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Machu Picchu Travel Guide

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Practical information

03:09:48
Language(s)
Spanish
Currency
Peruvian Sol
Time zone
GMT -5

Incan History and Culture

In the 13th century, the Inca Empire grew, basing themselves around the Andes and forming a network of trade between urbanised centres such as Machu Picchu and Cuzco. The Spanish overthrew the Inca rule in 1532, capturing emperor Atahualpa and colonising Peru, draining their natural riches and trading them to make money. The Spanish treated the Peruvians as a workforce, however, when the rest of Southern America were making claims for independence Peru stayed loyal to the Spaniards. However, due to influences from leaders in Argentina and Venezuela Peru eventually became independent in 1824. Over the next few decades, wars ravaged Southern America, with the countries all vying to claim territory and land. Peru allied with Bolivia during this time due to cultural similarities. As these wars drew to an end, a period of strong rule ensued, beginning to rebuild the country, until the Wall Street Crash of 1929 brought this all to an end. Over the next 50 years, Peru experienced political chaos as groups fought to become leaders. It was during this time that narco-trafficking became rife, particularly in rural areas. Then in 1990, Alberto Fujimori, a Peruvian descendant came to power. He restored some stability, and financial growth began to occur once more, however in 2000, evidence of embezzling, trafficking and human rights violations came to light which quickly caused him to step down as a leader. Since then, the country has been much less corrupt, however, there has been some political unrest and financial instability with the elections of multiple leaders. 

Peruvian culture is a lively mix of its Spanish and native traditions. Their unique culture is represented through their clothing, arts and language. It is now split into two main peoples; the Quechua and the Aymara, although most Peruvians will be descended from Inca roots. Peru is famous for its colourful weaves, rich foods and Pisco sours, reflecting the energetic characters of its people

Time Zone

The time zone at Machu Picchu is UTC -5

Languages

Spanish

Although Spanish is the most widely spoken and understood language in Peru, there are other official languages spoken such as include Quechua and Aymara.

Useful Phrases

  • Hola – Hello
  • Buenos días – Good morning
  • Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
  • Buenas noches – Good evening
  • Adiós – Goodbye
  • Hasta luego – See you later
  • Hasta mañana – See you tomorrow
  • Buenas noches – Good night
  • Qué tal? – How are you?
  • Estoy estupendo – I am great.
  • Estoy mal – I feel unwell.
  • Estoy un poco cansado – I am a little tired.
  • Estoy exhausto – I am exhausted.
  • Estoy enfermo – I am sick.
  • Cuál es su nombre? – What is your name?
  • Mi nombre es… – My name is…

Peruvian Sol

Peruvian Sol

The Peruvian Sol can be purchased in advance, although US Dollars are also widely accepted in larger establishments. If you want to change money when you arrive we can take you to an ATM or foreign exchange bureau. When changing money, request small denominations (10’s, 20’s and 50’s) as the larger notes can be hard to spend. If you withdraw money from an ATM, you are likely to receive 100 sol notes.

If you are relying on a credit or debit card for emergency funds, make sure you tell your card issuer that you will be using it abroad, or you may find that it won't work when you really need it.


Find out more about currency in Peru here.
GBP
SOL

Electricity

There are 2 types of electrical sockets in Peru – type A (2 flat pins) and type C (2 round pins) – and are 220v, 60Hz. Many sockets will accept both types of plug, but it is worth taking an adapter with you to be on the safe side. 

Weather

The weather at Machu Picchuis fairly consistent in temperature all year roundand has a main wet season and a main dry season.
As you reach the highlands of the Andes, the wet season spans from November to March and the dry season from April to November.

Saefty and Security

Your safety and well-being is always the number one priority at Kandoo Adventures.


We operate all our travel destinations in accordance with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice, which publishes travel advisory notices for British nationals. We also closely follow the advice of ABTA (The Association of British Travel Agents) which provides support to UK tour operators.  


In addition to this, our extensive, directly-managed operations in each of our destinations, provide us with detailed knowledge and up-to-date information, which enables us to make informed decisions and operate our trips safely.

We always recommend that you regularly check the FCDO's travel advice, in order to keep up to date about the country you are planning to visit.

If you are not a UK resident, we would recommend that you visit your government's travel advisory website for further information:



Alternatively, you may wish to seek further information from the World Health Organisation.

Machu Picchu with wisps of cloud

Geography

At 2,430m above sea level, Machu Picchu sits high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, nestled within the Cordillera de Vilcabamba region and above the Sacred Valley of Urubamba province. Surrounded on all sides by soaring peaks and on three sides by the meandering Urubamba River, this ancient city rises from the mountain rainforest and sits in a small saddle between the peaks of the mountain Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

The city of Machu Picchu is 80 kilometres or 50 miles northwest of Cusco and is the most recognisable site of the Incan Empire. The forests and slopes outside of the city are home to many Incan ruins and those who journey here along the Inca Trail or other trekking routes to Machu Picchu will find themselves spotting hidden structures and remains throughout this important archaeological landscape.


With an impassable mountain to its rear and covered on three sides by steep cliffs down to the river below, Machu Picchu sits in a defensible position high in the Andes. Flanking the city there are stone terraces with retaining walls which have helped preserve Machu Picchu from the the strain of rainwater runoff, soil erosion, high winds and earthquakes, a feat of engineering by the Inca people. It is estimated that around 60% of the construction of Machu Picchu is actually underground in the form of drainage, foundations and canals which were erected to protect the city from excessive rainfall and possible movement from fault lines underneath the mountains here.

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