Machu Picchu – History

Machu Picchu is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discovered by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham in 1911, the site is home to temples and other ruins left by the Inca Empire during the 15^th and 16^th centuries. Much of the site is unknown, including why it was deserted and what many of the structures built within it were used for. It is believed that the Spanish conquistadors never reached, and therefore never attacked, the settlement. Some believe that a smallpox epidemic is the reason for its abandonment, but it has yet to be confirmed by historians.

The site of Machu Pichu includes more than 150 unique buildings and structures. Historians believe the site served as a royal estate for Inca emperors, however, this is disputed by others who believe it was an important religious site for the Incans. The accidental discovery by Hiram Bingham was initially due to his searching for Vilcabamba, the last Inca stronghold that would fall to the Spanish. Having traveled on foot, he was told by a local farmer there were ruins located at the top of the mountain nearby. This would ultimately lead to the discovery of Machu Picchu.

Although Bingham is credited with its discovery, it is believed that other missionaries may have first laid eyes on the ruins in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. The uniqueness of the ruins is their seamless fit into the natural surroundings of the forest and natural rock formations of the mountain. The buildings are a display of the Inca’s mastering of stonemasonry, including their ability to cut and fit stones together without the use of any mortar.

The city includes various sections and “neighborhoods” that comprise of the main ruins that are visited by tourists. This includes zones dedicated to farming and agriculture, a residential zone, a sacred area and a royal district. There are several highlights amongst the more than 150 unique structures including the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Condor, as well as the Intihuatana stone, assumed to be one of the last such remaining stones in South America.

In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. In 2007, it was listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Peru’s most famous tourist attraction and surely the most famous ruins in South America, the site sees significant tourism and increasing trekkers each year. As a result, the Peruvian government has made significant adjustments to the requirements for visitors, including the daily permits and admission passes issues and the requirements to utilize guides on the official hiking and climbing trails. Additionally, many trails and attractions remain closed in certain months to help stimulate the renewal of the land. This includes the traditionally rain-heavy month of February, whereby trails are closed to allow for the regrowth of plants and trees.