Discover 20 Amazing Facts About Machu Picchu
Ultima actualización en 5 November, 2024 por Waman Adventures
Last Updated on 5 November, 2024 by Waman Adventures
Ready to enter a world of mystery and wonder? Welcome to the majesty of Machu Picchu! This iconic Peruvian archaeological site is much more than a wonder of the ancient world: it is an enigma wrapped in the grandeur of Inca history. In this blog, we will explore the most fascinating and revealing facts about Machu Picchu. From its enigmatic construction to its archaeological secrets, get ready to immerse yourself in a journey to the heart of one of humanity’s most impressive wonders.
-
Indice ocultar
FACTS ABOUT MACHU PICCHU AND ITS CONSTRUCTION
This is one of the important facts about Machu Picchu, because the Incas appeared in history approximately around the year 1300 and according to research it has been determined that the Incas used to build their cities on the foundations of past civilizations. However, no traces of a past civilization have been found in what we know today as Machu Picchu, which means that the Incas were the first to arrive and thanks to the mandate of the Inca Pachacuti (Pachacuteq), the most impressive and grandiose citadel of the Inca culture was ordered to be built.
Discovering Machu Picchu is priceless, an experience you will never forget.
-
DISCOVERY OF MACHU PICCHU
Contrary to the common belief that Hiram Bingham was the discoverer of Machu Picchu, the truth is that when he arrived for the first time to the Inca citadel in 1911, he found an inscription in the Temple of the Three Windows, which read “Agustin Lizarraga 1902”, suggesting that this would be the first person to discover this place. Unfortunately, he died in 1912 after falling into the Urubamba River.
So, although the discoverer was not Hiram Bingham, he gave it scientific and historical value by making it known to the world. Thanks to this, National Geographic magazine published a detailed article about Machu Pichu in 1913, revealing the real magnitude of this citadel.
Hiram Bhimgam made Machu Picchu known in 1911.
-
CHOSEN AS A WONDER OF THE WORLD
This archaeological complex is known worldwide, being very important to highlight the recognition that has been given to Machu Picchu since its discovery, as it is a destination that has received many awards and recognitions thanks to its cultural and natural importance to the world.
- Machu Picchu was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
- In 2007 it was declared one of the new 7 Wonders of the World.
- It is the most visited attraction in Peru and South America.
- In 2016 it was chosen as the best destination in the world by TripAdvisor.
Exclusive view of Machu Picchu
-
MACHU PICCHU IS EARTHQUAKE AND LANDSLIDE-PROOF.
Peru is a seismic country due to its geography and the Incas knew it, which is why all the structures built in this beautiful Inca citadel are earthquake-proof.
It is also noteworthy that this citadel has about 600 terraces that prevent the buildings from collapsing to one side of the mountain, a surprising engineering highlight for the time.
Machu Picchu, the seventh wonder of the modern world.
-
THE 4 SACRED TEMPLES OF MACHU PICCHU
Temple of the Sun: it is built on a stone that forms a semi-circular cavern, where the windows take greater importance thanks to the carved stone inside. It is said that it could have been used as a solar observatory and also to determine the appropriate days to start planting.
The temple directed to its major god the sun
Main temple or Wayrara: it is located in the main area (center of the temples), also known as Sacred Plaza and has 3 large rectangular walls, which serve as a foundation for the rest of the stones of the wall. The meaning of Wayrara means “place where there is a lot of wind” or “where the wind is very strong”.
An amazing temple as resistant
Temple of the 3 windows: considered possibly the most important temple of Machu Picchu, whose walls are built of large stones and carefully carved. It is known to have a span of 12 meters long and 5 meters wide.
Dazzle yourself with the privileged views of this temple and the Inca citadel.
Intihuatana: is a carved rock that generates different shadows depending on the location of the sun. It also helped you to understand the season of the year, make measurements and predictions to make the best decisions for planting products. It is probably one of the most important and outstanding constructions of all the enclosures.
A legend says that this is the model of Machu Picchu.
