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Discover Inti Raymi: The Feast of the Sun in Cusco

Welcome, travelers and culture lovers! Today we want to invite you to a unique and vibrant experience that you can only live in the heart of the Peruvian Andes: The Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun. We are excited to share with you everything you need to know to enjoy this ancestral celebration to the fullest. 

What is Inti Raymi? 

The Inti Raymi is one of the most important festivities of the Andean calendar, celebrated every June 24 in the city of Cusco. This ceremony has its roots in the Inca Empire, when tribute was paid to the Sun God (Inti) to thank him for the harvests and ask for prosperity for the new agricultural cycle. Today, the Inti Raymi is a recreation of these ancient rituals, combining tradition and spectacle in an event that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

Live the History in Sacsayhuaman 

The celebration of Inti Raymi takes place in several emblematic scenarios of Cusco, the esplanade of Sacsayhuaman is the main one. This impressive archaeological site, with its colossal carved stones and imposing presence, serves as the backdrop for the theatrical representation of the ceremony. Here, more than 500 actors dressed in traditional costumes recreate the ancient Inca ceremony, offering an unforgettable visual and cultural experience. 

Tips for your trip  

  1.  Comfortable and Warm Clothes: June in Cusco can be cold, especially at night. Wear layered clothing to adapt to temperature changes.  
  1. Sun Protection: Despite the cold, the sun in the Andes is strong. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat.  
  1. Hydrate: The altitude can affect some travelers, so drink plenty of water and take your time to acclimatize.  
  1. Camera: You don’t want to miss the opportunity to capture the incredible moments of this festival. 

Conclusion  

Inti Raymi is not only a celebration, it is a journey through time that connects you with the rich cultural heritage of Peru. We invite you to be part of this unique experience and discover the majesty of the Inca Empire through this festival of the Sun. Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you! 

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Cusco! 

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com 

 

Photos by the Municipalidad of Cusco 

Cusco Machu Picchu Peru

What you need to know Before Visiting Machu Picchu in 2024

 

Here we tried to collect some of the main questions we received from people eager to visit Machu Picchu. 

First, let’s start from the question of question! What is the best time to go? Here there are divergent opinions that we can report. On one side, we can say that the best time is from July to August, which is the dry season, when you will not find rain and humidity. On the other hand, we can also say that the quietest moment to visit the citadel is the rainy season, where it is less crowded, and prices are generally lower. 

When is it convenient to buy tickets? We suggest you buy your entry tickets in long advance since there is a limited number of visitors allowed per day, at the moment 2500 for the citadel and less for the other options (see below). There are two slots per day: in the morning (6:00am-12:00pm) and in the afternoon (12:00-17:30pm). 

What are the ticket options? There are several kinds of entry tickets, the basic entry allows you to visit the citadel, but you can add the visit to Huayna Picchu, which allows you to explore the mountain throughout a 2–3-hour hike where you will enjoy stunning landscapes and a great view of Llaqta. The access to Huayna Picchu is allowed only in the morning. The other option is visit to the citadel and Machu Picchu Mountain, a high mountain from where you will enjoy charming views of the citadel. There are more tickets available for Machu Picchu Mountain than for Huayna Picchu daily. Finally, there are tickets available for those visitors who decide to do the Inca Trail. 

How do I reach Machu Picchu? This is another common question we often receive. Also, here you have several options: 

  • Train from Poroy or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, which is the little town located at the bottom of the valley below Machu Picchu. The town is also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. The journey lasts 3-4 hours. From here you can take the bus to the citadel. Buses start running from 5:00am in the morning. 
  • If you want to do the Inca Trail you will reach the citadel on your own, but you might need to book the Inca trail several months before due to the high demand and the few spots available.  

How do I need to dress? We suggest you wear comfortable shoes, also bring a raincoat, a hat, and sunglasses. It is mandatory to use sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Sun could be very strong over there. 

If you need more information, contact us: info@magicacuzcotours.com or call us (1) 703-822-5311. 

