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Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu Vacations

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Awe-inspiring ancient Inca citadel high in the Andes Mountains

Machu Picchu is Peru’s most iconic landmark and a bucket-list destination for trekking enthusiasts. Whether you hike the classic Inca Trail or take an alternative route like the Salkantay or Lares treks, the journey to Machu Picchu is as rewarding as the ruins themselves.

Machu Picchu is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and undoubtedly Peru's most iconic attraction. Situated on a narrow mountain ridge above the Río Urubamba, between the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu peaks, Machu Picchu is a marvel of ancient engineering and architecture. The ruins were rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer, and since then, it has been visited by millions of people from around the world.

Machu Picchu was constructed around 1450 AD during the height of the Inca Empire, and it was abandoned just over a century later during the Spanish conquest. The site is divided into two main areas - the agricultural sector and the urban sector. The agricultural sector consists of terraced fields that were used to grow crops such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa. The urban sector is where you'll find stunning buildings and structures, including temples, homes, and public spaces.

One of the best ways to experience Machu Picchu is by hiking the iconic Inca Trail, which takes four days and passes through stunning mountain scenery, ancient ruins, and cloud forests. If you prefer a more leisurely option, take the train to the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo, and then take a shuttle bus to the entrance of the site.

One of the most iconic attractions at Machu Picchu is the Sun Gate, which offers stunning views of the ruins below. Another popular attraction is Huayna Picchu, a mountain located behind Machu Picchu that offers even more stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to exploring the ruins themselves, there are many other activities you can enjoy in the area. The nearby town of Aguas Calientes offers a range of restaurants and cafes as well as hot springs that are perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking. You can also visit the Machu Picchu Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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