You’re probably here because you’re curious about Machu Picchu facts and want to know more. This ancient Inca city in Peru’s Andes Mountains amazes over a million visitors every year. Built around 1450, it shows the incredible skills of the Inca builders and is famous worldwide.
Here are 42 interesting facts about Machu Picchu. We’ll explain how it was built, why it’s special, and what researchers are still finding out today. If you want to visit or just know more, these facts will show you why Machu Picchu is so important. Let’s get started!
1. Machu Picchu Was Built Around 1450 AD
You might be surprised to learn that Machu Picchu isn’t as old as many people think. The Incas started building this amazing city around 1450 AD. That’s only about 570 years ago! To help you understand how recent that is, let’s look at what was happening in other parts of the world at the same time:
| Place | What was happening |
|---|---|
| Europe | The Renaissance was starting, and Leonardo da Vinci was just a baby |
| England | The Wars of the Roses were beginning |
| China | The Ming Dynasty was in charge |
| Mexico | The Aztec Empire was growing |
| Middle East | The Ottoman Empire was expanding |
Isn’t it wild to think that while all this was going on, the Incas were busy hauling huge rocks up a mountain to build Machu Picchu?
2. Pachacuti, the 9th Inca Emperor, Ordered Machu Picchu’s Construction
The Inca leader who said, “Hey, let’s build an amazing city on top of this mountain!” was named Pachacuti. He was the 9th Inca emperor and ruled from 1438 to 1471.
Pachacuti was like the Inca version of a king, and he was a pretty big deal. Under his rule, the Inca Empire grew from a small kingdom to a huge empire that covered a large part of South America.
Pachacuti wanted Machu Picchu to be a special place for himself and other important Inca people. Some historians think it might have been a kind of royal vacation home. Can you imagine having a holiday house with views like that?
3. No Mortar Was Used in Machu Picchu’s Construction
Now, here’s something that will really blow your mind. The Incas built all of Machu Picchu without using any cement or glue to hold the rocks together. That’s right – those huge stones are just stacked up, fitting together so perfectly that you can’t even slide a piece of paper between them!
So how did they do it? The Incas used a super clever method called ashlar masonry. With this technique, they cut each stone so carefully that it fit exactly with the stones around it, like pieces in a giant 3D puzzle. This method had some big advantages:
- It made the buildings really strong and able to stand up to earthquakes
- The tight fit kept rain from getting inside
- The buildings have lasted for over 500 years without falling apart
4. Stones Were Transported Without Wheels
Here’s another mind-blowing fact: the Incas moved all those huge stones without using wheels! They didn’t have carts or wagons, so they had to use their brains and a lot of teamwork to get those massive rocks up the mountain.
So how did they do it? Well, historians think they probably used a combination of methods:
- Lots of strong people working together to push and pull the stones
- Wooden rollers placed under the stones
- Ramps built along the mountainside
- Levers and ropes to help move the heaviest stones
It must have been incredibly hard work, but the Incas were determined to build their amazing city.
5. The Construction of the Citadel Is Mostly Underground
When you visit Machu Picchu, you’re only seeing part of the story. A lot of the construction work is actually underground. The Incas built deep foundations and clever drainage systems to make sure their city would last.
In fact, some experts think that about 60% of the construction at Machu Picchu is underground! This includes:
- Deep building foundations
- Layers of crushed rock and gravel for drainage
- Underground channels to carry water away
All of this hidden engineering is a big reason why Machu Picchu has survived for so long, even with all the rain and earthquakes in the area.
6. The Inca Used Advanced Civil Engineering Techniques
The Incas were really smart builders. They used techniques that were way ahead of their time. Here are some examples of their clever engineering:
- Terraces: They built wide steps on the mountainside to prevent landslides and create more flat land for farming.
- Water systems: They created a complex network of channels and fountains to bring fresh water to the city.
- Precise stone cutting: They shaped stones so perfectly that they fit together without any gaps.
- Sun alignment: They positioned important buildings to line up with the sun at certain times of the year.
7. Machu Picchu Is Earthquake-Proof
Even though Peru has a lot of earthquakes, Machu Picchu is still standing strong. The Incas used some clever building tricks to make their buildings earthquake-proof:
- Trapezoid-shaped doors and windows: This shape is stronger than a rectangle and helps distribute the force of an earthquake.
- Inward-leaning walls: The slight tilt of the walls helps them resist shaking.
