Honeymoon Machu Picchu? A honeymoon in Machu Picchu? Yes, it is. Many couples around the world have chosen to propose with Machu Picchu as a backdrop. And yes, also many couples have chosen the Peruvian Andes with Machu Picchu as their perfect honeymoon trip after getting married. One of the 7 wonders of the world also called “The Lost City of the Incas” holds a number of details that are worth knowing before researching further and planning your trip. Join Auri to see some of these details that you should know if you want a dream trip with your partner to this sacred Inca city.
What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu, Machu Pijchu or Machupicchu is a colossal work of Inca architecture and engineering called “llaqta”, the word for multifunctional Inca cities in the Quechua language. It is one of the greatest feats of Inca engineering, and one of the 7 wonders of the world as of June 7, 2007. It has endured six centuries of earthquakes, foreign invasions, natural conditions, and yet remains unbeatable over time.
It is one of the best places in the world to be discovered by oneself, stroll through its almost 200 enclosures distributed in three zones and climb to the dizzying heights of Huayna Picchu, the mountain in the background that heads the panoramic photographs of this wonder. Machu Picchu is considered the top destination in Peru.
Where is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is located in the Peruvian region of Cusco, province of Urubamba and district of Machu Picchu. This great Inca construction is located half way up to the mountains of Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain at 2340 metres about sea level within the geological phenomenon called Vilcabamba Batolith in the Andean mountain range of the same name in the jungle area. It is also located within a natural conservation area of intangible character protected by the Peruvian state and called: Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Why choose a Machu Picchu honeymoon/honeymoon Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is Peru’s premier tourist destination and one of the 7 wonders of the world. Cusco has a very mystical and romantic atmosphere due to its narrow and beautifully cobblestone streets. There are restaurants, bars, hotels, viewpoints, and a number of places perfect for a romantic evening.
Reasons to choose Machu Picchu as your honeymoon destination:
- The city of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas have a great tourist infrastructure with all categories of hotels (from 1 to 5 stars). Hotels, resorts, lodges and other types of accommodation with all the necessary amenities for newlyweds.
- Machu Picchu is an extremely energetic, mystical destination with a great history. An ideal destination for couples looking for experiences other than a luxury cruise, night cities or the sand and sun that the beaches offer.
- A very curious fact is that in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (on the route to Machu Picchu) you can celebrate traditional Andean marriages under the watchful eye of the Andes mountains, which are respectfully called “Apus”. The ceremony is officiated by an Andean priest. The couple must dress in traditional costumes, while the gala dinner brings together all the best of Andean cuisine.
- The sunrises and sunsets at the sacred Inca llaqta of Machu Picchu are of spectacular beauty. The sunrise at Machu Picchu is one of the most awaited spectacles by travelers who travel the Inca Trail and is viewed from Inti Punku (Sun Gate), at the entrance of Machu Picchu. One of the most romantic activities that can be done as a couple.
- On the other hand, Huayna Picchu, Huchuy Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are the mountains that surround Machu Picchu, they are perfect places for couples who like nature walks. Likewise, the Sacred Valley of the Incas has different adventure activities for couples. From rafting, rappelling, climbing, via Ferrata, biking and even hot air balloon flights and much more.
How to get to Machu Picchu for your honeymoon?
Currently, we have 3 main routes to get to Machu Picchu, each one very different from the other. Let’s consider that these routes are combined with different trekking routes or tour packages that accommodate the needs of travelers. Let’s see them below:
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a small section of 39 kilometers that once integrated more than 30 thousand kilometers of Inca trails connecting a large part of South America. This hike is considered one of the most impressive in the world, and an activity that should be done before you die. The classic trek lasts 4 days and 3 nights, although there are longer versions of 5 days and 4 nights, as well as a short version of 2 days and 1 night.
The Inca Trail combines beautiful Inca sites spread across different altitudinal levels from the high Andean mountains to the rainforest. The only way to access the Inca Trail is with a travel agency. The trail is strictly monitored by the Peruvian authorities due to its majesty and importance.
Train to Machu Picchu
This option is the fastest and most popular way to get to the wonder of the world, about 70% of travelers take the train services. The stations to arrive at Aguas Calientes (the closest town to Machu Picchu) are located in Poroy (20 min from the Cusco centre) and Ollantaytambo (1 hour and 40 min from Cusco).
The main operating companies are Peru Rail and Inca Rail with different categories of services and a very varied schedule of departures. The trip from Poroy station takes about 3 hours and a half, while the trip from Ollantaytambo station takes 1 hour and 45 minutes on average, the latter is the route most used by travelers.
Hiram Bingham, the ideal luxury train for demanding couples
The Hiram Bingham is the most luxurious train to Machu Picchu, the most luxurious train in South America behind only the Andean Explorer that covers the route between Cusco and Arequipa.
The Hiram Bingham is one of the most spacious and comfortable trains in the world, it is the ideal luxury transportation to take a Machu Picchu honeymoon to another level. This train is equipped with a dining car, a bar car, an observatory car, as well as multiple services including welcome shows, music, dancing and the best of Andean cuisine.
If a couple wishes to travel on this luxury service, they must pay at least 400 dollars for each trip, and this price is per person. An exclusive train with all the comforts and ideal for couples who wish to live a luxury experience.
Hidroelectrica route to Machu Picchu
This route is done in two phases: leaving from Cusco and going by the road that goes to Quillbamba and crossing the towns of Santa Maria and Santa Teresa to the small town called Hidroelectrica (a journey by car of about 6 hours or more). Then, once in Hidroelectrica, there is a hike of 10 kilometers or a little more than 6 miles to the town of Aguas Calientes, the walking time is 2 to 3 hours depending on the walking pace of the traveler.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu for your Machu Picchu honeymoon?
The best season to visit Machu Picchu, especially if it is your honeymoon, is during the dry season, between the months of April to November. These months are recommended because the presence of rainfall in the Cusco region and throughout the Andean area is minimal. During the dry season, the Cusco sky is a spectacular sky blue, the days are sunny, so it is necessary to protect yourself from the sun, using hats and sunscreen.
However nothing prevents you from visiting Machu Picchu between the months of December to March, in these months the mountains are brimming with an intense green and the vegetation is brimming with life showing the landscapes of the Andes much more beautiful. The influx of tourists is lower in Machu Picchu. During this season there may also be delays and postponements in train frequencies due to rainfall.
Important facts you should know for your Machu Picchu honeymoon:
- Language: Spanish and Quechua (however English is spoken by tourism agents).
- Machu Picchu entrance requirements: Passport and entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Internal flight time: 2 hours (between Cusco and Lima).
- How to get to Machu Picchu: buses, train, car and on foot.
- When to go: From May to October.
- Climate: Machu Picchu has a semi-tropical climate with warm and humid days. The rainy season is from November to April.
- Best prices: From January to April, during the rainy season.
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu: 152 Peruvian Soles (approximately 41USD).
- Cost of round-trip train ticket: 120 to 240 USD (depending on the category of service).
- Cost of Hiram Bingham luxury train ticket: 950 USD
- Average cost in standard hotels: 64USD per night
- Average cost in 5 star hotels: 200USD per night
Auri Peru Travel invite you to discover the best Peru honeymoon destination, authentic gems located around the country.
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