machu picchu – AdventureFitz https://adventurefitz.com Find the adventure that fitz you Thu, 05 Mar 2020 15:05:48 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 The Wonders of the World https://adventurefitz.com/the-wonders-of-the-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-wonders-of-the-world Thu, 30 Jan 2020 12:40:06 +0000 https://adventurefitz.com/?p=300

Human civilisation has created spectacular works of art and structures that have inspired awe in the centuries. To celebrate these the Wonders of the World were devised. The ancient wonders of the world, excluding the Great Pyramid at Giza, have been destroyed or lost over time and so in 2007 the New 7 Wonders Foundation compiled a list of over 200 monuments, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and took the list to popular vote. The following monuments are now recognized as the New 7 Wonders of the World.

The Great Wall of China

Location: China | Built: 220 B.C. to A.D. 1644

Test your endurance, soak up the surrounding scenery, and make your way through parts of the historical Great Wall for a memorable experience in China.

The symbol of China, The Great Wall took almost 1,800 years to be completed. A series of walls were built by emperors and dynasties over many years. Eventually they were connected and became The Great Wall we know today, winding into the as far as the eye can see over its 13,000 mile length. Now it’s consistently China’s top attraction.

The Colosseum

Location: Rome, Italy | Built: A.D. 72-82

Walking up and catching the first glimpse of the Colosseum is enough to take your breath away.

The Colosseum is the world’s largest amphitheatre and is a prime example of architecture from the Roman Empire. Constructed from concrete and sand, the Colosseum is best known for its dramatic gladiator shows, ranging from gladiators fighting each other through to flooding the arena for sea battles. Only a third of the Colosseum remains today, but it’s still one of the main attractions to visit on a trip to Italy.

Christ the Redeemer Statue

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Built: 1926-1931

Sitting on top of the 710m Corcovado mountain overlooking the beautiful Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer is the newest structure of the 7 Wonders of the World. It stands 125 feet tall and was commissioned by the Catholic Church in the 20th century.

It’s a rich experience to see it from the top and witness its fantastic views of the city, mountains, and harbour plus take in the sheer size of the extraordinary monument.

Chichén Itzá

Location: Yucatán, Mexico | Built: 5th-13th century

Chichén Itzá is special for its demonstration of the Maya’s exceptional use of architectural space, astronomical knowledge, and sense of artistry. It’s believed that Chichén Itzá was one of the largest cities of the ancient Mayan world and was eventually part of the Maya-Toltec civilization. The now ruins boast religious features such as the Temple of Kukulkán’s 365 steps, symbolizing each day in the Haab solar calendar. One of the most accessible of the 7 wonders, it’s a must-see on any trip to Mexico.

Machu Picchu

Location: Cuzco, Peru | Built: mid-15th century

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan settlement located on the eastern side of the Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu was developed as a city, abandoned nearly 100 years later at the fall of the Incan Empire in 1532 before being rediscovered in 1911. The feeling of awe at the architecture of the buildings, the fantastic views from the Sun Gate and the spiritual atmosphere means that this enchanting city is the essential places to visit on a trip to Peru.

Petra

Location: Jordan | Built: 4th century B.C. to 2nd century A.D.

Petra is reached through the Siq, a stunning narrow, winding canyon of coloured rock. As you come to the end of the path, a gap in the rock opens up and you get your first glimpse of the rose coloured Treasury, Petra’s most famous building.

Built by the Nabateans in around 300BC by carving buildings into the rock, the city of Petra survived for around 400 hundred years before falling to the Roman Empire in A.D. 106. Now visitors come to Jordan to witness its fascinating structures, tombs, and temples that have been carved into the coloured sandstone cliffs.

Taj Mahal

Location: Agra, India | Built: 1632-48

The Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece by the Mughal empire in India. Taking around 16 years to build, this white marble structure represents typical Mughal architecture with a strict focus on balance and symmetry. The Taj Mahal is the home Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It’s said that the emperor prompted the Taj Mahal to be built after her death as a symbol of his love. Today travellers and lovers alike come to marvel at the beauty of this building.

Great Pyramid of Giza

Location: Cairo, Egypt | Built: 2500BC

The only original wonder of the world left standing, the Great Pyramid at Giza is a special place. Built as a funeral tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, it had three internal chambers and standing at 146m high it was the highest building in the world until the 14th century. It’s precision of measurements and calculations make this a structural masterpiece and an insight into an ancient time.

