Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on a 2,430-meter (7,970 ft) mountain ridge. It is situated in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District, above the Sacred Valley, which is 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Cuzco. The Urubamba River flows past it, cutting through the Cordillera and creating a canyon with a tropical mountain climate.

History

The construction of Machu Picchu is believed to have been commissioned by the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). It was built as an estate for the Inca emperor in the 15th century but was abandoned 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 (a ritual stone associated with the astronomic clock or calendar of the Inca), 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 what the structures originally looked like. By 1976, 30% of Machu Picchu had been restored; restoration continues.

The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.

Geography

Machu Picchu is located in the tropical jungle high above the Urubamba River, which has been a key factor in its preservation. The location was a military secret, and its deep precipices and steep mountains provided natural defenses. The site covers an area of 5 square miles, with more than 3,000 steps linking its levels.

Architecture

Machu Picchu is considered a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. Its unique architectural features include terraced fields, which were used for agriculture and to prevent erosion. The buildings are constructed with a technique known as "ashlar," in which stones are cut to fit together without mortar. Remarkably, not even a knife blade can fit in between the stones. This precision, along with the types of stones used, the numerous terraces, and the way the buildings are constructed to blend into the landscape, is thought to be indicative of its spiritual significance.

Significance

The site is considered both a cultural and natural heritage. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America and a symbol of the Incan Empire at its peak. Machu Picchu is also significant for its archaeological, architectural, and cultural features. The site's location and features make it a significant natural site within the Peruvian National System of Natural Protected Areas.

Tourism

Machu Picchu is Peru's most visited tourist attraction and a major revenue generator. It is accessible by train from Cuzco or by hiking the Inca Trail, which takes about three to four days. The government has implemented a daily limit on the number of visitors to protect the site from over-tourism.

Conservation

The popularity of Machu Picchu has led to concerns over tourism and environmental degradation. Efforts are being made to balance conservation with tourism. This includes restricting the number of visitors, implementing sustainable practices, and ongoing restoration work to preserve the site for future generations.