Machu Picchu is an old Inca city high up in the Andes Mountains in the Cusco region of Peru. It was built in the 15th century and is thought to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. In 1911, an American archaeologist named Hiram Bingham found the site again. Since then, it has become one of South America's most popular tourist spots.
It is thought that the Inca rulers used Machu Picchu as a
royal estate or a holy religious site. There are more than 200 buildings on the
site, including temples, palaces, and homes. All of them are made of
beautifully carved stone. The buildings were made with an ashlar method, in
which large blocks of stone are cut to fit together perfectly without using
mortar.
The citadel has two main parts: the urban and agricultural zones. The urban site has an area for ceremonies, a residential
area, and a central plaza. The farm zone has terraces, canals, and buildings
for farming.
Machu Picchu is also known for its stunning natural beauty.
It is surrounded by lush green mountains and has a beautiful view of the
Urubamba River. It is also known for its complex water system, which includes
channels and aqueducts that still work today.
Machu Picchu's high altitude and remote location can make
it hard to get to, but it is also a unique and unforgettable place to visit.
The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the
world's new seven wonders.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Machu
Picchu:
1. Explore the ruins: Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South America's most important archaeological sites. The main thing to do at the site is explore the ruins. You can spend hours wandering through the old city, looking at the intricate stonework and learning about the history of the Inca people. Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a lot of water, because you will be walking a lot, and the site can get very hot during the day.
2. Hike Huayna Picchu: Huayna
Picchu is a tall mountain that looks down at Machu Picchu. You can see amazing
views of the ruins and the hills around them from the top. The hike is
challenging because it has steep, narrow steps and steep drop-offs, but the
effort is worth it when you get to the top and see the beautiful views. Note
that there are only a certain number of tickets for hiking Huayna Picchu, so
you should buy them in advance.
3. Walk the Inca Trail: The
Inca Trail is a four-day hike that takes you through beautiful mountain
scenery, past ancient ruins, and finally, to Machu Picchu. It's hard but a
once-in-a-lifetime experience. You must be in good shape and get used to the
high altitude. Some of the most impressive Inca ruins, like Wiay Wayna and
Intipata, are along the way.
4. Visit the Sun Gate: People
who have made the Inca Trail can get to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate. It
has a beautiful view of the ruins from above and is a great place to take
pictures. The climb to the Sun Gate is steep, but the ideas are worth the
effort.
5. Visit the Temple of the Sun: The
Temple of the Sun is one of the most impressive buildings at Machu Picchu. It
has intricate stonework and amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The
temple was probably used for astronomical observations and religious
ceremonies. It shows how bright the Inca people were.
6. Walk the Inca Bridge: The
Inca Bridge is a narrow walkway hanging over a steep drop. The Incas used
it to defend people from the south from getting to Machu Picchu. Walking across
the bridge gives you a rush of adrenaline and a beautiful view of the mountains
around you.
7. See the Intihuatana Stone: The
Incas used the Intihuatana Stone, a sacred rock at Machu Picchu, to track the
sun's path. The stone is on a platform that looks out over the ruins and has a
beautiful view of the mountains in the area. It's one of the site's most
important pieces of culture, and people think it was used in religious
ceremonies.
8. Take a guided tour: A
guided tour can teach you a lot about Machu Picchu's history and culture. A
knowledgeable guide can help you determine what the different buildings and
artifacts at the site mean and bring Machu Picchu's history to life. You can
book many times in English, Spanish, and other languages in advance or when you
get there.
9. Watch the sunrise:
Seeing the sun rise over Machu Picchu is a magical experience you will never
forget. The first rays of sunlight made the ruins look golden, a beautiful and
unforgettable sight. The site opens at 6 am, and it's best to get there early
to avoid crowds and get a good spot to watch.
10. Visit the Machu Picchu Museum: The
Machu Picchu Museum is in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes. It has a lot of
information about Inca history and culture.
Machu Picchu is a great place to visit, and it is one of
South America's most popular tourist spots. Millions of people visit the site
every year, and many travelers who come to Peru can't miss it.
Machu Picchu is a great place to learn about the Inca
civilization because of its unique history, impressive architecture, beautiful
natural surroundings, and cultural significance. Visitors can do many things at
the site, such as hike, trek, or going on a guided tour.