[Machu
Picchu]
One of the most popular archeological sites of the world,
and therefore, the most visited attraction in Peru. The
Citadel of Machu Picchu (in Quechua [an Andean language]
= Old Mountain) is known throughout the world for its
amazing ruins and its unusual location on a high mountain
overlooking the mighty currents of the Urubamba river.
Even today nobody has been able to solve the mystery how
the builders and designers managed to transport the huge
blocks of limestone to the top of the mountain required
for the construction of the city.
Probably built during the 15th century in a very difficult
location, it is the greatest achievement of the Incas
architects due to the intelligence and dare demonstrated
by their design. It has an extent of 13 sq/km and its
main functions were military and religious. It used to
be surrounded by an outer wall with a height of 6.00 m.
and a width of 1.80 m. and it is estimated that it was
inhabited by 10000 people. Built of limestone (the outer
and inner walls), wood (doors and frames), and ceilings
made of straw.
Machu Picchu is located 2300 meters above sea level (7546
ft.), at 112 km. (70 miles) from Cusco, in the valley
of Urubamba in the lowest part of the Sacred Valley of
the Incas in a area of direct access to the upper jungle.
Without doubt, Machu Picchu was part of a very big complex
of fortresses which defended the Andean lands in Sacred
valley of any assault from indian people out of the Jungle.
Having Huayna Picchu as a background they divided Machu
Picchu in four sectors. Northwest is located the area
that was probably used for the main religious purposes,
that includes a Plaza named by Hiram Bingham as "Sacred
Plaza", also the temple of the "Three Windows",
"The Sacred Temple", the "Priests Mansion",
and the "Intihuatana" that is a large block
of limestone used during Inca ceremonies.
The "Intihuatana" (in Quechua = place where
the sun is bonded) is a solar observatory that allowed
the Incas to keep track of the seasons of the year and
the flow of time based on the shadows caused by the sun
over the stone.
The largest residences are located on the northeast of
the complex. The most luxurious residences and also a
watch tower are located on the southwest of the complex
and therefore it is assumed that this part of the Citadel
was probably the heart of all the urban activities. To
the southeast of the complex are located the smallest
and most humble of the buildings built around very narrow
streets, close to numerous terraces constructed for agricultural
purposes as denoted by the existence of a very complex
aqueduct system in this area. In the lowest part of the
terraces is a cementery, where during a search were discovered
135 skeletons and 109 of them were identified as females.
This fact has allowed historians and archeologists to
believe that Machu Picchu's inhabitants were mostly females
that could have been the chosen ones of the Inca, fleeing
from Cusco when it was overrun by the Conquerors of Spain
and seeking refuge in Machu Picchu that, by the way, was
never discovered by the Spaniards.
The minimum recommended time to visit Machu Picchu is
one day. But if possible, allot two days. The weather
is always changing in Aguas Calientes and it is well worth
the extra time to experience a pristine, sunny Machu Pichu.
After traveling thousands of miles, and paying hundreds
of dollars, do not gamble on only one day in one of the
greatest cultural heritage sites in Peru. There are several
treks around Machu Pichu, such as Winay Wayna, that must
not be missed. Winay Wayna is roughly a 50 minute hike
(one way), not for the faint of heart. Bring water, and
your camera and get ready for some of the most breathtaking
views of Machu Pichu and the surrounding area available.
Do not miss Winay Wayna! The Inca Trail trek is also worth
while for those in need of alittle more adventure and
with more time on their hands. Information on this trek
is avaliable at anyone of the numerous "travel agencies"
in Our Sections
Tours Operator.
info@peruexpediciones.com
MNS
perutour@hotmail.com
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