Facts and FAQs About Machu Picchu

Discover everything you need to know about the facts and FAQs about Machu Picchu, from fascinating secrets to questions that will come in handy, in this comprehensive guide to the iconic Incan citadel.

Thought to be created for Inca Emperor Pachacuti, when exactly Machu Picchu was built in this century remains a mystery. Though highly debated, researchers believe the Inca civilisation built the citadel around the mid-15^th century, with more recent studies suggesting between 1420-1530.

What we do know is that the city is a result of the Inca’s ingenious engineering. Machu Picchu was made without the use of horses, wheels or any sophisticated equipment. The stones that form Machu Picchu were cut to perfectly slot next to each other. This prepares the structure when an earthquake visits the area. The stones will only tremble before falling back into place. Constructed 2,430 m above sea level, the designers would have also needed to navigate the mountain slopes in their design. When visiting yourself, the grandiosity and sublime mountain views of the site are undoubtedly a stand-out.

The Inca were said to have fled the Spanish by hiding in the ancient and mysterious city of Vilacambera. No one knows for sure where this city is located. Explorer Hiram Bingham III theorised it was Machu Picchu and took this theory to his death, but it was disproven in 1956. There are several reasons but one argument is the fact that Machu Picchu is not a ‘lost’ city and has been known about by local villages for centuries.

Local villages have long known about Machu Picchu’s existence, but for the first time the citadel is revealed to the outside world. Yale lecturer Hiram Bingham was originally searching for the Inca Capital (remember that lost city we mentioned?) and asked around the Cusco area for information on nearby ruins. Using the guidance of local farmer Melchor Arteaga, a team of Yale University excavators were led to the site and subsequently its wider significance would become unearthed. At the mountain site, local farmers were still using the Machu Picchu terraces for agricultural purposes, mirroring the Inca from hundreds of years ago.

This year, the World Heritage Organisation recognises Machu Picchu for the engineering and artistry pioneered by the Inca Civilisation. The structure is no doubt inventive but fascinates visitors for its combination of culture, sublime natural significance and architectural brilliance. Llamas roam the steep mountainside whilst billows of thick clouds pass behind the complex Machu Picchu structure. Machu Picchu is an exceptional combination of man-made orchestration and natural wonders of the world.

Machu Picchu still remains a mystery and new information is constantly becoming unveiled. This partially what draws the citadel so much attention. Exactly hundred years after its debut to the world, you now can discover it from different angles and perspectives.

Though experiencing some rain damage and requires a degree of maintenance, Machu Picchu stands today as one of the greatest wonders of the world. The pathway Bingham’s took to the ruins still exists and many walk the same path. Hundreds of years forward from its original purpose, Machu Picchu is on the bucket list of millions across the world. In 2017 it was estimated that half a million people visit every year.

Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world, nestled high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Here are some interesting facts about this ancient Incan citadel:

1. Inca Civilization: Machu Picchu was built by the Inca civilization around the mid-15th century but was abandoned just over 100 years later during the Spanish Conquest.
2. Lost City: Although locals were aware of its existence, Machu Picchu remained largely unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911.
3. Location: It is located at an elevation of approximately 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level in the Andes Mountains, overlooking the Urubamba River valley.
4. Architecture: Machu Picchu showcases remarkable Incan architecture, featuring finely crafted stone structures fitted together without mortar. The precision of the stonework is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Inca civilization.
5. Purpose: While the exact purpose of Machu Picchu remains a subject of debate among archaeologists, it is believed to have served as a royal estate or religious site for Incan rulers.
6. Terraces: The site is dotted with agricultural terraces, which were likely used for farming and experimentation with different crops due to the varying microclimates within the complex.
7. Intihuatana Stone: One of the most famous features of Machu Picchu is the Intihuatana stone, which is believed to have been used as an astronomical observatory or calendar by the Incas.
8. Mysteries: Despite extensive research, many aspects of Machu Picchu remain shrouded in mystery, including its exact purpose, the reason for its abandonment, and how its massive stones were transported and precisely fitted together.
9. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 in recognition of its cultural and historical significance.
10. Tourism: Machu Picchu attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.
11. Conservation Challenges: The site faces challenges related to conservation due to the impact of tourism, erosion, and environmental factors. Efforts are ongoing to preserve and protect this cultural treasure for future generations.
12. Accessibility: Visitors can reach Machu Picchu by hiking the famous Inca Trail, taking a train from nearby towns such as Cusco or Ollantaytambo, or by bus and then hiking up from the town of Aguas Calientes.

These facts only scratch the surface of the rich history and significance of Machu Picchu, making it a truly awe-inspiring destination for travelers and historians alike.

Experience this ancient wonder of the world yourself on one of our Peru tours. Discover the facts and FAQs about Machu Picchu and learn more through our expert guides.