How much do you know about Machu Picchu, the famous Inca site by the Urubamba River and its hidden secrets? In this article, we will explore 10 interesting facts about Machu Picchu that are not widely known. Its construction, history, and hidden details will make you appreciate it even more. Keep reading and discover fascinating facts about this Inca jewel!
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1. The Inca ruler Pachacutec ordered the construction of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is one of the most famous sites built by Pachacútec, the Inca ruler known for his impressive building projects.
Pachacútec built more than just Machu Picchu. He also built Sacsayhuamán, famous for its large stone walls, and covered the Qorikancha, Cusco’s main temple, with gold. His created legacy continues to amaze travelers who arrive in Cusco. Would you like to explore these stunning sites and uncover their history?
2. What was Machu Picchu called before being rediscovered
Before it was rediscovered, Machu Picchu was known as Patallaqta, a Quechua term meaning “city on high” (Pata = high, Llaqta = city or town). This name reflects its strategic location atop the mountains, hidden among the vegetation and clouds, which contributed to it remaining unknown for centuries.
3. Hiram Bingham brought Machu Picchu to the world
Many people say that the explorer Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu, but that’s not true. The locals had already known about Machu Picchu. What Bingham did was bring it to the world’s attention in 1911, after his expedition in which he documented and publicized the site.
Before Bingham, locals and some explorers had already visited the Inca site. But it was his work that made it famous worldwide as a major archaeological discovery. This is just one of many interesting facts about Machu Picchu that continue to amaze visitors today.
4. The Spanish never found it
When the Spanish conquered the Inca Empire, they never discovered Machu Picchu, so it remained untouched. The city stayed hidden for centuries, thanks to its remote and hard-to-access location for Spaniards.
How did it manage to remain hidden for centuries?
Machu Picchu’s strategic location high on a mountain and surrounded by dense vegetation kept it hidden from the Spanish. Its isolation, far from main routes, preserved the city for centuries until its rediscovery.
5. Its construction remains a mystery
Machu Picchu was built with advanced engineering for its time, but the exact process remains a mystery. The earthquake-resistant walls and the precise placement of the stones demonstrate exceptional knowledge, leaving visitors with many questions.
Rest assured, with our guides at Machu Picchu, you will have all your questions answered. Prepare yourself and have your questions ready to uncover its secrets.
6. Machu Picchu’s Perfect Alignment With the Stars
The astronomical alignment of Machu Picchu proves the Incas’ advanced knowledge.
The Incas built the Intihuatana and Sun Temple to precisely track solstices and equinoxes. This demonstrates their skill not just in astronomy, but also in architecture, engineering, and other sciences.
7. This Wasn’t the Incas’ Main City
Although Machu Picchu is one of the most fascinating works of the Incas, the main city of their culture was Cusco (Qosqo). It was home to the Qoricancha, the most important Sun temple, along with palaces and buildings that solidified its role as the political and religious center of the Inca Empire.
8. Machu Picchu has appeared in films
One of the most interesting facts about Machu Picchu is that it has served as the backdrop for several films over the years. Transformers, Paddington, The Motorcycle Diaries and The Secret of the Incas all feature Machu Picchu. These films have attracted more attention to the site. Many documentaries and films have shown its stunning views, making it one of the most beautiful places in the world.
9. Travelers claim to feel a special energy at Machu Picchu
Many travelers who visit Machu Picchu say they experience a unique feeling and special energy while at the site.
Visiting the place makes people feel something hard to describe, whether it’s the beauty, the connection with nature, or the history in the stones. For many, it’s as if the place holds a mystical force that makes it even more fascinating and powerful. We invite you to experience this wonder firsthand. Begin planning your journey to Machu Picchu to discover its timeless majesty.
10. The mountain behind Machu Picchu hides an Inca face
Behind Machu Picchu, the Huayna Picchu and Huchuy Picchu mountains form a natural Inca face carved into the rocks. As the light changes throughout the day, the profile of this face becomes more visible.
Here is an image that supports the truth of this statement.
Machu Picchu It continues to amaze the world
Interesting facts about Machu Picchu reveal that this Inca wonder still has many secrets to uncover. Its history, architecture, and astronomical alignment make it a unique destination that fascinates both travelers and experts.
Every corner of this wonder hides secrets that help us better understand the greatness of the Inca culture. If these interesting facts about Machu Picchu have sparked your interest, nothing compares to visiting it in person and experiencing its magic up close.
Traveling is about discovering, learning, and creating unforgettable memories, and Peru is the perfect destination for all of that. Its landscapes, history, and culture make every experience unique, filled with moments that will change your life.
We invite you to explore our Peru packages Your experience in Peru is just one step away. Contact us now and start experiencing all the interesting facts about Machu Picchu up close.
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