Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is a city of mystery and considered to be the most important archaeological site in South America. Not only is it important, but beautiful as well with its unique architectures and environment around it. It’s between the Inca’s massive stone structures, with the Uramba River winding below.

This city was "discovered" By Hiram Bingham in 1911, and since that time there has been a debate over its original purpose when built. They do know that it was an Inca religious center and small city, with agricultural terraces to provide food, in an ideal location -- a location to see but not to be seen.

Theories show that it could have been a country estate of Pachacuti, proving its existence in mud 15th century. Some think that it was abandoned by the Incas before Spanish conquest, yet no one knows why. Overlooked by conquistadors, it was untouched until 1911.

Sites for further Information

   "Machu Picchu Home Page"
    http://www.snowcrest.net/climber/machu/machu.html

   "Camino Inka a Machu Picchu - Cusco"
    http://ekeko.rcp.net.pe/peru/cusco/machupichu.html Note: In Spanish, but has some great images.

Back to the South America page!