Visit Machu Picchu: discovering its secrets

by Peru PathTravel Path Travel

In the footsteps of Machu Picchu

If it is impossible to precisely date the construction of Machu Picchu, the building undoubtedly dates from the 15th century. A prosperous and rich period for the Inca civilization and their Emperor,

If the Incas ended up disappearing, exterminated by the Peru conquistador, the traces of their genius remained and still persist to this day.

The architectural and artistic works, as well as the irrigation systems, testify to a know-how, avant-garde and precise, absolutely unheard of. These eternal witnesses were first forgotten for more than three centuries, before reappearing in the eyes of the world in 1911.

Since that time, Machu Picchu has never ceased to intrigue historians, archaeologists and anthropologists. If your plan is to visit Machu Picchu, or if you have already had the chance to walk this exceptional site, you will discover that this fascinating mountain contains many secrets ...

Two parts make up this ancient Inca city. First, an agricultural area, littered with stepped terraces and carved into the mountainside. Then, an urban area, divided into several districts and dotted with spectacular monuments such as the citadel, the religious or astronomical center as well as the imperial residence. Machu Picchu is built in perfect harmony with the rugged nature that surrounds it. Adapting to such an environment demonstrates a phenomenal physical and intellectual effort on the part of the Incas. The monuments are embedded and complement the beauty of the panorama.

But what exactly was the purpose of a city built at this altitude? Why do the various remains found bear witness to such a feat of masonry? Have we explored everything about the Inca labyrinth?

The secrets of Machu Picchu

La Vieille Montagne, a discovery made before 1911

Who is really the first to have been able to visit Machu Picchu? In 1874, Augusto R. Berns prospected around the site, in search of mines. The German explorer then stumbled upon Machu Picchu by chance. As of this year, some maps therefore mention the existence of this exceptional lost city and still buried.

In 1911, the official date of its discovery, it was Indians who led Hiran Bingham to the site. This man is therefore, officially, the one who discovered Machu Picchu. But how long had the Indian people lived there? Ignorant while under bamboo, climbing plants and moss carpets, an entire city was sleeping peacefully ...

Machu Picchu, sanctuary of the Virgins of the Sun and lost city?

During the first excavations organized in Machu Picchu, the majority of the skeletons found were female. Well at least, that's what Bingham thought. Based on this assumption, he concludes that the site housed the ruins of the home of the Sun Virgins. A real sanctuary where the most beautiful women were confined and destined to serve the God of the Sun.

Bingham also believed that Machu Picchu was the legendary Vilcabamba, a lost city and the last of the Inca people. A theory denied a few years later.

The Inca Emperor did not reside in Machu Picchu

Visiting Machu Picchu allows you to follow in the footsteps of the Inca Emperor Pachacutec. However, did you know that Machu Picchu seems rather to be the place of his royal retreats?

Its staff stayed on site year round and lived to the right of the site, near the terraces. He was always ready for Pachacutec's arrival. Some members of the elite also resided there continuously, to the left of the city, on the heights.

Machu Picchu, a location in the service of the gods

The Incas worshiped the Emperor as much as the mountains, the water and the sun. The geolocation of Machu Picchu makes it possible to honor all these deities.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, you find yourself in the heart of mountains, high and close to the sun. Moreover, the main entrance to the site faces the largest of them.

It is to honor the water that there are many vestiges of irrigation. In addition, the Amazon river flows below the city. No, it is not a coincidence.

Have you also noticed that the many buildings of Machu Picchu are aligned with the sun? The sacred stone, enthroned at the top of Inca quarry trek 4 day s, is even always bathed in sunlight during the Equinox.

A prodigious station for Inca astronomers, earthquake proof

The stone erected at the top of Machu Picchu probably allowed Inca astronomers to calculate the date of the summer solstice. Key moment for religious holidays.

The Sun Temple, a solar observatory, has an architecture of incredible quality. It testifies to formidably efficient and ingenious construction methods. Without any metal tools, the Incas were able to perfectly cut stones and assemble them in such a way that no space remained between them.

This gives the monuments an unfailing solidity. If you dream of visiting Machu Picchu, then know that no earthquake can break your dream!

There is a secret and inaccessible door in the ruins of Machu Picchu

In 2010, a hiker came across a mysterious sealed door in the heart of the alleys of the Inca city. This is probably the entrance condemned to a royal burial. Electromagnetic studies confirm the presence of several underground rooms, filled with gold, silver and metals. But who really knows what is behind it?

A new theory on the location of the Inca site

Geologists expose a new theory answering the "why this location for Machu Picchu?" ". Located at an important meeting point between the tectonic plates, the site is naturally very abundant in stones. The Incas therefore had all the materials necessary for the construction of the sacred place. This underground life also helps to drain water. The Incas therefore knew that this would protect the city from flooding.

How? 'Or' What ?

To visit Machu Picchu, the access varies according to your budget and your physical condition. In any case, meet at the bottom of the mountain, in the village of Aguas Calientes.

By train

From Cusco, for example, count four hours and eighty euros. It is the most expensive and touristic option, but also the most comfortable. The previous train station Aguas Calientes is Ollantaytambo. You can therefore go there by bus, or by collectivo, then climb on the train.

By bus

No road leads to Aguas Calientes. If you choose the bus, you will have to get off at the Hidroelectrica station, also called Santa Teresa (about eight hours from Cusco). Then walk to Aguas Calientes (two and a half hours).

On foot

In particular by the Inca Trail, the most famous trek (four days). But there are other hiking trails (Jungle Trail, Salkantay or Choquequirao).

The final ascent can be done by paid bus or on foot, via a path as sublime as it is committed. Note that visiting Machu Picchu cannot be done without a guide.

When?

In Peru, summer runs from December to March, and winter from May to September. However, winter marks the tourist season in Peru, because it is the only period during which the climate is dry. It is therefore the ideal period to visit Machu Picchu. But if a few rains and the risk of a hazy sky do not scare you, prefer it out of season.

The Inca site is open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the opening, you have the right to a superb sunrise.

At what price ?

2 Day Machu Picchu Trek – Summary