Keep Machu Picchu high on your travel bucket list now! The construction and craftsmanship of the Inca Civilization are exceptional. It is indeed a work of art to be witnessed.
Gorgeous Locale
Destination Machu Picchu is built on the ruins of the Inca Civilization prevalent in 1450 AD. It is located 7000 FT above sea level on Andes Mountain, making it the most popular tourist destination in Peru.
World Heritage
Machu Picchu means ‘old peak’ or ‘old mountain’ in Quechua Indian Language. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1983. It was also included in the seven wonders of the world in 2007.
75% original construction
A lot of Inca civilization construction was destroyed by Spanish invaders in the 15th century when they arrived in Peru. However, it is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites with 75% of its construction intact for travellers.
Orchids that will blow your mind
Beautiful temperate forests surround Machu Picchu with an array of almost 300 kinds of orchids. Looking down, one can see the Urubamba River. This unique biodiversity welcomes splendid birds and animals like the fortress itself.
No Mortar Construction
No mortar was used in the entire construction. This technique of construction is known as ashler. It involves cutting large pieces of white granite rocks and placing them firmly without any mortar or clay. It also safeguards the entire construction from earthquakes that are frequent in Peru.
Lost and Rediscovered
Yale Professor Hiram Bingham put Machu Picchu on the global map when he rediscovered it in 1911. He then wrote about his findings in his book, The Lost Story of Incas.
Use of Astronomy
Surprisingly, it was also an astronomical observatory. The sacred Intihuatana stone correctly shows the two equinoxes. The sun sits directly over the stone generating no shadow twice a year. It helped in recognizing seasonal changes that helped in planting and harvesting.
No Written Records
There are no written records for the Inca civilization because they had no writing system. Many people believe that the emperor Pachacuti had built it as a recreational royal estate. Some also think that it was a retreat for religious leaders and intellectuals.
No-Fly Zone
The entire Machu Picchu area is a no-fly zone. In the 1900s, the Peruvian government briefly allowed helicopters to flow over the region. This was spoiling the lush green flora and fauna of the place. Hence the government banned such tours to protect the beauty of the fortress.
Cloud Forest
Machu Picchu is quite a remote location in the Amazonian Forest of Peru. There are only two ways to access it. One is to hike along the Inca trail and enjoy the view of the majestic Andes range, and the second is to board a train from Cusco that will allow you to drop off in Aguas Calientes, at the base of the mountain. You may walk up or avail a bus to reach your destination. Start planning your trip today, and you will be impressed with the Incan Citadel, Machu Picchu.