- L-shaped corner stones: These specially shaped stones help hold the walls together.
- Flexible foundations: The building foundations can move a little during an earthquake without damaging the structure.
Because of these smart ideas, people say the stones in Machu Picchu buildings “dance” during an earthquake. They move around a bit and then settle back into place. Pretty clever, right?
8. Machu Picchu Was Never Truly Lost
You’ve probably heard Machu Picchu called the “Lost City of the Incas,” but here’s a surprise: it was never really lost! Local people always knew it was there. In fact, when the American explorer Hiram Bingham arrived in 1911, there were families living and farming at Machu Picchu.
9. Agustin Lizarraga Discovered Machu Picchu Before Hiram Bingham
Even though Hiram Bingham is famous for “discovering” Machu Picchu, he wasn’t actually the first outsider to find it. A local farmer named Agustin Lizarraga had already visited Machu Picchu in 1902, nine years before Bingham arrived. Lizarraga even carved his name into one of the walls!
10. Hiram Bingham III Made Machu Picchu Famous in 1911
So if Machu Picchu wasn’t really lost, why is Hiram Bingham so famous? Well, Bingham was the first person to tell the rest of the world about Machu Picchu. He took lots of photos, wrote books, and got people excited about this amazing Inca city.
Bingham was actually looking for a different lost city called Vilcabamba when he found Machu Picchu. He thought at first that Machu Picchu was Vilcabamba, but later research showed that wasn’t true. The real Vilcabamba is probably about 50 miles away from Machu Picchu.
11. Scholars Are Unsure About Its Exact Purpose
Even though we know a lot about Machu Picchu facts, there’s still a big mystery: why did the Incas build it? Historians and archaeologists have been scratching their heads over this question for years.
Some think it was a royal estate, kind of like a vacation home for the Inca emperor. Others believe it might have been a sacred religious site.
Here’s a table showing some of the main theories about Machu Picchu’s purpose:
| Theory | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Royal Estate | A retreat for the Inca emperor and nobility |
| Religious Center | A place for important ceremonies and rituals |
| Agricultural Research Station | A site to experiment with farming at different altitudes |
| Astronomical Observatory | A place to study the stars and track seasons |
| Military Stronghold | A fortress to defend against enemies |
The truth is, Machu Picchu might have served several of these purposes at different times. That’s part of what makes it so fascinating – there’s still so much to learn!
12. Machu Picchu Means “Old Mountain” in Quechua
Have you ever wondered what “Machu Picchu” means? It’s not Spanish or English, but a language called Quechua.
Quechua was (and still is) spoken by many people in the Andes Mountains, including the Incas. In Quechua, “Machu” means “old” or “old person,” and “Picchu” means “peak” or “mountain.” So Machu Picchu basically means “Old Mountain.”
Interestingly, there’s another peak near Machu Picchu called Huayna Picchu. “Huayna” means “young” in Quechua, so Huayna Picchu means “Young Mountain.” It’s like the Incas had a whole family of mountains!
13. The Intihuatana Stone Is an Astronomical Observatory
One of the most important parts of Machu Picchu is a carved stone called the Intihuatana. This isn’t just any old rock – it’s like a giant sundial that the Incas used to track the movements of the sun. The word “Intihuatana” in Quechua means “hitching post of the sun.”
The Intihuatana stone is carved so precisely that it can tell the time of day and predict the changing seasons. At noon on the two equinoxes (around March 21 and September 21), the sun stands almost directly above the stone, casting no shadow.
14. Machu Picchu Served as a Natural Clock and Observatory
But the Intihuatana stone isn’t the only part of Machu Picchu that’s connected to the sky. The whole city seems to have been built with astronomy in mind.
Many of the buildings and windows line up with the sun at important times of the year, like the summer and winter solstices. For example, there’s a building called the Temple of the Sun.
On the morning of the winter solstice (around June 21 in the Southern Hemisphere), sunlight shines through a specific window and lights up a ceremonial stone inside. It’s like the Incas built their own natural calendar right into the architecture of the city!
15. Machu Picchu’s Exact Abandonment Reasons Are Unknown
One of the big mysteries about Machu Picchu is why the Incas left it. We know they abandoned the city sometime in the late 1500s, but we’re not sure exactly why. Here are some theories:
- Spanish Conquest: The Inca Empire fell to Spanish conquistadors in the 1530s. While the Spanish never found Machu Picchu, the chaos of the conquest might have led to its abandonment.
