Category: Travel Guide

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is one of the 7 wonders of the world and is called the navel of the planet. It is a magical and sacred space due to its historical importance and architectural development. Among its attractions are its terraces or platforms, very significant structures for Inca agriculture. It also has a fountain staircase, a system that provides the citadel with fresh water with 16 artificial falls.

Likewise, in Machu Picchu are located the mountains Putucusi, Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, this last one is quite famous due to its height and great view. On the other hand, in this destination you can find the Temple of the Condor, the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza and the Intihuatana, structures and pieces with religious and ceremonial value of great beauty.

Machu Picchu’s charm is not only due to its architecture. The city has a strategic location and scenic beauty that makes you believe you are touching the sky. One of the best experiences for travelers is to watch the sunrise over the mountains. The radiant colors of the sun generate a picture worthy of any painting or photo gallery.

An interesting fact to add is the fauna you will find in this space, such as the tender llamas and alpacas. These camelids definitely take the prize as the best protagonists. Also, the Andean bear, the sachacabra, the puma, the cock of the rock, the Andean condor and the giant hummingbird live there. Just sitting down to contemplate the life of these animals will bring you happiness.

The location: the sacred landscape: Machu Picchu

The construction of the city of Machu Picchu represented an enormous engineering challenge as a result of its location. It is located on the top of the sacred mountain, which in ancient times required five days of travel.

However, the real problem was not the height, but that it was in the middle of two important seismic faults, and, as if that wasn’t enough, the high rainfall of the area generated constant collapses. Why, then, did the Inca emperor Pachacútec insist on locating the city there?

Let’s analyze the reasons for the choice. From the practical point of view, the site had in its favor a water spring and a granite deposit, which was quarried. But these were not sufficient motivations.

Some researchers attribute this to the so-called sacred landscape theory. According to the testimonies of the Spaniards, the Incas worshipped the Sun, the Water and the Mountains as authentic gods. Furthermore, they believed that the contemplation of the divine nature transferred certain gifts to them or, in any case, strengthened them.

Observe in this video the effects of light on the site where Machu Picchu is located:

Machu Picchu: The architecture: temples, buildings and techniques

The Inca emperor Pachacútec, which means “he who remakes the world”, was the one who devised and ordered this engineering marvel. However, about the intentions or uses of this place, there is still no conclusive information, but rather elaborated interpretations in the light of the archaeological findings.

In the city of Machu Picchu there are at least 200 architectural structures made of square rock. However, there are no sculptures. This city was home to between 300 and 1,000 people. It is not a walled city, so its military use is ruled out. But certainly, this city is a public manifestation of the emperor’s power. That would be its first function: the commemoration of the triumph of the conqueror Pachacútec.

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a place full of mysticism, it is a monument to divinity, where man really feels like a creature of the gods, the overwhelming nature of his spirit, seems to transport him to a magical place where anything is possible, in an unimaginable way. It is a place where the strange forces of nature transport you to an incomparable cosmic state, a state that can only be experienced in Machu Picchu.

 

 

They discovered a new mountain of colors in Cusco with a very special feature! Meet the Pallay Poncho

A colorful Andean poncho seems to cover a mountain range in Cusco, Peru, which has become the most recent discovery for tourism. At the height of the pandemic, in April 2020, a local looking for herbs discovered the Pallay Poncho and the information went viral because of its beauty.

The formation consists of a chain of colored mountains with sharp points, from which you can see a beautiful landscape, characteristic of the Andean area of Peru.

The shades of the peaks range from white, to magenta, to brown, red, pink and beige tones.

From the Pallay Poncho the view is incredible. You can see the Langui lagoon and all the mountainous formations around it, in the Condor Sayana sector.

It took years for nature to create the beauty of Pallay Poncho

The formation of the sharp cliffs that characterize the Pallay Poncho, took place during hundreds of years of changes in the topography of the whole planet, when summits and chasms appeared in the terrestrial relief.

We also owe some of its spectacularity to global warming, although it seems incredible, since, as the snows that usually covered these geological formations melted, their full beauty could be appreciated.

