The ancient Incan citadel of Machu Picchu is at the top of many travel bucket lists. After all, it’s one of the New 7 Wonders of the World! Considered a South American jewel, Machu Picchu is a must-visit when you travel to Peru. The ancient city represents the incredible engineering skills of the Incas. You’ll be in awe at how the Incas built such a vast structure stretching over 5 miles in such a remote location.
Here are more reasons you need to visit Machu Picchu.
1. The Architecture
Machu Picchu’s incredible architecture is enough reason to visit this ancient site. The architectural wonder has about 200 buildings made from individually shaped granite stones fitted perfectly together. Incan architecture is recognised for its polygonal stones used in various religious buildings, using the largest and most intricately shaped stones. Each temple wall in the Machu Picchu consists of 33 corners.
The Incas gather the granite stones from the ridge. The small ones were detached because of earthquakes, while they quarry the larger pieces from the bedrock by pounding on the natural cracks. Transporting the rocks to the construction site can pose some challenges, especially the larger ones, while the llamas carry the smaller rocks. Llamas are not very strong animals and can only hold a maximum of a hundred pounds per load. As a result, they have to use woven ropes and levers to pull and push the large blocks of granite stones used in constructing the Machu Picchu.
Stonemasons have to pound the granite rocks into shape for construction. They have to flatten and create smooth corners and edges, allowing each piece to interlock with the next to build a wall. Such skill requires precision, which is remarkable considering that they did not rely on mortar or cement to build the structures.
2. The Culture
Another reason to visit Machu Picchu is to learn about the local culture. Peru has a fascinating culture, featuring a mix of Spanish conquerors and the ancient Inca civilisations. The main thing that binds these together is the family and religious values. You will learn more about this during your visit to the Machu Picchu.
Cusco is the starting point of your journey to the Machu Picchu. Before climbing to the ancient site, it’s worth spending a day or two in the city and joining cultural activities. The region of Cusco is steep in culture and history dating back to the pre-Inca times. If you want to immerse in the culture of Cusco and the Andes, consider visiting a traditional village, where you’ll meet the local villagers who still practice their old traditions.
Visiting a Peruvian market is the best way to immerse yourself in the city’s sounds, smells, and sights. One of these is the San Pedro Market in the centre of Cusco. It is considered the central hub of Andean life, where you’ll come across local vendors selling everything, from fresh produce to local arts and crafts.
Exploring a traditional weaving village called the Sacred Valley is another way to learn more about the local culture. Here, you’ll find local women sitting outdoors weaving colourful textiles, similar to what their ancestors did several centuries ago.
3. The Adventures
Adventurous travellers will surely love the thrill of hiking to the Machu Picchu. The Incan ruin lies in a stunning bowl of peaks, and a trek to these mighty peaks will reward you with breathtaking views!
Your trek can take you to many other incredible sites, such as the flourishing Sacred Valley. You will be in awe at the breathtaking vistas of peaked mountains and farming terraces, making it an ideal destination for embarking on outdoor adventures, such as trekking, mountain biking, horse riding, rock climbing, and river rafting.
Those who want to trek can try the trail ascending to the Huayna Picchu, a diamond-shaped rock rising like a shark fin behind the Machu Picchu. Climbing to the top is easier than it looks, especially for expert trekkers. It takes around two hours, requiring you to take a steep trail that loops the summit. At the top, you’ll be treated to a fantastic panorama overlooking Machu Picchu.
The trek to the top of Machu Picchu Mountain is longer and more challenging, requiring you to walk in the same steps as the Incas to reach the long ride. It’s well-suited for expert climbers. The view at the top is incredibly stunning, featuring the dramatic outline of Huayna Picchu.
4. The History
Learning about the history of the Inca Empire is another thing to look forward to on your trip to Machu Picchu. The ancient citadel undergoes several periods of occupation, and you will learn more about this during your visit.
Historians and modern archaeologists believe that the Inca Pachacutec, a statesman of the Tahuantinsuyo empire, is behind the construction of the Machu Picchu. Given the radiocarbon evidence to back up their claim, they believe the ancient citadel was constructed around the 15th century. It started around the time the Incas expanded their territory across the continent.
The Inca Pachacutec is believed to be a strong leader, with many territorial conquests and was behind the development of the Incan religion and spirituality. Many historians believe that Machu Picchu was a refuge for the members of the Inca aristocracy. At least three generations of Incas occupy the Machu Picchu, eventually abandoned in a sudden and unknown decision.
5. The Wildlife
Machu Picchu has a rich biodiversity due to the wide range of altitudes, providing a range of temperatures. In addition, the high mountains provide a favourable microclimate for the evolution of different animal species. Thus, you can expect to find some interesting animals during your visit.
Machu Picchu’s strategic location between the Amazon and the Andes allows the development of microclimates, leading to the development of fragile ecosystems that make life possible for various species, including mammals, birds, and insects.
Some of the most fascinating wildlife you can stumble upon in Machu Picchu are the Andean bear or spectacled bear, Andean fox, dwarf deer, toucans and torrent duck, and llamas.
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