To many, Machu Picchu is the most remarkable creation of the Inca Empire. It is a sacred sight filled with Peruvian culture, breathtaking views, and rich history. This information will help you fine-tune the details of another vacation you can add to your bucket list of dream adventures.
About the Inca Empire
The first appearance of the Inca dates back to the 12th century. Legend has it that they were created by the ancestral sun god, Inti. Spanning from northern Ecuador to central Chile and consisting of 12 million people and over 100 various ethnic groups, the Incas named their state Tawantinsuyu, meaning the four regions together.
A highly agricultural society, the Incas contributed to the economy with their corn, potato, squash, tomato, peanuts, peppers, coca (tropical shrub), cassava, and cotton farming. They produced their clothing made of cotton and llama wool. Stones and clay soil made up most of their homes.
Their civilization was nearly destroyed by the invasion of the Spanish during the 16th century. During the Incan dynastic history, they were ruled by 16 leaders. They were believed to live in royal estates, the ruins of which can now be seen in Machu Picchu.
Get to Know Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is located in the mountain range of Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains about 50 miles northwest of Cuzco, Peru. Though its past dates back to the Inca inhabitants, it wasn’t until 1911 that the ruins were discovered by American archeologist, Hiram Bingham.
Machu Picchu, also Machupijchu, sits at almost 8,000 feet above sea level. This wonder of the world is believed to have been built in the 15th century. Its name means “old mountain,” and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list of valuable places since 1983.
Visiting Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is accessible to visitors year-round. Keep in mind that as of 2018, only 1,500 visitors per day are allowed to enter Machu Picchu. To evade large crowds, April, May, September, and October are the best months to visit. These months also offer the least chance of rain. If you want to guarantee your entrance, avoid going on a Sunday, and if possible visit before 6:00 am or after 3:00 pm.
Tickets are only sold in the village of Machu Picchu and must be shown at the designated checkpoint. If you think you want to spend a lot of time exploring the ruins, extension visiting tickets are available. However, they are limited to 400 people per day.
Reaching the Ruins
A minibus ride or hiking are the two most popular ways to reach the site. A bus runs every 15 minutes between 5:30 am and 3:00 pm. Bus returns begin at 6:30 am, and they end at 5:45 pm. The journey takes roughly 25 minutes.
For those that crave anticipation and adventure, hiking one of the Inca paths is highly recommended. For overnight stays in the Andes, guided multiple-day hikes are available via tour groups. For a day hike, the Classic Inca Trail takes between five and six hours, beginning at Chachabamba.
Other on-foot options include Lares trek to Machu Picchu, Inca Quarry trail, Inca Jungle Trek, and Choquequirao to Machu Picchu, all offering a quieter experience. All vary in length, guides, and scenery.
The Interesting Facts
– Machu Picchu means “old peak” or “old mountain.”
– The ruins are made up of roughly 150 distinct structures.
– There are over 100 separate flights of stone stairs.
– Hundreds of Incan men pushed the hefty stones up the steep mountain.
– Ashlar, stones cut to fit perfectly together, was the technique used to build the structures.
– The stones are so well-fitted to one another, it is impossible to fit a knife between them.
– Machu Picchu’s Intihuatana stone correctly shows the two equinoxes, with the sun resting directly over the stone and casting no shadow.
– The Incas used nutrient-rich llama droppings to fertilize crops.
Planning and Preparing
Rules, fees, and regulations can change without notice. Although preservation efforts have been set in place, only nature’s unpredictability can determine what happens to Machu Picchu and when. As with any adventure of a lifetime, be sure to make proper arrangements months in advance.
The planning and vacation will prove themselves worth the time. Surrounded by the splendor of the Andes Mountains and the mystery of this ancient fortress, it’s no surprise that Machu Picchu is at the top of any dreamer’s bucket list.