Machu Picchu proves popular over Easter weekend

Many people took advantage of the extended Easter weekend by taking an adventure holiday in a far-flung part of the world.

Machu Picchu is a popular place all year round, but it seems that visitor numbers increased sharply on Good Friday.

According to Andina, the Peruvian destination was one of the busiest attractions in the country over the Easter period, with hundreds of people marvelling in the sheer beauty of the area.

The Inca citadel was recently nominated for two gongs at the prestigious World Travel Awards and tourism chiefs in the South American country believe millions of holidaymakers will explore this ancient part of Cusco in 2012.

Indeed, leaders at the Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism have confirmed that 2.34 million people visited the region in 2011, with many heading to Machu Picchu in July in order to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its rediscovery.

Lots of visitors choose to trek to the citadel along the Inca Trail, which can be a life changing experience.