The Lost City in the Clouds | A Complete Guide to Machu Picchu, Peru

| A complete guide to Machu Picchu, Peru. 🗺️The Lost City in the Clouds | A Complete Guide to Machu Picchu, Peru "Every stone seems to be telling an ancient story. When the breeze blows, you can seem to hear the former glory of the Inca Empire." When I set foot on the magical land of Machu Picchu, these words kept echoing in my mind. 📍【Location and Transportation】 Machu Picchu is located about 130 kilometers northwest of Cusco, Peru, hidden deep in the mountains of the Andes. The most common way to get here is to go to Cusco first, then take a train from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, and then take a bus from Aguas Calientes directly to Machu Picchu. The scenery along the train is stunning, with a rushing river on one side and magnificent mountains on the other, as if it is a prelude to a mysterious world. 🎫【Ticket Guide】 Machu Picchu tickets need to be booked in advance on the official website, especially during the peak season (May - September), otherwise they will easily sell out. There are different types of tickets. Ordinary tickets only allow you to enter the Machu Picchu ruins. If you want to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you need to buy a package that includes mountain climbing. Please note that there are limited places for climbing and there are specified time periods for climbing, so you must plan your time reasonably. 🌄【Best time to visit】 Early morning is the most beautiful time in Machu Picchu. The first ray of sunlight shines on the ancient city wall, and the entire site is dyed with a layer of gold, mysterious and charming. It is recommended that you take the first bus up the mountain early to avoid the peak crowds and take beautiful photos. There are usually more tourists in the afternoon, but the light is soft at this time, which is suitable for savoring every detail of the ruins. 🏛️【Highlights】 Temple of the Sun: This is the most sacred place in Machu Picchu, with exquisite architectural craftsmanship and huge stones fitting together perfectly. It is said that during the winter and summer solstices, sunlight would precisely shine into specific locations of the temple. The ancients' understanding of astronomy and architecture is amazing. Inca Terraces: The layers of terraces winding up the hillside not only demonstrate the Inca people's superb agricultural technology, but also present a beautiful pastoral scenery. Imagine that the Incas thousands of years ago worked hard here and harvested hope. Sun-Tie Stone: According to legend, the Incas used it to "tie" the sun to prevent it from running too far away during the winter solstice. Standing next to the Sun-Tshuan Stone, overlooking the entire Machu Picchu, surrounded by mountains and clouds, it feels like you are in a city in the sky. 📸【Photo check-in point】 Machu Picchu Viewing Deck: An excellent viewing deck that can be seen as soon as you enter the scenic area. Here you can take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. The mountains in the distance and the ancient city at your feet blend perfectly. It is a must-see place. Puerta del Sol: It’s a little tiring to hike to Puerta del Sol, but when you stand at the gate and see the sunlight shining through the gate onto the ancient city, the shock is incomparable, and any shot you take will be a blockbuster. 🍜【Nearby Food】 There are many local specialties to try in Recuerlo, such as ají de gallina (chicken and pepper stew), which has a rich soup with tender chicken and a unique spice flavor. It is super satisfying in one bite. There is also cuy (roasted guinea pig). Don’t be scared, this is a traditional Peruvian food. The skin is crispy and the meat is tender. 💡【Travel Tips】 Machu Picchu is at a high altitude, so be careful to prevent altitude sickness and prepare anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance. There is no restaurant in the scenic area, so remember to bring some snacks and water to maintain your energy. Please abide by the regulations of the scenic area, do not touch or climb the historical sites, and work together to protect this precious historical heritage. Machu Picchu, this isolated ancient city, carries thousands of years of history and civilization. Every exploration is like a dialogue with the past.