 

 

Cusco Machu Picchu Peru

Discover Machu Picchu: A Journey to the Heart of the Inca Empire

Machu Picchu, an architectural wonder lost deep in the Peruvian Andes, is much more than just a tourist destination; it is a portal to the past, a window into the grandeur of the Inca Empire. In this blog, I invite you to discover the history, nature, and emotion of Machu Picchu, where every step is an adventure and every view is an unforgettable experience. 

Epic Hikes

Machu Picchu does not reveal itself easily. To reach this hidden wonder, one must embark on an epic adventure, either along the legendary Inca Trail or along less-traveled routes. These treks offer much more than simple trails; they are time travels that transport you through changing landscapes, from dense cloud forests to clear highlands, each step bringing you closer to the majesty of Machu Picchu. 

Special Moments 

Every corner of Machu Picchu breathes history and mystery, and exploring it is like unraveling an ancient enigma. Imagine stopping at the Sun Gate at dawn, while the first rays of sunlight illuminate the ancient Inca stones or sitting in silence at the Temple of the Condor, feeling the presence of those who built it centuries ago. It is these special moments that make Machu Picchu an unforgettable visit, leaving a lasting impression on the souls of those who experience it. 

Incredible Views 

From the moment you set foot in Machu Picchu, you are immersed in a world of breathtaking views. The towering mountains surrounding the citadel, such as Huayna Picchu and the imposing Machu Picchu, dominate the skyline, creating an imposing backdrop to this architectural wonder. As you walk through its terraces and plazas, each glance offers a new perspective, a new postcard-worthy of being captured to remember forever. 

An Unforgettable Adventure 

In short, Machu Picchu is much more than a tourist destination; it is an adventure that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul. Whether you embark on a challenging hike, pause to contemplate moments of awe, or marvel at the incomparable views, every moment at Machu Picchu is a unique and unforgettable experience. Are you ready to discover the heart of the Inca Empire? The journey awaits you, full of great adventures, epic treks, special moments, and incredible views. Customize your journey with our specialized team. We can’t wait to share the magic of Peru with you!

For more information do not hesitate to call us at +17038225311 or email us at info@magicalcuzcotours.com

 

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Machu Picchu for Disabled People

Reaching Machu Picchu is not so challenging as it was in the past for disabled people, and this is something important and essential in the XXI century. Machu Picchu has been considered one of the less accessible place in the world for yearsWe all know that visiting this special archeological site is once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers and now this wonderful place is finally accessibile to people with reduced mobility. So if you are a person with motor disability you can now enjoy Machu Picchu like anyone else.

As for the beginning of 2018 most of the spots in the ancient ciutadel were accessibile to people with disabilities, obviously not all the areas are accessibile, due to Machu Picchu’s geography and mountainous nature. However, you will be able to visit the site, to feel Machu Picchu special Energy,  to take great pictures and to enjoy stunning views of this world’s wonder. 

But let’s start from the beginning. To reach Macchu Picchu you have to do several stopsalong the way. First of all you need to get to Cusco from Lima, we suggest you to fly into Cusco, it is faster and easier. Lima’s airport is fully equipped for people with disabilities, as well as Cusco’s. Once you get there you have two options: spend the night in Cusco or be transferred to the Sacred Valley. This is actually a recommended choice if you prefer to avoid altitude sickness, which could bea n issue. Sacred Valley is placed at a lower altitude compared to Cusco, so you might prefer to spend the night there and relax before doing any tour or experience. There are several bus companies equipped for disabled travelers, or you can just take a private taxi to reach the Sacred Valley. Once you are in Ollantaytambo, you need to take the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo. Inca Train’s personnel can assist you getting on and up the train. Once you are there you have to make the last leg of the trip: the bus ride to Machu Picchu ciutadel. The bus is equipped for people with reduced mobility.

It would be advisable to travel with a support group or a travel buddy. Also, there are travel agencies specialized in customized travel packages for disabled people, in case you prefer to travel on your own. They are able to ensure all the assistance you might need.

In any case we suggest you to book in advance your train ticket and your Macchu Picchu entry ticket, at least three months before your trip. Also, try to book in advance your accommodation, especially if you are planning to travel in high season. Thease are the reccommendations we usually give to all of our travellers.

We can say that Peru is becoming a more inclusive tourism destination, and we couldn’t be happier and more proud for it.