{"id":61652,"date":"2023-06-16T11:15:51","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T01:15:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=61652"},"modified":"2025-03-17T21:56:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T10:56:13","slug":"machu-picchu-or-chichen-itza","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/machu-picchu-or-chichen-itza\/","title":{"rendered":"Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza? Which historical site should you visit?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t eeny meeny miny mo it; these archeological treasures deserve better\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no denying that <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/peru\/machu-picchu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Machu Picchu<\/a> and Chichen Itza have achieved icon status; both are remnants of an ancient civilization, are just as grand as they are impressive, and offer an experience that\u2019s likely to stay with you long after you return home. But which one is worth visiting first?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s definitely a tough question but, so you can spend less time googling and more time oogling, it\u2019s one I\u2019ll try to answer with this comparison blog. Looking at the history of the ruins themselves, the crowds you\u2019ll likely see at each destination and the countries they\u2019re situated in (<a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/peru\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peru<\/a> and <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/mexico\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mexico<\/a>, respectively), by the time you\u2019ve read the last word, you should have a better understanding of which historical site your upcoming holiday should be planned around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If not, you can always flip a coin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>History<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Machu-Picchu_997A1887.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Machu-Picchu_997A1887.jpg\" alt=\"The intricate ruins of Machu Picchu sitting between mountain ranges in Peru.\" class=\"wp-image-61659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Machu-Picchu_997A1887.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Machu-Picchu_997A1887-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Machu-Picchu_997A1887-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru_Machu-Picchu_997A1887-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Believed to have been founded in the mid-15th century CE (and subsequently abandoned in 1572), Machu Picchu was an imperial estate belonging to Incan ruler Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. Granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1983, this archeological site is divided into two areas known as the urban zone and the agricultural zone, where you can see residences where people once lived (around 1,100 people at its peak) and cultivation terraces built for growing produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"ipf-title\">Check out Intrepid&#039;s Machu Picchu treks<\/h2><div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-has-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"GGTA\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGTA.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/ggta\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Inca Trail Express<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">7 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/ggta\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"GGTBC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGTBC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/ggtbc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Inca Trail Express from Lima<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">8 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/ggtbc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"GGSEC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/GGSEC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/ggsec\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Inca Trail & Amazon Adventure<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">12 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/ggsec\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The exact reason why the Incan fortress was deserted is unknown with some historians believing it was due to a smallpox epidemic, while others think Spain\u2019s conquest of the pre-Columbian civilization was the more likely cause. The site was \u2018rediscovered\u2019 in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham; however, locals in the Cusco region were aware of its presence before then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/peru\/inca-trail-express-160280\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EXPLORE MACHU PICCHU ON OUR INCA TRAIL EXPRESS TOUR <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_el-castillo-temple.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_el-castillo-temple.jpg\" alt=\"The imposing structure of Chichen Itza under a cloudy sky in Mexico. \" class=\"wp-image-61661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_el-castillo-temple.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_el-castillo-temple-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_el-castillo-temple-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_el-castillo-temple-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Famous for symbolizing the lost Mayan civilization, Chichen Itza was founded around the 6th century CE (the exact year is unknown) by the Itza peoples, also known as the \u2018water sorcerers\u2019. It was invaded by foreigners some 500 years after it was built, and new structures were orchestrated to accommodate their way of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These foreigners, who were believed to have been Mayan-speaking people from Central Mexico, abandoned the site in the 1200s but it has remained a sacred place for the Mayans in the centuries since with offerings and sacrifices continuing to be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/mexico\/mexico-unplugged-160378\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EXPLORE CHICHEN ITZA ON OUR MEXICO UNPLUGGED ADVENTURE <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Crowds<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Inca-Trail-Hike-Day04-Machu-Picchu-070.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Inca-Trail-Hike-Day04-Machu-Picchu-070.jpg\" alt=\"Intrepid leader talking to his group in Machu Picchu. \" class=\"wp-image-61665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Inca-Trail-Hike-Day04-Machu-Picchu-070.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Inca-Trail-Hike-Day04-Machu-Picchu-070-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Inca-Trail-Hike-Day04-Machu-Picchu-070-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Inca-Trail-Hike-Day04-Machu-Picchu-070-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Machu Picchu is \u2018open\u2019 all year round so you\u2019ll never miss out on witnessing this ancient wonder for yourself, regardless of the time of year you\u2019re travelling in. But there is a peak season and it\u2019s the drier months of June, July and August that see crowd levels soar and accommodation prices increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The number of annual visits to the site varies each year but, on average, one million people either make the trek or take the train to see the ruins for themselves. Most of these travellers do so during the dry season so you can imagine how packed the ruins can get. If you want to avoid as many people as possible, we recommend going in April \u2013 May or September \u2013 October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/peru\/sacred-land-incas-160085\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VISIT THE MIGHTY PERUVIAN RUINS ON OUR SACRED LAND OF THE INCAS ADVENTURE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_group-mayan-pyramid.