Machu Picchu

Written by: Yasser Saad

Location: Cusco , Peru

Languages : Quechua. Spanish

- History

Machu Picchu is an Inca Site in Peru that is thought to have been built as an Estate for Pachacuti, an Incan emperor. It was built in the 15th century, approximately around 1450. It was abandoned as a place for Inca rulers in about 1572. It was Discovered by the outside World in 1911 and has since become a Tourist Attraction. By 1976 at least 30% of the site had been restored and those Restoration Efforts still Continue Today.

- All Began when The American Explorer "Hiram Bingham" Stumbled upon the jungle-covered ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru in 1911, he believed he had found the lost city of Vilcabamba, the final Refuge of the last Incan king. But Machu Picchu Turned out to be Something Far more Impressive, The Largest Incan settlement never to have been discovered

- On his first trip to the site "Hiram Bingham" walked for six days. Today many choose to follow in his Footsteps by Hiking to the Ruins on the Legendary Inca Trail. It’s an experience like no other, but one no longer necessary.                         

                                                 

                                                 

  

Hiram Bingham at his tent door near Machu Picchu in 1912

it's Located 7,000 feet Above sea level and nestled on a small Hilltop Between The Andean Mountain Range, The Majestic city soars above the Urabamba Valley below. The Incan built structure has been deemed the “Lost Cities”, unknown until its relatively recent discovery in 1911. Archaeologists estimate that approximately 1200 people could have lived in the area, though many theorize it was most likely a retreat for Incan rulers. Due to it’s isolation from the rest of Peru.

  

Interesting Facts about Machu Picchu :

- Machu Picchu.  Means "Old peak" in Quechua.

- In 2007, Machu Picchu was Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide.

- Machu Picchu is also known as (the Lost City) of the Incas. because the jungle had literally swallowed it when Yale explorer Hiram Bingham III “rediscovered” it in 1911.

- It was Named a (Peruvian Historical Sanctuary) in 1981, and Two Years Later, in 1983 UNESCO Classified it as a "World Heritage Site".

- Machu Picchu was built with Polished Dry Stone Walls.

- Machu Picchu is one of the most Important Historical Latin American sites and Covers an Area of 32,500 Hectares.

- In 2008 Machu Picchu was placed on the Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites in the World by the World Monuments Fund.

- In an effort to reduce the number of tourists to the site, there are now rules as to how many people can visit Machu Picchu in a day.

- Llamas,  like the One Shown Here, Are a Common Sight at Machu Picchu. Used as pack animals for Centuries by Andean Dwellers, The Camel Relatives were also Sources of Leather, Wool, and Meat for the Inca.

                      

             

Finally

* There are Two Ways to Get to Machu Picchu :

1. The Traditional Train. The Duration is Three or Four Hours. Costs ($10 round-trip)

2. A person who likes Trekking, Can Choose The “Caminos Del Inca” which Takes Four Days :-D