Rich in minerals and color

The mountain of colors Pallay Poncho has a great richness in minerals, which are responsible for the peculiar shades it offers.

Pink in different intensities

It is formed by mud and sand that give rise to red clay, made up of mudstones and arylites.

Brown and purple

They are created by the richness in calcium carbonate of limonites and marls.

Amber yellow

It is a characteristic color of rocky formations in the Andean region, due to the calcareous sandstones and its richness in sulfur minerals.

White and beige tones

They are originated by the clear quartz sandstone.

Green

Clays rich in ferro-magnesium and phyllites create the green tones.

The two colors that we will detail below, give testimony of the longevity of the Pallay Poncho.

Red

It is created by clays that contain iron and by clays that correspond to the superior tertiary period in the formation of the earth.

Earthy brown

It originates in the manganese rock, which dates back to the Quaternary era.

This mineral wealth and its archaeological value make this colorful mountain an ideal site for sustainable tourism.

A typical climate of the Andean region deserves good shelter

The Pallay Poncho is located between 4,720 and 4,790 meters above sea level. Because it is located in one of the highest areas of Cusco, it has a cold climate, strong winds and the possibility of rain most of the year.

If among your plans for 2021 is to visit this place, a good coat is essential in your luggage.

At night, the temperature can drop below zero degrees, although during the day the sun’s rays can be harsh on your skin.

Altitude sickness, which the locals call soroche, or moor sickness, is something that usually occurs. The suggestion is to arrive one or two days before to Cusco, so that the organism adapts to the height and the walk to this mountain of colors is easier.

Being in good shape is a plus for this tour

Once you arrive in Cusco, you must leave for Layo, which is just over 5 kilometers away. Right there you start the ascent to Pallay Poncho, but the beauty of the mountain system and its colorfulness will not be appreciated immediately, but as you advance.

The time of the ascent walk can take from 2 to 3 hours. Comfortable sports shoes are required.

To be in good physical condition is the essential recommendation to climb the Pallay Punchu slope or to hike any of the best mountain trails in our continent.

Using a trekking stick will be useful to have more body balance in the ascent and descent.

Hat, UV-protected glasses and sunscreen are important to protect you from the sun’s rays.

Due to the height of the mountain system, it is advisable to use warm clothing such as ponchos, jackets, gloves, etc.

If you are in the wave of ecotourism, taking care of nature and looking after the planet that shelters us all, the Pallay Poncho can be part of your agenda for 2021.

The Humantay lagoon is the most beautiful lake in Cusco, and it certainly surprises us more and more every day. It is a turquoise-colored lake, located in the middle of the Andes mountains.

The Humantay lagoon is formed as a product of the melting of the Humantay snow-capped mountain, part of the Salkantay mountain.

What differentiates the Humantay Lagoon from other lagoons is the natural color it has because it does not have much marine flora in its waters and has a color that is indescribable in words, but understandable to the eye.

It forms a unique landscape, where travelers seek to capture the ideal moment with their cameras capturing a wonderful and magical landscape at the same time.

All this and more makes Humantay a very visited place by all the tourists who visit Cusco.

Location

Lake Humantay is a 2-hour walk from the community of Soraypampa, in the district of Mollepata, province of Anta, department of Cusco, about 2 hours by car from the city of Cusco.

How to get to Humantay Lake?

To reach this natural wonder you will have to take a car from Cusco to Mollepata, at the Arcopata bus terminal for about 2 hours.

After breakfast you will have to hire the services of a cab driver to take you to Soraypampa. The cab will charge you an approximate fare of S/20.00 and if by chance there are more people who want to go it will be less.

Then you will have to pay the entrance fee to Lake Humantay (S/ 10.00).

After arriving in Soraypampa you will have to walk at least 2 hours to get to the lake (if you don’t want to walk you can rent a horse). The first 30 minutes of walking are half flat and the rest is uphill.

Keep in mind that you probably won’t find any mobility to return, so I recommend you to arrange with the cab driver to wait for you or to come and pick you up, there you can negotiate the prices.

