Machu Picchu is a place of mystery bundled up in the beauty of nature. Its rich history and the untamed culture based on the womb of nature makes it one of the best place to visit. Not just travelers and explorers admire it, but also adored by architects, archaeologists, and researchers worldwide.

1. Machu Picchu: A
Wonderland of Hidden
Stories
Source- wikipedia
With every step, I lost a small fraction of my consciousness. I was
intoxicated. The breeze traveled long through the mountains and seas and
peeped through the gaps between the stones at Machu Picchu. As if the air
was the catalyst between the centuries-old walls and the story of the hands
that made them. It whispered in my ears, unclear and camouflaged with the
sweet smell of the mountains.

2. After several failed attempts I gave up, and those whispers transformed
into melodies like a French song. However, this was just the beginning, as
the perfectly engineered stones turned into alphabets and the walls
became a paragraph, each portraying stories. Stories of the people who
lived here cooked food, and danced all night long under the twinkling stars.
Machu Picchu is a place of mystery bundled up in the beauty of nature. Its
rich history and the untamed culture based on the womb of nature makes it
one of the best place to visit. Not just travelers and explorers admire it, but
also adored by architects, archaeologists, and researchers worldwide.
However, a lot about this place is unknown, and questions are flung like
why it was abandoned. What and whom was it built for? This article is the
answer to all of these questions and the ultimate guide for the one who
dreams of traveling to this paradise.
Tales of the Past
Nestled in the rocky countryside northwest of Cuzco, Peru, Machu Picchu
is believed to be a royal estate or sacred Inca site. It remained hidden for
centuries after the fall of the Inca civilization to Spanish invaders in the 16th
century. The sprawling citadel spans 5 miles, featuring over 3,000 stone
steps connecting its diverse levels.
Built during the height of the Inca Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries, it
was likely abandoned around a century later, coinciding with the Spanish
conquest in the 1530s. While there’s no evidence of direct Spanish attacks,
some speculate that its residents left due to a smallpox epidemic.
Modern archaeologists lean towards Machu Picchu serving as a royal
estate for Inca rulers, though many theories exist, suggesting it might have

3. been a religious site or even a hub for trade, testing new crops, a women’s
retreat, or a city for royal coronations. The mysteries surrounding this place
continue to captivate, leaving room for various interpretations of its
historical purpose.
Stumbling Hiram
Source- National Geographic
“In the summer of 1911, I, an American archaeologist, Hiram Bingham, set
foot in Peru with a small team of explorers. Our mission was to find
Vilcabamba, the last Inca stronghold to fall to the Spanish. On foot and by
mule, we ventured into the Urubamba Valley, where a local farmer told us
about ruins atop a nearby mountain called Machu Picchu, meaning “old
peak” in Quechua. On July 24, after a challenging climb in cold weather, I,
along with a group of peasants led by an 11-year-old boy, discovered the
stone terraces marking the entrance to Machu Picchu.”

4. “Excited about this find, I shared it in a popular book, “The Lost City of the
Incas,” attracting tourists to the once-obscure Inca Trail. I excavated
artifacts from Machu Picchu, sparking a custody dispute with Yale
University, where I took the items for inspection. While I’m credited for
making Machu Picchu known globally, it’s uncertain if I was the first
outsider to visit, as evidence suggests others may have explored the site
earlier but were less vocal about their discoveries.”
These would have been the very words of Hiram Bingham, the real-life
Indiana Jones if he was still alive. Reaching the top of this old peak, he
pulled out his notebook and wrote, “Fine ruins….fine houses, streets,
stairs”, took some photos, and left soon after, convinced he had seen all
there was to see.
An Engineering Enigma
Hiram Bingham was right about the Inca being skilled engineers, as seen in
his 1913 observations. Luckily, he was also a good photographer, and his
1930 photo of the Agricultural Sector and the intact canal, abandoned for
over three centuries, proves the Inca’s engineering prowess.
The photo displays a 1 percent grade reach of 31 meters. Bingham’s 3-D
drawing of the community in 1930 reveals the canal aqueduct over the “Dry
Moat” and the lost aqueduct, emphasizing the Inca’s hydraulic engineering
capabilities. Despite Bingham’s limited time in 1912 at Machu Picchu, he
acknowledged the Inca’s extraordinary skills in planning and designing
water supply systems, showcasing their ability to harmonize nature with
human needs through accumulated knowledge and expertise.

