Machu Picchu

Pros: Awe inspiring! One of the world's most magnificent and mysterious sites!
Cons: None!

Much has been written and said about Machu Picchu, but to think that no matter what one hears or reads about this truly magical place, all of it quite simply boils down to mere speculation. No one really knows exactly how and why Machu Picchu came to be,...

Pros: Machu Picchu is one of the seven wonders of the world.
Cons: Cuzco isn't.

Flying into Cuzco I had the terrible feeling I was flying into yet another dusty s***hole of the type that can be found throughout South America, Africa and various other undeveloped parts of the 2nd/3rd world. Harsh I know, but if you want happy happy ...

Pros: It is a breath-taking place.
Cons: There are no cons.

The purpose of my trip to Peru was to see Machu Picchu. While I enjoyed Lima and the other Inca sites in and around Cusco and in the Sacred Valley – Machu Picchu was what I had dreamed of. I was not disappointed.

First, let’s take care of...

Pros: The sights are breath taking. A camera is a must.
Cons: Bring as little luggage as possible. Bring your own toilet paper.

There is so much to see in this area of the world. Be sure to educate yourself on all the options before you make the final plans for your trip. You don't want to miss out! My husband and I spent a month in Peru. It is not necessary to stay this long, ...

Pros: Unrivaled scenery, an unforgettable experience.
Cons: Hard work (but worth it).

For many people, Macchu Picchu is the sole reason for visiting Peru - the citadel features on most every "to see" list, every dream trip. It is the image which defines South America, as famous as the Grand Canyon, as iconic as the Eiffel Tower. And as ...

Pros: Real Adventure value, low airfare, Cuzco
Cons: Lima

Hiking the Inca Trail and finally reaching the threshold where Machu Picchu loomed in the distance, clear of any other people as the sun rose has to be one of the best adventures in the world. I put together a “self-package” trip for one person from the ...

Pros: beautiful, well maintained destination, not overly touristy
Cons: must pre-book because permits do sell out, hike is moderately strenous, requires some training

It seems like everyone and their mother is either planning to or just completed hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I would be in the latter group. In October 2007, I booked a trip with GAP Adventures (www.gapadventures.com) for an 8-day trip for ...

Pros: Is this one of the wonders of the world? It should be!
Cons: Unpredictable weather - you might see nothing if you're unlucky.

Review Topic:  Sights & Attractions

“And now, for something completely different” – Monty Python
This Epinion has a photo album to show pictures of a place that I am not able to adequately describe in words....

Pros: A wonderful, spiritual adventure for very little money that will stay with you forever
Cons: Must be in decent physical shape

Two girlfriends and I had just arrived in Cuzco, Peru. We found a hostel that would hold our belongs until we returned from the trip. We had our backpacks, tent, sleeping bags and camp stove. We bought a map, hired a guide, and bought some potatoes and...

Pros: One of the world's best ruins
Cons: limited facilities & services

Review Topic:  Practical Information

Last winter I lived out of a small backpack for 8 weeks in Italy. This winter I decided I was getting too old, wanted somebody else to carry my luggage, and wanted to enjoy living out of a...

Pros: Beautiful scenery
Cons: Very poor economic conditions

I hiked to Machu Picchu on a group trip with the company Explorandes. It was four days of hiking and three nights of camping. The Inca Trail hike is beautiful - more beautiful that I could have imagined. Plus, there are several Inca ruins on the way...

Pros: intriguing concepts, captivating history, amazing vistas
Cons: obnoxious tourists speaking loudly and disrupting the spiritual and sacred ambiance

May 15, 2000. The view from the Guardhouse of Machu Picchu is absolutely breathtaking! There was an early morning mist when we arrived at Intipunko (Gate of the Sun), as we concluded our four-day hike on the Inca Trail, so we missed the sunrise vista....

Pros: Seeing the Lost Civilization, Spectacular Views
Cons: Mosquito Bites

I recommend you start your journey to Machu Picchu by purchasing your round trip train ticket from a travel agency in Cuzco to ensure you have a seat on the train both ways! We met people who tried to get on the train but were turned away due to no...

Pros: good restaurants
Cons: none

WEATHER: Sunny

TRIP RATING: 10

ROUTE:
Arrived at Cusco by train from Puno, 7h25 a.m. to 6h p.m. S/78.45 in Inka Class
Great landscapes on the way. Bring pens with you to offer to children at the train stops (numerous),...

Pros: Professional, treated porters well
Cons: Crowded route

For all its drawbacks, the Inca Trail is fantastic. The Inca sites were all fascinating, and while the trail is packed with travelers (hence the other name, “The Gringo Trail”), the history and the awesome scenery are worth it. The terrain ranges from...