One Moon Adventure Company / Golden Colorado USA / email:ominfo@onemoon.us / Telephone 888-258-7948

The ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is the biggest tourist destination not only in Cuzco, but in all of South America. Re-Discovered in 1911 by US historian Hiram Bingham, the citadel is deemed one of the world's finest examples of landscape architecture. Machu Picchu ("old mountain" in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas) nestles on top of a mountain saddle high above the Urubamba River in the middle of the cloud forest. It was both a center of worship and astronomic observatory as well as the private retreat of the family of Inca ruler Pachacútec. It is split into two major areas: the agricultural zone, made up of terracing and food storehouses; and the urban zone, featuring the sacred sector, with temples, squares and royal tombs which have been carved to an extraordinary degree of perfection. The stone staircases and canals are found throughout this unique archaeological site. Over the citadel looms Huayna Picchu ("young mountain" in Quechua), which can be climbed up a steep stone-paved trail. The Best way to see Machu Picchu One Moon offer several ways to approach this wondrous site.The most spectacular way is to enter via the Inca trail. The view from the famous Inti Punku, or Sun Gate, is one of the most spectacular and unforgettable sights you will ever see. Hopefully, you will get a clear morning! Two Days to see Machu Picchu Visiting Machu Picchu is a life-long dream for many people. This is the reason One Moon plans two days to stay here. The first day of your arrival, you'll get the guided tour by our professional, university-educated guide, with more time to explore. The next day, you can get to Machu Picchu early, before the crowds arrive by train. This way you can grasp the quiet power and the mystic wonder Machu Picchu exudes. The hardier trekkers may also visit the Inca Drawbridge or Temple of the Moon. There's more For a few, one day is enough. They may prefer to hike in the surrounding area. They may choose a strenuous hike/climb of Huayna Picchu, or the solitude of a trip up the peak called Putucusi, offering a great veiw of Machu Picchu from across the narrow valley. Also, down valley are a cool waterfall and nature preserve, with native floa on disply in a nice forested area.