MACHU PICCHU

The Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, is the star of Peru Travel and the symbol of the Incan World. Set on a mountain ridge above the citadel stretches it's base in the jungle along the Urubamba River reaching up to the clouds on the eastern slopes of the Vilcanota mountain range. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built during the 15th Century as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacutec (1438-1472). Unlike many of the other Incan ruins in the area which were defaced by the conquistadors, Machu Picchu remains intact offering a glimpse into the wonder of Incan engineering. It's breathtaking beauty and incredible size have made Machu Picchu not only a UNESCO world heritage site but one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Machu Picchu can be divided up into two different sections the Urban and the Agricultural sectors which are divided by a wall. The Agricultural sector is divided between the upper and lower sections and is comprised of store houses and terraces. The terraces were used to grow corn and to stop the erosion caused by rain. The climate at Machu Picchu with the ever present humidity due to the cloud forest allowed the crops to thrive without the need of irrigation.

The Urban sector of Machu Picchu contains the most impressive architectural work of the site. Here you can gaze in awe of the sheer brilliance of the Incan's work. Comprised of some 140 structures or features, including temples, sanctuaries, parks, and residences. There are greater than 100 flights of steps, many completely carved from a single block of granite. There are a numerous water fountains interconnected by channels and water-drains perforated in the rock designed as part of the original irrigation system. Archeologists have found evidence to suggest that the irrigation system was used to carry water from a holy spring to each of the houses.

The Incas were among the best stone masons the world has seen, and many junctions in the central city are so perfect that it is said not even sheet of paper will fit between the huge stones. While some Incan buildings were constructed using mortar, this practice was seen as substandard. The most important buildings are all mortar-free and prove to be more earthquake resistant. Peru is a highly seismic area, and the Incas were keenly aware of this and took precautions during building. Doors and windows are trapezoidal and tilt inward from bottom to top, the corners usually are rounded and the inside corners often incline slightly into the rooms. Further characterized by L-shaped blocks were often used to tie outside corners of the structure together and the walls do not rise straight from bottom to top but are slightly offset.

Though tourists from around the world flock to Machu Picchu by the thousands, the expansive ruins and surrounding sites provide enough diversity that there is more than enough room for all to explore the site and still room to get away from the crowds to enjoy some private time.

The History of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was abandoned in the mid 16th century prior to the arrival of the Spanish. It is unclear why Machu Picchu was abandoned, but some say it may have been because water was scarce. (That seems unlikely, given the attention to engineering and hydrology at the site, as evidenced, partly, by the irrigation system.) Others blame the Spanish conquest.

One theory includes that as Machu Picchu was a royal retreat underwent a bloody civil war between Huascar and Atahualpa there was little need for a retreat at the time. During the 1500's the descendants of Patchachtec filed papers with the Spanish Royal Court asking for the return of the lands of a family retreat known as Machu Picchu.

Researchers have found the name Machupicchu written all as one word referenced in books in the Cusco Monasteries dating back to the 1500's. There were also legal papers filledin whichthe descendants of Pachacutec sought the return of family lands including a retreat called Picchu. Yet it is unknown if anyone visited the city or just knew of its existence.

Hiram Bingham and The Rediscovery of Machu Picchu

The name Hiram Bingham has become linked with the discovery of Machu Picchu, however some say it was a German named Augusto Berns who was the first to come upon it in 1867. We also know that Bingham himself told in his Harper's Monthly story published in 1913 that they when he arrived in Machu Picchu he found an inscription on one of the boulders at the site from visitors who were at the site in 1902. The truth of the matter is Machu Picchu was never Lost because the local people always knew it was there. Whether he was or was not the true discoverer of Machu Picchu, what Hiram Bingham did was create a romantic image of a modern day man being able to work his way through the jungle to discover an archaeological gem. Hiram Bingham can be attributed from letting the world know about the great and wondrous site in the Peruvian Andes called Machu Picchu.

In 1908, Hiram Bingham a lecturer served as a delegate to the First Pan American Scientific Congress in Santiago, Chile. On his way home via Peru a local official convinced him to visit the archaeological site of Choquequirao. The trip inspired Bingham who published an account of his trip in Across South America; an account of a journey from Buenos Aires to Lima by way of Potosi, with notes on Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru (1911).

Bingham returned to Peru in 1911 with an enthusiastic verve to discover unexplored Inca cities. Traveling with the Yale Peruvian Expedition on 1911. Bingham was searching for the Lost City of the Incas. This was a legendary city where after the fall of Cusco when Manco Inca Yupanqui successfully defeated the Spanish at Ollantaytambo in 1536 a year later he retreated to an unknown city the Spanish never found. For 36 years Manco Inca and his successors would lead attacks on the Spanish and then retreat to an unknown location. Bingham was determined to find this city, convinced it would be the finest of all Inca sites.

