Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, on a mountain ridge 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above the Sacred Valley, which is 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of Cusco. The Urubamba River flows past it, cutting through the Cordillera and creating a canyon with a tropical mountain climate. In reference to the site's name, for most English or Spanish speakers, the first 'c' in Picchu is silent.
Machu Picchu is both a cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since its rediscovery in 1911, growing numbers of tourists have visited the site each year, with numbers exceeding 1.4 million in 2017. As Peru's most visited tourist attraction, and a major revenue generator, it is continually exposed to economic and commercial forces. In the late 1990s, the Peruvian government granted concessions to allow the construction of a cable car and a luxury hotel, including a tourist complex with boutiques and restaurants and a bridge to the site.
History of Machu Picchu
The exact origin of Machu Picchu is still a mystery, but it is believed to have been built by the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the mid-15th century. The city was abandoned just over a century later, in 1572, during the Spanish conquest of Peru.
Machu Picchu remained hidden from the outside world for over 400 years. It was not until 1911 that it was rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham. Bingham was led to the city by a local farmer, who showed him a trail that led to the ruins.
Bingham was amazed by what he saw at Machu Picchu. He found a well-preserved city with temples, palaces, and terraces. He also found a large number of artifacts, including gold, silver, and pottery.
Bingham's discovery of Machu Picchu was one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The city has since become a symbol of Peru and its rich cultural heritage.
Architecture of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of Inca architecture. The city was built using dry-stone masonry, which means that the stones were fitted together without mortar. The Incas were skilled masons, and their work at Machu Picchu is truly impressive.
The city is built on a mountain ridge, and it is divided into two main sections: the agricultural sector and the urban sector. The agricultural sector is located on the lower slopes of the mountain, and it contains terraces and irrigation systems. The urban sector is located on the higher slopes of the mountain, and it contains temples, palaces, and other important buildings.
Some of the most notable buildings at Machu Picchu include:
- The Temple of the Sun: This temple is one of the most important religious buildings in Machu Picchu. It is dedicated to Inti, the Inca sun god.
- The Intihuatana: This stone structure is believed to have been used by the Incas for astronomical observations.
- The Temple of the Condor: This temple is dedicated to the condor, which is a sacred bird in Inca mythology.
- The Royal Palace: This palace was the residence of the Inca emperor.
- The House of the Chosen Women: This building was used for religious ceremonies and rituals.
Things to do at Machu Picchu
There are many things to do at Machu Picchu. Visitors can explore the city's ruins, hike to the top of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning views.
Here are a few suggestions for things to do at Machu Picchu:
1. Explore the ruins: The best way to experience Machu Picchu is to explore its ruins. Visitors can walk around the city at their own pace and admire the temples, palaces, and terraces.
2. Hike to the top of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are two peaks that offer stunning views of the city. The hike to the top of Huayna Picchu is more challenging, but the views are worth it.
3. Visit the Machu Picchu Museum: The Machu Picchu Museum houses a collection of artifacts that were found at the city. Visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the Incas at the museum.
4. Take a guided tour: Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the history and architecture of Machu Picchu. Guided tours are available from a variety of tour operators.
Attend a sunrise or sunset ceremony: Watching the sunrise or sunset over Machu Picchu is an unforgettable experience. There are a number of tour operators that offer sunrise and sunset ceremonies at the city.
Machu Picchu. Guided tours are available
Guided tours are available at Machu Picchu from a variety of tour operators. Guided tours can be booked online or in advance at Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
Guided tours typically last for 2-3 hours and cover the main attractions of Machu Picchu, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Condor, and the Royal Palace. Guided tours also provide visitors with information about the history and culture of the Incas.
If you are interested in learning more about Machu Picchu, I highly recommend taking a guided tour. Guided tours are a great way to learn about the city's ruins, architecture, and history from a knowledgeable guide.
Here are some of the benefits of taking a guided tour of Machu Picchu:
- Learn more about the history and culture of the Incas: Guided tours provide visitors with information about the history and culture of the Incas. This information can help visitors to better understand the significance of Machu Picchu and its role in Inca society.
- See all of the main attractions: Guided tours cover the main attractions of Machu Picchu, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Condor, and the Royal Palace. This ensures that visitors don't miss out on any of the most important parts of the city.
- Save time: Guided tours can help visitors to save time by taking them directly to the main attractions of Machu Picchu. This is especially beneficial for visitors who have limited time to spend at the city.
- Avoid the crowds: Guided tours can help visitors to avoid the crowds by taking them to the main attractions of Machu Picchu early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This allows visitors to enjoy the city without having to deal with large crowds of people.
If you are considering taking a guided tour of Machu Picchu, I recommend booking your tour in advance. This is especially important if you are visiting during peak season. You can book a guided tour online or through a tour operator in Cusco or Aguas Calientes.
Tips for visiting Machu Picchu
Here are a few tips for visiting Machu Picchu:
- Book your tickets in advance: Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to book your tickets in advance. Tickets can be booked online or through a tour operator.
- Arrive early: Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 AM, and it is best to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Be prepared for a hike: Machu Picchu is located on a mountain ridge, so visitors need to be prepared for a hike. The hike is not difficult, but it can be strenuous in the heat.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing: It is important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing when visiting Machu Picchu. You will be doing a lot of walking, and the weather can be unpredictable.
- Bring water and snacks: There are limited food and drink options available at Machu Picchu, so it is a good idea to bring your own water and snacks.
- Respect the ruins: Machu Picchu is a historical landmark, so please be respectful of the ruins. Don't climb on the walls or graffiti them.
Additional tips
Purchase a tourist pass: A tourist pass is required to visit Machu Picchu. The tourist pass also gives you access to other popular tourist destinations in Peru, such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Acclimatize to the altitude: Machu Picchu is located at a high altitude, so it is important to give yourself time to acclimatize before visiting. It is a good idea to spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley before visiting Machu Picchu.
Be aware of your surroundings: Machu Picchu is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid pickpockets and other scams.
Take your time: Machu Picchu is an amazing place, so take your time to explore and enjoy the experience.
Sustainable tourism at Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is a fragile ecosystem, and it is important to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the site. Here are a few tips for sustainable tourism at Machu Picchu:
- Use public transportation: There are a number of public transportation options available for getting to and from Machu Picchu. Using public transportation helps to reduce traffic and pollution at the site.
- Dispose of your trash properly: There are trash cans located throughout Machu Picchu. Please dispose of your trash properly to help keep the site clean.
- Respect the local culture: Machu Picchu is a sacred site for the Inca people. Please be respectful of the local culture and customs when visiting the site.
- Support local businesses: There are a number of local businesses in Aguas Calientes, the town closest to Machu Picchu. Supporting local businesses helps to boost the local economy and create jobs.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that Machu Picchu is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Conclusion
Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places in the world. It is a must-see for anyone interested in history, culture, and nature. If you have the opportunity to visit Machu Picchu, I highly recommend it. It is an experience that you will never forget.
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