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_group-mayan-pyramid.jpg\" alt=\"A group of travellers standing together with Chichen Itza in the background\" class=\"wp-image-61667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_group-mayan-pyramid.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_group-mayan-pyramid-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_group-mayan-pyramid-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Peregrine-Adventures-mexico_chichen-itza_group-mayan-pyramid-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This might surprise you but over two million history lovers and new wonder-of-the-world seekers visit Chichen Itza each year, making it one of the most popular attractions in all of Mexico. This means the archeological site gets more foot traffic than Machu Picchu (shocked face emoji).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The dry season is also the best time to visit this iconic ruin; however, Mexico\u2019s dry season runs from November to April and promises nice weather without extreme temperatures and high humidity levels. So, you can expect plenty of visitors during this time, especially if you want to witness the Chichen Itza \u2018Snake Shadow\u2019 where the famous feathered serpent descends the steps of the temple thanks to the sun\u2019s lighting effects on March 21st.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to share your historical awakening with a lot of other people doing the same thing, visit in May when the temperatures aren\u2019t too hot and there\u2019s a slightly better chance of zero rainfall than in the wetter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/mexico\/yucatan-peninsula-adventure-160434\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VISIT THIS MEXICAN HISTORICAL SITE ON OUR YUCATAN PENINSULA ADVENTURE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Country<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Cusco-082-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Cusco-082-1.jpg\" alt=\"A couple fo travellers walking through the colourful streets of Cusco in Peru. \" class=\"wp-image-61672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Cusco-082-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Cusco-082-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Cusco-082-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Peru-Cusco-082-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the historical heart of this mythical country, there\u2019s so much more to marvel at in Peru. Most travellers come to stare in awe of the archeological ruins and learn about the ancient Incan civilization that once lived at Machu Picchu, but they often stay for the vibrant cities hidden by soaring mountain ranges, the rainforests teeming with wildlife and the friendly nature of the local Peruvian people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Feed your senses in Lima where plates of fresh ceviche are served alongside citrusy pisco sours and the nightlife will keep you entertained for hours. Adventure through the luscious and untouched Amazon and keep your eyes peeled for animals you\u2019ve only ever seen in books. Explore the treasures of Cusco by wandering its cobblestoned streets lined with Spanish cathedrals and Inca temples. You really can\u2019t go wrong in Peru.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/peru\/peru-encompassed-160083\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ADVENTURE THROUGH PERU ON OUR PERU ENCOMPASSED SMALL GROUP TOUR<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Mexico_ooxaca_city0500.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Mexico_ooxaca_city0500.jpg\" alt=\"A small group of travellers looking at a Spanish cathedral in Oaxaca. \" class=\"wp-image-61675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Mexico_ooxaca_city0500.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Mexico_ooxaca_city0500-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Mexico_ooxaca_city0500-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-Mexico_ooxaca_city0500-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When travellers think of Mexico, they think of ancient Mayan ruins, naturally enchanting cenotes, and laying out on pristine beaches eating chips and guac with a salty margarita nearby. And they\u2019re not wrong \u2013 Mexico promises all of those things. But this tequila-soaked country is so much more than Chichen Itza, and its culture runs right through the charming streets of its most popular cities; Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla and Merida to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll never get bored in Mexico. You simply can\u2019t. Not in one of Mexico City\u2019s hip-shaking salsa clubs. Not touring some of the country\u2019s other Mayan ruins in Teotihuacan and Coba. Not running your hands through the golden sand of Play Del Carmen\u2019s best beaches. And not while you\u2019re biting into a crunchy, cheese and beef-filled empanada in Oaxaca. It just won\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><a href=\"\/mexico\/real-mexico-160334\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JOURNEY AROUND MEXICO ON OUR REAL MEXICO TOUR<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Of the three categories, only the \u2018crowd\u2019 one has a clear winner, and that\u2019s Machu Picchu. But the other two could go either way depending on what you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both archeological sites are drenched in a history so captivating you could spend hours listening to your tour guides and still be interested. And I can\u2019t even begin to compare the countries they both live in; pisco sours vs margaritas, Lima vs Mexico City, rainforests vs beaches. My brain hurts just thinking about making a decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So I won\u2019t. Both of these man-made wonders deserve your appreciation and because they\u2019re both located in the America\u2019s, why not tick them off your bucket list on the same trip? And if that doesn\u2019t work for you then go ahead, flip that coin. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So little time and so many ancient ruins to discover&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16234,"featured_media":61657,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[455,1313],"tags":[275,468,108,37,38],"class_list":["post-61652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","category-guides","tag-central-america","tag-machu-picchu","tag-mexico","tag-peru","tag-south-america"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza? | Intrepid Travel Blog - The Journal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The decision is a hard one, Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza? Both are iconic sites in their own right, but which one should you visit first?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/machu-picchu-or-chichen-itza\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The decision is a hard one, Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza? Both are iconic sites in their own right, but which one should you visit first?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/machu-picchu-or-chichen-itza\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Good Times by Intrepid\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/intrepidtravel\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-06-16T01:15:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-17T10:56:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Intrepid-Travel-mexico_Chichen-itza_mayan-ruin_cactus.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"450\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kate Gazzard\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"The decision is a hard one, Machu Picchu or Chichen Itza? 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