Much of the beauty and charm that envelopes Machu Picchu -Peru's most important tourist attraction- comes from the spectacular mountain forest backdrop. The sanctuary was established in 1981 on 32,592 hectares to preserve the unique flora and fauna, the scenic beauty of the surrounding forests, and the area's archaeological remains.
Machu Picchu is home to some spectacular wild life, like the Andean cock of the rocks, Peru's national bird, and the spectacled bear or ucumari, South America's only native bear. Rare dwarf deer or sachacabra, the tanca taruca or Huemal deer and more than 300 types of birds also live in the area.

An especially diverse and interesting flora can be found in the park and more than 200 registered species of orchids, many of which are in imminent danger of extinction due to annual forest burning for farming and illegal trade.

Venerated by the local population as their Apu or guardian mountain god, the imposing Salkantay, the region's tallest glacier, towers over the area.

Climate:
Rainy during summer months (December to March) and sunny from May to September, with an occasional rain shower. Maximum temperatures normally reach 27 ºC while the minimum rarely falls below 11 ºC.

Access and Services:
A morning train departing Cuzco runs to Machu Picchu on a beautiful trip of approximately four hours (through the Sacred Valley of the Incas). Also available are half-hour helicopter flights from Cuzco.

Length of Stay:
Travelers should bear in mind that almost one full day is required to enter and exit this world-class natural and historical area.