As the peak season for visiting the mystical Inca ruins at Machu Picchu approaches, this year will also mark the centennial anniversary of the ‘discovery’ of the Lost City by American historian Hiram Bingham. This anniversary heralds a great opportunity to explore this latest world wonder yourself.

In 1911 Bingham had been searching the area for another Inca city when, as the story goes, a young Quechua boy led him up the slope to Macchu Picchu. Long overgrown, there were families living among the still-discernable ruins. Bingham then unveiled this city to the outside world after it had been hidden behind encroaching jungle and the stretch of time.

It will never be possible to completely recreate the sheer awe experienced by Bingham when he laid eyes on these long-lost ruins, but a trip there today remains a breath-taking, even inspiring experience. Not least if you arrive there after having slogged your way over high passes and winding paths of the magical Inca Trail Trek.

machu picchu tours – Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru, and one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Tucan Travel’s global manager, Bec Whiffin, was herself a tour leader in South America for many years and has trekked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu several times and says that the sense of wonder the lost city inspires never fades.

“I have trekked to Machu Picchu six times now, and it never ceases to captivate me. The fascinating geographical elements combine with the architectural marvels to create a rather mystical place. You have this snapshot of an ancient time and culture seemingly suspended in the clouds. I still want to go back.”

While the Inca Trail Trek remains the most popular route to reach Machu Picchu, it is by no means the only way. Those looking for an adventure road less taken to reach the ruins would do well consider the Lares Trek. No less challenging, this alternative takes in some of the regions spectacular mountains and valleys as it approaches the site from a different direction.

In Cuzco, the former capital of the mighty Inca Empire – and today a fascinating place to visit in its own right, there are several other options for the more intrepid. These include trekking and mountain bike combinations and other walks that get closer to the low-lying jungle than either the Lares or the Inca Trail.

One of the beauties of Machu Picchu is that its relative isolation has been protected by the Peruvian government and no roads have been built to carry coach loads of tourists. Of course those enjoying a slower and easier pace of life and might be less inclined to get there by foot are by no means excluded from this journey back in time. Instead travellers can make their way to Machu Picchu in romantic style by train. Once in Aguas Calientes, the small township at the bottom of the ruins – Machu Picchu actually means Big Mountain/Peak in the indigenous Quechua language – from where buses regularly climb the winding road to the entrance of the site.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/one-hundred-year-on-machu-picchu-continues-to-marvel-4746110.html

Explore one of the Seven New Wonders of the World on an exciting tour of Machu Picchu that will take you back into time. Get fascinating insights into the Inca Regime way of life with a tour of the magnificent and mysterious ruins. Read this guide to know what to see and do on Machu Picchu tours. You can either choose a guided visit which will take you to the noteworthy spots, or explore the citadel on your own. Take your time to explore this archeological gem as there are myriad places to see, all featuring distinctive characteristics which will help you understand a little better how the Incas lived and died.

If you are up to it, climb the strenuous hike up to the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu from where you will get the most spectacular views of the ruins as well as of the surrounding mountains and valley covered with lush forests. You will arrive on the site through the Sun Gate if you are coming from the Inca Trail, and if you catch an early bus in Aguas Calientes, you may in time to admire the sun rise lighting up the entire area.

There are several ceremonial sites and temples throughout the site. Near the summit of the main city stands the gorgeous Temple of the Sun, characterized by spectacular stonework, which was used to celebrate Inti (The Sun), one of the most important Inca deities. On Huayna Picchu, lies the beautiful Temple of the Moon, covering the entire slopes of the mountain. The temple comprises a set of architecturally enhanced caves, most likely used to hold mummies of important Inca ancestors and provide places for their worship. It also features intricate stonework on the walls which are decorated with niches and altars carved into the native rock.

Don’t miss the Intihuatana Stone, whose exact purpose is still unknown, and the only one that has been well-preserved. All others were found by the Spaniards in other Inca cities and destroyed. Some people believe the stone has special powers that fill you with energy when you touch it. Why not lay a hand on it and see? Maybe it will give the energy to hike up Wayna Picchu to get the most breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from above.