Many people dream about taking a Machu Picchu vacation. This mysterious ancient city has captured the imagination of many travelers. Travelers from the United States and other countries all over the world visit this city each year. Located high in the mountains of Peru, this city was build about 1400. Mainstream archaeologists believe that it was abandoned about 100 years later, possibly due to the residents contracting smallpox from the invading Spanish. Because the Spanish never found this site, it did not suffer the destruction many other places did in terms of defacing much of the artwork and design. There are about 140 structures here. Part of the mystery that intrigues visitors is the fact that much of the building of the structures and walls uses huge stones without using any mortar or cement of any kind. Machu Picchu travel arrangements are some of the most desirable destinations in all of South America. People have many options for site seeing here. There are tours that focus mainly on this city but also ones that have other interesting destinations included. Many travelers who have an interest in ancient cultures will also opt for tours that also allow them to see the famous Nazca lines. This area is a vast desert that has many huge images of animals that are only visible from the air. Because there is no mountain or other elevated area from which they can be seen, their purpose is a mystery. Many people who opt to combine these two areas in one trip will also visit the wine producing area of the region. Other options include a visit to the city of Cusco. This city was the capitol of the Incan empire and was discovered by the Spanish in the 1500s. Thought to originally be build in the shape of a puma, a large cat that was sacred to the Incas, the city reflects both indigenous culture as well as influences from the Spanish settlers. Many of the Machu Picchu vacation packages include this city. Most of the tours will include the lodging and travel within the area. Guides who speak English are available to take people to the various points of interest. Many of the tours include domestic airfare within Peru. Meals will generally be included although there may be some days or times when tourists will have the option of dining at the restaurant of their choice. Some of the tours will use the Vistadome train system to get people to the sites. The tours do not usually include international airfare and this is something that has to be arranged separately. Those who have dreamed of a Machu Picchu vacation may be pleasantly surprised about the cost of these kinds of trips.