Machu Picchu is undoubtedly the flagship destination of Peru and one of the most visited tourist attractions in South America! One and a half million tourists go there every year to confront the reality of this magical and mythical site.
Machu Picchu, which means "old mountain", is an ancient Inca city, built in the 15th century, at the top of a mountain near Cusco, the center of the empire. It would have been commissioned by the emperor Pachacútec, but its use remains a mystery: military citadel, religious center, or retreat place for the royal family?
The site is divided into two areas, an agricultural zone, in the south, made of terraces dedicated to the culture, and an urban zone, in the north, where were built step pyramids, temples, solar calendars, and even a university. The domestication of animals, such as the alpaca and the llama, was widespread and formed the Quechua people´s economy basis (from these animals was extracted the wool and they were also used to transport goods and food).
For a long time, Machu Picchu was called the "lost city of the Incas", because it was only "found" in 1911 during an expedition of the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Although there are ancient records, no one until then knew for sure where the city was located. We only knew that his mountain was on the circuit of the so-called "Inca Trail", a mountainside path that linked the entire Inca Empire for about 40,000 kilometers.
Nowadays, Machu Picchu is recognized as one of the 7 wonders of the modern world and classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO and it still fascinates by its architectural and natural beauty as much as by the many mysteries surrounding its history and construction. Hereafter we reveal some surprising and unknown facts about Machu Picchu.
1. Is this really the lost city of the Incas?
When explorer Hiram Bingham rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911, he was looking for another city, known as Vilcabamba, considered to be the last refuge of the Inca empire before its defeat by the Spanish colonizers in 1572. Over time, it has become famous as the legendary "lost city of the Incas".
Bingham spent most of his life arguing that Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba were the same thing, a theory that was proven wrong only after his death in 1956. Moreover, Machu Picchu was never really "lost"; in fact, when Bingham arrived, three farming families were living there and still cultivating the terraces of the site.
2. Inca architecture is earthquake resistant
The stones of the most important buildings of the Inca Empire did not use mortar but they were cut with such precision, and adjusted so tightly, that it would be even impossible to insert a credit card between them. Besides the great aesthetic advantages of this construction style, there are technical advantages.
Peru is a seismically unstable country (Lima and Cusco were razed by earthquakes and Machu Picchu itself was built on two fault lines). Thus, when an earthquake occurs, the stones of an Inca building have a certain resilience to movement, they move with the tremors and then retreat in their place. Without this construction method, many of Machu Picchu's best-known buildings would have collapsed long ago.
3. There are many other Inca sites in the surroundings
What attracts thousands of tourists is the symbolic and cultural value of Machu Picchu. But there are many other surprising Inca remains in the area! Indeed, Machu Picchu overlooks the Urubamba Valley, also known as the "Sacred Valley of the Incas", which concentrates many important archaeological sites. It is home to a number of ruins, small towns, and fascinating sites from the Inca era. Organize a one or two-day excursion to the Sacred Valley from Cusco or Ollantaytambo and don't forget to stop at the traditional market of Pisac, the fortress of Ollantaytambo, the circular terraces of Moray, and the salt mines of Maras.
4. There is a very little known museum in Machu Picchu
For visitors used to explanatory panels in national parks, one of the strangest aspects of Machu Picchu is that the place provides hardly any information about the ruins.
The excellent Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón helps explain how and why Machu Picchu was built (the exhibits are in English and Spanish) and why the Inca Empire chose such an extraordinary natural location for the citadel. But first, you will have to find the museum: It is inadvertently hidden at the end of a long dirt road near the base of Machu Picchu, about a 30-minute walk from Aguas Calientes.
5. There is also a secret temple
For those who decide to climb Huayna Picchu, follow the path to the Temple of the Moon, located on the opposite side of Huayna Picchu. There, a ceremonial shrine was built in a cave lined with exquisite stones and niches that probably served to accommodate mummies.
6. And an alternative to Huayna Picchu
Climbing Huayna Picchu is the most popular attraction after visiting the ruins, an hour of ascent on a steep and vertiginous trail. Unfortunately, places are limited to only 400 people per day, so you better reserve your ticket several months in advance! If you are not lucky enough to get your ticket or if you have fear of heights or like to get away from the mass of tourists, prefer the ascent of Montaña Machu Picchu.
Located on the other side of the site, the Montaña is twice the size of Huayna Picchu and will give you a spectacular view of Huayna Picchu Mountain in the backdrop with the incredible Inca city as well as the Urubamba River valley. Its ascent is longer but also easier and less dizzying. Much less crowded, we advise you nevertheless to book the climb in advance as places are also limited.
Location and Climate
Located 132 km away from Cusco and 9 km from Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu stands in a tropical forest area of the Peruvian Andes. Rainfall is frequent and unpredictable so it is better to plan a trip during the dry season (May to November). In the morning it is common for the site to be invaded by a mist which gradually dissipates during the day. Don't worry, it won't spoil your experience and your photos will also gain a very mysterious and spellbinding touch!
How to get there?
The journey to Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself. If you're feeling up for a challenge, the 4-day Inca Trail trek to the ruins is by far the most memorable way to get to Machu Picchu. Of course, it is also the most difficult way to see the place. Be aware that independent hiking on the Inca Trail is prohibited and that you must travel with a duly authorized group or travel agency. Book your hiking trip well in advance.
If you prefer a less strenuous journey to the ruins, the best option is to take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Three train operators offer trips to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu): Perurail, Inca Rail, and Machu Picchu Train.
The most popular trains are Perurail, which offers 3 levels of service (the Backpacker, the Deluxe Train, and the Ultra-Deluxe Hiram Bingham). Once in Aguas Calientes, authorized buses run regularly (every 15 to 20 minutes) to the ruins. The bus stop is a 5-minute walk from the station. You can also opt to walk up the 1,716 steps that separate you from the entrance to the site.
How to choose the best travel agency to Machu Picchu?
It is essential to choose the right travel agency, especially in a destination as adventurous as Machu Picchu. There is no lack of offers on the market, but not all are equal in quality. Here are some tips to avoid making a bad choice:
- Choose a specialized company, which has extensive experience in Andean Peru: the agency's experience and partnerships will make all the difference in your adventure;
- Go beyond the commercial speech of travel agencies: talk to people who have used the services of the companies you are looking for and compare their experiences;
- Emphasize personalization: a good agency is one that offers a service adapted to your needs and your tastes;
- Focus on sustainable practices: a good agency is one that is committed to the environment and that puts your well-being and sustainability first.
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