Pic-A-Day: Lost City of the Incas

One of the most sought after ruins for explorers of the beautiful planet, Machu Picchu is nestled high in the mountains of the Urubamba Valley in Peru. There are several methods in which one can get here, the most popular of which is the 4 day hike up the Inca Trail. It is a difficult hike, even with the assistance of porters, and over the past decade has become increasingly popular. With the increased popularity, the government had to restrict the number of people (including porters) who could enter the trail at any one time to a mere 500 to aid in preserving this heritage site! Yup, that means a total of 2000 on the trail on any given day... and this is with the imposed restriction. It is advised to buy your permits several months before planning on going, as they do sell out quite far in advance. If they do sell out, or you just don't feel like doing a 4 day hike uphill, another option is taking a train to the base of the mountain, and then a shuttle bus up switchbacks to the entrance of the ruins. This is a good, fast alternative for many people. 

Whichever way you choose to get there, the prize at the top of the mountain is still the same. Machu Picchu is truly one of the most incredible, and mystical ruins I've ever encountered.