Machu Picchu

Among all the world’s glorious monuments and acclaimed treasure troves, none sets the bar so high as Machu Picchu. It is one of the most prized archeological sites ever unearthed by humanity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. As you slowly ascend the steep hills leading up, it will remain utterly concealed from sight. When you reach the top, it will reveal its marvelous beauty all at once. A heartfelt silence echoing through the towering mountains will accompany you in every step. Temples, terraces, and palaces that remained hidden under a thick blanket of vegetation until the 1900s await in the mountain city of Machu Picchu.

While no particular ruin stands out amongst others, Machu Picchu is famous for the countless agricultural terraces tumbling down the hills in a picturesque cascade. Interconnecting the living quarters, the terraces are impeccable examples of engineering feats. They once served as fertile parcels for farming. If skillful stonework is the driving force behind the impressive structure, astronomical insight is what bolsters it even more. Archeological work has revealed that the majority of Machu Picchu was designed according to the movements of the heavenly bodies. It is particularly fascinating in the Temple of the Sun, where window openings align with Solstices.

Another awe-inspiring monument is Intihuatana, a stone structure that served as an astronomical clock in the Inca times. They believed that it held the sun in its place. The Inca had various ceremonies and rituals based on astronomical events, such as the Royal Feast of the Sun, celebrated in the Inti Mach’ay cave. The cave has a high place among archeologists, featuring fine masonry and a detailed design.