Article cover image
Salkantay Route to Machu Picchu

The Ultimate Guide to Plan Your Trip to Cusco, Peru and Machu Picchu

Cusco-Peru
Andino Tours Peru

Tour Guide, Cusco, Peru

| 3 mins read

A Brief History of Peru and What to Expect on Your Journey There

Peru is a country in South America, bordered by Ecuador and Colombia on the north, Brazil on the east, Bolivia and Chile on the south, and the Pacific Ocean on the west.

The country's history dates back to around 4000 BC, when hunter-gatherer civilizations began to form. The Inca Empire was established in 1438 AD. By this time, Peru had become an important regional power. The Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro invaded Peru in 1532 AD. The Spanish king Charles V granted Peru colonial status in 1542 AD. It became an independent nation again in 1821 AD after a difficult fight for independence led by Simón Bolívar.


What to Pack for a Trip to Peru?

Pack for Peru is not difficult, but the question is what to pack? The answer depends on your interests. Peruvian cuisine can be spicy, so if you are allergic to spice, take anti-acid pills. But be careful because these pills can interact with some medicines.

You should pack a backpack with your essentials and a suitcase with your clothes for a Peruvian trip. Be sure to bring enough clothes to last you for two weeks, more if you plan on doing lots of hiking or activities.

  • Clothing- Pack layers, as weather can change. You must pack the following:

    • Jacket

    • Jeans

    • Shorts

    • Tops

    • Dresses

  • A Hat- A sun hat is best, but you may want to bring a warm hat if you go to an area with cold weather.

  • A Rain Poncho- If it rains in Peru, it will likely rain hard and unexpectedly, so you will want an appropriate poncho that is not too bulky.

  • Passport- You will need your passport to enter.


Where is Machu Picchu Located, and How Do You Get There?

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city perched 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) high on a mountain in the Andes mountain range in Peru. It is 180 kilometres (111 miles) northwest of Cuzco and can be reached by train, bus or car.


How was Machu Picchu Found?

A local farmer named Pablito found Machu Picchu in 1911 while looking for a lost llama. He returned to the area with American historian Hiram Bingham.

Machu Picchu is a very popular tourist attraction. With so many tourists visiting the area every year, it has become important for people to know how to reach the destination. 

Machu Picchu is located in Peru on top of a mountain called "Aguas Calientes". The city of Cusco is around 25 miles south of Machu Picchu, and the nearest airport is Cusco International Airport.

It can take anywhere from two hours to two days to get to Machu Picchu, depending on your mode of transportation, time spent on your journey, and what kind of weather conditions you are travelling under.