- Disease: The Spanish brought new diseases that the Incas had never encountered before. Some historians think a smallpox epidemic might have wiped out the population of Machu Picchu.
- Civil War: Before the Spanish arrived, there was a civil war among the Incas. This conflict might have caused people to leave Machu Picchu.
- Climate Change: Some researchers think changes in rainfall patterns might have made it hard to grow enough food at Machu Picchu.
The truth might be a combination of these factors, or something we haven’t figured out yet. It’s another mystery that makes Machu Picchu so intriguing!
16. The Spanish Never Dismantled Machu Picchu
Here’s an interesting fact: unlike many other Inca sites, the Spanish conquistadors never found or destroyed Machu Picchu. That’s a big reason why it’s so well-preserved today.
The Spanish tended to tear down Inca temples and build their own churches on top, but Machu Picchu escaped this fate. This leads to another interesting point: because the Spanish never found it, we don’t have any written records about Machu Picchu from the time of the conquest.
Everything we know about its original purpose and use comes from studying the ruins themselves and trying to piece together the clues.
17. There Was a Misidentification of Machu Picchu as the Lost City of Vilcabamba
Remember how we mentioned that Hiram Bingham was actually looking for a different lost city when he found Machu Picchu? Well, that city was called Vilcabamba, and it was the last stronghold of the Inca Empire after the Spanish conquest.
Bingham thought he had found Vilcabamba when he discovered Machu Picchu. He spent years arguing that Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba were the same place.
It wasn’t until after Bingham died that other researchers proved this wasn’t true. The real Vilcabamba was found in the 1960s, about 50 miles west of Machu Picchu.
This mix-up is a good reminder that archaeology is a bit like detective work. Sometimes even the experts can make mistakes, and it often takes many years and many different researchers to uncover the truth about ancient sites like Machu Picchu.
18. Machu Picchu’s Altitude Is Lower Than Cusco’s
Here’s something that surprises a lot of visitors: even though Machu Picchu feels like it’s on top of the world, it’s actually lower than the nearby city of Cusco. Let’s compare:
| Location | Altitude |
|---|---|
| Machu Picchu | 7,972 feet (2,430 meters) |
| Cusco | 11,152 feet (3,399 meters) |
This difference in altitude is important for travelers. Many people worry about altitude sickness when visiting Machu Picchu.
But if you spend a few days in Cusco first, you might actually feel better when you get to Machu Picchu because you’re going to a lower altitude.
19. Machu Picchu Is Located in a Cloud Forest
Machu Picchu isn’t just in the mountains – it’s in a special type of environment called a cloud forest. A cloud forest is a high-altitude tropical forest that’s often covered in mist or low clouds. This creates a really unique and magical atmosphere.
The cloud forest around Machu Picchu is home to all sorts of interesting plants and animals. There are over 300 species of orchids in the area, as well as beautiful birds like the famous Andean Cock-of-the-rock (which is Peru’s national bird, by the way).
20. Spectacled Bears Are Native to the Area Around Machu Picchu
Speaking of animals, did you know that there are bears living in the forests around Machu Picchu? They’re called spectacled bears, and they’re the only bear species native to South America.
These bears are pretty special:
- They’re named for the light-colored fur around their eyes, which looks a bit like glasses (or “spectacles”).
- They’re smaller than many other bear species, usually weighing between 130 and 340 pounds.
- They’re great climbers and spend a lot of time in trees.
- They mostly eat plants, especially fruits and bromeliads (a type of plant that grows on trees).
Spectacled bears are endangered, but the protected areas around Machu Picchu provide a safe home for some of them. If you’re very lucky, you might spot one during your visit!
21. Machu Picchu Was the Setting of a Bollywood Music Video
You might not expect Bollywood and Machu Picchu to have much in common, but they actually do! In 2010, a song called “Kilimanjaro” from the Indian movie Enthiran was filmed at Machu Picchu.
This wasn’t as simple as just showing up with a camera, though. The filmmakers had to get special permission from the Peruvian government to film at the site. It was a big deal – the Indian government even got involved to help make it happen.
The result was a colorful, energetic music video featuring dancers in traditional Indian costumes performing in front of Machu Picchu’s ancient stones. It’s a funny and interesting mix of cultures that shows how famous Machu Picchu has become all around the world.
