Unveiling the Marvels of Machu Picchu: A Journey to the Lost City of the Incas

Nestled in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is a marvel of ancient architecture and a true testament to Inca civilization’s advanced engineering skills. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been hailed as one of the most breathtaking archeological sites in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually. In this blog post, we will explore the history, geography, and cultural significance of Machu Picchu in detail.



The History of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was constructed by the Inca Empire around 1450 AD as a royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti. It served as an important religious and political center for the Incas until their decline in the early 16th century. After the Spanish conquest, it remained abandoned and unknown to outsiders for centuries.

It wasn’t until July 1911 that American historian Hiram Bingham stumbled upon the ruins while searching for Vilcabamba, a legendary lost city. Bingham and his team had no idea that they had discovered one of South America’s greatest treasures - Machu Picchu.

Geographic Location and Climate

Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge above Urubamba Valley in Peru at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level. The site lies between two high peaks - Huayna Picchu (meaning “young peak” in Quechua) and Machu Picchu (“old peak” in Quechua).

Being located near the Equator, Machu Picchu experiences two distinct seasons; dry season from May to October and rainy season from November to April. The best time to visit is during dry season when temperatures are warmer, skies clearer and there are fewer chances of rainfall.

Significance to Inca Civilization

Machu Picchu serves as a testament to the sophisticated Inca civilization. It is believed that the site was constructed as a royal estate for Emperor Pachacuti and served as a cultural, religious, and political center for the Inca people.

The site’s construction shows advanced engineering skills like; terracing, water channels and intricate stone masonry. The skillful use of these techniques ensured that Machu Picchu remained largely unaffected by earthquakes, landslides and other natural disasters.

Exploration of Machu Picchu

There are several ways to explore Machu Picchu, but the most popular one is through the Inca trail. The classic Inca trail involves a four-day trek that starts at Cusco, passes through beautiful mountains and valleys before finally reaching Machu Picchu on the fourth day.

Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes - a small town located at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, visitors can either walk up to Machu Picchu or take a shuttle bus.

Upon arriving at Machu Picchu, visitors can hire tour guides who will take them through various points of interest in and around the ruins.

Points of Interest at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu has several points of interest worth exploring during your visit:

Temple of Sun

This impressive temple is dedicated to Inti (the Sun God) and showcases some of the best stone masonry in all of Peru.

Temple of Three Windows

This structure features three large windows that offer stunning views over Urubamba Valley below.

Intihuatana Stone

Also known as “the hitching post of the sun” this carved rock formation acted as an astronomical calendar for Inca priests to track solstices and equinoxes.

Huayna Picchu

Huayna Picchu is a towering peak situated above Machu Picchu that’s popular with hikers. The climb is challenging, but the view from the top is unparalleled.

Conclusion

Machu Picchu is a true marvel of ancient engineering and a symbol of Inca civilization’s sophistication. Its location high in the Andes Mountains provides stunning views and an opportunity to experience one of the world’s greatest archeological wonders up close. Whether you decide to explore Machu Picchu through the classic Inca trail or opt for a more leisurely train ride, this UNESCO World Heritage site is not to be missed! 

Location: United States

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