Did you know that the world has a total of 117 life zones — and of these Peru has 84!?!  Within Peru’s 496,224 square miles a traveler can find jungles, snow capped mountains, wide open plains, and warm sandy beaches.  Needless to say, the natural beauty found in Peru is absolutely staggering and one of extremes.

While Ted and I explored Peru we were struck by all this natural beauty and how raw everything was. The weather changes in an instant and you have to be prepared for all weather types. This was most evident on our train ride from Ollyantambo to Machu Picchu. Ted and I took PeruRail which, for the first part of our journey, took us through an arid and mountainous landscape. We rode through small Peruvian towns enjoying the rocky scenery when all of a sudden we made a turn and found ourselves in thick lush jungle ! We knew we were close to Machu Picchu then because the landscape matched the photos we had always seen of this mysterious World Heritage site.

Check out the photos below of our two favorite sites in Peru and for some tips on visiting!

Ollantaytambo

Here is a brief history pulled from Wikipedia:

During the Inca Empire, Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region, built the town and a ceremonial center. At the time of the Spanish conquest of Peru it served as a stronghold for Manco Inca Yupanqui, leader of the Inca resistance.

Here are also a few tips for when you go:

• The best way to get to Ollantaytambo is to hire a private driver.
• Take time to explore the town of Ollantaytambo itself. Its quieter and smaller than Cusco, but also feels less touristy and authentic.
• Make sure to purchase the Boleto Turistico in order to enter the site. It is a pre-ordered ticket that lets you get into Incan sites around the Sacred Valley.

Machu Picchu

Here is a brief history pulled from Wikipedia:

Machu Picchu was built around 1450, at the height of the Inca Empire. Its construction appears to date to the period of the two great Inca rulers, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui (1438–71) and Túpac Inca Yupanqui (1472–93). It was abandoned just over 100 years later, in 1572, as a belated result of the Spanish Conquest. It is possible that most of its inhabitants died from smallpox introduced by travellers before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area. Although it was located only about 80 kilometers (50 mi) from the Inca capital in Cusco, the Spanish never found Machu Picchu and so did not plunder or destroy it, as they did many other sites.

Here are also a few tips for when you go:

• Make sure you purchase tickets to Machu Picchu very early. The Peruvian government only allows 2,500 people o visit the site per day. Ted and I planned our trip about 6 months in advance and we bought tickets 450 and 449 – they sell fast!
• Also make sure you purchase your transport to Machu Picchu early. It’s in a very isolated area of Peru and difficult to get to. In all cases use the train, traveling by car is unpleasant !
• Leave time to explore the site for a whole day — you can choose to go on hikes from the site. Ted and I hiked to Montana Waynapicchu at 2,667 meters (8,750 ft). It was so hard, but once we reached the top it was worth it!
• If it rains on the day that you are set to visit Machu Picchu do not despair. It rained the day we went through and honestly it made the experience more magical. When we arrived at the site we literally got to see the clouds part to reveal the old Incan site. It was an incredible site that I won’t soon forget.
• Prep for hiking. Ted and I did not realize how strenuous the hike from Machu Picchu to Wayna Picchu was. The rocks we had to scale were slippery from the rain and in hindsight I should have brought an extra bottle of water. We survived – but it was a challenge for sure !!

Until next time Machu Picchu !!! Check out my other post on Cusco here.