-
MACHU PICCHU WAS NOT FINISHED
This is one of the great doubts, since many Inca sites were not finished, Ollantaytambo being a clear example, since it was invaded by the Spaniards when this citadel was under construction. And according to the interesting data on Machu Picchu, it is also considered that the city was not finished in its entirety.
-
THE FLORA OF MACHU PICCHU
According to studies and data about Machu Picchu, it is known that this is not only impressive for its incredible architecture and history, but also, it is a place that houses a great variety of flora, among which the orchids are outstanding, without forgetting that this citadel also has terraces where the Incas used to grow food from the area such as quinoa, coca and muña; medicinal plants and of high religious value. You will be able to observe them in detail during your expedition and tour.
During your trip to Machu Picchu, you will be able to observe its incredible diversity.
- THE FAUNA OF MACHU PICCHU
Currently, this complex is full of llamas, which you will be able to observe during your tour, but this is not all the fauna of the place. Among the curious facts about Machu Picchu is that it is visited from time to time by families of spectacled bears, viscachas and small reptiles, providing an incredible experience for travelers.
Bring your best camera and capture the wildlife, one more reason why the Inca Trail is worth it.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT MACHU PICCHU FOR TRAVELERS!
-
IS IT NECESSARY TO MAKE AN EFFORT TO GET TO MACHU PICCHU?
This is one of the questions many travelers ask about Machu Picchu. This Inca citadel is located in the interior of the province of Urubamba in Cusco and there are only 2 ways to get there.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: the most challenging and adventurous way to know Machu Picchu, ideal for all travelers looking to conquer challenges and overcome their limits through one of the most famous and beautiful trekking trails in the world.
The train to Machu Picchu: this is a more comfortable and convenient way to visit Machu Picchu. Being that it is also more direct and faster, ideal for people who are fulfilling a package tour and likewise traveling with children or seniors.
The experience of visiting Machu Picchu is incredible, whatever your choice.
-
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MACHU PICCHU
This is one of the key points about Machu Picchu and your next visit, since the ideal time to make the most of your visit according to travelers and facts about Machu Picchu, is during the dry season (April – October), as it will allow you to have the best pictures thanks to clear skies and bright sunshine. However, this is also the high season, which is why you should book your visit well in advance.
Note: it is important to remember that your ideal time to visit Machu Picchu will depend exclusively on your expectations and objectives; choose the one that best suits you and your needs.
Enjoy your trek to Machu Picchu and its rain-free exploration.
-
MACHU PICCHU CIRCUITS
There are currently 5 entrances to visit Machu Picchu, which offer different circuits to explore the citadel. These circuits include the Huayna Picchu Mountain circuit, the Machu Picchu Mountain circuit, and the classic circuit of the Llaqta Machu Picchu (also known as the classic). The classic circuit allows you to see many more places, but it is also more crowded with travelers.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: the favorite choice of adrenaline-seeking travelers, as it will allow you to access the steepest mountain of this archaeological complex and take the most incredible panoramic photos.
Machu Picchu Mountain: a great tour for those looking for a different adventure, as it will also allow you to have unique views of this Inca citadel and, according to information about Machu Picchu, it is ideal for travelers who are with younger children or adults, because the trail is not steep.
Llaqta of Machu Picchu: This is the longest circuit, with an average duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, it is also the one that allows you to take the classic photo of Machu Picchu. During this tour, you will be able to visit the most important archaeological complexes of the place.
Choose the circuit of your preference and enjoy your own experiences.
-
AVAILABILITY OF MACHU PICCHU
The availability of Machu Picchu may vary depending on your travel date (high or low season), for which it is extremely important to do it well in advance and also to make sure with a legal and experienced agency such as Waman Adventures. In case you wish to travel in the high season, which goes from April to October, you should book about 3 months in advance and if you plan to travel in the low season you can book up to 1 month in advance.
