MACHU PICCHU: THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS
Posted on | October 16, 2009 | Comments Off
The ruins of Machu Picchu are the most important attraction of Peru. This lost city was found at 74.56 miles away from the city of Cusco, in the Urubamba valley. Since its discovery in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, there were built many hypotheses regarding the construction of the city. However, it is know that the Incas built the city in this rough area of the jungle to avoid access and possible attacks of from their enemies. Machu Picchu was the most important Inca center for worship and astronomic observation. Machu Picchu has to important areas: to the south, the agriculture area is made up of terraces, aqueducts, etc. To the north, the urban area is the city with its temples, observatories, workshops, and sacred burial plots. There are three ways to reach Machu Picchu: by helicopter (30 minutes flight), by train (4 hours to Aguas Calientes), and through the trekking route known as the “Inca Trail” (a three day journey). This trail is considered to be the most spectacular routs in the world; this is part of the 14,291.54 miles that the Incas built all around South America. The climb to the Huayna Picchu is the best experience you can probably dream about. The name Huayna Picchu means “Young Mountain” compared to Machu Picchu which means “Old Mountain”. From the top of the Young Mountain you have an extraordinary view of the Machu Picchu complex and of the path that leads to the terraces on the edge of the abyss as well as some ruins of temples. Beyond the myths, Machu Picchu is the expression of the Incas. This city catches the attention of all its visitors who admire its magnificent beauty.