5. Source- Photo of the Agricultural Sector and the intact canal by Hiram Bingham, 1930.
New symphony
Enough about the history, it is now time to discuss the present situation of
Machu Picchu. Ever since it was designated as one of the New Seven
Wonders of the World in 2007, it has become the most visited attraction
and South America’s most famous ruins, welcoming hundreds of thousands
of people a year. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, led to a
drastic increase in tourism, hence the development of nearby towns and
environmental degradation. This increased number of visitors also
endangered the home to several diverse species. As a result, the Peruvian
government has taken steps to protect the ruins and prevent erosion of the
mountainside in recent years.
Best Parts of Machu Picchu

6. During the tour, I witnessed some of the most fascinating parts wrapped in
architectural beauty, each telling a story. It has a total of 196 tourist spots,
including archaeological sites, squares, temples, water fountains,
monuments, and residences. All are intricately connected with the natural
surroundings. The citadel is divided into two distinct sectors by a 400-meter
wall. One focused on agriculture with terraces and farmer houses, and the
other urban featured the Royal Residence, the Sacred Plaza, and the
Intihuatana Pyramid with a solar clock. Here is the list of the parts each
contributed to my intoxication.
The Temple of the Condor The Temple of the Sun
Home to a large rock shaped like the
Andean bird, a symbol of power and
fertility.Part of the Inca trilogy with
the puma and the snake.It is
believed to be a site for celebrating
and worshiping rituals.
A sacred space dedicated to
adoring and worshiping the Sun
god.Access was restricted to
priests and the elite of the Inca
Empire.Used for making offerings
and paying homage to the
powerful celestial entity.
Intihuatana Huayna Picchu

7. Renowned monolithic sculpture in
Machu Picchu, functioning as a solar
clock.Used shadows to create an
astronomical calendar, measuring
time and marking the
seasons.Significant in defining the
beginning and end of each year’s
seasons.
The mountain towering at 2720
meters, serves as a surveillance
center for Machu Picchu.Provided
a panoramic view of the valley,
enabling the Incas to detect
potential attacks.Known as the
Old Mountain, features carved
stairs leading to the summit.
The Sacred Rock
Enormous monolith with dimensions
reaching three meters in height on a
seven-meter base.One of the most
mystical symbols and is believed to
have astronomical
significance.Speculated to be
oriented for the study of stars.

8. Source- roamandthrive
A Natural Wonderland Beyond History
Machu Picchu is more than a historic site, it’s a haven for diverse and
exotic flora and fauna. Nestled between the Andes and the Peruvian
Amazon, with the Urubamba River flowing through it, the sanctuary
supports a rich biodiversity. Among the inhabitants are the Andean fox,
puma, vizcacha, spectacled bear, and white-tailed deer, complemented by
over 420 bird species. These include the striking cock of the rocks and the
majestic Andean condor.
With more than 30,000 hectares of wooded areas, steep mountains, and
snow-capped peaks, it boasts diverse tree species. Notably, the sanctuary
is a floral paradise, hosting 370 types of orchids, making it the world’s
largest collection of native orchids, as recognized by the American Orchid
Society.

9. Best Time to Visit
Machu Picchu remains open year-round, with October to April being the
official rainy season, though rain is possible at any time. Peak crowds are
in July and August, and Sundays, when locals from the Cusco province
visit for free, tend to be the busiest. There is no ideal time to visit due to
consistent crowds and unpredictable weather.
During the rainy season, mornings are often foggy, which can either
obscure or enhance the view depending on personal preference.
Afternoons may see fewer visitors as day-trippers head back to Cusco.
However, I was lucky enough to witness the melting sun from this high
altitude as the stars seemed even closer.
The Inca Trail and Other Treks
An adventurous option to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco is by joining an
organized multi-day trek on the Inca Trail, part of the extensive network of
Incan roads. While it may seem challenging, thousands like me choose this
option to trek annually. Numerous tour operators provide Inca Trail hikes
with different durations and comfort levels all involving camping. Keep in
mind that the Inca Trail is closed for maintenance every February.
● Salkantay Mountain:
● Height: Approximately 20,574 feet (6,271 meters)
● Trek Time: Typically 4 to 7 days, depending on the chosen route
and tour operator.
● Choquequirao:
● Height: Approximately 10,010 feet (3,050 meters)
● Trek Time: Generally 4 to 5 days, though longer trekking options
are available.

10. ● Lares:
● Height: Varies based on specific trekking routes within the Lares
region. However, approximately can be 15,777 feet (4809 meters)
● Trek Time: Typically 2 to 5 days, depending on the chosen itinerary
and starting point.
Source- blogs.incarail
FAQs:
1. When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from May to September is generally considered the best
time to visit. However, it is open year-round.
2. How do I get to Machu Picchu?

11. Most visitors travel to Cusco and then take a train to Aguas Calientes,
known as the gateway. From Aguas Calientes, you can either hike up or
take a bus to the site.
3. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, it is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak
season. Tickets have a daily limit, and they can sell out quickly.
4. What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable and layered clothing. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water,
comfortable shoes, and a camera. If you’re trekking, pack accordingly for
the duration of your trek.
5. Is there an age limit for visiting Machu Picchu?
There is no specific age limit. However, it’s essential to consider the
physical demands, especially if planning to hike or climb.
6. Are there guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available, providing insightful information about the
history and significance of the site.