The great Inca Citadel | Machu Picchu | Cusco
“Machu Picchu” is an expression that comes from the Quechua language, spoken by the Incas and other indigenous cultures of the Andes. “Machu” means “old” or “ancient”, while “Picchu” can be translated as “mountain” or “peak”. Therefore, as a whole, “Machu Picchu” could be interpreted as “Old Mountain” or “Ancient Peak”. This name refers to the archaeological site bearing that name, which was built by the Incas in the 15th century and rediscovered by explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911. Although the locals knew of the site’s existence, it had been forgotten by the rest of the world for centuries. Bingham’s discovery attracted international attention and turned Machu Picchu into a world-renowned tourist destination.
World Heritage: In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural and archaeological importance. It is also considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Preservation: Due to its fragility and the large number of visitors, conservation measures have been implemented to protect Machu Picchu. This includes limits on the number of daily visitors and the implementation of specific routes to minimize the impact on the site.
Location of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is located in the mountainous region of the Andes in the department of Cusco in southern Peru. More specifically, it is located on a mountain ridge at about 2,430 meters above sea level, high in the Vilcabamba mountain range. It is located in an area of lush vegetation and breathtaking scenery, making it a unique and fascinating tourist destination.
History of he The great Inca Citadel | Machu Picchu | Cusco
The history of Machu Picchu is fascinating and enigmatic, and although there are still unanswered questions, much has been discovered about this archaeological site over the years. Here is a summary:
- Construction
Machu Picchu was built by the Incas around the 15th century, during the height of the Inca Empire. It is believed to have been built as an urban and religious complex by the Inca emperor Pachacutec.
- Purpose
Although the exact purpose of Machu Picchu is not known, it is believed that it may have been a ceremonial center, a royal palace, an astronomical observatory or even a retreat estate for the Inca emperor and his court.
- Abandonment
Machu Picchu was abandoned approximately a century after its construction, possibly due to the Spanish conquest and the diseases that devastated the Inca population.
- Rediscovery
Although locals knew of Machu Picchu’s existence, the site was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911 during an expedition funded by Yale University. His discovery attracted international attention and put Machu Picchu on the world map.
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Study and excavation
After its discovery, numerous archaeological studies and excavations were carried out at Machu Picchu to learn more about its history and purpose. These studies have revealed details about the architecture, urban planning and daily life at the site.
- World Heritage
In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural and archaeological importance. It is also considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
- Tourism
Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Tourists can access the site via trains and treks, including the famous Inca Trail.
In short, the story of Machu Picchu is a blend of mystery, ingenious engineering and fascinating ancient culture. Its discovery and study continue to inspire travelers, archaeologists and history enthusiasts from around the world.
Architecture of the great citadel of Machu Picchu
The architecture of Machu Picchu is an impressive display of Inca technical skill and urban planning. Here are some highlights of its architecture:
- Strategic location
Machu Picchu is built atop a mountain ridge, surrounded by deep ravines and steep mountains. Its strategic location provided natural defense and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Mortarless construction
Machu Picchu’s structures are built with precisely cut stones that are assembled without the use of mortar. This method of construction is known as “ashlar” and demonstrates the technical skill of the Inca builders.
- Agricultural terraces
Machu Picchu has a series of agricultural terraces that were built on the slopes of the mountains to make the most of the mountainous terrain and grow food. These terraces also served to prevent soil erosion and control water flow.
- Temples and ceremonial compounds
The site includes several temples and ceremonial compounds dedicated to different deities. These buildings often have distinctive architecture, with finely worked and trapezoidal stone walls, trapezoidal doors and ceremonial niches.
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Water systems
Machu Picchu has an ingenious system of water canals and springs that provided drinking and irrigation water to the inhabitants of the site. These canals carried water from natural springs in the mountains to different areas of Machu Picchu.
- Planned urbanism
The layout of the structures and spaces in Machu Picchu shows a careful urban plan. The structures are distributed in an orderly manner and are divided into different sectors, including residential, ceremonial and agricultural areas.
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Integration with the landscape
A remarkable feature of Machu Picchu’s architecture is how the structures are harmoniously integrated with the surrounding landscape. The Incas took advantage of the natural features of the terrain and adapted their architecture to complement and respect the natural environment.
In short, the architecture of Machu Picchu is a masterpiece of engineering and urban design that reflects the technical skill and cultural sophistication of the Incas. It is a lasting testament to the architectural legacy of this ancient Andean civilization.
How to get to The great Inca Citadel | Machu Picchu | Cusco?
To get to Machu Picchu, there are several options, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the most common ways to get there:
- Train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo
This is a popular option for those who prefer a comfortable and fast way to get to Machu Picchu. From the city of Cusco or the town of Ollantaytambo, you can take a train to Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, you can take a bus to the entrance of the archaeological site.
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Hiking the Inca Trail
This is an ideal option for adventure and nature lovers. The Inca Trail is a famous hiking route that takes you from Cusco to Machu Picchu, passing through ancient Inca sites, impressive mountain scenery and lush jungles. The hike usually takes between 4 and 5 days and requires a reservation in advance due to limited availability of permits.
- Salkantay Trail
This is another popular trekking route that takes you from Cusco to Machu Picchu, passing through the imposing snow-capped Salkantay and varied landscapes that include mountains, valleys and rainforests. The Salkantay trek usually takes between 4 and 6 days and offers a unique experience in nature.
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Bus from Aguas Calientes
If you prefer to avoid the hike, you can take a bus from the town of Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Buses leave regularly from early morning until late afternoon and offer a fast and convenient ride to the archaeological site.
Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during the high season, as Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and daily visitor capacity is limited. It is also important to take into account weather and health conditions when planning your visit, especially if you plan to do a long hike or visit during the rainy season.
Recommendations for visiting Machu Picchu
Here are some recommendations to make the most of your visit to Machu Picchu:
- Book your tickets in advance
Demand to visit Machu Picchu is high, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you plan to hike the Inca Trail or Salkantay Trek.
- Choose the right time of day
Machu Picchu can be very crowded during peak hours. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Dress appropriately
The weather in Machu Picchu can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and wear comfortable clothing suitable for walking. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Bring water and snacks
It is important to stay hydrated and nourished during your visit, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring the site. Bring plenty of water and some light snacks to recharge your batteries.
- Follow the indications of the staff
Respect the indications of the site staff and follow the rules and regulations established to protect the archaeological site and ensure the safety of all visitors.
- Explore calmly
Machu Picchu is an incredibly beautiful place full of history. Take your time to explore every corner, take pictures and absorb the magical atmosphere of the place.
- Hire a guide
Consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching experience. A guide will be able to provide you with detailed information about the history, architecture and culture of Machu Picchu, as well as take you to lesser-known sites and avoid the crowds.
- Respect the site:
Machu Picchu is an archaeological site and a sacred place for Peruvians. Respect the site and avoid touching or damaging the ancient structures. Take only photographs and leave the site as you found it.
By following these recommendations, you will be well prepared to enjoy a memorable experience at Machu Picchu and appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this incredible archaeological site.