July 24, 1911 Melchor Ateaga led Bingham to the site of Machu Picchu a site which had been mostly forgotten at the time. Bingham returned in both 1912 and 1915 with support of Yale and the National Geographic Society. Ecstatic about his find and the grandeur of the site Bingham announced to the world he had found the Lost City of the Incas and it was Machu Picchu. He published articles and books chronicling his adventures in Peru finding Machu Picchu as well as Victos and Espiritu Pampa. The Lost City of the Incas became an instant best seller in 1943.

As researchers began to study Machu Picchu almost all of Bingham's claims Machu Picchu were incorrect including the fact it was not the Lost City of the Incas. "His strategy for analyzing the site was way ahead of his time," says Richard Burger of the Peabody Museum of Natural History and an expert on Peruvian anthropology and archeology. "Unfortunately, when it came to interpreting what he found, Bingham got most of it seriously wrong." Right or wrong we Hiram Bingham will forever be linked with Machu Picchu and it is thanks to his efforts that the world fell in love with this incredible site.

Traveling to Machu Picchu

Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu located some 50 miles away all travelers to Machu Picchu must first arrive to Cusco. Once in Cusco there are two methods for travelers to get from Cusco to Machu Picchu.

The first is the classic way to reach Machu Picchu is by foot. The Inca Trail is a 4 day trek which begins in the Sacred Valley and is considered one of the great hikes in the world. The Classic Inca Trail begins at KM 82 and travels up and over the Dead Woman&'s Pass following the Incan Highway through tunnels and past other archaeological sites to arrive Machu Picchu through Inti Punku (the Gate of the Sun) where suddenly you will find the city laying before you.

Most visitors to Machu Picchu arrive by train. With multiple train companies and varying levels of service trains depart from Cusco, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo on a scenic journey along the Urubamba River to the Machu Picchu Pueblo (formerly known as Aguas Callientes) where a 15 minute bus ride up a series of switchback to reach the citadel. The busses operate daily every 15 minutes from 6 am to 4:30 pm and the last bus to the village departs at 5:30 pm.

Machu Picchu is open year round from 6:30 am until 5:30 pm with the last admission at 4 pm. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is from April to November when it is normally dry. January, February and March tend to receive the most rain however it can rain year round. The Trail to Machu Picchu closes each year in February for repairs.

Permits are required for both the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu as well as some of the side hikes available at the ruins. To avoid disappointment it is best to plan your trip and obtain your permits in advance.

Machu Picchu Sites

Machu Picchu is one of the most visited sites in Latin America and the most visited site within Peru. The site is spread over 5 square miles with over 3,000 steps linking the different levels. There are several noteworthy areas within the citadel as well as side hikes and other nearby attractions worth discovering.

Citadel of Machu Picchu

The citadel is made up of two sectors the agricultural sector which consists of the terraces and the urban sector which consists of the main square, temples, palaces, storehouses, stairways and fountains. Water runs throughout the site thanks to aqueducts built by the Incas and still in use today. The overall design of Machu Picchu was based on Cusco, the capital of the Incan Empire while taking into consideration the natural characteristics of the land.

Agricultural Sector

The Agricultural Sector is made up of a series of terrace built both to create a larger planting area from crops but also to prevent erosion. Though water flows through the agricultural sector the Incas did not need the water for irrigation as the almost continual presence of clouds in the area provided the moisture needed by the crops.

Urban Sector

The Central Plaza lies in the middle of Machu Picchu. Surrounded by stone structures and terraces the green grass of plazais a favorite place for the local llamas to graze. The Central Plaza separates the Sacred Plaza and Intiwanta from the residential areas.

The Temple of the Three Windows is created of giant rocks perfectly fitted together to showcase the three trapezoid windows originally placed here. Two additionally windows were later filled by the Incas to make niches.

The Main Temple near the central plaza shows both the amazing rock work of the Incas and the effect of the seismic activity in the area. As typical of the Incas the stones were carved, polished and fitted together utilizing a technique called ashlar where the blocks are purposefully cut to fit together without the use of mortar. The buildings typically lean into each other to provide greater stability. The ashlar technique allows the bricks to move and adjust slightly and resettle without collapsing in case of an earthquake. One of the walls of the main temple shows evidence of the earths movement over the centuries as well as the precision in which the blocks were fitted together.

The Intihuatana or the Hitching Post of the Sun is located at the highest point of the Urban Sector. The actual use of the stone is unknown however many speculate that it served as an astronomical clock or solar clock showing the equinoxes and solstices. The rock was cracked a in 2000 when hit by a crane during the filming of a Cusqueno Beer commercial. The accident caused government officials to add new regulations to preserve the site.

