I am sure you have heard about Machu Picchu, a unique wonder of the world located in Peru. Visiting Machu Picchu is the dream of many travelers around the world who want to know and appreciate this wonder. But first… Have you ever wondered what mysteries Machu Picchu hides? What are the most important facts about Machu Picchu? If you did, you are in the right place, here we will inform you about some facts you need to know about Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu in Quechua (native Inca language) means “Old Mountain”.
- It is believed to have been built by the Inca Pachacutec, at the time of Inca expansion, approximately in the year 1460.
The Intihuatana (Solar Clock) was built as an astronomical clock or calendar of the Inca culture, since thanks to this solar clock it was possible to determine the beginning of the agricultural activities.
- Machu Picchu was inhabited for only 100 years, the reason for its abandonment remains a mystery but it is believed that it was abandoned when the Spanish began their invasion or that it was due to an outbreak of smallpox.
- Machu Picchu became popular thanks to the American researcher Hiram Binghan who made it known worldwide in 1911. However, other Peruvian researchers already knew of its existence.
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In 2007, Machu Picchu was declared one of the new seven wonders of the modern world, achieving a historic milestone for Peru and the Inca culture.
- Machu Picchu was declared “Historic Sanctuary of Peru” in 1981.
- Machu Picchu was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983.
- To reach the archaeological site of Machu Picchu can only be done by 2 means: by the Inca roads that reach it, the well-known Inca Trail and other networks of Inca roads that reach this Wonder; or by bus through the Hiram Bingham Highway, which starts from the bus station in the town of Aguas Calientes.
- The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is located in the district of the same name, in the province of Urubamba, in the department of Cusco, Peru.
- There are 3 mountains surrounding the Inca wonder: the Machupicchu, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi mountains. All these mountains belong to the so-called ‘Batolito de Vilcabamba’.
- Due to its location on top of an inaccessible mountain, Machu Picchu was little known by the Spanish invaders and the nearby settlers, until it became known to the world through the investigations of the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.