Machu Picchu | A Relic of Immense Value to Peruvian Culture, History, and Tourism

Machu Picchu is a scenic location that was created as a citadel for the Incan Empire in the 15th century. It sits atop the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Peru and is considered to be one of the most beautiful locations on the planet. In a worldwide internet poll that was done in 2007, Machu Picchu was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, further cementing its claim as a globally recognized and appreciated site. It is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.

There are a lot of things to say and learn about Machu Picchu. Its purpose, construction, architecture, and legacy are as wonderous to the mind as the location is to the eyes. Here are a couple of things that are noteworthy about Machu Picchu.

• Creation, Purpose, and Inhabitants

  Machu Picchu was built around the mid-14th century and it was built for the Inca King Pachacutec. During its time as a Royal Estate, it was inhabited by around 700 people, if not more. People of royal lineage and people who aren’t lived in this gorgeous estate. These inhabitants consisted of religious figures, specialists, workers, amongst others. These people were called Yanaconas.

  The purpose of its construction remains an enigma to experts, although many have different theories. It is believed that the place once served as a retreat location for nobles, or a stronghold for the Inca Empire’s military, even a sacrificial site for mysticism and rituals. It is also believed that the king commissioned its construction as a celebration after a successful military campaign. Whatever the case may be, there is no denying the significance or legacy it left today.

• Content and Construction

  The entire place consists of several houses, temples, main plazas, aqueduct channels, a jail, and a guard house. There are also a couple of water fountains and places that would have been used as food deposits by the Yanaconas. These buildings and stoneworks are well preserved to this day, with the exception of a couple of roofs that were made of grass and branches.

  Machu Picchu is built with cut-up and polished dry stone. The stones were collected from the plateau on which the site was constructed so the collection was fairly simple for the people of the Inca Empire. What is brilliant about its construction is that the people who built Machu Picchu could not have used wheels to allow for easier transport because they had no notion of its existence then. They also did not use mortar to stick the stones together, they simply cut the stones in such precision that they fit perfectly when put together, like pieces to a puzzle. The stones fit each other so perfectly that not even a needle can fit in between the rocks, and during earthquakes, the stones would simply shake and bounce off towards each other and fall back into place afterward. This incredible precision is the reason why the site has remained standing for centuries.

• Abandonment, Rediscovery, and History

  It is believed that the Yanaconas lived on Machu Picchu for over 80 years. Experts have deduced that the coming of the Spanish Conquistadors is the reason why its inhabitants abandoned the site.

  It is also believed that most of its inhabitants died of smallpox around this time, thinning out the population even more.

  After years of being an abandoned site, it would only be introduced to the public when a local farmer introduced Machu Picchu to explorer and university professor, Hiram Bingham. Although the Peruvian people at the time were aware of the Incan site, the outside world had no knowledge of Machu Picchu. Several artifacts were taken by Bingham’s team around this time for further examination and research. Here, they learned that the Incans were incapable of reading and had no written language. Since then, more and more people became aware and fell in love with the place.

  In 1981, it was declared a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary, cementing its importance in Peruvian culture. In 1983, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, cementing its importance in global archeology.

The beauty and cultural significance of Machu Picchu is recognized throughout the world. Millions of people wish to see this world wonder in person, and even fewer actually get the privilege. Peruvian women and men take pride in Machu Picchu and will gladly tell you more about the site, things only locals know of. Be sure to visit the country of Peru one of these days, and place the Machu Picchu at the top of your list of places to visit. Experience the highest contributor to tourism in Peru for yourself.