guide and the entrance fee to Machupicchu.
Enjoy this beautiful places, Peru Private Tours brings you through these places with a unique and exclusive service, enjoy the trip with a careful selection of services all for you.
The Thermal Baths of Santa Teresa is between Machu Picchu and the city of Quillabamba in the La Convencion province. Few minutes from the small town of Santa Teresa there is the Hot springs of Santa Teresa also Known as the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, the place its really nice with pools with warm water with lots of minerals good for the health, the beauty surrounding the place is really stunning, to arrive you can use the rail way coming from Machu Picchu unto hydroelectric from there you can take a taxi to Santa Teresa and from there arrive to the pools, or the other way from Cusco city you can take a bus from the Almudena bus stop going to Hydroelectric there you can arrive in a bus in a trip that last around 7 hours of trip by the route that goes to Quillabamba making a detour in Santa Maria town until the Santa Teresa town, from there is around 5 minutes to Cocalmayo the place is worth to visit and enjoy not just the hot springs but also all the nature beauty and landscapes.
Would you like to enjoy the beauty surrounding Machu Picchu and the natural waters to enjoy in this place?
Peru Private Tours a luxury company design services to meet to high requirements you can make a tailor made trip to Peru and enjoy places that are worth to visit.
Every time you visit a new place, there must be some details you need to know about the region you are getting into. The Vinicunca, 7 Colors Mountain or Rainbow mountain it is an experience that everyone wants to have while doing a tour in Cusco. If you visit Cusco City we recommend you to be prepared, because the rainbow mountain tour can either a nightmare or a wonderful walk. It’s all up to you!
Visit 7 Colors Mountain
Visiting this destination is a great physical challenge, so if you are planning to take a tour to Vinicunca mountain tour it is good that you are prepared for what you are going to find.
You will enjoy the multicolored tones that decorates this beautiful mountain that are due to the different minerals that covers the area. These natural substances began to form 65 million years ago when the ice covered its slopes and summits. With the deglaze of snow is revealed to the world which is today one of the most important Cusco’s tourist attractions.
The starting point for this hike is at 4600 msnm and you must walk for approximately 4km (2 to 4 hours) to reach the highest part which is 5020 meters above sea level. So, getting there is not an easy trip. There are many hiking trails in this region, however, this has a wide variety of landscapes grouped in one place, you can take wonderful photos at this mountain that shows the magic of Pachamama creation.
At first the path is not so abrupt, but as we approach the top it begins to become more challenging. You can do a part of the route on horseback, but definitely the final stretch to get to the rainbow color area and the Ausangate viewpoint should be done on foot.
There are two scenarios that you can find in this place, during the dry season you can appreciate the colorful tones of the land and vegetation, also it is easier to walk since, the dry land is very compact. On the other hand, during the rainy season, if we are lucky, we can find a beautiful snowy landscape, unfortunately this makes it more difficult to walk because as the snow melts the road becomes more tedious and humid.
Anyway, don’t forget to wear strong shoes to visit this destination. Now that you have all the information, it’s up to you to decide if you accept the challenge of visiting the rainbow mountain, with Peru Private Tours you will find all the support you need to experience this destination with all the comfort and help necessary. So, don’t worry about little issues, start training and enjoy the tour to Vinicunca Mountain with us. You won’t regret it!
The touristic services in Machu Picchu town are with a high standard and with variety of services that makes to Aguas Calientes a really good place to enjoy the best services in accommodation, restaurant and transportation services, due to the high amount of visitors, we have 5 star hotels with world’s best services, starting from the train service we have the Belmond’s luxury services of the Hiram Bingham service giving you a whole experience on your way to Machu Picchu, arriving to a 5 stars hotel in the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel waking up with a striking view of Machu Picchu from your window, and having lunch in a restaurant enjoying the nature beauty of Machu Picchu, you can see in Machu Picchu Town many different options and also for different budgets as well.
Machu Picchu Tourist Services
Restaurants in Machu Picchu – tourist restaurants in Machu Picchu
Many already know that the Peruvian food is known worldwide due to its variety of stews and unmistakable flavor, for that reason we at Peru Private Tours have made a small list over recommended restaurants in Machu Picchu Pueblo so that you can sample the delicious plates that your palate deserve. Among the top restaurants are: Tampu Restaurant at Sanctuary Lodge, QUNUQ Restaurant in Machu Picchu Pueblo, Comedor Inkaterra as well among others of med range restaurants, there are specialized restaurants as meet restaurants, trattorias, Peruvian food, and international.
