If you visit Machu Picchu in Peru, you will be able to see one of the most impressive and famous archaeological ruins in the world.
Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century by the Inca civilization and is a testament to the advanced knowledge of architecture and astronomy of the Incas. Since 1983, it has been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Comtents
The Inca Trail
This is the name given to a network of ancient roads that extends for several thousand kilometers in the Andes of South America, passing through Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. But if you visit Machu Picchu, the most famous section of the Inca Trail is the one that connects the city of Cusco with the citadel of Machu Picchu. It is approximately 43 kilometers and is known as the Classic Inca Trail.
It is for many, one of the most spectacular hikes in the world. The road was built by the Inca Empire in the 15th century to connect its main cities and to facilitate trade and communication between them. The Inca Trail is made up of a series of cobbled paths, hanging bridges, tunnels and stairs carved into the rock, which cross impressive landscapes of mountains, rivers, valleys and forests.
To walk the Classic Inca Trail, you have to obtain a special permit and go with the company of an authorized tour guide.
The citadel of Machu Picchu
Today it is universally known, both for its imposing archaeological remains and for its incomparable location, on the edge of an abyss at the bottom of which the mighty waters of the Urubamba River flow. Machu Picchu, more than a citadel, is an architectural complex that is only missing the roofs. There are a large number of houses that currently number more than 200, and in their heyday there must have been many more. In addition, its design includes plazas, temples, roads, stairs, terraces, aqueducts, etc.
Wayna Picchu
It is a mountain located within the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. To visit it, you must reserve the entrance to Machu Picchu that includes the climb to Wayna Picchu. When we went there were only two slots available, one early in the morning and one at noon. The hike to the top of Wayna Picchu is steep and can be physically demanding. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on uneven and steep terrain.
It’s worth the effort. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscapes.
The temple of the Sun
It is one of the most important structures and is located in the sacred area of Machu Picchu and in a strategic location with views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It is a semicircular structure built with large stone blocks carved and fitted together without the use of mortar. The temple faces east, meaning it was designed to capture the light of the rising sun at certain times of the year, especially during the winter and summer solstices.
It is believed that the Temple of the Sun was used by Inca priests to perform religious ceremonies and rituals, and to observe the sun and stars. The structure is decorated with intricate geometric designs and Inca symbols, indicating the religious and symbolic importance of the temple to Inca culture.
Intihuatana
It is a structure carved in stone that is located on the top of a hill known as the Sacsayhuamán fortress. Intihuatana translates as “place where the sun is tied” in Quechua, the language of the Incas. It was considered a sacred place by the Incas and it is believed that it was used as a sundial and to perform religious ceremonies.
The structure consists of an upright stone carved in the shape of a truncated pyramid, rising from a rectangular base. At the top of the stone there are a series of carvings that align with the cardinal points and the winter and summer solstices.
The Inca Bridge
It is made of stone and extends over a gorge in the Urubamba River, at a height of around 28 meters above the water. It is believed that the Inca Bridge was built by the Incas to protect their sacred city of Machu Picchu.
The bridge was designed to be easily removable in the event of an enemy attack, which would allow defenders to protect the entrance to the city. Today, it is a popular tourist site in Machu Picchu, but it is not open to the public for safety reasons, you can see it from a safe distance and take photographs of it, while learning more about its history and its role in Inca culture.
The door of the sun
Also known as Intipunku in Quechua, it is located at the top of a hill on the road that leads from the Urubamba River valley to the citadel. It is located on the top of a hill overlooking the citadel and is a prominent place in the area. It has a trapezoidal shape with a small opening in the center that faces east. It is believed that the Incas built it as a type of calendar or sundial, since the opening in the center is designed to allow the sun to shine through it at certain times of the year, such as the solstices and equinoxes. In addition to its function as a calendar,
Puerta del Sol also has an important symbolic and religious value for the Incas. It is believed that it was a sacred place where important ceremonies and rituals were carried out.
Manuel Chávez Ballón Museum
Site Museum It is located in Machu Picchu Pueblo (also known as Aguas Calientes), at the foot of the citadel. This museum is managed by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture and is named after Peruvian archaeologist Manuel Chávez Ballón, who was one of the first researchers of Machu Picchu.
The museum has a collection of archaeological objects that were discovered in Machu Picchu and its surroundings. These objects include pottery, stone tools, textiles, metals, and other artifacts dating back to the Inca era. There are also models and photographs that illustrate the history and culture of the region. It is worth visiting its various themed rooms. The first room presents an introduction to the history of Machu Picchu and the Inca culture. The second room focuses on the architecture and urban design of the citadel, and shows models of the buildings and squares. The third room displays artifacts that reflect the daily life of the inhabitants of Machu Picchu, such as kitchen utensils and personal objects.
Visiting it is an interesting way to complement the experience of visiting the citadel and gain a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural importance. This is your web page.
Cusco
If you traveled to see Machu Picchu, you cannot miss visiting Cusco, a city rich in history and culture with many interesting places to visit.
FAQ
How many days are necessary to visit Machu Picchu?
It depends on each visitor. On average, people spend two days: one to see the Inca city and the other the Huayna Picchu mountain.
Machu Picchu is an extraordinary place that offers us a unique perspective on history. It is a place full of secrets that we have not yet discovered. The Incas created this monumental city with precision and beauty, and it is a true testament to their skill as architects. If you are planning a trip to Peru, Machu Picchu is surely on your list.
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