What is Machu Picchu?
It is an ancient Incan and pre-Incan city in Peru.
Why was it built?
It was built for the Inca and his family to worship the natural
resources, deities and specially the Sun, Inti.
Where is Machu Picchu?
It is located in the Eastern Cordillera of the southern Peru on a 2,430
m (7,970 ft) mountain ridge.
Interesting Facts
Meaning of the name
In the Quechua language, machu means “old” or “old person”, whereas
pikchu means either “portion of coca being crunched” or “pyramid; pointed,
multi-sided solid; cone”. Thus it sometimes called as “Old Mountain”.
By Christian Morales Callo - Source: Wikimedia Commons
It is considered to be Royal Estate
A study in 2021, led by Burger used radiocarbon dating and revealed that
it may have been occupied from 1420-1530 AD.
The construction dates from two great Inca rulers Pachacutec Inca
Yupanqui (1438-1471) and Túpac Inca Yupanqui (1472-1493).
Archeologists agree that Pachacutec most likely ordered the construction
of the royal estate as a place of refuge after a successful military campaign.
Why abandoned
Although the Spanish conquistadors put an end to the Inca Empire,
evidence suggests that the site of Machu Picchu was abandoned before that time.
Scholars have proposed the idea of a smallpox epidemic, but without hard
evidence, the real reason remains a mystery.
By Pierre André Leclercq - Source: Wikimedia Commons
Stone cuttings
Every stone was cut so precisely that no mortar was needed to keep the
wall standing. No animal power, iron tools or wheels have been used during the
procedure of excavating the stones and transporting each piece to the top of
the sacred valley. The basis was constructed in a way that it can face an
earthquake.
It is located in cloud forest
Because of its location on the edge of the Andes and the Amazon
rainforest, Machu Picchu has a unique climate. In contrast to Cusco's
relatively dry climate and bare mountains, Machu Picchu is lush and green and
often surrounded by low clouds and fog. You can even see a great variety of
subtropical bird species and colorful flowers.
By Scott Umstattd scott_umstattd - Source: Wikimedia Commons
It is at lower altitude than Cusco
Many vacationers fear approximately the results of altitude illness
while traveling to Machu Picchu. However the region is absolutely at a lower
altitude than Cusco. Machu Picchu sits at 7,970 feet (2,430 m) while Cusco is
situated at 11,200 feet (3,400 m). The threshold for altitude illness signs is
about 8,000 feet (2,500 m). Unfortunately, you can’t just go directly to Machu
Picchu considering the fact that all transportation and hiking excursions begin
in Cusco..
Llamas are not native to the area
Although the Incas brought llamas and alpacas with them to Machu Picchu
and travelers these days have amusing taking selfies with llamas. Neither
species is local to the area. Llamas and alpacas prefer altitude of 13,000 feet
(4,000 m) and above. The llamas you notice at Machu Picchu these days - or even
the grass they eat – have been brought here especially for tourism.
By bobistraveling - Source: Wikimedia Commons
You can get your passport stamped at Machu Picchu
You still need to bring your passport for identification. So why not get
your passport stamped while you're at it? Passports not only allow you to enter
foreign countries, they are also a great way to scrapbook all the amazing
places you have visited!
By Sasha India - Source: Wikimedia Commons
Helicopters are not allowed
For a brief time within side the 1990s, the Peruvian authorities allowed
helicopter flyovers. However, they got banned for harming the local flora and
fauna. The whole region is now a no-fly zone.
It is a World Heritage Site and Wonder of the World
Machu Picchu was listed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
In 2007, it was voted as the new Seven Wonders of the World.
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| By Pedro Szekely - Source: Flickr |
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