The highlight of South America was exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu. Despite it being a popular tourist attraction, it’s still worth an extended visit on any trip through South America.

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This post is one chapter in our trip to Peru and Chile via Air Canada Executive First (Business Class). This trip was booked using Air Canada e-upgrades to upgrade into Air Canada International Executive First class. For more information on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction here. For other parts of the trip, please see this index.

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Attraction: Exploring Exotic Machu Picchu, Cuzco Region, Peru

The highlight of Peru was seeing Machu Picchu itself. Although we didn’t do the hike over the Inca trail, we did stay for two nights in the area. I’d highly recommend this for anyone who wants good pictures as seeing it at sunrise and sunset with different weather made for a memorable experience. You also managed to get the experience seeing Machu Picchu after all the day crowds had gone away.

Taking the train from Cuzco to Aquas Calientes:

Macchu Picchu is located on top of a hill from the town of Aquas Calientes. We took the train from Cuzco to Aquas Calientes. We stayed in Aquas Calientes overnight, which is the closest town to Macchu Picchu and was able to catch the site after all the day tours had left. . 

Visiting Machu Picchu, Peru:

On the same day of arrival, we were able to take the bus up the many switchbacks up to Macchu Picchu. At the time of our visit, guests were permitted to walk freely amongst all the ruins without any restriction.

Cuzco has many ruins around the area and similar to the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza, the main attraction of Machu Picchu seems to steal all the thunder. We spent some time checking out the smaller ruins as well, which was neat to see. 

I call these guys and girls “The Guardians”,

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In Summary:

Seeing the ruins of Macchu Picchu were a lifetime bucket list item. We were fortunate enough to have the ability to wander through the ruins without being pressured on by a tour guide. Staying in Aqua Calientes certainly helped us experience the ruins to it’s fullest, by allowing us the opportunity to experience the site after all the day travellers had departed.

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