Hotels in Machu Picchu
There are several options for accommodation, there are 5-star hotels and cheap hostels. The luxurious hotels where the elegance and comfort stands out and with a first-class attention for the demanding travelers. The best hotels in Machu Picchu are Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, Hatun Inti Boutique Machupicchu, Tierra Viva Cusco Machu Picchu, El MaPi hotel by Inkaterra, Taypikala, among others.
Hostels in Machu Picchu
If you are looking for something cheap but safe with basic services they will cost you about $50, but to be honest we aren’t recommending them as their services aren’t good, the travelers that opt for these end up disappointed almost every time and for that reason it’s better to pay a bit more to get a better service.
To arrange your trip we have the best services for you, Peru Private Tours has the best for your demanding taste, to give you an unforgettable experience.
The services in Machu Picchu are of a good level due to the tourist traffic, the services in Machu Picchu is diverse starting from quality and economy there a great variety of restaurants for all the pockets, and tastes, we also have great variety in accommodations of great quality to give you rest and comfort, among other services as train services, bus services among others, Machu Picchu has the best offers to relax and enjoy one of the new wonders.
What service would you like to have in your trip to Machu Picchu?
Peru Private Tours has a careful choice of services and places to give you the best experience in your staying in Peru and Machu Picchu.
The temple of the dead is located at the base of the Sun Temple, where are niches in trapezoid shape where mummies were placed, considered as the temple of the dead because of the Mummies placed in the windows, the conservation of the bodies was important because they considered the dead went unto another world but with their bodies they can come Back as protective spirits.
Temple of the dead and Mother Earth
The inner level of the semicircular drum is located in the earth temple, the place of the dead or the tomb of the Inka. It’s a natural cave, cold and in gloom, it’s roof serves as the base of the Sun temple and in its interior we find carved stones in form of steps that functioned as an altar where they put their offerings, the wall is incrusted with fine Incan stonework forming trapezoid niches that are high enough to fit a human mummy.
This temple was also used for the cult of the dead, in the Incan era it was really important to keep the bodies of the dead as they believed that the spirit would come back to this world. The royals were embalmed and mummified and then placed in a fetal position with their personal belongings and blankets. During the festivities the mummies were brought out as they were considered to be protective spirits of the empire. The fact that there are corbels or big stone nails in a cylinder form inside the building, shows the possibility to hang offerings or heavy objects to decorate the room.
Because of its architectural morphology this temple dedicated to the earth is related with the cave of the Moon Gate where a natural cornice is used as it gives twilight and cold.
The proportions and quality of the trapezoid niches are similar and for that reason the first is the base of the Sun temple and the other one is under the temple of the stars in the mountain of Huaynapicchu.
Walking through these places and visiting the precincts are experiences to remember, the insightful help of a tour guide is really important to see and understand the places where we are going, the logistic for your journey is as well important. In Peru Private Tours we work for each detail of your trip to ensure you enjoy your visit, come with us and enjoy this awesome experience, Peru Private Tours is a company specialized in Luxury Trips, all your trip details can be fix in a unique way.
The Temple of the dead, on the base of the Sun Temple in the interior are placed carved stones functioning as altars, the walls have trapezoid niches with enough size to fit a human mummy, it’s supposed that this temple was used to worship the dead, in the festivities they took out the mummies that were considered as protective spirits, their bodies were used as they could be present to come back.
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The story of the discovery of Machu Picchu by the American Explorer Hiram Bingham has many details, how they arrived and found the place already know by locals, and the government, Machu Picchu was plundered by the German business man Berns, the arrival to Machu Picchu was in an expedition with the Peruvian Government, Local University and many others endorsing the expedition.
An ambitious project with the name “The Yale Peruvian Expedition” begins in USA, sponsored by the University of Yale and the National geographic magazine, with an inversion of 11,825 US dollars one of its purposes was to recognize the 73 to 72 meridians in the Peruvian Andes that runs through the Coropuna mountain and the Parinacochas lake to be able to register the topography and the ruins of the Urubamba valley and Cusco.
Hiram Bingham took advantage of his stay in Lima and had an interview with the Peruvian president Augusto B. Leguia that became totally impressed with Bingham and assigned him a military escort during his explorations in the Coropuna mountain.
He also received information about the places to visit, one that provided information was Dr. Max Uhle, German, and Director of the Peruvian Natural History Museum and is considered as one of the first to use scientific methods in the Peruvian archaeology.
