Machu Picchu in Peru
One of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Peru’s Machu Picchu is the country’s top tourist attraction and a definite must-see for anyone visiting this warm and lovely South American country. Located in the Department of Cuzco in the middle of the Andes Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site sits some 7,800 feet above sea level and dates back to the mid-15th century, considered the peak of the Incan Empire.
What many visitors don’t realize is that this magnificent site remained unknown to all but the locals for more than 350 years after it was abandoned in the mid 1500s. In 1911, it was discovered by American Hiram Bingham with the help of a local farmer and, at that time, he introduced this marvel of engineering to the world. National Geographic devoted an entire issue to it in 1913. Bingham also discovered hundreds of Incan artifacts there as well, which he brought home to Yale University. (In 2008, the university finally agreed to return these objects to the Peruvian government, though they retain joint ownership of some artifacts.)
Machu Picchu sits above a loop of the Urubamba River with incredible views of the Urubamba Valley below. It is believed to have been built for the Incan Emperor Pachacuti but it was abandoned just a century later during the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Many experts believe, however, that most of those who lived there were wiped out by smallpox before the Spanish even arrived. Hence, the settlement was never found by the Spanish and was not destroyed, as was the case with many other Inca sites. That means it remains in remarkably good condition despite its age.
Truly, the city was extraordinary. It was primarily used as an astronomical observatory and its Intihuatana Stone is said to be able to precisely pinpoint the time of the two equinoxes and other celestial periods. About 200 buildings are also located on the mountaintop, including residences, temples, and other public buildings, and an estimated 1,200 people lived there during its heyday.
The city was split into two zones, agricultural and urban, and the engineering feats of the early Incas were truly a marvel. The buildings were made of granite, probably cut with bronze or stone tools, and their stones fit together perfectly without mortar. It is said that a thin knife would not even fit between the rocks. Furthermore, the architecture was integrated into the landscape, using existing stone formations as portions of the structures. Remarkably, crops grew atop the mountain as well, fed by advanced irrigation systems that were far ahead of their time.
Today, Machu Picchu attracts thousands of tourists a day during Peru’s dry season and there are a number of ways to get there. Those who are truly hearty can hike the 28-mile-long Inca Trail which winds through forests, villages, and the mountains. It generally takes about 4 days to complete this strenuous hike. Most people, however, take the 4-hour train ride from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, which provides a look at some of the most breathtaking scenery Peru has to offer. Train service is by Peru Rail and two different routes are available as well as three classes of train car – Backpacker, Vista Dome, and the luxurious and expensive Hiram Bingham Train. Buy your tickets early. There’s also a bus that reaches Machu Picchu and those with extra cash to spare can get there by helicopter.
May to October is the best time to visit because the weather is dry during these months. However, July and August is generally packed with tourists, including children. Guided tours – which give you all the details - are better enjoyed when fewer crowds are present, as in May, September, or October.
Return to Peru Travel Guide Main Page