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What to see in Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an Inca city of the XV century, whose construction is attributed to the Inca Pachacutec. Inhabited for about 100 years and abandoned, until it was known to the world in 1911. It was the jewel of the Inca Empire, the largest civilization that ever existed in the Americas. The mountains were sacred to the Incas; then think, "Machu Picchu is a city built between two mountains, surrounded by an enormous labyrinth of mountains belonging to one of the chains of the Andes Mountains; so we're talking about a sacred place, beautifully built. " In Machu Picchu you will see temples, residences, mysterious monoliths, fountains, platforms and other structures, joined by stairways and stone sidewalks.

 

Machu Picchu was declared a Historical Sanctuary of Peru in 1981, a World Heritage Site in 1983 and chosen one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World in 2007. Machu Picchu is located 2,430 meters above sea level, in the middle of a tropical forest of mountain, in a natural environment of extraordinary beauty. The surprising characteristics and the fog of mystery that surrounds the Inca City, have made entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, must be reserved in advance; In case you want to climb the Huayna Picchu mountain, you will have to check the availability six months before.

 

After its discovery, the city was divided into two sectors: urban and agricultural, separated by the dry moat. But during the time of the Incas, Machu Picchu was divided into 2 sectors; The high or Hanan and Low or Urin; whose interior houses 19 urban groups, residences (of the nobility and specialists), temples, huacas, workshops, warehouses, 13 agricultural groups, a central square, 2 minor plazas and 8 roads. The east side of Machu Picchu, presents slightly more than 60% of the total construction. Although it is not known for sure why it was built, it is possible that the Inca city was used exclusively as a center of religious cult and sanctuary

 

There are many ceremonial and interesting stone atractions in Machu Picchu. But the most important buildings are in the following list:

 

  • Huayna Picchu: the most popular mountain in Machu Picchu; from there all the classic photos of the citadel are taken. There the terrain is steep. If you suffer from vertigo, it is likely that it can affect you so it is recommended to take the necessary measures to prevent it. In this mountain is also the Temple of the Moon and several Inca buildings where you can see the whole place at its best.
     
  • Intihuatana: it is the most memorable piece of Machu Picchu. It is a solar clock that was sculpted in one piece. The different faces that it has project shadows that, with the movement of the sun, were taken by the Incas as predictions of the climate. In Inca times, the inhabitants knew the time just by looking at the sun.
     
  • Sacred Square: there are two important buildings made by the Incas: the Main Temple and the Temple of the Three Windows. The first was the most important in the city and the second corresponds to a lithic sculpture with three windows that have been placed for magical and religious reasons.
     
  • Temple of the Sun: it was the main center of prayer of the Incas. Inside the Temple you can see a ceremonial altar carved in rock and on the walls, from the windows, you can see the sunrise. It is believed that the Inca Pachacútec was buried there.



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