22. Machu Picchu Is Internationally Recognized
Speaking of Machu Picchu’s fame, it’s not just tourists and Bollywood filmmakers who think it’s special. Machu Picchu has received some pretty impressive official recognition:
| Year | Recognition |
|---|---|
| 1981 | Declared a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary |
| 1983 | Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| 2007 | Voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World |
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a big deal. It means that Machu Picchu is considered so important to human history and culture that the whole world has a responsibility to protect it.
And being voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World? That happened through a global internet poll where millions of people from all over the planet voted for their favorite wonders. Machu Picchu was chosen alongside other amazing places like the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal.
23. Machu Picchu Is Made Up of More Than 150 Buildings
When you see pictures of Machu Picchu, you usually see the whole city laid out before you. But have you ever wondered how many buildings are actually there? The answer is more than 150!
These buildings include all sorts of structures:
- Houses where people lived
- Temples for religious ceremonies
- Storehouses for food
- Baths and fountains
- Workshops where craftspeople worked
The buildings are arranged in different sectors. There’s an urban sector where most people lived, an agricultural sector with lots of terraces for growing food, and a sacred sector with the most important religious buildings.
24. It Contains More Than 100 Separate Flights of Stairs
If you visit Machu Picchu, be prepared for a workout! The city has more than 100 separate flights of stairs. Some of these staircases are short, with just a few steps, while others are long and steep.
Many of these stairs were carved from single slabs of stone. Imagine how hard it must have been to cut and move those huge pieces of rock!
The stairs connect different parts of the city and help people move between the many terraces. They’re a big part of what makes Machu Picchu so impressive – and what makes visiting it such an adventure.
25. Archaeologists Found Over 40,000 Artifacts at Machu Picchu
When Hiram Bingham and his team first started exploring Machu Picchu, they found a treasure trove of artifacts. In total, they uncovered more than 40,000 items! These weren’t gold or jewels (though there were some of those), but mostly everyday objects that tell us a lot about how the Incas lived.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the things they found:
| Type of Artifact | Examples |
|---|---|
| Pottery | Plates, cups, storage jars |
| Tools | Stone hammers, bronze chisels |
| Jewelry | Pins, rings, necklaces |
| Ritual Objects | Small stone idols, offerings |
| Human Remains | Bones and burial sites |
Each of these artifacts is like a piece of a puzzle, helping archaeologists understand more about Inca life at Machu Picchu. And the exciting thing is, they’re still finding new things today!
26. There Was a Long Dispute Between Peru and Yale Over Artifacts
Remember those 40,000 artifacts we talked about? Well, they caused quite a stir in the world of archaeology.
When Hiram Bingham found them, he took many back to Yale University in the United States for study. This was pretty common practice at the time, but it led to a big disagreement later on.
The dispute went like this:
- Peru said the artifacts were only loaned to Yale and should be returned.
- Yale said they owned the artifacts and had the right to keep them.
- This argument went on for almost 100 years!
Finally, in 2010, Yale agreed to return the artifacts to Peru. The last pieces were sent back in 2012.
Now, many of these amazing objects are on display in museums in Cusco, where people from all over the world can see them and learn about Inca history.
27. The Peruvian Culture Ministry Forbids Entrance Without a Guide
If you want to visit Machu Picchu, here’s something important to know: you can’t just wander in on your own. Since 2017, the Peruvian government has required all visitors to go with an official guide.
Why did they make this rule? There are a few reasons:
- To protect the site: Guides make sure visitors follow the rules and don’t damage anything.
- To control crowds: Guides help manage the flow of people through the site.
- To provide jobs: This rule creates work for local people who become guides.
- To share knowledge: Guides can teach visitors about Inca history and culture.
So when you visit Machu Picchu, you’ll be part of a small group with a knowledgeable guide. They’ll tell you all sorts of interesting facts and stories as you explore the ruins.
28. The Administration Forbids Flying Helicopters Over Machu Picchu
Imagine you’re at Machu Picchu, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and amazing views. Now imagine a noisy helicopter flying overhead, ruining the moment. Not great, right? The Peruvian government agrees, which is why they’ve banned helicopter flights over Machu Picchu.
This rule was made in the 1990s after a brief period when helicopter tours were allowed. Officials realized that the noise and disturbance were bad for both the ruins and the wildlife in the area. Now, the airspace over Machu Picchu is completely off-limits to aircraft.
