Machu Picchu, meaning 'old peak', is an ancient Inca citadel in Peru and a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its impressive architecture and historical significance as a last vestige of the Inca Empire. The site includes over 150 buildings, advanced masonry, and earthquake-proof structures, and it was never discovered by Spanish invaders, remaining hidden until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Visitors can explore the complex via various hiking trails or train routes, learning about its rich history and engineering marvels.

2. Machu Picchu is one of the wonders of the world and is one of the main attractions in Peru.
Most of the people who visit the Andean country are here to tour the wonderful Inca complex.
But what do you know about this place? There is much that is known and unknown about this
enchanting place, but there are things that are quite interesting to know. That is why together
with Machu Travel Peru we will begin to tell you about some impressive Machu Picchu facts.

3. 1. MEANING OF MACHU PICCHU
First of all, Machu Picchu is described as a fairly ancient Inca citadel. So what does Machu Picchu mean? Machu Picchu
means “Old Peak” or “Old mountain”. Machu Picchu comes from the ancient Quechua language, which is still spoken in the
Andean regions of Peru.
2. WHAT IS MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu is considered one of the best archaeological treasures in Peru. It is one of the wonders of the world and
also a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. And it is not surprising, as it is one of the last vestiges of the Inca Empire. Many of
its constructions remain intact over time.
3. PART OF THE INCA EMPIRE
It was part of the Inca Empire. One of the largest in ancient America, covering Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile, and
Ecuador. The empire ended in the Spanish invasions approximately in the year 1533. Most of the information that is known
about the Empire is thanks to the archaeological ruins that remain, such as the beautiful citadel. To learn more about the
history of the complex, you better visit Machu Picchu.
4. MACHU PICCHU HIKES
Within the complex, there is more than one hiking option available. Machu Picchu mountain and Huayna Picchu mountain
are some of them. On these routes, you will have some of the best panoramic views of the citadel and the surroundings.
And with so many hiking trails available, you have to try at least one of them. In the purchase of your Machu Picchu
tickets, you will have the option to choose which of the routes you would like to travel.

4. 5. ABANDONED CITADEL
The reason for abandonment remains a mystery to
historians. Over time this city was forgotten and only the
locals knew of its location. It is believed that the Inca
citadel was abandoned approximately in the year 1535. It
was even abandoned without finishing some of its
constructions, during a time of great changes in the Empire.

5. 8. THE SPANISH NEVER DISCOVERED
IT The Spanish invaders never found it during their
invasions. But if you want to discover it and visit it, you
can take our numerous Machu Picchu tours. Thanks to its
strategic location, the Inca complex was never
discovered by the Spanish. The local farmers were the
few who knew of the existence of this place. It was later
officially discovered by the explorer Hiram Bingham.
9. WONDER OF ENGINEERING
It is a marvel of engineering. The construction of the
complex has impressed many scholars. A technique
called ashlar was used (stones cut to fit without mortar).
Machu Picchu is built on a terrain full of geological faults
and fractures. It was built during the 15th century as an
urban complex for the Inca aristocracy.

6. 10. IT WORKED LIKE A CLOCK
Part of the structure works like a clock. It was not only used as an observatory, but it was also used as a natural watch.
The structures are known as The Temple of the Sun, The Intihuatana, and the Temple of the Three Windows. This is one of
the best Machu Picchu facts available. The Intihuatana is a rock whose various planes are polished with great accuracy. It
is not only known as the rock that radiates energy, but also as the clock of the citadel.
11. STAMPED PASSPORT
You can have your passport stamped at the entrance. You can enjoy various stamps in your passport within Peru. Lima’s
airport will be the starting point of your adventure!. Lima to Machu Picchu distance is around 5 to 6 hours, considering a
local flight from Lima to Cusco, then a mixture of trains and road transportation. You can get your stamped passport
whether you come from the Inca Trail or from the same train to Machu Picchu.
12. STONEWORKS
Their masonry skills were considered very advanced for the time. The way the stones were placed and cut is so perfect
that it doesn’t even seem human-made. Still, they were made by the Incas, and it is precise because of these
constructions that they are considered a great Empire. All Inca architecture is characterized by its wonderful stonework.
Despite this recurring fame in Inca constructions, many buildings were also built with adobe and fieldstone.

7. 13. DISCOVERED RELATIVELY RECENTLY
Machu Picchu was only known by locals until its
discovery. It was Hiram Bingham who discovered
the site in 1911, guided by locals. Although it is
worth mentioning that Hiram Bingham’s true goal
was to find the lost city of Vilcabamba. But his
discovery was much greater than expected.

