Machu Picchu

The History of Machu Picchu

Surrounded by a tropical forest, Machu Picchu is among the greatest architectural structures built. Founded in the 15th century, Machu Picchu was ordered to be built by the 9th Inca Emperor, Pachacuti. The structure required hundreds of men, as during that time, stones used to build Machu Picchu were not carried over with the help of carts or wheelbarrows. Instead of a dozen men, they had to work together to carry the stones, laying each stone hand by hand. Machu Picchu is one of the few ruins found still intact. It was discovered by a Yale professor, Hiram Bingham. He was originally looking for another site and found Machu Picchu instead. He had even claimed that it was the “lost city of the Incas”, a claim that to this day is not widely accepted to be true.

Interesting Facts

• Machu Picchu stands 2430m above sea-level.
• Pachacuti, the 9th Inca emperor, ordered the construction of Machu Picchu.
• Stones were transported without the use of wheels.
• The Inca used advanced civil engineering techniques beyond their time.
• Machu Picchu means “old mountain” in Quechua.
• Machu Picchu's exact abandonment reasons are unknown.

Plan Your Visit

Machu Picchu is in Peru, with the closest major city being Cusco. Once you fly into Cusco, you will need to take a train to the town located at the base of Machu Picchu. From there, you can take a bus that will drop you at the entrance of Machu Picchu. Alternatively, you can take the Inca trails, which would require booking in advance. Along with pre-booking, it is required for travellers to have a permit for the trails.