This ban helps keep Machu Picchu quiet and peaceful, just like it would have been in Inca times. It also protects the animals that live in the surrounding forest, like those spectacled bears we talked about earlier.
29. Using a Drone Requires Special Permission
With the fast advancements of technology, lots of people like to take photos and videos with drones. But at Machu Picchu, you can’t just pull out a drone and start flying it around. Like helicopters, drones are usually not allowed at the site.
Fortunately, there’s a way to use a drone at Machu Picchu – but it’s not easy. You need to get special permission from the Peruvian government. This is usually only given to professional filmmakers or researchers who have a really good reason for needing drone footage.
If you do get permission, there are strict rules to follow:
- You have to fly the drone at specific times, usually very early in the morning before most visitors arrive.
- You’re only allowed to fly in certain areas.
- You have to have a trained operator controlling the drone.
These rules help protect both the site and the experience of other visitors. So unless you’re making a documentary or doing scientific research, it’s best to leave your drone at home and enjoy Machu Picchu the old-fashioned way – with your own eyes!
30. You Can Get Your Passport Stamped at Machu Picchu
Here’s a fun fact that many travelers love: you can get a special Machu Picchu stamp in your passport! This isn’t an official entry or exit stamp, but rather a souvenir stamp that you can add to your passport to remember your visit.
To get the stamp, follow these steps:
- Look for a small booth near the exit of the site.
- Ask the person there for the Machu Picchu stamp.
- They’ll stamp your passport with a unique design featuring Machu Picchu.
Remember, this stamp doesn’t replace any official stamps you need for travel. It’s just a cool way to remember your trip. Some people collect these kinds of stamps from famous places all over the world!
31. “Nude Tourism” Briefly Appeared at Machu Picchu
In 2014, Machu Picchu faced an unusual and controversial trend: nude tourism. This phenomenon involved visitors stripping naked at the ancient site to take photos, often sharing them on social media. Here’s what happened:
- Incident: Several groups of tourists were caught posing nude or streaking through the ruins.
- Social Media: Many of these incidents were linked to a fad where people would post nude photos of themselves at famous landmarks on social media.
- Arrests: Peruvian authorities arrested and fined several tourists for this behavior.
- Cultural Insensitivity: This trend was seen as highly disrespectful to the sacred nature of Machu Picchu and Inca culture.
The Peruvian government responded swiftly:
- Increased Security: They boosted surveillance at the site to catch potential nude tourists.
- Stricter Rules: New, more explicit rules were put in place prohibiting nudity and other inappropriate behavior.
- Public Statements: Cultural officials made public announcements reminding visitors of the site’s historical and spiritual significance.
This brief but notable episode highlights the challenges of managing a world-famous tourist site while preserving its cultural integrity. It also led to broader discussions about responsible tourism and respecting local customs and sacred places.
Today, visitors to Machu Picchu are reminded to behave respectfully and keep their clothes on! This incident serves as a reminder that while Machu Picchu is a wonder to be admired, it’s also a place of great cultural and historical importance that deserves our utmost respect.
32. There Are Two Peaks You Can Hike Inside the Ruins
If you’re up for a challenge and want an even more amazing view of Machu Picchu, you can hike one of two peaks within the site. These are Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
Here’s a comparison of the two hikes:
| Feature | Huayna Picchu | Machu Picchu Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8,920 ft (2,720 m) | 10,111 ft (3,082 m) |
| Hike Time | About 2-3 hours | About 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty | Steep and challenging | Less steep but longer |
| Daily Limit | 400 people | 400 people |
| View | Close-up view of Machu Picchu | Panoramic view of the area |
Both hikes require separate tickets and often sell out well in advance. If you want to do one of these hikes, make sure to book early! If you need a Peru travel guide, check out our article.
33. There Are Two Hikes Inside the Ruins That Don’t Need a Permit
If you didn’t get tickets for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, don’t worry! There are two other hikes you can do without needing an extra permit:
- The Sun Gate (Inti Punku): This was the original entrance to Machu Picchu for those traveling on the Inca Trail. It’s about a 2-hour round trip hike from the main ruins and offers great views.
- The Inca Bridge: This is a short, mostly flat hike to see a narrow path built by the Incas along the side of a cliff. It’s only about a 20-30 minute walk each way.