To the west of the Central Plaza is the Temple of the Sun was named by Hiram Bingham this semi-circular temple constructed over a big solid rock. The temple has two trapezoid windows which scientist speculate were incrusted with jewels and gold at the time of its use. The two windows one facing north where the sun rises on the Winter Solstice (June 21) the other facing east and Inti Punku where the sun rises on the summer solstice (December 22). Respectively the light shines through the window to light up the altar stone allowing the priests to correctly determine the solstice and the planting season.

The Temple of the Sun was the main temple at Machu Picchu and only priests were permitted entrance. On the left side of the temple the small two story building was believed to be the house of the high priest. During the time of its use the temple had a giant wooden door that was secured by a mechanism of rings and stone. At the center of the temple is a carved rock which was used for animal sacrifices during specific religious rituals.

Near the Temple of the Sun is a beautiful Fountain that unifies the sun, rock, wind and water the four elements of Inca cosmology.

The Inca Cross carved from one wall resembles a series of steps and represents the three tiers of existence in Inca mythology. The first tier (Ughu Pacha) symbolized by the snake represents the underworld and death as well as work. The second tier (Kay Pacha) symbolized by the jaguar represents the present and human life and knowledge. The top step (Hanan Pacha) symbolized by the condor representing the celestial world of the gods and love.

Below the Temple of the Sun is the Royal Tomb where it is thought the mummy of Pachacutec may have been entombed. The Royal Tomb has one of the most elaborate constructions of all of Machu Picchu. The rocks are fitted into the contours of the natural caves in a way that it enhances the beauty of the natural stone.

Out of the over 100 mummies that have been excavated from the Royal Tomb over 80% were woman a fact which led Hiram Bingham to believe that Machu Picchu was a retreat for virgins of the sun. The actual reason has not yet been discovered.

Left of the Royal Tomb are 16 Ceremonial Incan Baths the baths are fed by the aqueduct system that runs through the citadel.

Near the Incan Baths is the Sacred Plaza. Surrounding the Sacred Plaza were the most important buildings of the citadel. The buildings were crafted with the highest quality of incan stone work. Large blocks were shaped and polished then joined perfectly and precisely with the neighboring rock without the use mortar.

Near the entrance to Huayna Picchu sits the Sacred Rock. Sacred Rocks were a common feature in Incan cities. Before the Incas would begin construction a Sacred Stone would be dedicated to the site.

The Temple of the Condor is one of the most interesting pieces of rock work in Machu Picchu. Though much of the site was naturally formed the Incas artistically shaped the rock into a 3-D sculpture of a condor with its wings spread in flight. Under the temple is a small cave where a mummy was entombed. While behind the temple was the prison complex.

Machu Picchu Hikes

Many visitors who spend the night at Machu Picchu enjoy touring the citadel on the first day and exploring one of the optional day hikes on the second day. The following are some of the day hiking excursions available from Machu Picchu.

Huayna Picchu

Huanya Picchu is the iconic mountain towering over Machu Picchu. In contrast to Machu Picchu which means Old Mountain in Quechua Huayna Picchu means Forever Young. Huayna Picchu was the residence of the high priest and goddesses. Each morning the small group would walk to Machu Picchu before sunrise to signal the coming of the sun and the new day.

The near vertical hike up Huayna Picchu is accomplished by hiking up a series of steps and the use of steel cables and finally by passing through a small cave to arrive at the top. The hike is restricted to 400 visitors a day divided between the two start times of 7am to 8am and 10 am to 11 am. Climbing to the top of Huayna Picchu hikers are presented with a breathtaking view of the ruins below.

Huayna Picchu is home to the Temple of the Moon one of the 3 major temples at Machu Picchu and the Great Cavern. Both of which are located at a lower elevation than the trail head. The walk is long and involves climbing several ladders but is one of the best places to find some solitude and a glimpse of wildlife.
Strenuous
Permit Required
Very Dangerous and Slippery Trail is Closed in Rainy Conditions

Machu Picchu Mountain

A 1 1/2 hour hike up through the clouds takes you up to Machu Picchu Mountain. The hike begins from the upper level of Machu Picchu on the way to Inka Punka. Machu Picchu Mountain is the highest point in the area. The trail is consists of many Incan stairs, a strenuous hike but the trail is less treacherous than that to Huayna Picchu. The hike makes it way through the cloud forest and has vistas is of the clouds, Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and the Urubamba River below. The hike is restricted to 400 visitors a day divided between the two start times of 7am to 8am and 10 am to 11 am.
Strenuous
Permit Required

