Location:
Machu Picchu is located 120 kilometers to the Northwest of
the city of Cusco at a height of 2,400 meters. It is
amazing that the Incas could build such cities and roads in
these mountains.
Climate:
Hot and humid, with sunny days and fresh nights. The rainy
season begins in December and ends in March.
History:
Machu Picchu is one of the archaeological jewels of the
world and the most important tourist destination of Peru.
It was rediscovered by the American Archaeologist, Hiram
Bingham, in 1911.
The archaeologists estimate that it was built during the
fifteenth century by the Incas, but its function is still a
mystery today. It was populated by a great number of
inhabitants, but only by nobles, priests, and the "Aqllas"
(Virgins of the Sun). There was a population of peasants
that worked in the fields but they did not live inside the
fortress.
The city is divided into 3 areas: 2 populated zones and the
agricultural sector which is a vast system of terraces and
channels of irrigation. The urban sector was divided into
two districts, in one of them, the most important temples
are found, like that of the Sun Temple and the Royal
Chamber. In the other sector, the houses of the nobles, and
the convent of the "Virgins of the Sun" are located. The
greatest attraction of Machu Picchu is the level of
technological development in architecture and stone work
achieved by its builders; the joining of the stones in some
places is so perfect, that not even a pin can be inserted.
The most significant stone is the "Intihuatana" or solar
calendar, which allowed precise knowledge of the seasons and
the climate during the year. Machu Picchu harbors animals
in danger of extinction such as the Andean Bear, the
Quetzal, the Gallito of the Rocks, as well as an amazing
number of exotic orchids. One finds an energy and peace in
Machu Picchu that touches everyone that visits this
mysterious place.
