Set in a valley in the Andes, Machu Picchu is famously known as the Lost City of the Incas. Interestingly, archaeologists aren’t sure why it was built there, what it was built for, or why the Incans abandoned it in the 1500s. The complex, which wasn't rediscovered by the Western world until 1911, was made with large pieces of stone that fit tightly together without the use of mortar.
To reach Machu Picchu, visitors can take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to the small town of Aguas Calientes. From there, they can hop on a bus to the ancient city. It might be easiest to spend the night in Aguas Calientes instead of taking the train and bus in one day. Travelers can also opt for the tackling the Inca Trail, a four-day trek that includes campsites along the way. There's also a shorter two-day trek and another one that lasts up to five hours. No matter which option you choose, prepare for the high elevation (not to mention, endurance needed for such a trip). Make sure to buy tickets ahead of time, as only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit each day.
In other news, the region was recently hit with bouts of the Oropouche fever. Although no deaths have been associated with the illness, symptoms include high fever, headaches, vomiting, and joint pain. And while there have been cases reported on the Zika virus in Peru, mosquitoes that spread the virus don’t typically live in high elevations like Cusco. That being said, Machu Picchu is set in a valley of the mountains -- at a lower elevation level -- so it’s probably best to be cautious and use mosquito repellent
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