Machu Picchu of Peru, nestled among the Andes Mountains in South America, is a site that is visited by more than 1.5 million people every year. In 2007, Machu Picchu (Machu Picchu City) was declared one of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
Machu Picchu means old peak. Machu Picchu in Peru is the ruins of the Inca civilization. It is one of the least understood archaeological sites globally, located at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level.
Our today’s article is completely based on Machu Picchu Tours. If you want to visit Machu Picchu in Peru and want to know Machu Picchu History then read this article completely. In this article, you will get to read complete information about Machu Picchu in Peru.
Table of Contents
Machu Picchu History and Information
According to modern archaeologists, Machu Picchu of Peru was built as a fiefdom of the Inca ruler Pachacuti (1438–1472). Machu Picchu was used as royal property by the Inca ruling emperors. Almost 100 years after its construction, the Inca had to lose it. Because around 1530 AD the Spaniards attacked and conquered the Incas. And the people of the Inca civilization left this place. But the Spaniards did not come to this place and neither did the Spaniards loot it.
But according to some people, it was such a religious place, in which the proximity of mountains and other geographical features are inherent. Machu Picchu is the most prominent symbol of the Inca civilization. It is believed that many residents of that time died due to smallpox (Elder Mother). Machu Picchu is made up of more than 150 buildings including bathhouses, houses, temples, and sanctuaries.
This historic site is built 80 km northwest of Cuzco on the hills of the Religious Valley and near the flow of the Urumba River.
Machu Picchu of Peru (Machu Picchu City) is one of the most familiar symbols of the Inca Empire. There is no evidence that the conquistadors ever attacked or even reached the fort of Pahar-Garh. It is believed that many residents of that time died due to smallpox (Elder Mother). Machu Picchu is made up of more than 150 buildings, including bathhouses and houses, temples, and sanctuaries.
If you feel that while reading this article of ours, I write a good post with complete information, then you can get information about other places by reading our other written posts. the link is mentioned in this post.
The Secret of Machu Picchu construction
The secrets of the construction of Machu Picchu are very mysterious. No one has been able to give an exact answer that who built Machu Picchu and why. and no one has known how old is Machu Picchu exactly. This place was evacuated sooner than it was built.
According to one story, Machu Picchu was used for human sacrifice and their skeletons have not been properly buried. Let us tell you that many skeletons were found at this place without being buried.
Some facts related to the construction of Machu Picchu in Peru
However, there are many differences among experts regarding the construction and history of Machu Picchu. No one has been able to understand the reality of the Inca civilization to date. History speakers have different opinions regarding the construction of Machu Picchu-
lost City
Hiram Bingham, who discovered Machu Picchu in Peru, said that this place is the last place associated with the Inca civilization and the lost city of ‘Vilcabamba La Vieja’ i.e. Lost City. But this discovery of Hiram was rejected by other archaeologists with their logic and discovery.
Virgin of the Sun
Virgin women were sacrificed to the sun god of the Inca civilization. This place was meant for unmarried women who dedicated their lives to Lord Surya. Their bodies were buried here. Almost all the skeletons found at this site were of women, based on which Machu Picchu was given the name Virgin of the Sun. But later some skeletons of men were also found, after which this theory was also refuted.
Tombs of royal servants
In the 15th century, all the servants serving the Inca emperor Pachacuti were buried in Machu Picchu. According to this theory, all arrangements were made for the entertainment of royal guests in Machu Picchu and the emperor used this place as the royal court.
Place of human sacrifice
Machu Picchu of Peru was used for human sacrifice. The explorers have also found many skeletons here that were not buried.
The place created by aliens
Rejecting all the concepts, modern scientists say that Machu Picchu was created by creatures from another planet. The grand architecture of Machu Picchu was created by the aliens themselves. But Peruvians have also rejected this theory because they say that their ancestors knew the art of architecture even better.
If you want to go to Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Mandir and you have no idea about it, then make your journey easy by reading our Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Mandir article to get complete information.
Architecture and construction of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is built in the old style of the Inca. Polished stones have been used in its construction. Fine stonework has been done at this place. Terraced farming and sophisticated irrigation systems testify to the architectural, agricultural, and engineering prowess of the Inca civilization. Its central buildings were constructed in the time of the Incas. Prominent examples are seen in masonry techniques in which stones were fitted together without the use of lime.
Machu Picchu has buildings as well as temples and sanctuaries. Machu Picchu has three main structures, a Sun Temple, Itihuatana stone, and a room with three windows, which are also considered special.
