1. The remarkably preserved ruins of Machu Picchu are one of the world's archaeological jewels and one of South America's most impressive destinations. Worldwide, it rivals sites such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Parthenon in Greece. 2. Machu Picchu is on every traveler's "must do" list of adventures. Whether you take the train, do the day hike, or trek the whole Inca Trail, the moment you stand in front of this awe-inspiring ruin perched high in the mountains, you will be wildly impressed, speechless, and probably a bit humbled. 3. It's pretty amazing to think that these ruins were rediscovered less than 100 years ago. Up until 1911, the Inca city of Machu Picchu lay hidden from the world in dense jungle covered mountains. And today, it is without a doubt one of (if not the most) important sites for the history of the Americas. 4. The ruins are astounding - huge blocks of stones perfectly fit together without the use of any cement or adhesive. How did they do it? You develop a true appreciation for just how much a civilization can accomplish with what we would think of as meager technology. 5. It's amazing to walk around the enclosures and think that hundreds of people once inhabited them (and built this city). Where did they go? 6. Machu Picchu is a highly spiritual place. When you read about its discovery and the unsolved mystery of its purpose and how it came to become lost to the world you will realize why so many people make the pilgrimage to visit this fascinating and spiritual site. 7. The Inca Trail is THE classic hike of South America. On this trek you'll see Incan sites that can only be reached on foot as you follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incas on the royal highway to Machu Picchu. Where else can you have such a breathtaking goal to your trek? Oh, Everest… 8. Machu Picchu Sanctuary is located in a spectacular natural environment - from high sierra to tropical jungle - and is home to species of fauna and flora unknown elsewhere in the world. More than 90 species of orchids are recorded here and you can find animals such as the endangered "rock hen," otter, and pumas (rarely seen). 9. Seeing the amalgam of Inca, colonial Spanish and modern building styles in Cuzco's architecture, sometimes incorporated in the same structure, is a fascinating visual representation of the history of this beautiful city. 10. A chance to drink pisco sours made by the people who invented this cocktail after your Machu Picchu visit! For more information and reservations, please contact: Mountain Travel Sobek 1266 66th Street, Suite 4 Emeryville, CA 94608 USA Toll Free (USA and Canada): 1-888-831-7526 Phone: +1-510-594-6000 Fax: + 1-510-594-6001 Email: info@mtsobek.com