8. 14. STONE STAIRS
The complex has more than 100 sets of separate stairs. Most of the individual stairs were carved from a stone slab. If
there is something that cannot be denied, it is that the Incas were fascinated by stairs. That is something that you will
notice once you start touring the different archaeological sites. A good romantic idea is to enjoy a honeymoon in Machu
Picchu. Climb the endless stairs and fall in love with the landscapes.
15. CONSTRUCTIONS AROUND
It is made up of more than 150 buildings ranging from houses, bathrooms, and even sanctuary houses. Inside Machu
Picchu, you can find different buildings and constructions. Many of these were for ceremonial and religious purposes, but
there are also many for storage purposes. If you are planning a trip to Peru, you cannot miss this wonderful complex.
© Original: https://www.machutravelperu.com/blog/machu-picchu-facts

9. 16. WITHOUT WHEELS
No wheels were used to transport the stones. This
is one of the most impressive facts about the
complex. Although many of the stones weighed
heavily, the stones are believed to have been
pushed by hundreds of men through the steep
slope. Let us bear in mind that the Inca culture was
against pack animals and iron tools. Making this
construction even more fantastic if we consider its
difficulty.

10. 17. A SURVIVING CITADEL
It is one of the last surviving citadels to the invasions of the Spaniards. Many of the Machu Picchu vacation deals will
explain this as you tour the complex. Unfortunately, numerous Inca cities were destroyed by the conquest. But thanks to
the hidden location of Machu Picchu, the site was never discovered.
18. PARTS OF THE COMPLEX
The citadel is divided into two parts according to the Inca tradition. Hanan and Hurin. Hanan was what was above, while
Hurin was what was inside or the bottom of the empire. The architectural principles by which the Machu Picchu map was
divided coincide with the cultural principles of the Inca duality that governed their lives.
19. BUILT TERRACES
They built more than 600 terraces to avoid slipping of the structure. To prevent the entire structure of the complex from
collapsing, these terraces were built, and that had never been heard or seen at the time. The terraces consisted of
different layers that allow the water to drain and prevent the landslide. This is one of the most wonderful Machu Picchu
facts.

11. 20. THE ROUTES OF THE INCAS
The roads and trails built by the Incas rivaled those of
Rome. They built over 18,000 miles of paved roads,
bridges, and other types of trails. The road system built
by the Incas linked the important cities of the coast and
the mountains. All the roads of the road network also lead
to the capital, Cusco. These routes are part of the popular
Inca Trail, one of the ways in how to get to Machu Picchu.
21. ANTI-SEISMIC STRUCTURE
It is better prepared for an earthquake than California. To
combat the fact that the area of Peru is quite susceptible
to earthquakes, every building in Machu Picchu was
constructed earthquake-proof. When Earthquakes occur,
the stones of Machu Picchu are said to “dance”.

12. 23. LOST CITY
Originally the explorer Hiram Bingham thought that he
found the lost city of Vilcabamba. Upon encountering
Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham thought he was at the last
refuge of the Incas. But in reality, he had come across
one of the most amazing Inca architectural gems. Thanks
to its discovery, today we can enjoy this unparalleled
attraction.
24. DEDICATED TO THE NOBILITY
According to scholars, Machu Picchu was a real estate.
Despite the many doubts and debates surrounding the
Inca complex, many believe that it was a real estate
created by Pachacutec. It is believed that this site was
intended as a resting place for the nobles. Although this
position marks a contrast with those theories that
maintain that it was a place of worship.

13. 25. WAYS TO GO
There are two possible ways to go to the archaeological complex. Via train or through the incredible Inca
Trail. If you choose the Inca Trail, you will end your adventure at the Sun Gate in Machu Picchu. On the
other hand, if you opt for the train, you will arrive at the small town of Aguas Calientes. For this reason, it
is recommended that you make your Machu Picchu reservations since the tickets usually are sold out very
quickly. Whichever way you decide to get to the citadel, you will have a unique experience ahead of you.

14. “THE BIGGEST RISK IN LIFE, IS NOT TAKING
ONE”

15. We hope together with Machu Travel Peru to have quenched your curiosity regarding the archaeological
complex. Still, there is much that is unknown about the Inca citadel. We hope this has encouraged your
future travel plans. If you have any questions or queries, you can contact our advisors. Peru has so much
to offer, it can be hard to know where to start. With many years of experience in the tourism sector, Machu
Travel Peru is happy to help with anything regarding your trip to Machu Picchu and any tours around it.
Make your Machu Picchu experience an unforgettable one!
Visit: www.machutravelperu.com