These hikes are included with your regular Machu Picchu ticket, so you don’t need to book them in advance. They’re great options if you want to explore a bit more beyond the main ruins.
34. There Are Only Two Ways to Get to Machu Picchu
Despite being one of the most famous places in the world, there are only two ways to get to Machu Picchu:
- By Train and Bus: This is the most common way. You take a train from Cusco or Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (the town at the base of Machu Picchu), then a bus up to the ruins.
- On Foot: You can hike the famous Inca Trail, which takes 4 days, or one of several alternative trails. These all end at Machu Picchu.
Interestingly, there’s no road that goes all the way to Machu Picchu. This helps protect the site and the surrounding environment. It also means that your journey to Machu Picchu is an adventure in itself! Ready for more Peru adventure ideas? We’ve got you covered.
35. The Sun Gate Was the Main Entrance to Machu Picchu
Remember the Sun Gate we mentioned earlier? In Inca times, this was actually the main entrance to Machu Picchu. It’s called Inti Punku in Quechua, which means “Sun Gate.”
The Sun Gate is special for a few reasons:
- It’s positioned so that on the summer solstice (around December 21 in the Southern Hemisphere), the sun rises directly over it when viewed from certain points in Machu Picchu.
- It would have been the first glimpse of Machu Picchu for people arriving on the Inca Trail.
- Today, it offers one of the best views of the entire Machu Picchu complex.
While modern visitors usually enter Machu Picchu from a different point, you can still hike up to the Sun Gate to experience that magical view that welcomed Inca travelers hundreds of years ago.
36. The Roads and Trails Built by the Incas Rivaled Those of Rome
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is just a small part of a huge network of roads and trails built by the Incas. This network, called Qhapaq Ñan or the Inca Royal Road, was incredibly impressive:
- It covered over 39,000 kilometers (24,000 miles)
- It connected the entire Inca Empire, from modern-day Colombia to Chile
- It included paved roads, rope bridges, and stone staircases
- It had rest stops and storage depots along the way
Many historians compare the Inca road system to the roads of the Roman Empire in terms of its size and importance. The Inca roads helped the empire communicate, trade, and move armies quickly.
Today, parts of this ancient road network are still used by local people, and sections like the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu are popular with tourists from around the world.
37. The Spectacled Bear Was the Ancient Inhabitant of Machu Picchu
We mentioned the spectacled bear earlier, but let’s dive a bit deeper into why these animals are so special to the Machu Picchu area.
The spectacled bear, also known as the Andean bear, is the only bear species native to South America. They’ve been living in the forests around Machu Picchu long before the Incas built the city.
Here are some interesting facts about spectacled bears:
- They get their name from the light-colored fur around their eyes, which looks like spectacles or glasses.
- They’re excellent climbers and spend a lot of time in trees.
- Their diet is mostly vegetarian, consisting of fruits, berries, and plants.
- They’re considered vulnerable to extinction, making the protected areas around Machu Picchu crucial for their survival.
While it’s rare to see these bears during a visit to Machu Picchu, knowing they’re out there in the surrounding forest adds to the magic of the place. It’s like a little piece of the ancient, wild Peru that the Incas would have known.
38. Llamas Are Not Native to the Area
When you visit Machu Picchu, you’re likely to see llamas wandering around the ruins. They make for great photo opportunities and add to the “Andean” feel of the place. But here’s a surprising fact: these llamas aren’t native to the Machu Picchu area!
Let’s break this down:
- Natural Habitat: Llamas naturally live at higher altitudes, typically above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
- Machu Picchu’s Altitude: Machu Picchu sits at about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet), which is too low for llamas to naturally inhabit.
- Introduction: The llamas you see at Machu Picchu were introduced in modern times, primarily for tourism purposes.
- Historical Use: While the Incas did use llamas, they would have been more common in higher-altitude settlements than at Machu Picchu.
So why are there llamas at Machu Picchu today? They serve a few purposes:
- They help maintain the grassy areas by grazing.
- They’re a big hit with tourists, adding to the visitor experience.
- They provide a connection to traditional Andean culture, even if they’re not strictly historically accurate for this specific site.
Next time you see a llama at Machu Picchu, remember – it’s a relatively recent addition to the ancient city!
39. Two Local Families Claimed Ownership of Machu Picchu
Believe it or not, there was a time when some people thought they owned Machu Picchu! In the early 2000s, two families from Cusco, the Zavaleta and Abrill families, claimed that they were the rightful owners of the land where Machu Picchu sits.
