3 Things You Must Not Miss in Your Next Machu Picchu Adventure
Machu Picchu is, with no doubt, Peru's premier tourist attraction, and only few people get to enjoy the full experience.
Machu Picchu was forced to keep tourists out due to the worldwide pandemic.
But after nearly eight months of closure, the ancient city was finally reopened, said BBC.
Peruvian authorities allowed an Incan ritual to thank the gods on Sunday after the tourist attraction finally reopened for visitors.
Numbers will be, of course, restricted for safety reasons. Only 30% of the city's capacity will be able to enter.
The complex of Machu Picchu has been seen in countless pictures, most notably the enigmatic ruins of the "Lost City of the Incas" seen nestling at the top of a mountain.
But not everyone is familiar with other exciting highlights and sights to see in Machu Picchu.
Luckily for Japanese tourist Jesse Katayama, he was able to get the entire complex all to himself.
Related story: Machu Picchu Reopens for Stranded Tourist After Months of Lockdown
According to New York Times, Katayama planned to end his journey around the world at Machu Picchu.
With that much space and Incan culture all to himself, what could he have possibly done?
In no particular order, here are some things you can also do in the mountain-top citadel, according to Bookmundi.
Hiking
If you'll be staying at the town of Aguas Calientes during your stay, you'll have to wake up early and line up for the bus.
But if you're feeling a bit more energetic, you can just hike to your destination.
According to Intrepid Travel, hiking towards the ancient site can really be painful at times but good bits of it usually stand out more.
Read also: Avoid These 3 Worst Vacation Spots in South America At All Costs
If you do hike up there, prepare for all four weathers. Being that high up, Machu Picchu travels will have you facing cold temperatures when waking to scorching hot sunshine during your hike.
So prepare some layers that you can easily care along when you hike up.
Also make sure you prepare for the weather so read a guide before you visit. But typically, the best time to visit is between May and July.
See Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun is one of the most important buildings in Machu Picchu and it is the finest example of Incan masonry there is.
The temple serves a special purpose in Incan ceremonies to pay tribute and give offerings to the sun. So the temple was off limits to common people, only accessible by sacred priests.
Architecture is also a key talking point when visiting the Temple of the Sun, said Study.com.
Pachacutec style of the imperial Inca civilization was used in constructing the tower.
It consists of stones that were meticulously carved, polished, and fit together with maximum prevision.
Stones are given a small amount of shifting space for when they cool when weather changes. For this reason, the complex still remains well-preserved to this day.
Look for the Intihuatana
Intihuatana also serves some form of religious importance to Inca.
It was used as an astronomical device and its name is commonly translated as "hitching post of the sun."
"Hitching" the sun ties into the belief of keeping the sun in place as it travelled across the sky, said Machu Picchu Gateway.
It's part of a ceremony to ask the Sun to not leave them during the harvest time and grant many years of prosperity.
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