Unknown to the outside world until archaeologist Hiram Bingham rediscovered it in 1911, Machu Picchu is now the most recognizable symbol of the Incan Empire. Believed to have served as a country retreat town for Inca nobility, the complex consists of giant walls, terraces, and ramps constructed from precisely cut rock formations. This impressive architectural feat, in combination with its breathtaking natural setting amid mist-covered green mountains above the rushing Urubamba River, makes for a visually stunning, and even mystical experience.
We followed our guide Jaimie, walked and climbed along with many visitors to the top of Machu Picchu to have beautiful views of the whole Inca citadel (fortified town). It is a 15th-century Inca citadel situated on a mountain ridge 2430M (7970ft) above sea level.
Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was constructed as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). it is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. The Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was not known to the Spanish during the colonial period and remained unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary structures are the Intihuatana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. Most of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed in order to give tourists a better idea of how they originally appeared. By 1976, thirty percent of Machu Picchu had been restored and restoration continues.
Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.
Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.
It was the dry season and popular tourism season when we visited there, therefore, there were a lot of other tourists there. Luckily we had an experienced guide who led us to spots where we could have better views and opportunities of taking wonderful photos. There were llamas and alpacas roaming around campgrounds too.
Then our guide took us to the Machu Picchu Mountain's entrance to show us how to start the Machu Picchu Mountain climbing the next day. It was at that time we learned that we would be on our own for the next day’s optional Machu Picchu Mountain climbing tour. Neither Friendly Planet nor Jaimie mentioned anything about this earlier. It was another complaint about Friendly Planet’s lack of planning and the service of our guide.
After our wonderful overview of the Machu Picchu from higher points, we walked into the Machu Picchu to see it in closer distance. We visited the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. These windows represent each part of the world: The underground, the heaven, and the present. These windows also represent the rise of the sun, an important event in the everyday life of the Inca population.
Then, our guide took most of us back to the bus station for the return ride back to town. He did give the option to some of us who preferred to stay in Machu Picchu for a little bit longer. It was nice to stay longer to enjoy Machu Picchu from the lower part.
When we got back to hotel, we were treated with the famous Pisco Sour for Serena’s birthday.
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