Here’s how their claim came about:
- In the early 1900s, before Hiram Bingham’s “discovery,” a man named Mariano Ignacio Ferro bought land in the area, including the Machu Picchu ruins.
- Ferro’s daughter inherited the land and married into the Zavaleta family.
- The Zavaletas sold part of their claim to the Abrill family.
- In 2003, these families sued the Peruvian government, asking for $100 million in compensation for the use of “their” land.
The Peruvian courts ultimately rejected their claim, ruling that Machu Picchu belongs to all Peruvians as part of their national heritage. This decision ensured that Machu Picchu would remain a public site, open for everyone to visit and enjoy.
40. Recent Archaeological Discoveries Using LIDAR
Even though Machu Picchu has been studied for over a century, new technologies are still helping us uncover its secrets. One of the most exciting recent developments is the use of LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology.
LIDAR uses lasers to create detailed 3D maps of an area, even penetrating through dense vegetation. When used at Machu Picchu, it revealed some surprising findings:
- Hidden Structures: LIDAR uncovered previously unknown buildings and terraces hidden under the jungle growth.
- Extensive Waterworks: A complex system of canals and water management structures was discovered, much more extensive than previously thought.
- Wider Area: The inhabited area around Machu Picchu appears to be larger than archaeologists had believed.
- New Sites: LIDAR has helped identify other archaeological sites in the vicinity of Machu Picchu, including a ceremonial site called Chachabamba.
These discoveries show that even after all these years, Machu Picchu still has secrets to reveal. Who knows what else we might learn in the future as technology continues to advance?
41. Hidden Museum Near Machu Picchu
While millions of people visit Machu Picchu each year, there’s a lesser-known treasure nearby that many visitors miss. It’s called the Museo de Sitio Manuel Chávez Ballón, and it’s a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the history and archaeology of Machu Picchu.
Here’s what makes this museum special:
- Location: It’s situated at the base of the mountain, about a 30-minute walk from Aguas Calientes (the town at the foot of Machu Picchu).
- Exhibits: The museum houses many artifacts found at Machu Picchu, including tools, ceramics, and metal objects.
- Information: It provides detailed explanations about Inca culture, the construction of Machu Picchu, and the site’s rediscovery.
- Models: There are scale models of Machu Picchu that help visitors understand the layout and architecture of the site.
Despite its valuable contents, the museum is often overlooked by tourists rushing to get to the main site. But for those who take the time to visit, it offers a deeper understanding of Machu Picchu and the Inca civilization.
Plus, it’s a great way to spend time if you’re in Aguas Calientes waiting for your turn to ascend to Machu Picchu.
42. Some Believe Aliens Built Machu Picchu
Now, let’s end with a bit of a wild card. Despite all the archaeological evidence we have about how the Incas built Machu Picchu, there are some people who believe that aliens were involved in its construction. This idea is part of a broader set of theories often called “ancient astronaut” hypotheses.
Here’s why some people make this claim:
- Precise Stonework: The incredibly precise fit of the stones at Machu Picchu seems almost impossible to achieve with ancient technology.
- Massive Stones: Some of the rocks used in construction are enormously heavy, and it’s hard for some people to imagine how they were transported without modern machinery.
- Astronomical Alignments: The precise astronomical alignments of some structures at Machu Picchu seem very advanced for an ancient civilization.
Take note that there’s no scientific evidence supporting these alien theories. Archaeologists and historians have extensively studied Machu Picchu and have a good understanding of how the Incas built it:
- The Incas were master stonemasons and developed advanced techniques for cutting and fitting stones.
- They used ramps, levers, and manpower to move heavy stones.
- Their knowledge of astronomy, while impressive, was developed over generations of observation and doesn’t require extraterrestrial explanation.
While these alien theories might be fun to think about, they often overlook the incredible achievements of the Inca people. The real story of how the Incas built Machu Picchu – with ingenuity, hard work, and advanced understanding of their environment – is just as amazing as any science fiction tale!
Phew! I’m sure you’ve learned a lot of Machu Picchu facts in this extensive guide. Exploring this ancient site offers a glimpse into the incredible world of the Incas, with every stone and structure telling a story of ingenuity and resilience.Now, it’s time to plan your adventure. Head over to destination.com for more travel tips, insider secrets, and everything you need for a hassle-free journey.