If you don’t find mobility, there are accommodations that range from 20 to 40 soles, there are also camping areas (bring your tent) where you can stay. If you plan to camp, make sure you are warm enough, as it gets very cold at night.

Tour to the Humantay Lagoon

Book your tour to the Humantay Lagoon with us, a 100% responsible and legal local agency.

Read more about the Humantay Lagoon Tour.

Difficulty

The hike is not as difficult as the 7 colored mountain, it takes about 1 hour. It all depends on the physical condition of the tourist, it is not dangerous and requires moderate physical effort.

Recommendations

Bring warm clothes for the walk. If you are not in good physical condition for the walk, we recommend that you rent a horse.

Do not forget to bring a hat or cap, sunscreen, a jacket for the frīo and wind, trekking pants, appropriate shoes for the walk and a rain poncho.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to the Humantay Lagoon from Cusco?

You have 2 options, the first is to take a bus from Cusco to Mollepata, then a cab and walk to the lagoon, the second option and the recommended is to hire a tour.

What is the Humantay Lagoon?

It is a turquoise colored lagoon, located on the Salkantay to Machu Picchu route.

How many hours are there from Cusco to the Humantay Lagoon?

By car it is about 2 hours, then you will have to walk for about an hour.

How far is the Humantay Lagoon?

The walk takes about 1 hour, depending on your pace.

How much does it cost to go to Laguna Humantay?

Tours to Humantay cost an average of 100 soles (30 USD) to about, depending on the type of service.

How many meters high is Humantay Lagoon

This lagoon is 4,200 meters above sea level.

Did you have any doubts or questions about this destination?

Do not hesitate to contact us, we are Explorape, we will be happy to help and guide you in everything you need to know about this place.

Why is it called Mountain of the 7 Colors?

According to several investigations carried out in the place (part of the Peruvian government), the multicolored tones are due to the different minerals that cover the area. These natural substances began to form 65 million years ago when water and rain covered its slopes and summits. With the passing of time, the extreme climate began to melt the snows that were formed there, revealing to the world what today is one of the most important tourist attractions of Cusco.

Weather

The climate that predominates in the high areas of Cusco is cold. Rain, wind and altitude sickness (or soroche) can be the biggest obstacles for travelers who want to make it to the top. Temperatures can fall below zero degrees Celsius.

Best time to go to 7 Color Mountain

The best time of year for this adventure is during the dry season (April to October) when river rains are less likely. If you plan to visit during the rainy season (November to March), bring a rain poncho

Flora and fauna

The incredible geography of the place is the scene of animals typical of the high Andean zones of the sierra and southern Peru, such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. The inhabitants of the area breed horses to offer them as transportation to the visitors. Due to the altitude of this region, the ichu or natural Andean grass abounds.

What is the height of the mountain of 7 colors?

Vinic is never at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level.

What is the best time to visit the mountain of 7 colors?

It is in the dry season, which is from April to October.

What are the colors of the 7 Brush Mountain?

The colors we can see range from red, purple, green, yellow, pink and others.

What are the minerals in the mountain of 7 colors?

A complex geological history of marine, lake and river sediments, according to a report by the Cultural Landscape Office of the Decentralized Culture Direction of Cusco.

When was the mountain of 7 colors discovered?

It was not discovered, but, it became popular at the beginning of 2016 through the social networks.

When does it snow on the mountain of 7 colors?

The Mountain of 7 Colors can be snowed in the rainy season, from November to March.

How many hours are there from Cusco to the Mountain of 7 Colors?

It’s about 3 hours by car, then 1 to 2 hours of walking.

How much does it cost to go to the mountain of 7 colors from Cusco?

A shared tour is on average 30 USD, it will vary according to type of service and agency.

How far is it to the mountain of 7 colors?

The hike lasts from 1 to more hours, depending on your physical condition.

How much does it cost to enter the 7 color mountain?

The entrance fee is 10 soles (3 US dollars), this is for both foreigners and Peruvians.