Machu Picchu is often called the "lost city of the Incas". The reason for this is the belief that the Spaniards never found the city during the conquests and conquest of the Inca Empire, so it remained unknown to them.
The historic Inca site was built sometime in the 15th century, but was unknown to outsiders until 1911 when it was introduced to the world public by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Later everything is history, UNESCO listed Machu Picchu in 1983, 24 years later it was declared one of the seven new wonders of the world, and it is certainly one of the most popular places in South America. Machu Picchu is a sacred Inca city located on the highest part of the Andes in Peru, and is believed to have been built around 1300.
To visit required - fitness
Machu Picchu is located at 2450 meters above sea level, 112 kilometers northwest of Cusco. Clearly, although there are roads, getting here is not easy, so be prepared for a long hike and effort.
Stamp in the passport
When you finally get to the former city under the clouds, it’s a shame not to pick up a valuable souvenir in the form of a stamp. Namely, when you come here, I can hit you with a stamp that you will brag about how you visited this Peruvian wonder.
The city walls were built of huge parts, ie blocks of stone, some of which weighed more than 50 tons. The thing gets even more interesting when we tell you that the Incas didn’t use a wheel, so the boulders were pushed by hundreds of people to the top with their bare hands. Also, the stone blocks are perfectly cut, so well that there is no thread between them - a knife blade.
Leaving the city
The city is believed to have been inhabited for only 100 years and abandoned during the Spanish invasion. However, it is believed that it was not abandoned because of the Spaniards, but because of the outbreak of the epidemic.
Peru Vs. Yale University
The state of Peru has long been at war with the American University of Yale, as archaeologist Bingham took home more than 5,000 artifacts during the excavation. The Peruvians claimed that the artifacts could only be lent to Yale, while the university claimed that they were - theirs. However, the "battle" ended in 2011 with the return of the artifacts to Peru.
Earthquakes do not bother
Since earthquakes are not uncommon in Peru, every building in Machu Picchu is made to be resistant to them! Therefore, when there is an earthquake and the buildings shake, it is said that in fact - they dance.
Amazing connection
The Incas developed a system that connected Machu Picchu and other places in the region and stretched for more than 20,000 kilometers. First of all, bridges were built and mountain roads were made, and considering the time of its creation, it is really admirable.