In 1430 AD, the Inca king and his servants used horses for transport. The biggest problem for the horses was their living and their food and water. So it was not a difficult task for them to come to this valley. There was a lot of grass available for the horses on this hill. The Urumba River flows here for water. This also solved the problem of water. And there was enough flat space available for construction.
The Inca people built more than 600 terraces so that no one would fall from the side of the hill. The Inca people also built communication systems and trail connections for 18,000 miles in and around Machu Picchu to maintain contact with each other.
Machu Picchu was modernized and given its present form in 1912.
Exploring Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham
It is said to have been discovered and plundered by the German businessman Augusto Burns in 1867. It is also said that some time ago the German engineer J.M. That Hustle was here too. According to historians, the map of Machu Picchu was also made in 1874.
In 1911, American historian and patron Hiram Bingham traveled to the Inca Empire and met the local people of Machu Picchu there. Traveling on foot and by mule, Hiram and his team made their way from Cuzco to the Urumba Valley. Where a local farmer told him about some ruins situated on top of a nearby mountain.
Machu Picchu was called the mountain by those farmers. On 24 July, as Bingham climbed the hill of the mountain in a cold and light rain, Bingham met a small group of farmers who showed him the way forward. Led by an 11-year-old boy, Bingham first glimpsed the intricate structure of stone terraces at the entrance to Machu Picchu.
The most popular spot in this place is the Track of Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This 4-day trek is breathtaking and takes you to a height of 4,214 meters. Many ancient Inca stones are also seen on this route during the journey. Some of the special artifacts here were taken by Hiram Bingham, which is now protected by Yale University.
The government has limited the number of people taking to the road for fear of soil erosion. Now only 500 people can climb this route at a time including local porters.
Races such as the 26-mile marathon are also held each year on the Inca Trail. The shortest time ever to cross this race is 3 hours 26 minutes.
The most famous place of this trek is the story of Surya Dwar – as the sun rises from the peaks of this mountain, which adds to the beauty of the mountain. At the time when the monarchy was ruling here, there used to be some rules for taking admission here.
Bingham details his discovery in “The Lost City of the Incas”.
Real name and meaning of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu’s real name is Huayna Picchu, which was incorrectly called 100 Years.
In the Quechua language of Peru, Machu Picchu means Old Pyramid while Huayna Picchu means Pyramid on the Old Mountain. Machu Picchu of the famous Inca civilization located in Peru, South America was called wrong for the last 100 years.
According to research published in the Journal of Andes Archeology, the real name of Machu Picchu is Huayna Picchu. This research was supported by historian Amado González from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Peru, and Prof., of the University of Illinois, USA. was supported by. Directed by Brian Bauer.
Research has shown that the local Inca people always referred to Machu Picchu as Huayna Picchu. Huayna Picchu was renamed Machu Picchu around 100 years ago during the Spanish colonial period.
Some Other information about Machu Picchu Facts
- There are a lot of earthquakes in Peru, that is why Machu Picchu has been built in such a way that the earthquake does not have any effect on it. It is said that when an earthquake occurs, the stones move here.
- No one is allowed to shoot a movie in Machu Picchu. Indian, the costliest Bollywood film that was released in 2010, was shot here for a major part. In this film, you will get to see many places of interest in Machu Picchu. Only a few films have been allowed to shoot here. A song from South superstar Rajinikanth’s film “Robot” was also shot here. While shooting this, some part of Machu Picchu was slightly damaged by the crane, due to which there was a huge uproar.
- This historical site is built on the hilltops of the Sacred Valley, which is located 80 kilometers north of Cusco and near the flow of the Urubamba River. It is the closest icon of the Inca civilization.
- Many buildings in this place have also been repaired for the tourists, they have been built in such a way that they can look historical. 30% of Machu Picchu was renovated in 1976, with renovations still underway today.
- Machu Picchu was built around the 1450s by the Inca Empire. It was built during the reigns of two great Inca rulers, Pachacutec Inca Yupanqui (1438–71) and Tupac Inca Yupanqui (1472–93). Almost 100 years later, after the Spanish victory in 1572, the Inca had to lose it.
- It is believed that many residents of that time were killed because of smallpox (Elder Mother). After the Spanish victory, it became known as Picchu, but there is no such historical evidence to know whether the Spanish had ever come to see Machu Picchu or not.
- The people of the Inca used to speak the language of Quechua and even today many people use this language here.
- There was a theory about Machu Picchu in which it was told that this place was used for human sacrifice and their skeletons have not been buried properly. Let us tell you that many skeletons were found at this place without being buried.
- Many thousands of skeletons have been found in Machu Picchu, but the most surprising thing in this is that most of these skeletons are of women.
