In the heart of Peru lies one of the most iconic tourist destinations in the world – the Machu Picchu. This ancient Inca Citadel is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historians believe that it was built around 1400 AD to 1500 AD. For anyone planning a trip to Machu Picchu or hoping to visit it one day, here are some interesting facts about it.
1. The Machu Picchu Was Never a Lost City
Amongst explorers, the Machu Picchu is sometimes called the Lost City of the Incas. However, it was never lost. The locals were well aware of its location. The narrative was popularized by Hiram Bingham when he discovered it in 1911. On his arrival, he found a family living near the entrance, and some locals practiced farming inside the Machu Picchu.
2. Its Architecture is Remarkable
The Machu Picchu was built using Ashlar Masonry, a concept that entails stones being cut so perfectly that mortar is not needed to bond them together. Its overall architecture is also quite advanced, contributing to its aesthetics and durability. Despite being an old structure, the Machu Picchu is earthquake-proof. The stones are designed to withstand seismic activity.
3. No One Knows Why the Machu Picchu Was Built
Many theories try to explain the purpose of Machu Picchu, but none clearly does so. Some historians allege that the Machu Picchu was a royal home for the emperor of the Inca. This seems more reliable because the Machu Picchu was built during the reign of Pachacuti, the 9th emperor of the Inca. Others claim it was a sacred place of worship. Some believe aliens built the Machu Picchu because of its advanced architecture.
4. The Llamas in Machu Picchu are Not Natives
Everyone who visits Machu Picchu must take pictures with the Llamas as they are very popular. However, did you know these animals are not natives of the Machu Picchu? They were taken there to boost tourism and eat the grass, which grows relatively quickly. Still on wildlife, some animals visitors run into while touring the region include Peruvian Bears, Pumas, and various bird species.
5. Flying above the Machu Picchu is Banned
The aerial view of the Machu Picchu must be fascinating. Unfortunately, it’s a no-fly zone. The managers of this tourist destination banned flying over the Machu Picchu because it would scare the wildlife. They are also very keen on preserving the environment around the region.
6. The Machu Picchu was Home to Around 1,000 People
Historians and archeologists claim that the Machu Picchu was home to a community of around 1,000 people. This is mainly based on the layout of the city. Members of this community served various functions in construction, agriculture, and masonry.
7. The Inca Trail in Machu Picchu Takes 4 Days and 3 Nights
The Machu Picchu is ideal for hiking enthusiasts; its Inca Trail takes about 4 days and 3 nights. This path has been well maintained, and hikers are advised to leave no trace and avoid littering.
8. The Machu Picchu was Built Without Animal Carriages
The entire city of Machu Picchu was built through manual labor. Builders had to carry stones with their hands because there were no animal carriages or carts at the time.
9. It was Once a Victim of Nude Tourism
In 2015, during the trend of nude tourism, a couple of visitors took off their clothes and took pictures inside the Machu Picchu. This led to the intervention of Peruvian ministers who reminded tourists that Machu Picchu is a sacred site and that such behavior would not be tolerated. Some of the tourists caught taking nude pictures were arrested.
10. The Inhabitants of the Machu Picchu were Immigrants
Archeological evidence shows that the inhabitants of Machu Picchu were immigrants from other areas and had different backgrounds. This conclusion was reached after the inhabitants’ skeletons showed parasite infections from various regions in Peru.
11. The Spanish Never Discovered Machu Picchu
During the Spanish Conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, the Spanish never discovered the Machu Picchu. There are two reasons for this. First, the Machu Picchu is located in a hidden location. Secondly, historians claim that the Incas had already abandoned the Machu Picchu.
12. The Machu Picchu is Astronomically Aligned
Inside the Machu Picchu, there is a giant stone at the top of a sacred mountain called the Intihuatana. This stone is astronomically aligned and sits perfectly at the four cardinal points. It casts various shadows during the day, but at noon in the fall and spring equinox, it does not cast any shadow. This is one of the wonders of the Machu Picchu because it highlights how advanced the Inca’s astronomy was.
13. Bingham Explored the Machu Picchu with an 11-Year-Old Boy
When Hiram Bingham first visited the Machu Picchu, he had an 11-year-old tour guide called Pablito. The guide took him all over the city.
14. Machu Picchu Has a Sister City
Thousands of people flock to the Machu Picchu every year. However, this trail also has a sister city called Choquequirao which is lesser known. It is located in the Salkantay mountain range and is equally as fascinating as Machu Picchu.
15. Machu Picchu is one of the Seven Wonders of the World
There’s one thing Machu Picchu has in common with The Great Wall of China, Petra, the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, Christ the Redeemer, and Chichen Itza – it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Machu Picchu made it to this list in 2007 after getting significant votes in an online poll.
