History of Machu Picchu

A 15th century Inca site located about 7,970 feet above sea level; Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Believed to be built as an estate for the Inca emperor, Pachacuti, it is popularly known as “The Lost city of Incas”. Because of environmental degradation, Machu Picchu was placed in 2008 Watch List of the 100 most endangered sites in the world by World Monuments Fund. This is believed to have been a result of excess of tourism and also uncontrolled development in nearby towns and cities.

Historical Overview of Machu Picchu

Two mountains stretch about three thousand above Urubamba Valley, Peru – Machu Picchu (Old Mountain) and Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain). In 1911, Machu Picchu first came into limelight. It is believed that explorers simply stumbled upon Machu Picchu when the American Explorer, Hiram Bingham was led to this place by the natives living around this area.

Historians’ reveals that the rebellious Inca Manco Copac II slipped away from Cusco in the dead of the night and moved northwards to establish a town called Vilcabamba. For the next 36 years, Incas attacked the Spaniards in Cusco from this base. A fierce battle went on between the Incas and Spaniards ultimately resulting in bringing down the last Inca Tupac Amaru and was consequently executed. Vilcabamba soon faded away and was forgotten all apart from a few maps and clues left by Spanish chroniclers.

Machu Picchu Information

Specific Facts about Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is believed to be the lost city of Incas is located 7,500 feet above sea level in Andean Mountain range above the Urubamba Valley. Near the height of the Inca Empire, it was created in 1450. It was a self sustaining city proved by many farming terraces. This helped the natives to withstand earthquakes.

Weather and Climatic Conditions of Machu Picchu

The climate is mild, warm and damp with an average temperature round the year of 13 c during the day. It is located in subtropical region and there are two distinct seasons during the year. Rainy season which starts from November to March and Dry season starts from April to October.

Things to Do & Things to See in Machu Picchu

The most interesting feature of Machu Picchu is the architecture. They were created using massive stones. How these stones were hauled over great distances is still a mystery. No mortar was used to bind their stones together. They used to cut stones with such great precision that they fit together tightly. The structures were highly resistant to earthquakes because of their unique designing.

The citadel of Machu Picchu was divided into two parts –the agricultural and urban part. Squares, temples, palaces, storehouses, workshops, stairways, cables and water fountains ran through these sectors. Based on Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, the architectural designing of Machu Picchu was based. While constructing Machu Picchu, care was taken that it followed the natural curves and dips and rises in the land.

There is a Control Gate which is made up of three walled room with several windows providing a great view. It is found in front of the main gateway. There are several cemeteries and burial stones as well. The dead were buried at the outskirts of the city. Archeological experts found many human remains during excavations. They also came across many sculpted stones which were believed to have been used while making offerings to the Gods.

Hotels in Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Hikes