Machu Picchu is one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors each year. This Inca citadel, located in the heights of the Peruvian Andes, is an impressive testament to Inca engineering and architecture, as well as the rich history and culture of the Incas.
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The importance of Machu Picchu for tourism in Peru lies in its historical and cultural value, as well as its natural beauty. It showcases the architectural prowess of the Incas and their complex social and political organization. Machu Picchu is an iconic tourist destination in Peru that combines history, culture, and nature, significantly contributing to the country’s economic and tourism growth.
When booking a Machu Picchu vacation package also add other tourist places in the area, such as the Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains, as well as the Inca Bridge.
1-. The Machu Picchu Citadel
The Machu Picchu Citadel is an impressive archaeological site located atop a mountain in the Peruvian Andes. It is considered one of Peru’s most important cultural and tourist treasures and is recognized worldwide as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site.
The Citadel is a stunning example of Inca architecture, with impressive stone constructions, agricultural terraces, and a complex system of aqueducts. It is believed to have been built around the 15th century and abandoned shortly after the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century.
Most Important Tourist attractions in the Machu Picchu Citadel:
- Temple of the Sun
The Temple of the Sun was built to worship the Inca sun god and has a strategic location that allows it to receive the first rays of the sun on the winter solstice. The walls of this temple are constructed with large perfectly carved stone blocks that fit together without the need for any mortar. Additionally, inside the temple, you can find some representations of Inca culture, such as drawings and paintings. Undoubtedly, the Temple of the Sun is one of the most impressive places in the Machu Picchu Citadel.
- Intihuatana
The Intihuatana is located at the top of a hill, and its name means “Place where the sun is tied” in Quechua. It is a carved rock in the shape of a column with four faces, each oriented toward a cardinal point. This rock served as an Inca sundial and calendar, used to determine solstices and equinoxes. The Incas believed that the Intihuatana had the ability to tether the sun to the Earth, allowing them to control time and seasons. The significance of the Intihuatana in Inca culture is evident in the fact that it was one of the few places in Machu Picchu that was not destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors.
In addition to its symbolic importance, the Intihuatana also offers a stunning panoramic view of the Citadel and its surroundings. Many visitors take the time to meditate and admire the natural beauty of this sacred place.
- Temple of the Three Windows
Located in the sacred area of the archaeological site, its name is due to the three windows carved into the stone on the rear wall of the temple.
This structure consists of three walls built in granite, and on the back wall, there are three windows that open to the outside. From there, you can enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and the Urubamba River.
It is believed that this temple had an important religious and ceremonial function in Inca culture. Additionally, it is believed that the windows were strategically placed to allow sunlight to enter the temple at key times of the year, such as solstices and equinoxes.
The Temple of the Three Windows is one of the most popular tourist spots in Machu Picchu, and visitors can explore its corridors and admire the stunning views it offers from its windows.
- Condor Platform
Located at the upper part of the Citadel, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The platform is formed by large precisely carved stone blocks that resemble the wings of the condor, a sacred bird in Inca culture. This platform also served as a ceremonial site where priests made offerings and sacrifices. Visitors can climb the platform and take photographs with the stunning mountains in the background.
- Inca Baths
The baths are located in a sector of the Citadel known as the Sacred Sector, along with other important monuments such as the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana. They consist of a series of thermal pools that were used by the Incas for purification rituals and medicinal baths. The Inca Baths are composed of a series of stone pools, each with a different temperature. It is believed that these thermal waters had healing properties and were used to alleviate physical and mental ailments. The Inca Baths are another example of the Inca’s wisdom and knowledge of using natural resources for health and well-being. Today, visitors can enjoy a relaxing bath in the thermal waters and experience the benefits of these ancient rituals.
2-. Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the most important attractions in Machu Picchu. This mountain, located in front of the Machu Picchu Citadel, has an altitude of 3,082 meters above sea level and is considered a sacred mountain by the ancient Incas.
Difficulties and Precautions on the Route
Firstly, the route is steep and can be challenging for some individuals.
Additionally, the altitude can be a factor to consider, as Machu Picchu Mountain is located at an elevation of 3,082 meters above sea level. It is important to take measures to prevent altitude sickness, such as getting enough rest and drinking plenty of water.
Another important precaution is to wear appropriate equipment, such as sturdy footwear and suitable clothing for the weather. The hike can also be slippery and rocky in some areas, so it’s important to pay attention to where you step.
Estimated Time and Tourist Places on the Route
The hiking route to Machu Picchu Mountain is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and can be completed in about 2-3 hours, depending on the hiker’s level of fitness. The route to Machu Picchu Mountain offers numerous points of interest that tourists can enjoy while hiking. One of the first places encountered on the route is the impressive natural landscape, including waterfalls, rivers, and lush vegetation.
Additionally, during the hike, several archaeological structures can be appreciated, such as the Sun Gate, the Guardhouse, and the Temple of the Moon. Some agricultural terraces dating back to the Inca period can also be seen.
Finally, upon reaching the summit of the mountain, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Machu Picchu Citadel, as well as the majestic mountains that surround the area.
3-. Huayna Picchu Mountain
Huayna Picchu Mountain is a mountain located in the Machu Picchu Citadel in Peru. Its name in Quechua means “Young Mountain.” The mountain has an altitude of 2,720 meters above sea level and is considered one of the most visited sites within the Citadel.
Difficulties and Precautions on the Route
The route to the summit of Huayna Picchu Mountain is a steep and challenging hike that requires good physical condition and balance. The trails are narrow and rocky, and there are parts where careful climbing is necessary. For this reason, it is important to take precautions before and during the hike. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear, carry enough water and sunscreen, and be attentive to signs of fatigue or dizziness.
Estimated Time and Tourist Places on the Route
It is estimated to take approximately 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on the hiker’s level of fitness.
Along the way, visitors can find various points of interest, such as the Temple of the Moon, the Grand Cavern, and the Temple of the Sun. Additionally, there are a variety of spectacular panoramic views of the archaeological site and its surroundings.
4-. The Inca Bridge
The Inca Bridge is an ancient structure located near Machu Picchu in Peru. This bridge was built by the Incas using stones and wood and was part of a road system that connected different parts of the Inca empire. The Inca Bridge is an impressive example of Inca engineering and architecture and has been preserved as an important historical and tourist site.
History and Culture of the Inca Bridge
It was built by the Incas during the Tahuantinsuyo period and was used to connect the Citadel with other nearby territories. The bridge was constructed using the technique of “encased stones,” which involved carving stones to fit perfectly without the need for mortar.
According to archaeologists, the Inca Bridge was used as an important trade route for transporting food and other goods from the jungle to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. Additionally, it is believed to have been used as an escape route in case of enemy attack, as the bridge could be easily disassembled within minutes.
Access and Precautions at the Inca Bridge
The Inca Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Machu Picchu. To access the bridge, tourists must walk along a rocky and steep trail that can be challenging in some parts, especially during the rainy season. It is recommended to wear comfortable and non-slip shoes and to exercise caution while walking along the trail.
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