The world has unique and beautiful historical sites representing our excellent human past. One of the most fascinating among them is Machu Picchu. It is an important archaeological site and a tourist destination in South America. It was built around 1450 AD. In this article, we will be discovering the wonders of Machu Picchu.
This unique structure has over 200 stone structures, including temples, houses, and intricate terraces carved into granite cliffs. They reflect the presence of a sprawling city in the past. However, centuries later, it was left hidden from the human eye until its rediscovery in 1911 by an explorer.
Overall, the place showcases the architectural, astronomical, and engineering capabilities of the Incan civilisation, which fascinates tourists and researchers from around the globe.
Are you planning to visit Machu Picchu? Here is a list of all Machu Picchu travel tips to help you make the most of it.
Discovering The Wonders of Machu Picchu:
1. Significance Of Fascinating Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is located between the Andes mountains in Peru. Also known as the Lost City, it holds some of the most unique, magnificent, and enigmatic archaeological sites.
It is a testimony to the sophistication, innovation, and grandeur of Inca civilisation. Most of that was later destroyed during the Spanish conquest of the place in the 16th century.
A visit to Machu Picchu will take you into the rich past of Peru, which is often less discussed globally. At the same time, its awe-inspiring landscapes are a sight to cherish.
However, going to this remote location isn’t that easy. You need to take a trip through many more wonders that make it all the more fulfilling and exciting.
2. History And Background Of Machu Picchu
A trip to Machu Picchu is much like an Inca Trail adventure, where you can see sights and history from that era. The place is said to have been built in 1450 when the Inca Empire was at its peak. It was a vital estate and, allegedly, a religious retreat for the Incan aristocracy.
Within the next 100 years, the Spanish invasion led to the abandonment of this place hidden from the human eye. All the temples, palaces, plazas, and fountains remained confined in the cloud forest.
It was in 1911 that explorer Hiram Bingham took an expedition to the site. He brought the place to human attention in the modern world, which soon became an essential tourism and history site.
3. Things To Keep In Mind While Planning A Trip
Given its remote location, you need to be ready with your planning when visiting Machu Picchu, UNESCO World Heritage. You need to purchase an entrance ticket, preferably months in advance. Since limited slots are available to visit, booking in advance can help.
You can consider contacting a local tour agency or any resident in that area. They can help you manage arrangements. Moreover, given the popularity of this place, book your flights, hotels, and train tickets in advance. It’s advised not to visit the place directly.
Due to its high altitude, you need to acclimatise yourself gradually. It can be done by getting used to Cusco’s 11,000-foot elevation for a few days.
4. Must-Visit Places in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is spread across a wide area, and visiting every corner is difficult. But there are some essential places that you can’t afford to miss.
From the sun temple and royal tombs to the Sacred Plaza and Intihuatana sundial, they make some of the most significant places to visit in Machu Picchu.
In your Peru travel guide, you must take some time to view and admire the mortar-free stone architecture of the place. They have continued to sustain themselves over the years despite invasions and tremors of the land.
Further, you can climb the granite steps to view the Incan agricultural innovation of tiered terraces that are still very much intact. Apart from this, there are temple baths, aqueducts, and dwellings telling of spiritual practice and daily life that will help you visualise the lives of the people residing here.
You can go to the Inca Bridge or ascend Huayna Picchu for a panoramic view. It will give you an uninterrupted view of the big green jungle terrain around the place and other ruins, making it a worthy trip.
Final Words
Machu Picchu is not just a magnificent fortress from the past that has turned into a lost city. Instead, it is a cultural and architectural masterpiece as well. It is proof of the skill and harmony of humans that nature perfected centuries ago.
Every corner of the place hides the reflection of centuries-old history and culture. Don’t miss a chance to visit the place; instead, discover this human wonder by taking your next trip to Machu Picchu!
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