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Machu Picchu charms visitors with its spectacular natural landscape and architectural wonders, yet challenges them with its mystifying mysteries.
The Intihuatana stone served as both a spiritual and astronomical marker, while the Room of Three Windows demonstrated Inca construction techniques involving blocks cut to fit together tightly without using mortar.
Getting There
Machu Picchu, an Inca citadel situated high in Peruvian Andes, draws travelers of all stripes with its combination of history, nature and spirituality. Since its discovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911 as part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1911 by Hiram Bingham himself; Machu Picchu has drawn widespread attention due to its intricate dry stone construction techniques and profound religious significance as a sacred sanctuary.
Given Machu Picchu’s remote location, train travel will likely be your only means of access. Your travel agency can make booking this journey easy – often at significant financial savings – while their expert knowledge of the area allows them to handle logistical details efficiently, freeing you up for exploring its breathtaking sights.
Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun is an elegant structure likely used for religious ceremonies during summer solstice celebrations. It features a semicircular wall with three trapezoidal windows that offer spectacular views of nearby mountains.
This incredible place was constructed by Moche or Mochica, one of Peru’s ancient cultures that flourished between the 1st and 9th centuries. Their impressive civil engineering techniques reduced earthquake effects as well as any swaying caused by earthquakes or seismic activity occurring nearby.
Machu Picchu stands on a rocky promontory in Peru’s Urubamba Province and is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of Inca architecture, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and all. Scholars continue to investigate this mysterious city’s landmarks and natural features that appear to align with astronomical events.
Stairway of Fountains
The majestic Stairway of Fountains is an astounding feat of Inca engineering. The stones lining its walls were cut specifically so they nestle snugly without using mortar – an example of their proficiency at using an ancient technique known as Ashlar.
Machu Picchu not only boasts temples and ruins, but also a series of terraced structures cut into its mountainside for agricultural production while lower terraces were used for ceremonies or housing purposes. These terraces served multiple functions; higher ones being used for production while the lower ones for ceremonies or housing purposes.
Machu Picchu lacks signage, so the museum in Aguas Calientes (just a 30-minute bus ride away) provides invaluable insight and education on Inca history and culture before beginning your trek to Machu Picchu. No doubt Machu Picchu stands as one of the greatest manmade marvels ever constructed – an unforgettable journey awaits!
Sacred Rock
Machu Picchu’s most captivating structure is undoubtedly The Sacred Rock, an unusual four-sided stone structure with four faces that serves as an astronomical device and sundial. Additionally, its small dents and steps may have been used for rituals or even burial sites of Inca ancestors.
According to popular belief, it is believed that the Sacred Rock emits energy. Unfortunately due to its cordoned off area it cannot be touched directly but visitors may get closer and try to feel its force.
For accessing the Sacred Rock you must follow a traditional circuit through Machu Picchu’s urban area – this visit is included with your ticket to this ancient wonder! For optimal results it is wise to visit early in the day when there will likely be less crowds present.
Temple of the Moon
The Temple of the Moon, also known as Gran Cavern, is another impressive structure. Built within an underground cave system by Incas who believed caves connected the living to those dead; Incas built shrines here complete with altars and ceremonial tables for their ceremonies as well as niches to store gold or silver objects.
Steps leading up to Machu Picchu require significant physical exertion and are very steep, but you’ll soon appreciate their incredible engineering prowess as you climb them. Thin walls feature stones fitted together flawlessly without mortar; such methods have allowed the structures at Machu Picchu to withstand centuries without succumbing to decay.