- Granite stone was used to build Machu Picchu, which weighed about 55 tons. The stone was fitted in such a way that not even a blade could enter it.
- Machu Picchu in Peru was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu of Peru was declared “Seven Wonder of the World” via an Internet poll.
How to visit Machu Picchu and restaurants in machu picchu
Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most visited places in the world. Travelers from all over the place come to see this magical place.
Traveling to Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself as you are going to see a lost city. Each person pays approximately $899 for access to the Incan Trail. A one-week trip costs about $5,890 for two people.
- Special Note for Travel: For those planning to travel to Machu Picchu, they should check all local government restrictions, regulations, and safety measures related to COVID-19.
Millions of people visit Peru every year to see the grand and mysterious Incan Trail of Machu Picchu. But accessing this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s sprawling agricultural terraces, intricate stone constructions, and epic mountain scenery is expensive, and involves far more food than usual.
When and How to get to Machu Picchu
Imagine if you go to visit such a place, and that place is surrounded by greenery all around and it rains, then the fun of your visit will be doubled. Machu Picchu is one such place. By the way, Machu Picchu is open throughout the year. It can rain at any time in Machu Picchu, but the period from October to April is the official rainy season.
While the time till July and August is the peak season for Machu Picchu. You will always find a crowd at this time. Especially on Sundays, it is most crowded. Because people living in the province of Cusco at that time are allowed free entry to the site in addition to the daily quota of 2,500 visitors. However, as of December 2020, this daily quota for visitors has been reduced to just 1,116 tourists per day due to the coronavirus pandemic. Only 75 visitors per hour are allowed to enter the site.
have to get used to Machu Picchu Treks
- Another way to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu is by walking as part of an organized multi-day Machu Picchu trek. Every year thousands of people visit Machu Picchu like this.
- Dozens of tour operators choose the Inca Trail Hike to get to Machu Picchu. Inca Trail Hikes have camping arrangements for different durations and rest periods. Note here that the Inca Trail leading to Machu Picchu is closed for maintenance throughout February each year.
- For those who want a less-crowded experience, or want to see and experience other aspects of Peru on their way to Machu Picchu, there are several hiking options available. Several tour companies offer Salcante treks, but Apas Peru is an established and well-respected Cusco tour company that focuses on sustainable, as well as responsible tourism. It gives you an express track.
- Travelers interested in archeology should consider the Chokquirav Trek along the Machu Picchu expanse. The trip includes a (great but very difficult hiking) trek up the steep Apurimac Valley and exploration of the Chocquirao archaeological site before arriving at Aguas Calientes and then exploring Machu Picchu.
- The Inca Jungle Tour combines biking, rafting, hiking, and zip-lining along the way to Machu Picchu.
- The Beyond and Luxury tour operator offers a variety of Machu Picchu itineraries.
- You can drive from Cusco to the city of Machu Picchu Hydroelectric (there is a hydroelectric plant). It takes a three-hour walk from the city of Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes and then to Machu Picchu. There are several tour companies in Cusco that offer this route as a one to two-day trip using private vans.
Machu Picchu: Tips for Visiting
- Entry Tickets – If you are traveling to Machu Picchu independently, you must purchase a personal admission ticket for Machu Picchu entry here. Also, it will be mandatory for you to hire a local guide before entering the site. For this, you will have to wait a long time at the gates of Machu Picchu.
- If you book a Machu Picchu tour package through an operator or hotel, this package must include an entry ticket. You will be allowed to stay on-site for up to four hours.
Bring along:
- Water and a raincoat – Whenever you visit Machu Picchu, bring water and a raincoat or rain jacket. Even if the travel day looks like a beautiful sunny day. Because it can rain here anytime.
- Hat and Sunscreen – Since this place is at a very high altitude, this place comes in the ozone layer. From here the sun’s temperature is felt higher. Wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s temperatures and use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your screen from UV rays.
- Insect repellent and loose coins or money – Also bring some insect repellent with you so that you can protect yourself from pests and mosquitoes. Apart from this, bring some loose coins or rupees with you. You will need them when using the bathroom at the entrance to the site.
- Passport – You are required to show your passport and ticket when you exit the entrance to have food. So don’t forget to bring your passport with you. You must show both to re-enter the Citadel.
Do not bring along:
Don’t miss: Just outside the entrance, there is a marked station from where you must not miss getting the Machu Picchu stamp in your passport.
- Bus: To get to the Citadel from Aguas Calientes, you can either take a 90-minute walk or you can take a 30-minute bus tour. You will then need to purchase your ticket from the ticket office in Aguas Calientes. However, you can also do this on the day of your travel. Buses leave every 15 minutes from 5:30 in the morning to reach the Citadel from Aguas Calientes. For this, people start queuing before 5:30 in the morning.
