Machu Picchu Base Machu Picchu Base The Machu Picchu Scientific Base is a Peruvian polar scientific research facility in Antarctica, established to conduct Antarctic research on geology, climatology and biology. More specifically, its purpose is to study the continent's geological past, potential sea resources, wind strengths, air pollution, and the animal adaptation in a freezing environment. The base is named after the World Heritage site Machu Picchu. Being located at 62°S, Machu Picchu Base is one of the northernmost settlements in Antarctica. It, along with Artigas Base, Carlini Base and Villa Las Estrellas, forms the only human settlements on King George Island, on
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu this rule, permits can only be obtained through a government registered tour operator. All permits are paired with an individual passport, and are not transferable. The government monitors the trail closely; there are several control points along the trail. The Inca Trail elevation varies quite significantly and people often struggle with altitude sickness, especially if they have not spent much time in Cusco prior to trekking the trail. Cusco stands at 3,200 metres and is already significantly higher than Machu Picchu itself, however, many sections of the Inca Trail are much higher. Starting at 2,600 metres, the trail ascends to