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The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is one of the most important architectural constructions of the Inca Empire, as well as a protected area with great biological diversity.
Its name comes from Quechua and is interpreted in Spanish as “old mountain.” Today, the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is Peru’s main tourist attraction, as this ancient citadel has captivated adventurers and history lovers alike.
Machu Picchu draws the attention of many travelers from around the world because of its natural beauty, Inca engineering, history, and cultural value, making it one of the most admired destinations.
It belongs to the district of Machu Picchu, in the province of Urubamba, 112.5 km northeast of the city of Cusco.
The Inca citadel is located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, at 2,430 m.a.s.l. (7,972 ft), in the Cusco region.
The citadel of Machu Picchu was built in the mid-15th century during the reign of the Inca Pachacutec. It probably served as his residence and religious center. This important site was abandoned in the 16th century with the arrival of Spanish colonization.
It was rediscovered in 1911 during an expedition led by Hiram Bingham, historian and professor at Yale University. Accompanied by the farmer Melchor Arteaga, he reached the archaeological site, covered in vegetation, and was amazed by the roads, agricultural terraces, storehouses, and buildings.
In 1913, the Inca citadel was introduced to the world, becoming a major tourist attraction. Later, on December 9, 1983, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on July 7, 2007, it became one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is not only of great cultural importance, but it also has rich biodiversity in both flora and fauna.
Within the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, there is a wide variety of plant life. There are more than 400 different species of plants, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and angel’s trumpets, among others. There are also native trees such as q’euña and pisonay, among others.
The fauna that inhabits Machu Picchu is diverse, with mammals such as the spectacled bear, the dwarf deer, the Andean fox, among others.
Machu Picchu is a great place for birdwatching, as in this area you can find the Andean cock-of-the-rock, the national bird of Peru. Other bird species that inhabit this place include the Andean condor, the green jay, the Amazon kingfisher, among others.
Aguas Calientes is the closest town and is located just 25 minutes by bus from the Inca citadel. It is situated at the base of Machu Picchu, on the banks of the Urubamba River.
However, to get to the town of Aguas Calientes, you can first reach Ollantaytambo, as it is one of the main railway hubs in the Sacred Valley of the Incas for anyone wishing to visit this archaeological site.
The climate in the town of Machu Picchu is temperate and humid, because it is located in the high jungle area of Peru, with seasonal rains, humidity during the day, and cool nights.
The Temple of the Sun, located within the archaeological site, paid tribute to the most important deity of Inca culture and was built in a circular shape, with windows and niches.
This significant space also served as an astronomical observatory to determine the change of seasons and the arrival of each solstice.
The Temple of the Three Windows is probably one of the finest structures in the entire citadel. This construction consists of a wall with three trapezoidal windows that offer panoramic views of Huayna Picchu and Putucusi Mountains. It was an important space where religious and worship ceremonies were held.
Intihuatana is a Quechua word that in Spanish is interpreted as “where the sun is tied”. It served as a tool for astronomical observation and as a calendar. It also had ceremonial functions in certain religious activities within the city.
Hiring a travel agency to visit the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu is a good decision for several reasons:
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