-
ENTRANCE TICKETS TO MACHU PICCHU
It is an extremely important document when you want to take a tour to Machu Picchu, because this ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable, due to its great tourist demand. This ticket must present your full name, date of travel, the circuit purchased and the time of entry, this last piece of information is of vital importance, since you must respect your time and thus avoid inconveniences during your tour.
Tickets to Machupicchu and/or Inca Trail are limited, try to book them in advance.
-
CAN I VISIT MACHU PICCHU WITHOUT A GUIDE?
This information about Machu Picchu will help you avoid scams during your trip. Nowadays it is impossible to enter the complex without a guide, because according to the regulations of Machu Picchu, all travelers must have the proper service of an authorized professional guide. Remember that the tourist activity is an economic livelihood for many local families.
-
MACHU PICCHU IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND.
Yes, in case you still have doubts about Machu Picchu, we inform you that your visit is available all year round. However, it is very important to take into account that if you wish to visit Machu Picchu through the Inca Trail, this will not be possible during the whole month of February, since the Inca Trail is undergoing repairs and maintenance, so it will only be accessible by train tour.
Photo taken from Travelers in Machupicchu during the dry season.
CURIOUS FACTS ABOUT MACHU PICCHU
-
HOT SPRINGS THERMAL
BATHS
During the tour to Machu Picchu and depending on your itinerary, you may find a moment of relaxation in the pleasant hot springs of Machu Picchu Pueblo. Located just 10 minutes away from this small town. These hot springs will serve you to have a moment of relaxation, whether you visit them before or before visiting Machu Picchu.
Note: remember to consult all the information of your itinerary about Machu Picchu to your sales agent and thus know if you can visit the hot springs without complicating your itinerary.
-
MACHU PICCHU PERU VS. YALE
During the expedition of Hiram Bingham and the excavations on Machu Picchu, it is known that artifacts were found that left Peru under a government decree and would be loaned for research purposes to Yale University. In 2012, after a lawsuit by the Government of Peru and the University of Cusco, all the artifacts were returned.
Note: there is a belief about Machu Picchu, that these returned objects are exact replicas and that the originals never left Yale.
-
MACHU PICCHU IN DISPUTE
Currently, there is a legal dispute by a family that claims Machu Picchu as their property by family inheritance, a process that continues to be carried litigation in the courts of Cusco today. This is one of the interesting facts about Machu Picchu that very few know.
FINAL TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT MACHU PICCHU
-
ENTRANCE REGULATIONS TO MACHU PICCHU
This is one of the important facts about Machu Picchu that you must take into account during your tour of the citadel since you have to respect the entrance regulations such as:
- Personal backpack or backpack of 25 liters maximum with items such as snacks, water, sunscreen, repellent and sunglasses.
- Prohibited the entrance with trekking poles with metal tips and only accept the use of canes if you are an adult of the third age (rubber tip).
- You must present your original passport and entrance ticket at the checkpoint.
- It is strictly forbidden to enter with alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
- It is highly recommended to use the restrooms before entering, as you will not find any restrooms inside the complex.
Essential items that should accompany you throughout your trek.
-
RULES TO FOLLOW DURING YOUR TOUR IN MACHU PICCHU
During your tour of the archaeological complex, take into account the rules about Machu Picchu, which you must respect and thus you will have a pleasant and above all safe experience.
Do not throw garbage during your tour (there are containers outside the complex).
The circuit is unidirectional, which means that you will not be able to return to any point once you have left it behind (keep in mind when taking pictures).
Respect the limits and signs of the complex, and avoid being penalized or putting your life at risk.
If you are traveling with children, stay close to them and prevent them from getting into mischief.
trekking to Machu Picchu and its respective exploration of the complex
Discovering Machu Picchu and knowing every secret place is incredible.
Now you know more interesting and curious facts about Machu Picchu, which we are sure will encourage you to visit this great Inca citadel. Remember that it still has stories and legends that are waiting to be discovered and what better than you to be the one to do it. Book now with Waman Adventures and discover one of the wonders of the world!
Share:
If you liked this article and the information you found, give us 5 stars!
(2 votos, promedio: 5.00 de 5)
Loading...
