When you visit a world wonder like Machu Picchu, it really is preferable to use a reputable travel agency rather than make the journey on your own. Machu Picchu in particular is a little bit tricky to get to, and requires a lot of reservations and planning. As most people only have a few days in Peru, making sure your plans are well made and thorough can be the difference between a stress free trip and a frustrating one.

What to Look for in a Travel Agency

A good company should have offices and staff in Peru and have local operators. The company should also have their own tour guides and have excellent testimonials available for you to read.

What to Look for in a Machu Picchu Package

Make sure that they allow you to customize your tour. If they sell set Machu Picchu packages that can’t be altered, then the trip is less likely to fulfill your wishes. Tour package prices should also include hotels, English speaking tour guides, and transfers.

Double check that there will be someone to meet you at the airport and that you have a contact number of someone living locally who can assist you in case of a problem or emergency. There is nothing worse than encountering a situation that needs immediate attention and discovering that it can´t be resolved until the next day when someone finally gets your frantic voice message back in the United States.

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.

The best travel agencies also offer different itineraries and alternative treks. In order to hike the Inca trail, your reservations must be made months in advance because only a certain number of people are allowed on the trail at any given time. The last minute traveler will usually find that they can´t get permission to hike the Inca trail, but that shouldn´t stop you from trying one of the other treks that are just as beautiful. Two favorite routes are the Lares Trek, and the Salkantay Trek. Agencies who really know the area well should be able to suggest alternative itineraries that are just as fulfilling and will get you off the Gringo Trail.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/machu-picchu-packages-what-to-look-for-before-you-buy-3385994.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.