Machu Picchu has always been iconic, but it literally exploded onto the travel scene in 2007 after being voted a Wonder of the World.
Now it’s become one of the most popular sights to visit in all of South America (and it’s not hard to see why — it’s awesome). Every year, an increasing number of young people flock to the high-altitude citadel to hike the Inca Trail or to simply enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Sight.
Here are seven reasons why you should be one of those young visitors…
1. It’s an adventure that you can easily achieve in only a few days!
For lots of us, we’re juggling many hats — school, work, a side hustle, self-employment — which can leave very little time to travel. Our schedules fit best with shorter trips that can be accomplished in a few days or a week. Thankfully, Machu Picchu is one of those achievable adventures!
You can easily visit the citadel on a 1 or 2 day pass, or if you’re really looking for an adventure, you can hike one of the trails (Inca, Salcantay, Lares, etc.) to the sight in as short as four days. With a few days in Cuzco and Lima at the front or back end of your trip, Machu Picchu is an easy adventure to squeeze into a week-long trip.
Short on time? There are lots of short Peru tours that will let you see Machu Picchu and so much more.
2. You can’t see all the Wonders of the World if you don’t start now!
One of the pesky blessings (and curses) about bucket lists is that you have a finite amount of time to finish all the items on said list. Us young people are ambitious and curious about the world, so our bucket lists tend to be long and full of adventures.
For lots of us, seeing all 8 Wonders of the World is a bucket list item. If you start early in your life, you’ll get a jump start on accomplishing your goal!
I saw my first Wonder of the World (the Colosseum in Rome) when I was 15 and at 28, I’ve only got 2 more to go (Christ the Redeemer and Chitzen Itza). If you set a goal to see all 8 Wonders and you start at 20 or 25 years old, you’ll have plenty of time to see them all!
3. Because you’re obsessed with llamas
Llamas have got to be some of the cutest creatures ever and an increasing number of millennials are enamored with these goofy animals. Or maybe it’s just me? Either way, my holiday wrapping paper last year was adorned with llamas and my house is stocked with all kinds of llama swag.
One of the silly, albeit real, reasons why I was excited to visit South America was to snap some selfies with these cuties! And no place are they more iconic than at Machu Picchu.
Llamas roam freely across the historic citadel and they actually serve as lawnmowers for the site, eating all the overgrown grass. The llamas at Machu Picchu are very used to human interaction, so don’t be scared to take a picture with them while visiting!
If you are looking for a rewarding experience there are lots of worthwhile volunteering programs in Peru where you can help animals like llamas.
4. Your social media feed will be enviable
No doubt one of the coolest places to visit in the world, Machu Picchu will keep your social media feed stocked with envy-inducing photos and videos. My photo overlooking the top of the sight remains one of my most popular Instagrams to date!
Since a majority of people probably have Machu Picchu on their bucket list, such an iconic location is bound to make your friends jealous! Plus, you could be one of the first of your friends to post about it. #trailblazer
5. It might not be around in a few years — don’t miss your chance!
After being named a Wonder of the World, Machu Picchu’s annual visitors began to swell. Thousands of people visit the site every day, and that number is likely to continue to grow with the proposed highway from Cuzco to the historic citadel.
Plus, some people are stealing rocks from the sight as a souvenir which is not cool and is definitely not helping the problem. The trail is closed during February each year for restoration, but the damage will continue to happen as more and more people arrive, causing the citadel’s stone to slowly erode.
So, if you want to take in the current glory of the sight, I would recommend bumping Machu Picchu up on your priority travel list because it may look entirely different in 10 years.
6. The Inca Trail is only going to get harder to hike as you get older
Lots of inexperienced people climb the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu every year, which can give the impression that it’s a hike that anyone can do. But it is by no means easy. Altitudes on the Inca Trail get up to 14,000 feet and you’ll be responsible for carrying your own bag, too.
It’s important to be in decent shape prior to attempting the hike, and the reality is that it’s probably easier for younger people who can recover quicker.
Plenty of other World Wonders require no physical activity level (you just walk right up to the Pyramids and Colosseum) so Machu Picchu is a perfect trip to do while you’re young, and have lots of energy!
7. It’s amazing and you won’t regret it
Whether you’ve met 1 or 50 people who have visited Machu Picchu in the past, the refrain is always the same — “it is amazing, one of the best treks in the world and you have to go”! The splendor and magic of this site can’t be overstated. It really is that powerful.
You feel the historic energy pumping through the citadel from the second you arrive, and when the sunrise hits the mountains just right, a few tears just might start to moisten your eyes.
I spent a total of five months backpacking throughout South America and Machu Picchu remains one of my top highlights from the whole trip. I have no regrets about visiting and, honestly, neither will you.
If you would like to plan a trip to Machu Picchu I recommend booking with travel operator G Adventures.
