Surrounded by a silenciomágico, 120 km northwest of Cusco, along the Urubamba River, lies one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of the earth, known as a mystical place with a large amount of life energy. Machu Picchu is remarkable for the strength of its construction, the balanced use of space and its complement harmoniously with nature. The name comes from the Quechua language and means "old mountain". It is located in a strategically useful to protect themselves from predators, surrounded by deep canyons and breathtaking mountains are called Apus and receiving ss Gods and names of the Incas. The whole area is covered by a rich vegetation.
The city was built entirely of stone and has a perfect functionality. There are two areas: the urban area, where there are temples, palaces, markets, warehouses, workshops, stairways and fountains and agricultural area with walkways and terraces to grow food.
The natives of the surrounding villages sabíande the existence of the ruins for a long time. In 1911 the guide Melchor Arteaga acompagnadó Professor Hiram Bingham to Machu Picchu, which returned in 1914 with the support of Yale University and the National Geographic Society. From this date, the news about the existence of Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas", spread and also the concept of the mysterious Old Vilcabamba, where he sought refuge Inca hand.
It is believed that the city was essentially a religious purpose. Bingham found a huge cemetery, exclusively for women, which brought him the idea he could be a monastery acllas (young women) and a place to rest and shelter for the rulers of Cusco. Possibly this cemetery was construidopor Inca Tupac Yupanqui, the last time of the Incas.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (32 592 ha) is a nature reserve, which is protected by the Peruvian government, and was appointed in 1983 by UNESCO as natural and cultural heritage of humanity.
Height: Machu Picchu (2400 m above sea level).
Tours:
• Cuzco: Legendary Location of Culture Inca / 5 days and 4 nights>
• Cusco - Machu Picchu: Visit Unique Places in Latin America / 6 days and 5 nights>
• Cusco - Machu Picchu / 6 days and 5 nights>
