The Lost City of the Incas
Surrounded by a magical silence, 120 km northwest of Cusco, on the side of the Urubamba River is one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of the earth, also considered as a mystical life energy generator. Machu Picchu is remarkable for its solid construction, its balanced use of space and its complement harmonious with the natural environment. Its name comes from the Quechua word that means "old mountain". Estratégiamente is located to prevent the presence of enemies and surrounded by deep canyons and hills called Apus impresionates tutelary gods by the Incas. The whole area is covered by lush vegetation.
It was built entirely of stone, using every space in harmony with function. Destancan two sectors: the urban area, which includes temples, palaces, plazas, two tanks, workshops, stairways and fountains, among others, and the agricultural area, with platforms or terraces for cultivation.
The locals knew of the ruins for a long time. In 1911, the guide Melchor Arteaga led to Machu Picchu to Professor Hiram Bingham, who returned in 1914 with the support of Yale University and the National Geographic Society. Since then, spread the existence of Machu Picchu as the "Lost City of the Incas", confusing at first with the mysterious Old Vilcabama where Manco Inca retreated.
It is believed that the city was primarily a religious purpose. Bingham found a cemetery exclusively in women, which led him to think it was a huge monastery acllas (young women) and a place of rest and contemplation of the sovereign Cusco. Possibly its construction dates from the time of Tupac Inca Yupanqui, the final era of the Inca Empire.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (32 592 ha) is a protected area by the Peruvian State, Cultural and Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
Height: Machu Picchu (2400 m above sea level).
Getting there: By road: Single track access from Cusco, 110 km, up to Machu Picchu Pueblo station. The travel time to the station is 3-4 hours depending on the type of train service. The bus service from the village of Machu Picchu (Aguas Calientes before) to the archaeological site takes about 20 minutes.
