Machu Picchu in Peru - XV century Inca city

Machu Picchu, one of the most fascinating places in the world, is located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, about 100 km northwest of Cuzco. This ancient city, located between two mountains at an altitude of 900 meters above the Urubamba River, attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. What makes Machu Picchu so special? We invite you on a journey through the most important facts, curiosities and secrets of this extraordinary place.

Machu Picchu: sanctuary of the "Virgins of the Sun"

Machu Picchu, also known as the "Lost City of the Incas", is a place full of secrets and legends. Archaeologists estimated that approximately 1,500 people lived in this religious center, most of whom were women. The male to female ratio was as high as 1:10, which suggests that Machu Picchu was not a typical city, but a place of sun worship and a sanctuary for women called "Sun Virgins".

These women played a key role in religious rituals and ceremonies. They were the guardians of fire, which symbolized the sun - the main deity in the Inca culture. It was believed that through their prayers and sacrifices, the "Virgins of the Sun" ensured the protection and favor of the gods for the entire kingdom. Their presence in Machu Picchu gives this place a unique character and makes it not only an archaeological, but also a spiritual center.

Inca architecture and engineering

The buildings at Machu Picchu are a true testament to the architectural and engineering mastery of the Incas. Built of local stone, they use various types of walls that impress with their precision and durability. The distinctive trapezoidal entrance openings and windows not only add aesthetic appeal, but also ensure the stability of the structure, protecting it from earthquakes.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Machu Picchu's architecture is the way the enormous granite blocks are joined together. They were connected without the use of mortar, and their edges are so carefully smoothed that they fit together almost perfectly. These extremely durable walls have almost imperceptible joints, which still amazes engineers and archaeologists today.

In Machu Picchu you can admire many historic buildings, such as the Tower of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows. The Tower of the Sun is a horseshoe-shaped structure with a window facing the sun, which allowed the calculation of important dates such as the equinox. The Temple of the Three Windows, with a rectangular boulder in the middle, was a place of astronomical observations that played a key role in the life of the Inca.

Agriculture on steep slopes

Machu Picchu is not only an architectural monument, but also an example of extraordinary agricultural engineering. The steep mountain slopes were transformed into terraces where potatoes, corn and other vegetables were grown. The stone walls retained the soil, preventing it from sliding, which allowed for efficient use of every piece of land.

These terraces not only made it possible to grow plants on difficult terrain, but also had ecological importance. These helped retain water and prevent soil erosion, which was crucial to maintaining the stability of the entire complex. In this way, the Incas not only provided themselves with food, but also created an agricultural system that worked harmoniously with nature.

Mysteries and riddles of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu hides many mysteries that continue to fascinate researchers to this day. One of them is the way the Incas connected huge granite blocks without using mortar. These carefully smoothed edges of the stones, which fit together almost perfectly, are proof of the extraordinary skill of Inca craftsmen. Their construction technique ensured not only durability, but also earthquake resistance.

Another mysterious aspect of Machu Picchu is its numerous aqueducts, fountains, baths and ceremonial buildings. These structures testify to the advanced level of water technology and sanitary-hygienic engineering that provided the city's inhabitants with clean water and comfort. Fountains and aqueducts not only supplied water, but were also a decorative element, emphasizing the importance of water in the life of the Inca.

It is also worth mentioning the numerous gardens and terraces that decorated Machu Picchu. These green spaces not only provided food, but also served an aesthetic and relaxing function. For the people of Machu Picchu, the gardens were a place of rest and contemplation, which adds another dimension to understanding life in this ancient city.

Unknown facts about Machu Picchu

Even though Machu Picchu is well researched and described, it still hides many unknown secrets and curiosities that may surprise even experienced experts of this place.

One fascinating aspect is the fact that Machu Picchu, although it is generally considered to be a city, it was an important ceremonial center rather than a typical place of residence. Most of its inhabitants are probably priests, servants and other people associated with religious rituals.

Another remarkable feature is Machu Picchu's sophisticated water management system. The Incas built a complex system of aqueducts that supplied water to various parts of the complex, and also served to drain rainwater and prevent erosion of the area. This advanced hydraulic technology was not only proof of the engineering skills of the Inca, but also crucial to the functioning of the complex in the harsh mountain environment.

Another interesting fact is that Machu Picchu was discovered relatively recently, only in 1911, by the American researcher Hiram Bingham. It was an accidental discovery because the ruins were hidden under thick vegetation that had hidden them from the outside world for centuries.

The last but equally interesting fact is that Machu Picchu is an object of great astronomical importance. The buildings in the complex are arranged in a way that allows for precise astronomical observations, which proves the Incas' deep understanding of celestial movements. An example of this is Intihuatana, or "the place where the sun is tied", which was used for accurate observations of the sun and other celestial bodies.

Challenges of modern times

Despite its antiquity, Machu Picchu faces the challenges of modern times. The excessive number of tourists and the lack of sanitary and hygienic infrastructure pose a serious threat to this valuable monument. The Machu Picchu Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, does not allow the construction of garbage containers or public toilets, which complicates waste management.

There is also a problem with garbage left by visitors, which threatens the unique ecosystem of this place. Authorities and cultural heritage organizations are working to reduce the negative impact of tourism on Machu Picchu by limiting the number of visitors and promoting responsible behavior.

How to prepare for a visit to Machu Picchu

When planning a visit to Machu Picchu, it is worth preparing well to fully enjoy this extraordinary place. First of all, due to the altitude, it is worth acclimatizing. Cuzco, which is often a base for trips to Machu Picchu, is located at an altitude of about 3,400 meters above sea level, which may be a challenge for tourists unaccustomed to such conditions.

When going to Machu Picchu, it is worth equipping yourself with comfortable footwear, clothing appropriate for the changeable weather and a supply of water. Due to environmental protection and the rules applicable in the reserve, it is also recommended to take all garbage with you so as not to pollute this valuable place.

Tickets to Machu Picchu are worth booking in advance because the number of visitors is limited to protect the monument from excessive tourist traffic. It is also worth considering using the services of a guide who will tell you about the history and interesting facts related to this place, which will certainly enrich your visit.

Summary

Machu Picchu is a place that combines incredible history, breathtaking architecture and wonderful landscapes. This ancient city, a testament to the genius of the Inca, still holds many secrets waiting to be discovered. Its importance as a religious and cultural center, as well as an engineering feat, makes it one of the world's most important monuments.

A visit to Machu Picchu is not only a journey back in time, but also a reflection on our responsibility to protect this unique place. Preserving Machu Picchu for future generations requires cooperation, awareness and respect for the heritage that previous civilizations have left us.