Machu Picchu - History, Story and Facts

Machu Picchu is a pre-Columbian15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) above sea level. Machu Picchu is located in the Cusco Region of Peru,South America.

It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 kilometres (50 mi) northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438–1472). Often referred to as the "City of the Incas", it is perhaps the most familiar icon of Inca civilization.

The Incas built the estate around 1450, but abandoned it as an official site for the Inca rulers a century later at the time of theSpanish Conquest. Although known locally, it was unknown to the outside world before being brought to international attention in 1911 by the American historian Hiram Bingham.

Since then, Machu Picchu has become an important tourist attraction. Most of the outlying buildings have been reconstructed in order to give tourists a better idea of what the structures originally looked like. By 1976, thirty percent of Machu Picchu had been restored. The restoration work continues to this day.

These are located in what is known by archaeologists as the Sacred District of Machu Picchu. In September 2007, Peru and Yale University almost reached an agreement regarding the return of artifacts which Yale has held since Hiram Bingham removed them from Machu Picchu in the early 20th century. In November 2010, a Yale University representative agreed to return the artifacts to a Peruvian university.

History & Story about Machu Picchu

• Machu Picchu was built in the classical Inca style, with polished dry-stone walls. Its three primary structures are the Intihuatana(Hitching post of the Sun), the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. 
• Since the site was never known to the Spanish during their conquest, it is highly significant as a relatively intact cultural site. Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary in 1981 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
•  In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.
• Machu Picchu is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru
• While the Inca are best remembered for their beautiful walls, their civil engineering projects were incredibly advanced as well. (Especially, as is often noted, for a culture that used no draft animals, iron tools, or wheels.) 
• The site we see today had to be sculpted out of a notch between two small peaks by moving stone and earth to create a relatively flat space. The engineer Kenneth Wright has estimated that 60 percent of the construction done at Machu Picchu was underground.
• The surrounding territory constantly amazes with its unbelievable beauty. The mighty of ancient ruins is wonderfully combined with a great variety of flora and fauna of Machu Picchu. It is one of those rare places that grow exotic plants like peltate palms, alders and conucals. 
• This place has more than 400 types of begonias and orchids and only 260 types of each are classified.
• Animals that inhabit Macchu-Picchu are impressing by its variety. There are 375 types of birds and about 200 of them can be seen during excursions. One of the bright representatives is Cock-of-the-rock, who is an official symbol of Peru. It can be easily recognized by its bright covert. 
• The bird is indeed, a very friendly creature which can be met very often somewhere near the lakes. Andes bear is one of the most interesting animals in the place who is unfortunately under the risk of extinction. The spectacled bear is absolutely safe, he eats only plants. 
• Because of his shy manners, it is very difficult to take a picture of him.
• The whole area of the “Lost City” is 32 520 ha .It is fascinating that till recent days scientists from all over the world could study only 35 % of it.
• It is believed that further exploring will bring many unusual and interesting facts about this land. In order not to get lost you can spend a night in a Hotel Grupo Inti to refresh your energy and continue your amazing journey.
• It often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas" and is the most familiar icon of the Inca World
• Moreover, although Machu Picchu was already known locally, it was anonymous to outsiders until American historian Hiram Bingham brought the mysterious wonder to international attention. 
• Since then it has become one of the most important tourist attractions in Peru and worldwide.
• In 1981, Machu Picchu was declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary and in 1983 it was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Additionally, on July 7, 2007 it was declared one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”
• there are rules about entering. One of the lesser-known requirements is that that you may not enter dressed in the traditional costume of another country, so for all those thinking of going dressed in their kilt and sporran, their kimono, or Swiss milkmaid outfit, should think again.
• Most of the inhabitants are thought to have died of smallpox introduced by travelers before the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area
• Situated at 8,040 ft above mean sea level and the central buildings of Machu Picchu are in the classical Inca architectural style