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Machu Picchu

Peru

South America Travel Guide

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Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru

©Bérenger Zyla/500px

Overview

Shrouded by mist and surrounded by lush vegetation and steep escarpments, the sprawling Inca citadel of Machu Picchu lives up to every expectation. In a spectacular location, it’s the most famous archaeological site on the continent, a must for all visitors to Peru. Like the Mona Lisa or the pyramids, it has been seared into our collective consciousness, though nothing can diminish the thrill of being here. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the Spanish colonizers and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.

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Peru: Roots of the Rainforest in 12 Days

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  1. 1Watching the vibrant flutter of colorful macaws as they feast on the Amazon’s macaw clay lick
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  3. 3Uncovering the secrets of the Lost City of the Incas on a visit to Machu Picchu
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