Inca Bridge

The mountain trail secret entrance to Machu Picchu, on the sheerest part of the mountain, with a 1900 foot drop the Incans built up stones to created a bridge by the use of two tree trunks. The Trail to the Inca Bridge is quite scenic with many orchids, wildflowers, birds as well as vistas of the mountains and river in the distance.
Moderate
No Permit Required

Inti Punku - The Gate of the Sun

A hike up the stairways and to the far all the way through the citadel a 1 1/2 hour hike takes you to the Inti Punku known as the Gate of the Sun. This is the entrance from the Inca Trail into Machu Picchu. The door frame makes a perfect frame of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu behind it. On Summer Solstice (December 21) the sun rises over Inti Punku.
Moderate
No Permit Required

Putucusi

Putucusi means Happy Mountain in Quechua is the round mountain in front of Machu Picchu. The hike begins in Machu Picchu Pueblo near the SUMAQ hotel. climbing a series of stairways and ladders those who reach the summit are treated to an enchanting panoramic vista of the citadel of Machu Picchu.
Strenuous
No Permit Required

Machu Picchu Hotels

While the majority of visitors come to Machu Picchu just for the day. There are many who prefer to spend the night and enjoy the late afternoon and early mornings at the citadel before the crowds arrive as well as to explore the site in depth take advantage of the different sunlight for photographs and enjoy some of the side hikes available in the area.

All hotels with the exception of the Sanctuary Lodge which is located adjacent to the citadel are located in Machu Picchu Pueblo. The town offers a variety of accommodations from the luxurious Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel with its spectacular gardens and the SUMAQ hotel to first class hotels like the Hatachuy Towers and El Mapi as well as smaller hostels catering to backpackers.

Machu Picchu Pueblo has a number of restaurants, stores, museums as well as the local hot springs located just above the town.

Machu Picchu Museum - Museum Manuel Chavez Ballon

Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, achieves the objectives of the preservation and dissemination of cultural and archaeological research. Within a modern and dynamic exhibition, the reopening of Site Museum Manuel Chavez Ballon has become the primary means of communication and information for the most important cultural Historical Sanctuary of Peru.

The museum is organized in seven phases. In these seven phases, they emphasize the beauty and historical significance of the large collection of artifacts, construction tools (copper and bronze), pins, mirrors, tweezers and needles. Also appearing are the headed ornitomorfa ibis, toucans and oropendolas. The exhibit shows in detail the metallurgical expertise in the Inca city; the spectacular examples of dexterity in stone quarrying, as well as significant objects in various other materials. These displays express to the world, a view of the sustenance of life in Inca Machu Picchu, the strategic administrative center intertwined between the Amazon and the Andes.

The multimedia displays information, photos, live and textual details were organized to offer visitors a full image of the significance of Machu Picchu, and the Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site, also a botanical garden with flora of Machu Picchu area as orchids.

Machu Picchu Trains

There are two companies offering railroad transportation to Machu Picchu. Peru Rail operated by Orient Express is the larger company and offers service from Cusco, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Inca Rail service between Urubamba or Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu daily.

Both companies lines offer varies classes of services as well as multiple departure times. While Cusco offers just a few trains a day, Ollantytambo offers service throughout the day and evening hours offering the most amount of flexibility for travelers. The price of the ticket depends on the class of service and the time of your journey.

Peru Rail offers four classes of service to Machu Picchu:
The Backpacker Train - offering basic train service at an economical price
Expedition Service is provided in the Vistadome car without the extra services and meals
Vistadome Service with large windows, a recorded tour, breakfast or a snack during the journey
Hiram Bingham is the luxury train service with full meal service and entertainment

InkaRail offers four classes of service
Tourist Class is the economic class with large panoramic windows and hot and cold beverage service
Executive Service provides panoramic windows, snacks and hot and cold beverages
First Class Service is the exclusive service with gourmet food, wine, music, and heated towels
Presidential Service is a luxury service including a tasting menu prepared by Le Cordon Bleu Chefs

Trains arrive to the town of Aquas Calientes now called Machu Picchu Pueblo. Once here visitors board a bus for a short 15 minute bus ride up a series of switchbacks to the Citadel of Machu Picchu.

Inca Trail and Treks to Machu Picchu

The best time for the hike is from May to September during the dry season, however the trek can be done year round. Due to the overwhelming demand for the hike there are government limits the number of people allowed on the Classic Inca Trail (the trail that enters Machu Picchu through the Gate of the Sun) to 500 permits per day this number includes guides and porters. Due to the limited number of permits available, permits are typically full 6 months in advance.  If you are interested in trekking the Inca Trail contact us for available dates or options.

Learn More About Machu Picchu on our Blog:
New Limits Set for Machu Picchu and Inca Trail
Machu Picchu New Routes and New Restrcitions
Machu Picchu Celebrates 100 Years of Rediscovery
Machu Picchu Artifacts Go On Display in Cusco