Machu Picchu can be categorised as both one of the best known but also most mysterious of the ancient Inca sites. Many of the discoveries in and around Machu Picchu have led to more questions than answers regarding its purpose. The more discoveries made it seems, the wider the variety of possibilities, and so to this day, the true meaning of the sites significance remains an enigma. There are many facts we do know about Machu Picchu.
22 Machu Picchu facts:
- Almost 2,500 tourists visit Machu Picchu every day.
- Machu Picchu stands at 2,400 meters above sea level, located in the province of Urubamba, department of Cusco. Machu Picchu's precise stone constructions are spread along a narrow and uneven mountain vista, tucked up against a 400m sheer cliff, overlooking the Urubamba Valley and River.
- Machu Picchu's position is at 13º 9' 47'' south 72º 32' 44'' See How To Get To Machu Picchu
- The area covers 32,592 hectares in the Vilcanota-Urubamba basin. The Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary manage the site under the blanket name of Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary.
- Weather And Seasons: Generally Machu Picchu is quite warm and humid during the day and only drops a few degrees at night with a temperate fluctuation between 12 and 24 degrees Celsius. November and March are considered the rainy season. The rest of the year, the areas does not see much rainfall. Fog and mist is common around Machu Picchu, especially before 10am in the morning. See Best Time To Visit Machu Picchu
- Population: Machu Picchu census data states that the region had 5.286 inhabitants in 2007.
- Spoken languages are Quechua - Inca language & Spanish - Colonial language.
- Machu Picchu is usually covered in mist until mid morning every day, giving it the feeling of hovering amongst the clouds.
- In the Quechua native language, “Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.”
- Is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Ancient Inca rulers forged trails and communication systems through this region over 18,600 miles long, paving mountain tracks, building runners and swing bridges from straw ropes.
- The technique used to build the structure is called called “ashlar”, this means that stones that are precisely cut to fit together without any mortar. This method is so precise that not even a credit card can slide between stones.
- Machu Picchu is divided in two parts: Hanan and Urin according with the Inca tradition.
- In the Quechua native language, “Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.”
- Many of the stones used to build the city weighed more than 50 pounds. Each stone was hauled up the steep trails by hand.
- Machu Picchu is also known as the Lost City, an ancient Inca city built of stone, completely by hand without the aid of wheels or iron tools. An exquisite example of Inca engineering.
- The Inca built more than 600 terraces to maintain the structure of the buildings so they did not slide down the mountainsides.
- The Inca designed an aqueduct system that stretches for approximately 1 km. Another impressive feat of the Inca builders.
- Machu Picchu was built around 1440 to 1450 ad. It was called the Tahuantinsuyo Empire which was later followed by the formation of the government of Manco Capac.
- Archaeological evidence uncovered around the site suggests that the area prior to the construction on Machu Picchu was first used for agricultural purposes as far back as 760 B.C.
- It is thought that Machu Picchu was first inhabited by 300-1000 inhabitants, who were of the highest Class or "llactas".
- Hiram Bingham Hiram Bingham discovered this structure on July 24, 1911.
The most popular trails leading to Machu Picchu are the Lares Trail and the Inca Trail.
What You Will Find In and Around Machu Picchu
A trip to Machu Picchu along the Inca trail is the epitome of a spiritual and wondrous experience to one of the worlds most fascinating ancient wonders of the world. An unforgettable experience is not something you have to ‘try’ to achieve when visiting Machu Picchu – you’ll be taken on a journey of curiosity and wonder in all directions.
Other pages that may be of interest:
Best Time To Trek Machu Picchu | Machu Picchu Tours |4 Day Machu Picchu Trek | Machu Picchu Map | Inca Trail Map | Inca Trail vs. Lares Trail