Looking for active holidays? Machu Picchu in Peru can give you a mix of history with adventure

MACHU PICCHU - EXPLORING THE RUINS & AWAITING THE EQUINOX

REGION: Peru, South America

Mysteries of the Inca have always excited us Indians. Isn’t it? Comic character Tintin was perhaps the earliest ray of information we had tucked well in our childhood about his trip to the land of the Inca. ET-Travel now suggests that you set foot on your own Inca Trail. Join groups that have a not-the-usual itinerary, and choose to explore the snow-capped peaks of Peru’s stunning Cordillera Vilcabamba.

Wear sturdy shoes to trek among glaciers and snoop into lesser-known Inca sites. Get your camera in place as you get overwhelmed with the 20,000-footers such as Salkantay, the highest summit in the range, regarded as one of the most sacred peaks in Inca mythology.

Have you heard of the ‘Sun Gate’? Yes, it exists. Take in the sights of the sunrise and sunset (perch yourself on a high rock) and soak in the vibrant Inca empire that once flourished in the 15th century. You can plan to move ahead to Cusco after the Inca trail is over and indulge in some amazing shopping with Inca-inspired mementoes for your folks.