Uncovering the lost city of Machu Picchu
"For the variety of its charms and the power of its spell, I do not know another place in the world that compares to it," is what Hiram Bingham, the American explorer who rediscovered thehidden gem of Machu Picchu in 1911, exclaims, as mentioned in an article by the Peru Travel (link mentioned down). And today unsurprisingly, this magnificent Wonder of the Modern World is one of the most visited destinations in America.
The grandiose Peruvian History stands out as one of the most visited tourist destinations as it isnot only a marvel of architectural beauty but also a symbol of the historical culture of Inca leaders, which was the largest ancient civilization in pre-Columbian America.
Huddled in the heart of Peru’s river source-the ANDES mountains, Machu Picchu has many theories linked to its existence, some claiming it as a royal estate and some believing it to be a sacred religious site for Inca leaders. The citadel was discovered by Hiram Bingham, the American Senator, who excitedly and proudly penned down his findings in his book, “The Lost City of the Incas, ”which came out to be best-selling and also resulted in sending flocks of enthusiastic tourists to Peru to unravel the obscure Inca Trail.
In the Quechua Indian language, “Machu Picchu” means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.”The impressive architectural beauty consists of more than 150 buildings ranging from baths and houses to temples and sanctuaries. The site spans a distance of 5 miles, spawning more than 3,000 stone steps, giving the tourist a complete look at the site at different levels.
Machu Picchu was used as an astronomical observatory by the Incas as stated by World Wildlife Fund or WWF in an article. The water mirrors or room mirrors are the most famous, unique, and explicit constructions of Machu Picchu. It is in the form of a circular formation (like a plate), carved out of stone dug into the ground. When filled with water, it projects the reflection of the sky. The site’s sacred Intihuatana stone accurately indicates the two equinoxes. Twice a year, the sun sits directly over the stone creating no shadow.
Machu Picchu significance Today-
The remarkable Peruvian Heritage, today stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared in 1983, and also was designated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Also, numerous reports by organizations like Ecoclub.com, Research Gate, etc. (link mentioned down) suggest that Machu Picchu is Peru’s favorite tourist attraction and South America’s most famous ruins, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people a year.
Apart from Machu Picchu, Suasi Island, Isla de la Luna, Puerto de Puno, Larco Museum, Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, Huaca Pucllana, etc. are some of the other must-visit tourist destinations in Peru. Today, people from around the world trudge through the mystique valleys of Peru, only to find their way to acknowledge, witness this man-made grandeur and take in the beauty of the sprawling sunset from the mounted towers of Inca symbol of Historical MARVEL, fondly called Machu Picchu.