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Machu Picchu: The City of the Children of the Sun

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Machu Picchu The City of the Children of the Sun

by Fodor's Travel Guides

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	284479 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	396 pages
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Machu Picchu is an ancient Inca city located in the Andes Mountains of Peru. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas.

The city was built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. It was abandoned about 100 years later, after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire.

Machu Picchu is located on a ridge between two peaks of the Andes Mountains. The city is surrounded by lush vegetation and is home to a variety of animals, including llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.

The city is divided into two main parts: the agricultural sector and the urban sector. The agricultural sector is located on the lower slopes of the ridge and is home to a variety of terraces and irrigation canals. The urban sector is located on the upper slopes of the ridge and is home to the temples, palaces, and other buildings of the city.

Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the Americas. The city is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Inca people.

History of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was built in the 15th century by the Inca emperor Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui. The city was built as a royal estate and was used by the emperor and his family as a retreat from the capital city of Cusco.

The city was abandoned about 100 years later, after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. The Spanish never discovered Machu Picchu and the city remained hidden for centuries.

Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. Bingham was searching for the lost city of Vilcabamba, the last capital of the Inca Empire. He stumbled upon Machu Picchu and was amazed by its beauty and grandeur.

Architecture of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is built in the classical Inca style. The buildings are made of stone and are fitted together with great precision. The city is divided into two main parts: the agricultural sector and the urban sector.

The agricultural sector is located on the lower slopes of the ridge and is home to a variety of terraces and irrigation canals. The terraces were used to grow crops, such as corn, potatoes, and quinoa.

The urban sector is located on the upper slopes of the ridge and is home to the temples, palaces, and other buildings of the city. The most important buildings in the urban sector include the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and the Intihuatana Stone.

The Temple of the Sun is the largest building in Machu Picchu. It is a rectangular building with a trapezoidal doorway. The temple is decorated with niches and windows and is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies.

The Temple of the Moon is a smaller building located near the Temple of the Sun. It is a circular building with a single doorway. The temple is decorated with niches and is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies.

The Intihuatana Stone is a large stone located in the central plaza of Machu Picchu. The stone is believed to have been used for astronomical observations.

Tourism at Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The city is accessible by train or by foot. The train ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes about 3 hours. The hike from Cusco to Machu Picchu takes about 4 days.

There are a number of different ways to experience Machu Picchu. Visitors can take a guided tour of the city, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu, or simply relax and enjoy the views.

Machu Picchu is a truly unforgettable experience. The city is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Inca people and is a must-see for anyone visiting Peru.

Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places on Earth. The city is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Inca people and is a must-see for anyone visiting Peru.

If you are planning a trip to Machu Picchu, be sure to book your tickets in advance. The city is a popular tourist destination and tickets can sell out quickly.

I hope you enjoy this article about Machu Picchu. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Machu Picchu The City of the Children of the Sun

by Fodor's Travel Guides

5 out of 5