An accomplished Italian historian, Carla Rossi earned her degree from…
The Incredible Machu Picchu, Peru.
Listed among the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu is an iconic structure in Latin America. Although the entire ancient citadel is clouded in mystery, with people knowing very little about it, here are some interesting facts about Machu Picchu that will surely blow your mind away!
<sup>Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World<sup>
<strong><sup>View of the archeological site of Machu Pichu<sup><strong>
1.The Meaning of Machu Picchu:
In the Quechua language, the term Machu means old, and Picchu means a mountain or peak. Together, Machu Picchu literally translates to “Old Mountain” in the English language. The site is undoubtedly named appropriately as Machu Picchu is tucked in a beautiful mountain scenery.
2.The Discovery:
For centuries, Machu Picchu remained unknown to the world until an American explorer, Hiram Bingham, rediscovered it. Numerous uncovered artifacts of the site remained in the custody of Yale University for nearly 100 years until they returned them to Peru in 2011.
3.Used as an astronomical observatory:
Before their defeat at the hands of the Spanish conquerors, the members of the Inca civilisation used Machu Picchu as an astronomical observatory. The Intihuatana stone found at the site was used as an astrological clock during ceremonies.
4.Mysterious abandonment:
Although the Spanish ended the Inca Empire, various studies claim that the Incans had abandoned Machu Picchu much earlier. Some researchers suggest that the occurrence of a smallpox epidemic might have forced the residents to leave their homes. However, the real reason for the abandonment remains unknown.
5.The Construction:
The Incas built Machu Picchu using an innovative technique known as ashlar. In this technique, the stones used in the construction were so precisely cut that they stuck together without a mortar. The structure was constructed in a manner that it could even withstand earthquakes!
6.Ancient glory:
Machu Picchu was once home to more than 700 people! It also housed various buildings like temples, sleeping quarters, and bathhouses. Some prominent structures that exist today are the Temple of the Sun, Prison Group, Temple of the Condor, and Caretaker’s Hut.
Fun Activities to Do in Machu Picchu
There are a number of things you can do on your visit to the wonder of Peru. Don’t forget to try these!
1.Hike up to Machu Picchu and enjoy the sights along the way. It will take around one to three hours on average.
An accomplished Italian historian, Carla Rossi earned her degree from the University of Rome. With an insatiable appetite for both travel and cuisine, Carla brings her expertise to the forefront as one of our esteemed editors. Her journeys unravel the world's stories, while her taste buds embark on their own global adventure, inviting readers to savor the flavors of diverse cultures.
