3. Introduction: History Machu Picchu is one of the best preserved Incan ruins in Peru. The Incans were a race of people that built an empire spanning most of western South America. These ruins were discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Since then, it has become a popular tourist attraction.
5. Why did the Incas build there? The Incas built Machu Picchu in its location for a few reasons: Firstly, when the Spaniards came the Incans were protected by the remoteness of their city. Secondly, disease ridden insects couldn’t go up that high so as a result, there was less sickness. Lastly, the Incas wanted to be closer to their gods and therefore built Machu Picchu as close as they could get.
6. What are the negatives of Machu Picchu’s location? Machu Picchu is hard to access in its position, so its hard to get supplies up there. Machu Picchu is very exposed. Therefore it gets extremely cold at night and hot in the day. It is difficult to farm because of steep slopes. The Incas got around this by terracing the sides of the mountains to grow crops.
7. Why was Machu Picchu abandoned? There are a few ideas why the Incas left Machu Picchu. Most people say that the Incas all died of smallpox. Others say that the Spanish conquistadors forced them into hiding around the year 1572.
9. The affect of tourism on local people Tourism brings in money to support the local economy and improve facilities for local people. Tourism encourages the learning of new languages and cultures by both locals and visitors. Provides jobs for locals and raises the economy for that area.
10. Economic positives and negatives of tourism on Machu Picchu Positives Brings in lots of money for the Peruvian Government through more tax such as airport and hotel taxes. Provides jobs through the Multiplier Effect (Building roads, airports, hotels etc.) Earns valuable foreign exchange. Negatives Employment is seemingly seasonal and locals are laid off when they are not needed. Not all money earned by tourism goes back into the local economy. Leakage occurs and some money returns to rich countries.
11. Management In 1983, Machu Picchu was declared a UNESCO site and is protected under the U.N. And Peruvian Laws. Admission was increased from $10 to $20 The government decided that the natural beauty of the area was being spoilt by the infrastructure (e.g. Hotels, toilets and roads.) and asked for it to be reduced.
