Visit Machu Picchu Today!
By Samantha Lucas
What is Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is an Incan city in the high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Built in the 15th century and later abandoned, it’s renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, intriguing buildings and panoramic views. Its exact former use remains a mystery.
History
Machu Picchu had about a population 800 people. the city was built back in the 15th century. Although known locally, it was not known to the Spanish during the colonial period and remained unknown to the outside world, this was why it was the "safe house" for the Inca's in the time of the Spanish conquest.
The Inca Empire
The Inca Empire, also known as the Incan Empire, was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The administrative, political, and military center of the empire was located in Cusco in modern-day Peru.
Layout
The city was small, only about 5 square miles but made 8000 feet above sea level. But astonishingly it had over 150 buildings including:
- palaces
- temples
- baths
- storage rooms
- homes
- palaces
- temples
- baths
- storage rooms
- homes
Why should you visit Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. With beautiful sites and it is not going to be around forever as Machu Picchu is vulnerable to threats. While natural phenomena like earthquakes and weather systems can play havoc with access. In addition, preservation of the area's cultural and archaeological heritage is an ongoing concern.