Machu Picchu Geography

Machu Picchu lies in the southern hemisphere, 13.164 degrees south of the equator. It is 80 kilometres (50 miles) northwest of Cusco, on the crest of the mountain Machu Picchu, located about 2,430 metres (7,970 feet) above mean sea level, over 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) lower than Cusco, which has an elevation of 3,600 metres (11,800 ft). As such, it had a milder climate than the Inca capital. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America, one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Latin America and the most visited tourist attraction in Peru.

The year at Machu Picchu is divided between wet and dry seasons, with the majority of annual rain falling from October through to April. It can rain at any time of the year.

Machu Picchu is situated above a bow of the Urubamba River, which surrounds the site on three sides, with cliffs dropping vertically for 450 metres (1,480 ft) to the river at their base. The area is subject to morning mists rising from the river. The location of the city was a military secret, and its deep precipices and steep mountains provided excellent natural defenses. The Inca Bridge, an Inca grass rope bridge, across the Urubamba River in the Pongo de Mainique, provided a secret entrance for the Inca army. Another Inca bridge was built to the west of Machu Picchu, the tree-trunk bridge, at a location where a gap occurs in the cliff that measures 6 metres (20 ft). It could be bridged by two tree trunks, but with the trees removed, there was a 570 metres (1,870 ft) fall to the base of the cliffs.

The city sits in a saddle between the two mountains Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, with a commanding view down two valleys and a nearly impassable mountain at its back. It has a water supply from springs that cannot be blocked easily, and enough land to grow food for about four times as many people as ever lived there. The hillsides leading to it have been terraced, not only to provide more farmland to grow crops, but to steepen the slopes which invaders would have to ascend. The terraces reduced soil erosion and protected against landslides. Two high-altitude routes from Machu Picchu go across the mountains back to Cusco, one through the sun gate, and the other across the Inca bridge. Both could be blocked easily, should invaders approach along them. Regardless of its original purpose, it is strategically located and readily defended.

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Inca Trail Permits

Because of its vast popularity, the Peruvian Government have initiated several schemes in an attempt to reduce human impact upon the trail and within the ancient city. The most notable scheme was initiated in 2001 when the government established a quota scheme whereby only a set amount of people would be allowed to hike along the Inca Trail each day. This scheme, which is still in effect today, means that any person wishing to hike Inca Trail must obtain a permit prior to entering the trail. Without one you will not be allowed on the trail.

The scheme allows for 500 permits a day. Strangely, every single permit is released in January each year. Permits are sold on a first come first serve basis. This means that the permits are hot property and sell out extremely quickly, particularly in the high season. The 500 permits also include porters and guides. Another scheme by the government stated that ever trekker along the trail must be accompanied by a guide. This means that permits can only be obtained through a registered tour operator. All permits must be paired with an individual passport which means that purchasing last minute cancellation tickets is not possible. The government monitors the scheme strictly and there are several control points along the trail.

Most operators advise that you purchase your permits at least 6 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Even when booked early, operators cannot guarentee that they will secure you a permit when January comes

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