Machu Picchu is, arguably, the most important architectural construction of the Inca Empire, surrounded by a vast tropical forest and built during the reign of the Inca Pachacutec.
The name Machu Picchu comes from Quechua, meaning "Old Mountain" ("Machu" meaning "Old" and "Picchu" meaning "Mountain").
Today, the archaeological zone of Machu Picchu is the main tourist attraction of Peru, making it a must-visit for anyone who comes to the country.
The archaeological zone of Machu Picchu is located in the Eastern Cordillera of Southern Peru, at an altitude of 2,430 meters, on the left bank of the Vilcanota River over the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
The district of Machu Picchu, in the province of Urubamba, is located 112.5 km northeast of the city of Cusco.
Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century during the reign of Inca Pachacutec (the main expander of the Inca Empire), likely serving as his residence and religious center. This important site was abandoned with the arrival of Spanish colonization.
It was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham, a historian and professor at Yale University, in 1911. On an expedition in the city of Cusco, accompanied by the peasant Melchor Arteaga, he arrived at the archaeological site and was amazed by the construction of roads, agricultural terraces, warehouses, among others, all covered by dense vegetation typical of the area, evidencing the passage of time.
The Inca citadel was presented to the world in 1913, becoming a major tourist attraction. Over the years, the popularity of Machu Picchu has grown, leading to its declaration by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site on December 9, 1983. On July 7, 2007, it became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is not only of great cultural importance but also boasts a rich biodiversity, being located between the edge of the jungle and the Andes Mountains.
Within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, there is a wide variety of flora, with over 400 different species of plants known, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and angel's trumpets, among others. It also has native trees such as q’euña, pisonay, cedar, among others.
The fauna inhabiting Machu Picchu is also very diverse, with mammals such as the Spectacled Bear, the Dwarf Deer, and the Andean Fox, among others. Machu Picchu is a place that is home to a
In the Sanctuary, one can also find a diversity of birds, among which the Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianis), the national bird of Peru since 1941, stands out. Machu Picchu has immense biodiversity, making it one of the best places for birdwatching. Among the birds that inhabit this site are the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), the Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas), the Cinnamon Flycatcher (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea), and more.
Ollantaytambo is the closest city to Machu Picchu, located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Ollantaytambo is a mandatory stop for anyone wishing to visit the Archaeological Site of Machu Picchu.
In addition to Ollantaytambo, there is the town of Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo, which is just 25 minutes by bus from the Inca citadel. It is located at the base of Machu Picchu, on the banks of the Urubamba River, with a population not exceeding 5,000 inhabitants.
The climate at the Citadel Machu Picchu, as in Aguas Calientes, is warm as they are located in the eyebrow jungle of Peruvian territory. It has a tropical climate, making it warm and humid during the day and with a cool atmosphere at night.
Machu Picchu was built between two geological faults, hence it is prone to various seismic movements; however, the architecture with which it was designed does not even allow a slight movement between the stones.
Thus, we could say that Machu Picchu is earthquake-resistant; its more than 500 years standing is proof of the site's resilience.
Machu Picchu is, undoubtedly, a great work of hydraulic engineering; the Incas had to devise ways to transport, store, distribute, and evacuate water from the citadel.
A 749 m long canal with a 3% incline was constructed; it had 16 fountains for distributing water in each area of the site, and the incline allowed the water to flow continuously throughout the year.
The Temple of the Sun is the most important sector within the archaeological zone, as it pays tribute to the most relevant deity of the Inca culture. It was built in a circular form, with windows and niches, all decorated with gold and silver.
This significant space also served as an astronomical observatory to determine the change of season and the arrival of each solstice, thanks to the strategic position of the windows.
The Temple of the Three Windows is, probably, one of the best crafted places in the entire citadel. This construction consists of a 10-meter-long by 8-meter-wide wall with three trapezoidal windows that offer a panoramic view of the Huayna Picchu and Putucusi mountains. It was an important space where religious ceremonies and worship were conducted.
The Intihuatana, which in Quechua means “where the Sun is tied”, served as a tool for astronomical observation and as a calendar. It also had ceremonial functions in certain religious activities within the city.
Hiring a travel agency to explore the majestic citadel Machu Picchu is a wise decision for several reasons. Firstly, agencies possess extensive knowledge of the site and the logistical aspects necessary to organize a seamless trip.
From booking train tickets to coordinating local guides, they handle all the details so that travelers can fully enjoy their experience.
Additionally, travel agencies often offer packages that include transportation, accommodation, and additional activities, which significantly simplifies trip planning and often results in financial savings.
Another key benefit is access to insider information and exclusive experiences. Agencies typically provide access to expert guides who offer detailed insights into the history and culture of Machu Picchu, thus enriching the visit.
Choosing a travel agency to enhance your visit to Machu Picchu is the best option, and what better choice than CuscoPeru.com.
Plan your Machu Picchu day trip from Cusco with us today!
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