The monument of Inca architecture receives approximately a million of tourists a year.
Machu Picchu, currently one of the 7 wonders of the world, is an impressive Inca fortress with temples, platforms and water channels, located at the top of a mountain of the Valley of Urubamba River, 2 360 m.a.s.l.
The impressing Inca monument was built in the middle of century XV A.D. by orders of Inca Pachachutec, with the objective of expanding its empire. The name of Machu Picchu was given by foreign researchers during century XIX and comes from a compound word in Quechua meaning “Old Mountain”. It is estimated that around 300 people of a high social status, most of them, the Inca’s relatives, lived in this fortress.
Learn more about Cusco’s festivities and attractions here.
This wonder of Inca architecture was rediscovered officially by the American explorer, Hiram Bingham, encouraged by the stories of the Cusco farmer Agustin Lizarraga who began describing the millenary city after Bingham’s arrival, on July 14th, 1902, according to the writer Américo Rivas.
After a long expedition, Bingham arrived in Machu Picchu on July 24th, 1911, guided by the land tenant Melchor Arteaga. Upon realizing the historical value that the venue had, Bingham contacted Yale University, the National Geographic Society, and the Peruvian Government to request sponsorship and start the archeological works that lasted as to 1915.
Presently, Machu Picchu is Peru’s main tourist destination, receiving approximately a million of tourists a year, as per MINCETUR. Being an impressing monument of a pre-Columbian era, having an awesome natural landscape and conserving all Inca mystique in its walls, are the main reasons why visitors come to this tourist attraction and get fascinated.
If it is the first time you are visiting this wonder of Inca architecture, we recommend visiting Machu Picchu Pueblo which is the access gate to the fortress. You can also go to Huayna Picchu and meet the famous Temple of the Moon, in addition to enjoying the impressing view that the mountain offers.
Don’t wait any longer and come to Machu Picchu, Peru’s wonder for the world!