In this blog post, we will delve into 11 interesting detailed facts about Machu Picchu that will enhance your appreciation for this historic wonder of the world. By investigating its discovery, construction, and intended use, we will unveil the enigmas and riddles of Machu Picchu that render it a distinctive and engrossing place to visit. Therefore, pack your belongings, ready yourself for adventure, and brace yourself to be astounded by these lesser-known particulars about Machu Picchu!
Before continuing, check out our blog Best time to visit Machu Picchu.
1. Who discovered Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu was discovered by Hiram Bingham, an American archaeologist, in 1911. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that the local people currently learn about the place and have been visiting it for years before Mister Bingham this family was Melchor Arteaga. Bingham’s discovery brought worldwide attention to the website, and also it has been a popular traveler location since.
2. What does “Machu Picchu” mean, and what are some alternative names for the site?
“Machu Picchu” suggests “old mountain” in the Quechua language some other archeologists raised to mane as Laqtapata or Patallaqta due to the location (which means the town above the terraces). Some different names for the site consist of “The Lost City of the Incas” and also “The City in the Clouds.”
3. How was Machu Picchu built?
Machu Picchu was built using stones from the area but they were skillfully sculpted and also meshed to produce complex frameworks. The builders utilized a method called ashlar stonework, which involved carving rocks into various forms and after that fitting them together with such precision that no mortar was required.
The most interesting facts about Machu Picchu are that to this day it is not 100% known which Inca built it and what was the main purpose.
4. What is the purpose of Machu Picchu?
The objective of Machu Picchu is still a secret, yet there are many concepts regarding its features. Some think it was a royal estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, while others assume it was an armed forces fortress or a spiritual center. One of the most popular theories is that it was a retreat for Incan leaders as well as elites who could only arrive by the Inca trail.
5. Why was Machu Picchu built where it is?
Machu Picchu’s place was picked for its useful and also tactical advantages. The site is located on a high ridge in between two hills in the Andes, which offers sensational sights of the bordering landscape. Its location likewise made it a strategic protective position, as it might just be accessed by a slim hill path as well it is very fertile for farming and has perfect elevation where can grow most of the jungle and highland plants.
when was Machu Picchu abandoned?
Machu Picchu was abandoned in the late 16th century, around the time of the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. Although the exact date is unclear, it is believed that the site was deserted after the fall of the Inca Empire, likely between 1572 and the early 1600s, following the Spanish capture of the last Inca stronghold in Vilcabamba. Machu Picchu remained hidden and largely forgotten until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911.
6. What are some unique architectural features of Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu’s unique building functions include a Temple of the Sun, a Temple of the Three Windows, into watana as well as a range of balconies that were used for agriculture as well as to stop disintegration. The site likewise includes rock wall surfaces that are tilted internally a little, which were made to hold up against earthquakes.
7. What is the natural environment like around Machu Picchu?
The natural surroundings around Machu Picchu are abundant in vegetation as well as fauna, with over 400 species of orchids and a variety of animals such as spectacled bears, pumas, as well as llamas. The site is likewise situated in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, which is taken into consideration as a sacred place in Andean society.
8. What impact has Machu Picchu had on modern culture and tourism?
Machu Picchu has had a significant influence on modern-day culture and tourism. It is thought about as among the most famous sites on the planet and also has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has likewise been included in numerous films, publications, and also documentaries, even more, cementing its place in pop culture. Nevertheless, the enhanced tourists have additionally taxed the site’s fragile ecological community, causing initiatives to carry out sustainable tourist methods and restrict the variety of site visitors.
9. Machu Picchu was never lost
Contrary to popular belief, Machu Picchu was never truly “lost.” While it was abandoned in the 16th century during the Spanish conquest, the local Indigenous people, including the Quechua, always knew of its existence and referred to it in their oral traditions. The site was also occasionally visited by locals for farming or religious practices.
What Machu Picchu “lost” was its place in global awareness, until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Bingham was guided to the site by locals, reintroducing it to the world and sparking its fame as a cultural and archaeological treasure.
10. The Incas didn’t use any mortar in its construction
The Incas famously constructed their structures without using any mortar, relying instead on an ingenious technique called ashlar masonry. This method involved precisely cutting and shaping stones to fit together perfectly, creating interlocking joints that provided remarkable stability and durability. The precision was so exact that even a blade of grass could not fit between the stones, a testament to the Incas’ advanced engineering skills and understanding of seismic resistance.
