Machu Picchu is an architectural wonder of the Inca Empire and offers tourists a wealth of fascinating information. Let’s examine a few of them.
One of the many astounding and majestic places in the world that inspire awe in people is Peru’s Machu Picchu. The location ought to be at the top of any travel wish list since it was declared one of the 7 New Wonders of the World in 2007. Machu Picchu is indeed a superb illustration of Inca masonry and structural mastery. It was constructed in the fifteenth century, at the zenith of the Inca empire’s grandeur, and is stunningly and enigmatically hidden deep into the magnificent Andes mountains.But it’s not the entire scenario. One of South America’s most well-liked tourist destinations is shrouded in mystery, and there are many things to know about Machu Picchu. Tourists who visit this location will learn a lot about it, from where it is located to how it was constructed. But if visitors have any spare time during their forthcoming visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, read on to learn some of the most amazing facts about Machu Picchu.
10. Machu Picchu Is A Recent Marvel
The etymology of Machu Picchu can be interpreted as either “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.” In this context, the name Machu Picchu alludes to a substantial, conical-shaped building typically translated as a “mountain.” Conversely, Machu Picchu is actually not that ancient. Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who reigned the Incan Empire between 1438-1471, is thought to have ordered the construction of Machu Picchu in 1450 AD, according to historians. It is more than a hundred years before the arrival of the Spanish crusaders in Peru and a thousand years after the decline of the Romans. In light of other cultural identities like the Chinese or the Italian, the Inca Empire was thus a new civilization.
9. It Is Among The Top Best-preserved Archaeological Sites
The history behind Machu Picchu itself is a mystery. Several Inca structures and sacred places were demolished by the Spanish crusaders during their invasion of Peru in the fifteenth century, and Catholic churches were built over them. However, the Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu, which is why the structure is there. It’s partly due to its distant position, but there is an indication that the Incas intentionally torched some of the nearby buildings and pathways as they left the city to make it harder to find. Whatever the reason, the world can still admire this architectural wonder.
8. It Is Not The Actual Lost City
The American explorer, Bingham, was seeking a different place when he stumbled into Machu Picchu in 1911. Initially, Hiram Bingham believed he had discovered Vilcabamba, the hidden Inca city where the Incas had fled when the Europeans arrived. The actual Vilcabamba is said to have been constructed in the forest not far from Machu Picchu. Hiram Bingham believed he reached Vilcabamba, the final holdout of the Incas, until he came across the Inca fortress. The Incas Lost City was the moniker given to his most well-known work as a result. But in fact, he had discovered one of the finest examples of Inca architecture.
7. It Is Earthquake-proof
The anti-seismic nature of Machu Picchu’s construction is yet another remarkable feature. Every structure in Machu Picchu has been designed to withstand earthquakes because the region of Peru is prone to them. The boulders of the marvel are supposed to “dance” during earthquakes. The Inca stronghold was also constructed close to two faults. Considering this, the Incas used several building methods to erect stronger and more durable structures. These contained trapezoidal-shaped windows and entrances in addition to the ashlar construction method.
6It Is A ‘No-wheel’ Wonder
The lack of wheels utilized in its building is among the most startling Machu Picchu revelations. The Inca society was opposed to iron equipment and loading animals, which is why no wheels were used. Despite the fact that many of the boulders were hefty, it is thought that hundreds of men propelled them across the incline. If one considers how challenging this building is, it becomes even more impressive. Although most of the stones used to build the Incan marvel were transported up the hill, some were also chipped from the adjacent mountains. While hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, visitors could appreciate it even more.
5There Is No Evidence Of Mortar In the Construction
Visitors exploring Machu Picchu would be able to observe how brilliant and natural the Incas’ structures were because they were built using extremely sophisticated architecture and masonry skills. Ashlar, one of the methods they employed in the most revered and aristocratic complexes, entails cutting stones with such precision that they stack on top of each other with no gap among them. It enables the dry-stone structures’ blocks to shift gently and rest without causing any facades to fall down. This method contributed to earthquake safety as well.
4The Wonder Is Situated In A Cloud Forest
Machu Picchu has particularly distinct weather as a result of its position on the confluence of the Amazon jungle and the Andes. Machu Picchu is luscious and verdant and frequently enveloped by dangling mist and clouds, in juxtaposition to Cusco’s rather dry climate and barefaced peaks. People will be astonished when they discover themselves among lush, gorgeous, green vegetation as stunning as the castle itself because it is encircled by a cloud forest, also known as a high jungle. The forest is home to more than 300 varieties of orchids, in addition to a wide range of other plants, bugs, and other creatures.
3Machu Picchu Has Astronomical Purpose
Amazingly, the Incas were very knowledgeable about the positions of the stars, moon, and sun. At Machu Picchu, when crucial junctures of the year coincide with these places, one can see proof of it. There is no shadow cast on Machu Picchu’s famous Intihuantana stone since the light is directly overhead twice a year during the equinoxes. The Incas also utilized this stone to create an astronomical calendar and clock. In addition, every June 21, when the first light breaks through the peaks, it properly illuminates the ritual marble inside the Sun Temple by shining through one of its windows.
2It Had A Dispute With Yale
During the 1912–1915 period of scientific investigation of the area, Hiram Bingham’s crew transported hundreds of items to Yale University for further study. There were ceramics, jewelry, silverware, and human bones among these relics. Until Yale ultimately shipped the relics back in 2012, the Peruvian government fought against their repatriation for years. Peru has reclaimed some of its heritage and traditions in this fashion. These historical riches are now on display in the country, in the Cusco’s Concha museum, and available for the public to observe.
1It Is A No-fly Zone
There are many ways to get to Machu Picchu, and earlier, there was another way to reach the Inca citadel in the 1990s: by air, more particularly, by helicopter. With this arrangement, a traveler might explore Machu Picchu in much less time, but there was a drawback: noise and light pollution drove away the region’s endemic creatures, in addition to impairing the growth of the vegetation. As a result, overflights over the site were forbidden, specifically in 2010. The cock-of-the-rock and the spectacled bear came back to the area, among other animals. Many celebs who visited Machu Picchu used to travel by air, but now it doesn’t exist.
Source : The Travel
