- Location and Altitude: Machu Picchu is located at 2,430 meters above sea level, in the imposing Andes mountains of Peru, surrounded by the Urubamba River and lush jungle.
- Inca Construction: Built in the 15th century under the reign of Inca Pachacútec, this citadel is a perfect example of the advanced architecture and planning of the Incas.
- Rediscovery: It was rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, after being hidden for centuries under vegetation, shielded from Spanish conquerors.
- Historical Importance: It is believed to have served as a ceremonial, religious, and residential center for the Inca elite, combining administrative and spiritual functions.
- Unsolved Mysteries: Even today, it is astonishing how they managed to build this wonder on such remote and difficult terrain, using rudimentary tools and advanced construction techniques.
- Modern Recognition: Declared a Modern World Wonder in 2007, Machu Picchu is one of the most iconic and visited destinations on the planet.
What did Hiram Bingham find when he first arrived at Machu Picchu?
When Hiram Bingham, an explorer and Yale professor, arrived at Machu Picchu in 1911, he did not expect to uncover one of the world’s most important archaeological wonders. Guided by local peasants, including a young man named Melchor Arteaga, Bingham reached a site covered by dense vegetation that had protected the ruins for centuries.
This is what he found upon arrival:
- An almost intact citadel: Although the undergrowth covered much of the structures, the precision and monumentality of the Inca constructions were evident. The most notable buildings, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the agricultural terraces, amazed Bingham with their complexity and preservation.
- Vestiges of Inca life: He found tools, pottery, and other objects that provided clues about how the ancient inhabitants lived. These findings indicated that Machu Picchu had been an important religious, agricultural, and residential center.
- An intact connection with nature: Bingham was fascinated by the harmony between the structures and the natural environment. The agricultural terraces and water channels reflected the advanced Inca engineering and their ability to adapt to mountainous terrain.
- Local presence: Although the site had been abandoned by the Incas centuries ago, some local families still lived in the area, using the agricultural terraces and maintaining small parts of the site.
The discovery of Machu Picchu marked the beginning of an era of archaeological and tourist studies in the region, and Bingham’s work was fundamental in revealing to the world the greatness of this civilization. Today, the legacy of this discovery continues to captivate millions of visitors.
Construction of Machu Picchu: Inca Engineering and Technique
The construction of Machu Picchu is a reflection of the extraordinary skill of Inca engineers, who designed the city to perfectly integrate into the Andes mountains.
How was the city of Machu Picchu built?
- Ashlar technique: The Incas employed a method known as “ashlar,” which involved carving large stone blocks with rudimentary tools and fitting them together with astonishing precision. This not only provided solidity to the structures but also made them earthquake-resistant.
- Use of the natural environment: The builders adapted the structures to the mountainous terrain, using agricultural terraces that not only served for cultivation but also prevented landslides and soil erosion.
- Advanced hydraulic systems: The city had channels and water fountains that ensured a constant supply of drinking water and helped drain rainwater, preventing floods.
- Construction without mortar: The absence of mortar made the structures flexible in the face of seismic movements, as the stones could move slightly without collapsing.
Why was Machu Picchu built in that location?
- Strategic location: Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge overlooking the Urubamba River valley, which offered an excellent defensive position and control over the surroundings.
- Spiritual value: The Incas considered the surrounding mountains as apus (protective spirits) and chose places with sacred alignments to build ceremonial centers. Machu Picchu has precise astronomical alignments, such as the Intihuatana Stone, which marks the solstices.
- Access to resources: Being located at the transition between the highlands and the jungle, Machu Picchu had access to a great diversity of natural resources, making life at the site viable.
- Natural protection: Its remote position surrounded by mountains made it difficult to find and conquer, which may have been a key reason during its construction.
Machu Picchu is not only an impressive architectural work but also an example of how the Incas respected and utilized their environment to create a functional, sacred, and timeless city.
What was the purpose of creating Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu may have had multiple purposes. One theory suggests it was a religious and ceremonial center dedicated to the sun god Inti, with temples and astronomical alignments. Another possibility is that it was a resting residence for Inca Pachacútec and his nobility, given its remote location.
It has also been proposed that Machu Picchu served as an administrative and strategic center for controlling the Urubamba Valley and trade routes. Finally, its advanced agricultural system could have been key for food production, sustaining the Inca elite. The exact purpose remains a mystery.
Main Features of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu stands out not only for its architecture but also for its natural and cultural environment, making it a unique destination. Here are some of its main features:
- Strategic location: It is located among sacred mountains, surrounded by a stunning natural landscape that has spiritual and astronomical significances.
- Mountainous location: Situated over 2,400 meters above sea level, atop the Andes, with breathtaking views over the Urubamba River valley.
- Inca architecture: The city is built using the “ashlar” technique, without mortar, employing precisely fitted stone blocks.
- Key structures: Includes the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana Stone, and the agricultural terraces, among others, which have spiritual and functional meanings.
Flora and Fauna in Machu Picchu: A Unique Natural Environment
Machu Picchu is a biodiverse ecosystem that hosts a variety of endemic plants and animals. Some of the species inhabiting the area include:
- Flora:
- Orchids: There are over 400 species of orchids in the region, some of which are rare and exclusive.
- Ferns: Several species of ferns cover the mountain slopes.
- Bromeliads: Plants found in the wetter and higher-altitude areas.
- Native trees: Such as cedar and quenua, which are common in nearby forests.
- Fauna:
- Spectacled bear: The only bear native to South America, which inhabits the nearby mountains.
- Endemic birds: Such as the cock-of-the-rock, a symbol of Peruvian wildlife.
- Insects and butterflies: The region is home to many species, including some rare ones like the papilio garamas.
- Llamas and alpacas: Although domesticated, they are an essential part of the landscape and local culture.
This natural environment complements the historical and cultural richness of Machu Picchu, making a visit a complete experience in both architectural and natural aspects.
Where to Stay When Visiting Machu Picchu
If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu, the best option for accommodation is in Aguas Calientes, the small town located just outside the archaeological area. This is the nearest and most convenient starting point for accessing the site, and it offers a wide range of lodging options to suit different budgets.
- Luxury hotels: In Aguas Calientes, you can find high-end options like the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel at the foot of Machu Picchu, offering a luxury and comfortable experience.
- Mid-range hotels and hostels: If you prefer something more affordable but still comfortable, there are several options like Hotel Machu Picchu Pueblo or Casa Andina Standard Machu Picchu, which provide quality services and comfort at more moderate prices.
- More economical hostels and lodgings: For those looking for more budget-friendly options, Aguas Calientes also has a variety of hostels and small family accommodations, ideal for those who want to rest without spending too much.
- Nearby alternatives: If you prefer a quieter experience or to be closer to nature, some travelers choose to stay in nearby towns, such as Ollantaytambo, which has good connections to Aguas Calientes via train and allows for a more rural and picturesque experience.
Aguas Calientes is ideal for resting before your excursion to Machu Picchu, as it is just a few minutes by train from the entrance to the archaeological site and has all the necessary amenities to prepare for a memorable visit.
