July 2011 is going to be amazing for two reasons. First of all, the month will have five full (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) weekends. This only happens once every 823 years. Secondly, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to, will be celebrating its 100-year re-discovery anniversary.
That’s right; it’s been 100 years since Machu Picchu was discovered by Hiram Bingham on July 24th, 1911. An entire century has passed since Machu Picchu was transformed from a Incan secret into one of the most visited places on Earth.
One of the natives (a llama!) enjoying the view
Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century, at the height of the Inca Empire, which lasted from 1438 until 1533. The Inca Empire, known in Quechua as Tawantinsuyu (“The Four Territories”), stretched from Columbia to Chile but its capital remained in Cusco, the closest city to Machu Picchu.
Cusco and its surroundings hold both mystery and magic. There are so many archeological wonders in the area, including Pisac, Ollantaytambo, the Sacred Valley, Sacsayhuaman and of course, Machu Picchu. I recommend staying there for at least four days, although you can find both weekend getaways and weeklong packages as well.
If you’ve decided to pay a little tribute to Machu Picchu and head to Peru for its 100-year re-discovery anniversary, here are a few things to expect. First of all, it’s the dry season in Peru that time of year. Dry and cold. At night, temperatures hover just above freezing; during the day, in the upper 60s (18 or 19 degrees Celsius). You probably won’t run into any rain, that’s a shame. The lush jungle and tropical Andean mountain range is greener and more alive after rainfall – giving you breathtaking views and allowing for great photo opportunities. The locals love the area after rainfall.
Though definitely showing its age, Machu Picchu's ruins are still breathtaking
This time of year (June, July, and August) is considered the high tourism season in Peru. Although the South American winter, it is the dry season and coincides with the North American and European summer vacation period. So expect crowds, bustling city squares and packed restaurants and bars.
There are over 100 reasons you should visit Peru (and 11 beautiful World Heritage Sites) and this country should definitely be on your bucket list. If you can’t make it down in July, that’s ok – Peru’s historic cities, stunning mountain ranges and mythical archeological sites will wait for you.
- Daniel Hackett
Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Cusco things to do, Cusco attractions, and Cusco recommendations.
Read about the top things to do in Rio de Janeiro, meet guides from Argentina, see photos of Belize and lots more in these South & Central America posts!
June 8, 2011 at 4:57 PM
We are scheduled to arrive in Aguas Caliente on July 6th, and depart on the morning of July 8th. Our hotel has supposedly arranged a tour guide for us to visit Machu Picchu on July 7th at sunrise. We just heard the site may be closed to the public that day for the anniversary celebration! Do you know if this is accurate?
Thanks,
Jane
June 9, 2011 at 9:45 AM
Hello Jane – Thank you for the comment! I went diving around to see what I could find on Machu Picchu for July 7th, and I did find you were right!
What I found on the closure is:
Peru’s Ministry of Culture has announced that Machu Picchu will be closed on July 6-7 to make way for the 100-year anniversary celebration of Hiram Bingham’s scientific discovery of the Inca citadel.
For hikers who are scheduled to arrive to Machu Picchu on those days via the Inca Trail through the Sun gate, there will be limited access until 10 a.m. both days. Travelers who purchased their entrance tickets in advance will be allowed to use the ticket on July 8, 9 or 10.
The itinerary for the celebration, expected to be televised worldwide, is still not clear. A formal announcement about events and performances is expected in the coming days.
I hope this helps! I hope you still get to see Machu Picchu, it’s exciting that you’re going to be in the area for this Historic Celebration! Happy Travels! – Loryanna.
June 13, 2011 at 1:26 PM
Hello Jane!
A little update on the Machu Picchu closure from our product department:
Machu Picchu will not be closed on July 6-7. The Ministry of Culture had initially said that it was going to be closed on those dates but later said it was going to be open.