]]> Trekking to Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail vs Salkantay Trek https://adventurefitz.com/trekking-to-machu-picchu-the-inca-trail-vs-salkantay-trek/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=trekking-to-machu-picchu-the-inca-trail-vs-salkantay-trek Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:15:27 +0000 https://adventurefitz.com/?p=191 A thrilling and rewarding experience is not only seeing Machu Picchu up close in person but also taking several days to trek there. It’s a dream for many and an exciting adventure to embark on. So, once you’ve decided you’re going to trek to Machu Picchu, you’ll have to decide which route to take. The most popular route is the Inca Trail but there’s also the Salkantay Trek. Both have their pros and cons, so which is the better option for you?

Inca Trail Overview

Distance: 45 km or 26 miles

Duration: 4-5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Highest point: 4215 m

Availability: Government requires every trekker gets a tourist permits in advance (capped at 200 a day) and it’s required to go with a guide.

The Inca Trail is known as one of the best hikes in South America and the and the well-known route to Machu Picchu. You’ll follow the ancient road system built by the Incas as you navigate through dramatic mountain passes, ruins, and misty forests as you dive into the Peruvian countryside. After 4-5 days of moderate hiking you’ll arrive at Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate.

Highlights

Following the Inca Trail, you’ll stumble upon ancient ruins as you trek through the Andes Mountains. The dramatic mountain passes and misty forests will be your backdrop through must of the trek.

At the end of your first day you’ll pass the ruins of Wayllabamba, which translates to “grassy plain” and it’s an excellent spot to catch the sunset.

The second day will involve trekking through the gorgeous and green Valley of Llulluchapampa. Throughout the rest of the journey you’ll see other ruins like Wiñay Wayna and Phuyupatamarca (The City Above the Clouds).

One of the best parts, of course, is the final morning as you trek to see the sunrise at the Sun Gate before finally entering Machu Picchu.

Difficulty

Regular fitness is recommended for any extending hiking, so the same applies when hiking through the Andes to Machu Picchu. The general difficultly of the Inca Trail is moderate, but you are hiking 45 kilometres over typically 4 days. This means you’ll spend roughly 6-9 hours walking each day.

Facilities

As the Inca Trail is the more popular and touristic option, it offers better facilities to trekkers. Toilets are showers are available throughout the trail and are generally well-maintained.

There are campsites throughout the route, and they are designed by the government, so more groups will be sleeping at once place. There are also options for a more “glamping” experience with better bedding and tents.

Pros and Cons for the Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is full of history, which is why most people would choose it. It’s also less strenuous than the Salkantay Trek and takes slightly less time. On the downside, it’s more expensive as you have to go with a guide and Inca Trail tours are typically more expensive than tours on the Salkantay Trek. Of course, it’s a busier trail, so it’ll be slightly more crowded, and you won’t be able to see as much wildlife.

Salkantay Trek Overview

Distance: 60 km or 37 miles

Duration: 5 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Highest point: 4600 m

Availability: No tourist permit restrictions, typically around 50 hikers per day.

The Salkantay Trek is an excellent alternative to the classic route to Machu Picchu. This route offers new views and an exciting trek through the Andes. You’ll pass by the gorgeous Humantay Lagoon and witness the jaw-dropping vista views that the Salkantay Pass offers. The hike will end, of course, once you reach the prize: Machu Picchu. You’ll be able to tour and wander the World Heritage site at your own pace.

Highlights

Following the Salkantay Trek you’ll witness sweeping, mountain landscapes and tropical jungles

as you navigate through the Andes Mountains.

On the first day you’ll trek to the marvelous turquoise-coloured Humantay Lagoon, which is one of the top highlights. On the second day, you’ll make it to the treks highest point: the Salkantay Pass, which offers stunning vistas of the valley below.

Other highlights include seeing the Mount Salkantay, one of the most iconic mountains in the Cusco region as well as waterfalls, natural wildlife, and the cloud forest.

Finally, you’ll hike along the Apu Salkantay and reap the reward of finally arriving at Machu Picchu.

Difficulty

Given the additional kilometres of this hike, it’s more strenuous than the Inca Trail and requires good physical fitness. You’ll trek through rougher, deeper, and higher terrain over the course of 5 days. You’ll trek around 6-7 hours each day and a 3 hour stretch the last day from Santa Teresa to Machu Picchu Pueblo.

Facilities

There are toilets available throughout the treks. They aren’t glamorous but they do exist as well as cold and hot showers. As for the campsites, you can stay in tents and some private tour operators have their own private campsites with more comfortable tents and bedding and plus privacy with toilets and showers. If you’re looking for a finer glamping experience, there are also upscale lodges available.

Pros and Cons for the Salkantay Trail

The Salkantay Trail is more strenuous and takes slightly longer than the Inca Trail. However, since it’s not as common, you’ll feel more secluded and gives you a better chance at checking out Peruvian wildlife. On the downside, there’s less history to this trail, which turns some trekkers away.

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