- Reduce crowds: Once you reach the citadel, walk away from the crowd. If possible, go for the guardhouse instead. This place is a little above the main part of the site. Usually, there is less crowd as people reach the middle of the site.
- Departure time (morning or afternoon) – There is no fixed and fixed time to visit Machu Picchu. However, during the rainy season, the chances of fog are highest in the morning. Crowds can be a bit less in the afternoon as trippers return to the train station to travel to Cusco in the afternoon.
- Huayna Picchu Peak: You will need to buy a separate ticket to climb this peak on-site. For this, you have to book in advance as the number of tickets is limited. The view of the Incan ruins is a point of attraction for many, but be aware that some parts of this difficult path are very narrow and steep. The best time to start climbing is 7 am or 10 am.
- Mountain Peak of Machu Picchu: This also requires a separate ticket. Also, your knees should be strong and painless to do this journey. The trail of this journey is almost entirely of stairs. The best time to start climbing is 7 am or 9 am.
- Free Walking Tour in the Citadel: Although both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu tours require additional tickets. One can take a short walk to the Inca Bridge.
- Guide: A guide is required to travel in Machu Picchu, whether you are on an organized tour or traveling independently. Hire a guide from outside the gates, or book in advance at Aguas Calientes.
- Stop for Lunch: There’s a cafe and bar with a lovely deck just outside the entrance, but Sanctuary Lodge’s buffet lunch is your only sit-down restaurant option. This restaurant is very nice but expensive.
- Coronavirus update: Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, your temperature will be taken – if you’re above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t be allowed to enter. Individuals must wear masks and use sanitizers. Maintaining a distance of six feet (2 meters) from others at all times. The number of excursion groups is limited to eight people, and they are required to stay 66 feet (20 m) away from other groups.
Aguas Calientes Travel Tips
Where to stay in Aguas Calientes
- If you’re looking for a luxury stay in the city of Aguas Calientes, you have two main options: 1. The elegant Incatera Machu Picchu Pueblo Resort is located near the train station. 2. A boutique property near the foot of the Machu Picchu Mountains, the design-forward Sumac Machu Picchu Hotel. But apart from this, there are dozens of mid-range options for you to choose from. There are also super-affordable hostels available for backpackers.
- You can also stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge at the Gate of Machu Picchu. It helps in giving you easy access to your site. But you will be far from dining and shopping at Aguas Calientes.
- Where to eat and drink in Aguas Calientes Peruvian?
- There are very few restaurants to eat in Aguas Calientes Peruvian. But walking down Aguas Calientes Peruvianavi you will find many cheap eateries and bars. There are also high-end restaurants inside the two luxury hotels that are open to non-guests.
Things to do in aguas calientes
The city of Aguas Calientes was named after its thermal springs, which are open to the public for a small fee. There is a major market near the train station from where you can shop for souvenirs. While Machu Picchu is the main attraction here. Apart from this, you can also visit Mariposario de Machupicchu Butterfly Sanctuary.
Cusco Travel Tips
Even when you have arrived, do not forget to visit Cusco. The pre-Columbian buildings of Cusco have earned the city UNESCO World Heritage status. Its stone-lined streets, museums, luxurious hotels, nearby archaeological sites, and relaxing atmosphere will make your stay here for at least one to two days.
Where to stay in Cusco
Cusco has an 11-suite hotel, the Incatera La Casona, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio, the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, and the luxurious Palacio del Inca, a Luxury Collection hotel in a 16th-century mansion near Cusco. If the contemporary boutique style is your choice, try El Mercado or Atik Hotel Boutique.
Where to eat and drink in Cusco
Cicciolina is a classic restaurant that is sure to make you feel like a local hangout. Which provides you with international and Andean cuisine. At the tapas bar here, you can order both tapas and from the dining room menu.
what to do in Cusco
Cusco is filled with historical sites from both Incan and colonial times. There are also Coricancha (also called Coricancha or Coricancha), an Incan temple-to-Spanish church, Saxahuman Incan ruins, and Cusco Cathedral. Explore the Plazas de Armas as you stroll the stunning San Blas streets and experience and enjoy shopping at the San Pedro Market.
Conclusion
Friend! I hope you liked my article on Machu Picchu of Peru. In this article, we have tried to give complete information about Machu Picchu of Peru. If you want to get information about other interesting places then you can comment on us. How did you like this article of ours and share it with your friends? Thank you.
This is Awesome Content. Your Post is well authored and easy to understand. I appreciate your effort. Thanks for sharing this awesome info ring tonss.com