The 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on above the 2,430-metre mountain ridge. Most popularly called as “Lost City of the Incas” and considered as the most familiar iconic landmark of the Inca World. The site was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. It is composed of over 150 buildings ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries.
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History of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu has a very long historical background. As we know, such a great ancient site was built by the Inca peoples around 1450 AD. After that we do not have any accurate data to show its historical backgrounds until 15th century. So, researchers and scholars are believed that almost during the 15th century onwards they presented exact historical information.
As per data, till 1450 AD the site was abandoned as an official site for the Inca rulers a century later when the Spanish Conquered Peru.
15th Century: “Lost city of the Incas” built high up on the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on above the 2,430-metre mountain ridge. During the 15th century already 1,000 peoples were housed there.
16th Century: In this period most of the Inca sites were destroyed by the Spanish Conquests and some of the Inca rulers were abandoned.
1911: This year is considered as the most blessed and prosperous year when it comes to Machu Picchu’s popularity. Yale Professor Hiram Bingham III rediscovered Inca city and its ruins. During his archaeological survey he found removed ceramic vessels, silver statues, jewelry, and human bones taken back to his university for more research.
1913: Entire site is dedicated to the National Geographic Society.
1954: ‘Secret of Inca’ famous film made by the Hollywood studio on location in order to provide employment to around 500 indigenous tribal peoples. Motorcycle Diaries and Sundial were also made here.
1980: Recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and declared as Peruvian historical sanctuary.
2003: Machu Picchu received 4, 00,000 visitors a year.
2007: Listed in the New 7 Wonders of the World.
2008: Listed one of the 100 most endangered sites due to environmental degradation reports given by the World monument fund. Therefore, the Govt of Peru and UNESCO World Heritage site limit the daily visitor’s up to 2,500 per day.
2010: Mudslides trapped thousands of tourists and locals due to heavy rainfall and washed away railway and roads.
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Facts of Machu Picchu
Some of the facts about Machu Picchu that are hidden gems. Those are;
- Located more than 7,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountain.
- Machu Picchu in the Quechua Indian language means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountains”.
- The compound contains more than 100 separate flights of stairs. More number of individual staircases carved from a single slab of stones.
- Machu Picchu was considered as an Astronomical observatory and interestingly twice a year sun directly over stones creating with no shadow.
- Most sacred sites of the Inca peoples were destroyed by the Spanish Conquests.
- Due to its ashlar techniques and trapezoidal shaped doors and windows and bracing blocs makes it one of the perfect sites for earthquake resistance.
- Some beliefs and scholars argue that Machu Picchu was built by the Aliens.
- There are numerous theories explaining its existence. Out of that a royal estate and secret ceremonial centers are famous.
- Interestingly during the constructions of Machu Picchu Inca peoples never used any mortar in its constructions.
- In 1911 one of the famous Yale university professors named Hiram Bingham rediscovered this site and published a book called “The Lost City of Incas”.
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Best Time to Visit to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu could be a perfect tourist destination, and can be visited all year round. So, it is not a big matter whether you are visiting in summer or winter.
Most of the tourists visit during the dry season which is April to October. Even some of the tourists visit during June, July and August when the weather is so cool.
If you are a busy person and wish to visit Machu Picchu without any distractions you can visit even in April and May. When rainy months have just passed and winters are waiting to enrich the beauty of it.
Ticket Prices in Machu Picchu
Ticket price is based on the five different circuits which are set up by the ticketing systems. If you are visiting independently or organized tours better to hire one guide available outside the gates.
If you purchased a ticket well in advance you need to pay around $42 for adults and $20 for students or minors. While you book online you can see how many tickets are left and in order to choose which circuit is needed for you.
Tickets like Huyana Picchu (Circuit 4 + Wayna Picchu Mountain). Under this section you can see Incas ruins with the section of strenuous trail that is very narrow and steep. Starting climb between 7 am to 10 am.
(Circuit 3+ Machu Picchu mountain), whose trails are almost entirely stairs. And you can start your trail from 7 am to 9 am. Keep in mind that before reaching this circuit you have to take a separate ticket to make a short walk to Inca Bridge (Circuit 1 or 2+ Inca Bridge).
Recently built route in 2021, Huchuy Picchu (Circute4 + Huchuy Picchu Mountain). Considered as the easiest and shorter route compared to other mountain hikes in order to get unique ancient Inca cities perspectives.
How to get to Machu Picchu
By Air:
If you are an International traveler, then you should fly to Peru’s capital city called “Lima”. Then again you should take one more flight journey from Lima to ‘Cuzco’ (Around 1h 15m journey).
Cuzco is located in the base of the Andes Mountains southeast of Peru. Capital of Incas and well known for leaping off points for Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley. You can also reach Machu Picchu from Cuzco either by train or by trekking.
By Train:
The easiest and convenient way of transportations is railway transportation. Train starting from Cusco to Machu Picchu is available.
You can even opt for bus transportation from Cusco railway station to the entrance of the site.
By Inca Trail:
Hiking trail from ‘Camino Sagrado de los Incas to Machu Picchu’ around 24 or 26 miles required 3-4 days of journey. ‘Salkantay route’ 26 miles required 4 days.
Finally we come to know that, the exact purpose of Machu Picchu is still a matter of speculation, but it is perfectly believed and considered that it was a royal estate or sacred religious site of the ancient Inca peoples. Its stunning setting, with its terraced fields and intricate construction techniques, and history continues to intrigue and create every traveler to inspire to visit from around the world.
Q: Where is Machu Picchu?
A: Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on above the 2,430-metre mountain ridge. Above the 50 miles northwest of the Cuzco, Peru.
Q: Who built Machu Picchu?
A: As per archeologist believed that Machu Picchu built by the Inca Emperors Pachacuti between 1438-1472. But Inca site and estate built around 1450 AD.
Q: Why Machu Picchu is important?
A: Machu Picchu is still a matter of speculation, but it is perfectly believed and considered that it was a royal estate or sacred religious site of the ancient Inca peoples. Its stunning setting, with its terraced fields and intricate construction techniques, and history continues to intrigue and create every traveler to inspire to visit from around the world.
Q: When was Machu Picchu discovered?
A: In 1911 one of the famous Yale university professors named Hiram Bingham rediscovered this site and published a book called “The Lost City of Incas”. During his excavations he found ceramic vessels, silver statues, jewelry, and human bones taken back to his university for more research.
Q: When was Machu Picchu Built?
A: Machu Picchu has a very long historical background. As we know, such a great ancient site was built by the Inca peoples around 1450 AD.