11. Machu Picchu is earthquake-proof
There are several manners to see Machu Picchu, however the most preferred is by train from the nearby city of Cusco. the visitors can take a breathtaking train ride via the Sacred Valley of the Incas and then rise to the site. There are additionally several assisted trips readily available that offer transportation, one of the most important hikes that take you straight to Machu Picchu is the Inca trail, the entrance to Machu Picchu is limited per day. It’s vital to intend in advance as well as publication tickets as well as lodgings in advance, as the site has restricted ability and can get crowded throughout the height traveling season.Machu Picchu is considered earthquake-proof due to the ingenious construction techniques used by the Incas. The site’s structures were built with ashlar masonry, where precisely cut stones fit together without mortar. This technique allows the stones to “dance” or move slightly during seismic activity, then settle back into place without collapsing. Additionally, the terraces, foundations, and drainage systems were expertly designed to provide stability and prevent landslides, further enhancing the site’s resilience against earthquakes. This sophisticated engineering has preserved Machu Picchu for centuries, even in a seismically active region.There are several manners to see Machu Picchu, however the most preferred is by train from the nearby city of Cusco. the visitors can take a breathtaking train ride via the Sacred Valley of the Incas and then rise to the site. There are additionally several assisted trips readily available that offer transportation, one of the most important hikes that take you straight to Machu Picchu is the Inca trail, the entrance to Machu Picchu is limited per day. It’s vital to intend in advance as well as publication tickets as well as lodgings in advance, as the site has restricted ability and can get crowded throughout the height traveling season.
Read our blog: How to get to Machu Picchu from Cusco.
FAQs Interesting Facts About Machu Picchu
- Who discovered Machu Picchu, and when was it rediscovered?
Hiram Bingham, an American archaeologist, rediscovered Machu Picchu in 1911 with the help of local residents who already knew of its existence. - What does the name “Machu Picchu” mean?
“Machu Picchu” means “Old Mountain” in the Quechua language. Some scholars suggest alternative names, like “Patallaqta,” which means “town above the terraces.” - Why was Machu Picchu built on a mountain ridge?
Machu Picchu’s location offered strategic advantages, including natural defenses, fertile soil for farming, and breathtaking views of the Andes. - What building techniques did the Incas use at Machu Picchu?
The Incas used ashlar masonry, a precise method of fitting stones without mortar, to ensure stability and resistance to earthquakes. - What was the purpose of Machu Picchu?
While its exact purpose remains unclear, theories suggest it was a royal retreat for Inca Emperor Pachacuti, a spiritual center, or even a strategic fortress. - How did Machu Picchu remain hidden for so long?
After its abandonment in the 16th century, the site was overgrown by vegetation. Locals knew of its existence, but its global significance was unknown until Bingham’s discovery. - What unique architectural features can be found at Machu Picchu?
Key structures include the Temple of the Sun, the Intihuatana stone, terraces for agriculture, and earthquake-resistant walls. - Is Machu Picchu earthquake-proof?
Yes, the Incas designed the structures to withstand earthquakes using interlocking stones and angled walls that “move” during seismic activity. - What impact has tourism had on Machu Picchu?
Tourism has raised global awareness of Machu Picchu but has also led to environmental concerns, prompting efforts to implement sustainable tourism practices. - What is the best way to visit Machu Picchu?
Popular options include taking the train from Cusco or hiking the Inca Trail. It’s important to book tickets and accommodations in advance due to daily visitor limits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Machu Picchu is an incredible archaeological site that is sure to amaze anyone who visits. It is a must-see for any traveler interested in ancient history or stunning scenery. There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs whether you like hiking or not.
I hope you enjoyed reading Facts about Machu Picchu. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.
I am Carlos, founder of Machu Picchu Soul, a local tour operator and travel agency based in Cusco, Peru. My journey in tourism began as a porter on the iconic Inca Trail, where I developed a deep connection with the land and its history. After years of dedication, I became a professional tour guide, honing my skills to deliver exceptional experiences. With over 15 years of expertise, I decided to establish Machu Picchu Soul to combine my passion for authentic travel with a commitment to supporting local communities and creating unforgettable adventures for our guests.