One of the most famous experts that Bingham visited was Don Carlos A. Romero, linked to the National Library, which was the person who knew most linked to the legendary site of Vilcabamba where the Incas had their last retreat during the Inca Empire and finding that city was one of the main goals for Bingham.
The adventure begins when Dr. Alberto A. Giesecke, dean of the National University of Cusco, and his compatriot verified the information about a citadel that he heard about while traveling in the area to visit the Echarati farm. During the seven days that the journey lasted Dr. Giesecke continually asked about the Incan ruins, the locals said that they were hidden behind the woods but in one place a man called Braulio Polo showed a mountain called Machu Picchu indicating that there were Inca ruins there, the rain got them to Mandor where the guardian Arteaga confirmed what they’ve heard as he had land close to the mountains.
Giesecke told Bingham that there was a path that the muleteers used and gave him the names of many villages in the Sacred Valley of the Incas along with places where you can camp, names of local authorities, haciendas to visit, where to find guides, muleteers and porters as well as places to buy horses and mules that can be used to get down to the Vilcabamba River and them on to the area called San Miguel where a local had a lot close to the ruins. Maybe for this reason some considered that Dr. Giesecke was the scientific co-discoverer of Machu Picchu as he provided the valuable information so that Bingham could reach the citadel of Machu Picchu.
The expedition starts towards Urubamba on the first days of July 1911. The armed guards were led by Sargent Carrasco who spoke and translated quechua, the language of the Incas and their descendants, and a soldier named Farfan. Bingham was sure that the big discoveries, principally in the Vilcabamba Valley where the last capital of the Incas “Viteos” was situated, would give a bigger success to his expedition.
They bought the mules in Yucay and from there they continued through the Sacred Valley, Bingham asked for information and help from the sub-prefect of Urubamba who confirms the location of the city to Bingham. The sub-prefect tells him that it’s a 10-hour journey on a mule until reaching Huaynapicchu where the climb starts, the sub-prefect also mentions that these ruins are better than Choquequirao (the last city of Manco Inca, discovered years before) indicating that he already knew about Machupicchu. The journey was easy as there were broad muleteer paths: these paths lead to the rich jungle valleys of La Convencion province.
On July 20th they reached Ollantaytambo, a famous Incan village that maintained intact many years after the conquest, they examined and took photos of the “ruins” that had been described by many travelers like E. G. Squier; further more they found their main campsite and storage place. During a quick exploration of the caves that are located on the steep hillsides they found many craniums and bones for their studies.
On July 22nd Bingham, Foote, Erving and Carrasco along their mules and muleteers began the descend while taking photos and making descriptions, some places had already been written about by the French explorer Charles Wiener who visited this area in 1876 to 1877 and heard about the “ruins” in Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu and tried to locate them without success due to the fact that there was no path from the canyon formed by the Vilcanota river and he had to make a big detour passing though the Panticalla mountain pass and going to the Choquechaca bridge which is situated about 50 kilometers from Machupicchu.
Bingham stayed a bit down to explore the “ruins” of Salapunko that have a strategic placement as it’s easy to defend the valley from here. The form of Salapunko is similar to the strongholds of Sacsayhuaman in Cusco (Salapunko is close to the train station of Piscacucho – Kilometer 82 on the railway), from here the river becomes torrential from November to February.
They visited Torontoy, a villa of Inca heritage, which had a dozen stone houses carefully constructed and with large cultivating zones, afterwards they visited a small hacienda where an unfortunate accident occurred: a young porter fell into the Vilcanota river and was swept away, the equipment that he carried was found in between a couple of rocks but his body was never found. This incident was noted in the diary of Foote but not in the one of Bingham.
On the morning of the 23rd of July, accompanied by his team, Bingham quickly descended to the place called Mandorpampa where he got to know Melchor Arteaga a farmer who had a small tavern for travelers. Melchor informed Bingham that he had to cross the river to get to the “ruins” that were situated at the top of the mountain and he offered to take Bingham there if he promised to give him a silver penny (one penny was equal to the pay of three days’ worth of work in the area), that made Melchor the first “staff member” that charged an entrance fee to the enclosure.
The big day came
It was a really cold morning, the description of this day was published in “Harper’s Magazine” on April 1913, this was also included in Binghams first book “Inka land”, written in 1922, about his Peruvian expeditions and it was also extended in the book “The lost city of the Incas” that came in 1948, 37 years after the expeditions, the book has omissions and exaggerations but that doesn’t make it less of a classic among literature over explorations and discoveries.
