Peru belongs to one of those nations that have a magnificent heritage, rich ancient history, vibrant culture and provides extreme outdoor adventures. Most of the vacationers here visit to hike the ancient Incan city, exploring fascinating museums full of cultural and ancient artefacts, well-known landmarks and to witness the world heritage sites as well. It is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world offering unique climatic conditions and wildlife. But from the past few years, Peru is recognized especially for inhabiting one of the seven wonders of the world i.e. Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu doesn’t need any further introduction as it is listed among one of the Seven Wonders of the World and renowned and the treasure of Peru. Let’s explore this wonder of the world and know about its chronicle and surrounding attractions.
Before exploring Machu Picchu, let’s know something about Incan Ruins
The Incan: A Pre-Columbian Civilizations
- Inca civilization mainly consists of South American Indians who established their capital at Cuzco in the 12th century.
- Later they started their conquest in the 15th century and ruled Andean mountains from the northern border of modern Ecuador to the Maule River in central Chile.
- The Inca culture was the most important in Peru and originated from Cusco
- The Inca culture was a very advanced civilization and was led by 13 Incas, who were in charge of governing a people divided into social classes.
- The Inca Empire was the greatest civilization ever to exist during the 15th century in the pre-Columbian Americas.
Machu Picchu: Pride of Peru
Machu Picchu is at the top of everyone’s wish list as this spectacular ruins sit high on the mountain and feature one of the most impressive scenes in the world for every traveller visiting this destination. This World Heritage site and ancient Inca ruins inhabited in Cuzco, Peru surrounded by of the Andes Mountains. This renowned archaeological site gives you many adventures experiences with incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks covered with lush green terraces.
It is situated in a narrow valley between two mountain peaks, above the valley of the Urubamba River. Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, one of the few large pre-Colombian ruins found almost preserved. Though the World Heritage site’s origins remain mysterious. Some people believed that it was the lost city of Incas and some believed it’s a religious site. But still, Machu Picchu travel has become a centre of attraction after the getting mentioned in Seven Wonders of the World and around 1.5 million visitants flocking to it each year.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About The Great Wall of China
Chronicles of Machu Picchu
Archaeologists have discovered many remarkable remains of a highly evolved and politically organized Incan empire which was destroyed in 16th century by the destructive Spanish invasion, but none of them came closer in terms of the physical beauty and sacred allure just like Machu Picchu. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was constructed as a heritage for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Usually, it is wrongly related to as the Lost City of the Incas, but yes it is the icon of Inca civilization.
Machu Picchu’s construction began around the time when Inca began expanding their territory across the continent. A battle was fought and won against the Chanca people, giving power to Inca Pachacutec, and extending his defeated dynasty over more lands, according to archaeologists. The origin of this site is related to Pachacutec with some certainty.
Architecture & Excavation
At the top of a mountain, enormous and impressive stone blocks connected without using any equipment and wheel cart. They were combined to create one of the most important religious, political and cultural centres of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu. It consists of over 150 structures which range from baths and houses to temples and nature preserves. The site itself stretches an impressive five miles, with over 3,000 stone steps linking its many different levels. This Inca city is divided into two large portions: the agricultural sector, with an extensive network of terraces and the urban sector, with fine structures including the Sun Temple. American archaeologist Hiram Bingham gets his first look at Machu Picchu on 24 July 1911, an ancient Inca city in Peru which is now one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Other Attraction at Machu Picchu
Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is a mountain in Peru from where Urubamba River passes. It is situated in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District. Huayna Picchu is situated at a height of 260m above Machu Picchu’s.
The Incas created a path up the Huayna Picchu side and constructed temples and terraces on top of it.
Inti Punku
Inti Punku is one of the most significant archaeological constructions around the site. Inti Punku was once the main entrance to Machu Picchu. Inti Punku is devoted to the worship of the Inti, the god of the sun.
Due to its location on the ridge southeast of Machu Picchu, the rising sun would pass through the Sun Gate every year on the summer solstice. This is the first place that tourists can view the whole region of Machu Picchu.
Winay Wayna
Winay Wayna is an Inca ruin along with the Machu Picchu Trail. It is built into a mountain ridge that overlooks the river Urubamba. The site consists of upper and lower structures of the house attached by a staircase and fountains. The people established areas of agricultural terraces, that are still visible above and below the buildings.
Campsite of hikers with the same name is positioned nearby and is usually used as the last overnight camping ground for hikers undergoing the classic Inca Trail.
Temple of the Moon, Machu Picchu
The Temple of the Moon is one of the three major temples in this area, is nestled on the side of the mountain and is situated at an elevation lower than Machu Picchu. The site consists of stone artefact and a relatively shallow-face cave. A throne is carved out of rock is at the centre of the cave. There are steps next to the throne which leads deeper into the cave. It is believed the caves were constructed to hold mummies. The Moon Temple dates back some 1500 years.
There are many other major historical temples located in Machu Picchu which are the Temple of the Condor, Principal Temple, Temple of Three Windows, “Unfinished Temple”, and the Temple of the Sun which is also named as the ‘Torreon’.
Why You Should Tour Machu Picchu?
- It is located at a stunning location, witnessing panorama and learning history at the same point is a great combo.
- Touring Machu Picchu is a perfect opportunity to learn about the Incas. Some of history’s greatest builders, the Incas built Machu Picchu without using the wheels-an amazing feat.
- If you love hiking then this site is an excellent destination for you. Hike and Climb Huayna Picchu and other hiking trails in almost every direction.
- It doesn’t have to be the only Inca site you visit in Peru. This Trail will provide you moments to cherish and it is once in a lifetime experience for everyone.
Also Read: Seven Wonders Of The World: Epitome Of Beauty, Culture & Diversity
