Luxury travel to Machu Picchu has reached a new level. It is now possible to soar through the skies like the Andean Condors around you. There are private flights and private helicopter tours available of the Sacred Valley and Cusco. Imagine how great it would be to hover over these beautiful lands and get a birds-eye view of the spectacular ruins. You will be able to spot Tipon and Pikillaqta, two archeological sites, Pisaq and the beautiful Urubamba Valley, the impressive ruins of Ollantaytambo, the zig-zags of Sacsayhuaman and last but certainly not least, the ancient Inca Citadel, Machu Picchu.

It is possible to charter a light Cessna aircraft, which require a minimum of eight passengers. Or you can book a helicopter which can be booked for even just one person. The length of flights can vary depending on the needs of your group but generally they are at least 40 minutes to an hour and can be longer.

Though you are getting the unique opportunity to see Machu Picchu from the skies, you will want still want to walk amongst the walls of this famed citadel, and get an up close and personal perspective. Take the Hiram Bingham train from Cusco for the highest, finest quality service. Named after the famous adventurer who visited Machu Picchu on the 23rd of July in 1911, the carriages of this train are painted blue and gold while the insides are comfortably, luxuriously and elegantly decorated in a 1920s style.

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.

In the morning train, a delicious brunch is served as you gawk at the surrounding countryside along the Urubamba River. Your guide from the train will show you around Machu Picchu. When you return to the train there will be cocktails and a gourmet dinner waiting for you. This experience is the epitome of high class and the most luxury way to travel to Machu Picchu. If you want to spend the night and see the ancient city for two days, consider staying in the Sanctuary Lodge where you will have the entrance to Machu Picchu literally right outside your front door. This is the best option if you are interested in climbing Huayna Picchu, the smaller but higher peak above Machu Picchu with beautiful ruins of its own. Only 400 visitors are allowed to climb Huayna Picchu, and a line usually forms quite early right outside of the gates each morning. You will have a great advantage over the backpackers that have to walk up from Aguas Calientes.

Don’t forget to take a Cusco city tour as well as a Sacred Valley tour to really see up close all the sites you witnessed flying with the condors above the mountains. All in all your luxury, Cusco and Machu Picchu experience will not disappoint if you are willing put in the extra effort in your planning and budgeting.

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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.