The encounter with Arteaga wasn’t accidental, the information that Alberto Giesecke and Alberto Duque gave proved to be correct and also confirmed by the sub-prefect of Urubamba that identified the Huayna Picchu mountain as the place of the “ruins”. Bingham’s two partners, Harry Foote and William Erwing, were busy; the first stated that he would dedicate himself to capturing many different kinds of butterflies and animals close to the river and the surgeon Erwing had to wash his clothes and couldn’t accompany him either, for this reason Bingham had to climb accompanied by Sargent Carrasco and the guide.
The climb began on foot as it wasn’t possible to use mules due to the lack of a bridge and the steepness of the slopes of Huaynapicchu. After a bit of adventure tourism using hands and feet to cross the fragile bridge over the cold rushing river a couple of centimeters at a time.
Bingham says that the climb wasn’t only tiring and tedious but also dangerous as there were many snakes in the jungle. After one and a half hour they reached a summit, Bingham calculates that they’ve climbed 2000 foot over the river, and the expedition get surprised by having a city in the middle of the woods partially uncovered with cultivating areas in front of them. At this point they couldn’t identify many architectonic elements due to the dense vegetation of the jungle (today we can take the same path in bus in just half an hour).
It was a hungry and thirsty Bingham that found the residents of the city, three families; Recharte, Alvarez and one more, which were pleasantly surprised by the visit and offered him water, delicious boiled potatoes and a soft poncho to cover him. Bingham that hadn’t brought any food was really thankful for the attention and took some photos of the villagers at the door of their homes, located where today is a touristic hotel.
It was only possible to unveil the city by roaming it in company with Pablito Recharte, an eight-year-old kid, then Sargent Carrasco and the group began to walk through the city that was formed by streets, squares, houses, palaces and watering canals, all made of carefully carved white granite lost between gardens, cornfields and cultivating areas some of them barely visible through the thick jungle weed.
The hundreds of terraces located at the top of this mountain that the locals called Machu Picchu caught his eye, many of them were used for cultivating corn, potatoes, sugar cane, sweet potatoes and other products.
The kid that guides them through the bamboo bush finds a cave with carved stones and Bingham makes a note “This can only be a royal mausoleum” the same that can be found under the temple with the half circular wall that Bingham related with “Qoricancha”, the Sun temple, that can be found in Cusco, as they have the same characteristics. “Marvelous temples of the old world”, he noted.
After that Pablito guides them through a long staircase paved with white granite towards a cultivating terrace, here Bingham notes down: “I found the remains of two of the most fine and interesting buildings in America, made of white granite with blocks the size of a cyclops, taller than a man and weighing more than twenty tons each” (he referred to the building that he later on called the main temple), here he also sees the temple of the three windows and identifies it as a ceremonial temple linked to the legend of the three Ayar brothers, the founders of the Incan Empire, that came from a mountain with three windows.
Peru Private Tours, prepared for you itineraries that brings you through the places which Hiram Bingham the explorer found and made it known to the world, we will see ways that are unique and full of stories, come with Peru Private Tours to enjoy a trip like no other.
The expedition started in the USA with the help of the Yale University and the National Geographic Magazine who financed the expedition to explore the 73 and 72 meridians in the south of Peru, German Dr. Max Uhle director of the Natural History Museum gave information about the places to visit, information also provided by Don Carlos A. Romero linked to the National Library about the site of Vilcabamba the place of retreat of the Incas,
Dr. Alberto A. Giesecke dean of the National University of Cusco is considered Co-discoverer of Machu Picchu because he helped in the expedition and provided vital information to find Machu Picchu, the trip departed from Cusco city, then went to the Sacred Valley, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, with mules they kept the way towards La convencion, following the Vilcanota River, the place was described by a French explorer Charles Wiener (1876) heard about the place and wrote about it, finally locals pointed about the Inca ruins behind the woods, was in the 23th of July of 1911 Bingham met to Melchor Arteaga a farmer who gave the information about Machu Picchu and help them to cross the river to the place where the citadel was all covered with wood, when they arrived, they found a farming family, that they fed them (the Recharte, Alvarez), is Pablito Recharte an 8 year kid who became the guide leading through the city, in this way Bingham was impress by the architecture of this Inca city that was covered in the woods, and made the excavations and put in value this wonder of the world.
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