Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Peru’s lost Incan cities, including iconic Machu Picchu, an archaeological site located in southern Peru, South America.
Machu Picchu, often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas,” was built around 1450 during the height of the Inca Empire. The Incas had no written language, so they left no record of why they built the site or how they used it before it was abandoned.
It is believed Machu Picchu served as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. For 400 years, the lost city of the Incas remained hidden atop a mountain ridge, unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Landscape engineering skills are in strong evidence at Machi Picchu. The site’s buildings, walls, terraces and ramps reclaim the steep mountainous terrain and make the city blend naturally into the rock escarpments on which it is situated.
Machu Picchu is one of the world’s greatest wonders hidden in a dramatic landscape where the Andes mountains meet the Amazon basin. It remains a testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization and continues to captivate visitors with its rich history and stunning vistas.
Designated a National Historic Sanctuary by Peru in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, Machu Picchu was also named one of the new Seven Wonders of the world in 2007. As of 2024, the site receives more than 1.5 million visitors annually, making it Peru’s most visited international tourist destination.
Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia is the world’s highest navigable body of water — Lake Titicaca, one of the most famous lakes in the world located in the immense Andean highlands. Known as the birthplace of the Inca Empire, ancient legends say that life began here.
The waters of Lake Titicaca are home to the mysterious and fantastic floating Uros islands that contain unique cultural wealth. This is because their predominantly indigenous inhabitants still maintain their traditions coming from many centuries ago, even before the Incas. That is why many scholars consider Lake Titicaca as the “Cradle of the Sun” and the Inca Empire and the floating islands are proof of it.
The Uros are several craft-floating islands made of aquatic reeds called Totora, where Andean inhabitants have lived since immemorial time, maintaining their costumes, traditions and lifestyle, completely isolated from the world on the eternally floating waters of Lake Titicaca. A well made island can last up to 30 years.
There are approximately 60 to 70 islands. The quantity changes every year as an island can merge with another or disappear, and its inhabitants move to another larger island and join other islanders
The Uros people have a rich cultural heritage, although many of their traditional practices have diminished over time due to external influences. They have adapted to modern life by incorporating technology, such as solar panels for electricity, while still maintaining their unique customs. The Uros community also engages in tourism, which has become a significant source of income, allowing them to share their culture with visitors while preserving their traditions.
These floating islands are not only a stunning destination but also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Uros people. Their unique lifestyle, built on their principles of sustainability and community, offers visitors a glimpse into a world that has thrived for centuries on the waters of Lake Titicaca. Whether you are drawn by the cultural significance or the natural beauty, a visit to the Uros islands is a memorable experience highlighting the rich heritage of Peru.
I traveled to Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca 18 years ago, and writing this article has brought back many wonderful memories of visiting this great destination. Contact your local travel advisor to experience this great adventure. It is a “bucket list” trip!
