Credits to Chelsea Cook
Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic and breathtaking archaeological sites in the world. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this ancient city was constructed by the Inca Empire in the 15th century and was abandoned a century later during the Spanish conquest. We will discuss this in further detail below.
Rediscovered in 1911 by American explorer Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu has become a popular destination for travelers and adventurers from around the world.
The site is located at an elevation of 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level, and it is surrounded by towering peaks and lush jungle. The city is comprised of hundreds of stone structures, including temples, palaces, and homes, all of which are built from the same grey granite that characterizes the surrounding mountains. The buildings are arranged in a series of terraces, and many of them are connected by a network of staircases and walkways.
Nestled Between Two Mountains
One of the most striking features of Machu Picchu is its location. The city is situated on a narrow ridge between two steep mountains, and it is surrounded on all sides by steep cliffs and sheer drop-offs. The Urubamba River runs through the valley below, and the views from the site are absolutely breathtaking.
Visitors to Machu Picchu can explore the ruins on foot, walking along the ancient paths and staircases that wind their way through the city. The site is divided into two main sections: the urban sector and the agricultural sector. The urban sector contains many of the city’s most impressive structures, including the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, and the Intihuatana, a carved stone pillar that was used by the Inca to mark the passing of the seasons.
The agricultural sector of the city includes a series of terraces that were used for farming. The terraces were designed to help the Inca cultivate crops at different elevations, and they are still used by local farmers today. Visitors can explore the terraces and learn about the traditional agricultural practices of the Andean people.
Another popular feature of Machu Picchu is the hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu, a steep mountain that looms over the site. The hike is challenging, but the views from the top are absolutely stunning. Hikers can see the entire site of Machu Picchu spread out below them, as well as the surrounding mountains and jungle.
Machu Picchu is a truly awe-inspiring destination that offers a glimpse into the fascinating history and culture of the Inca Empire. Its stunning location, ancient ruins, and breathtaking views make it a must-see destination for travelers and adventurers from around the world.
History of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was built during the height of the Inca Empire, which was one of the largest and most sophisticated empires in pre-Columbian America. The Inca were skilled engineers and builders, and they constructed a vast network of roads, bridges, and buildings throughout their empire. Machu Picchu was likely constructed as a royal estate for the Inca emperor, and it was abandoned during the Spanish conquest of the 16th century.
The site remained hidden and forgotten for centuries until it was rediscovered by Hiram Bingham, an American archaeologist, in 1911, as previously mentioned. Since then, Machu Picchu has become one of the most popular and beloved archaeological sites in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Visitors to Machu Picchu can learn about the history and culture of the Inca Empire by exploring the ruins of the city. The buildings and structures at Machu Picchu are remarkable for their advanced engineering and architectural techniques, and visitors can see firsthand how the Inca used the natural landscape to construct their cities.
One of the most impressive features of the site is the Intihuatana, a carved stone pillar that was used by the Inca as a sundial to mark the passing of the seasons. The pillar is believed to have been a sacred object, and its precise alignment with the sun was considered to be of great spiritual significance.
The hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu is also an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Inca. The trail winds its way through the jungle, passing by Inca ruins and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. At the top of the mountain, hikers can see the entire site of Machu Picchu spread out below them, as well as the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In addition to learning about the history of the Inca Empire, visitors to Machu Picchu can also learn about the modern culture of the Andean people. The site is located near the city of Cusco, which is the cultural and historical capital of the Andes. Visitors can explore the city’s museums and galleries, sample traditional Andean cuisine, and learn about the customs and traditions of the local people.
Overall, a visit to Machu Picchu is an opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the Andean region, as well as to experience some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. Whether you are a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply a lover of beauty and nature, Machu Picchu is a destination that is not to be missed.
A Hike Back Through Time
Visiting Machu Picchu is like stepping back in time and immersing oneself in the rich history of the Inca Empire. The ruins of the city are incredibly well-preserved, and visitors can see firsthand how the Inca lived and worked more than 500 years ago. The narrow, winding streets and intricate stonework are a testament to the Inca’s incredible engineering and architectural skills, and walking through the ruins feels like stepping back in time to an ancient civilization. The surrounding landscape, with its towering mountains and lush jungle, only adds to the sense of timelessness and wonder that permeates the site.