Why Do We All Want To See Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is well recognized and one of the most visited landmarks in the world. It’s a breathtaking landscape deeply rooted in ancient history, spirituality, and baffling architecture. While this historical land is difficult to reach, it doesn’t stop thousands of visitors from pushing their limits to see it. From cool facts to natural wonders, here’s why everyone should take a trip to Machu Picchu:    

Victor Rodriguez on Unsplash

1. The Origin Of The Inca Trail

Named after the ancient civilization that lived in Peru in the 1300s, the Inca Trail is one of two access routes to Machu Picchu. The Inca Trail is a much more strenuous hike, climbing up mountains and passing several temples before reaching the Sacred Citadel. Historians suggest that this trail was used as a Pilgrimage path with a ceremonial purpose, preparing travelers for their spiritual destination. It’s also believed that the trail represents Manco Inca, the first Inca King, and his path to the capital city of his empire.    

Juan Carlos on Unsplash

2. Earthquake-Resistant

Situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Peru has had its share of devastating earthquakes. The location of Machu Picchu is nestled between two geological fault lines but that didn’t seem to bother the Inca engineers. The stones that build the city are placed so tightly together that a needle couldn’t fit through any cracks. The Incas worked with the elements in mind to create structures that could withstand Earth’s powerful trembles.  

Adrian Dascal on Unsplash

3. The Hidden Underground

Researchers and engineers estimate that what we see above the ground is only 40 percent of the ancient city and there’s much more underneath. There is a whole world of structures underground used as drainage systems and foundations for the buildings above. With these underground systems in place, the Incas were prepared for heavy rain and the humidity from the surrounding cloud forest.   

Amanda Kerr on Unsplash

4. Llama Citizens

Machu Picchu is a World Heritage Site and no one is allowed to live inside of it however, there’s one exception. Llamas freely roam around the citadel and they’re the only inhabitants. As foreigners to the area, llamas were brought to Machu Picchu as involuntary groundskeepers, beautifying the landscaping by trimming the grass as they graze.  

Dylan Shaw on Unsplash

5. Expert City Planning

Along with their rain and earthquake preparedness, the Incas also carefully thought out the layout of the city. Divided into two sectors, one half was for agricultural purposes and the other side was the urban sector with homes, palaces, and temples. Most buildings are oriented toward significant mountains, suggesting the city was used as an astronomical observatory as well.     

Jamie Hagan on Unsplash

6. Two Accessible Mountains

The Huayna Picchu Mountain is the most popular climb but many people don’t know there is a second mountain worth a hike up. Not to be mistaken with Machu Picchu citadel, Machu Picchu Mountain is the name of a significant mountain in the area. It claims the highest peak at 3,082 meters.   

Adrian Dascal on Unsplash

7. Hidden Gems

Many sites of the Incas were destroyed by Spanish conquistadors but luckily, Machu Picchu was never found. The city is nestled in a hidden location making it one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of the Incas. A secret treasure inside the city is the Temple of the Moon which is closed to the public, preserving the temple for rare sacred rituals only.    

Pavel Špindler on Wikimedia

8. Fake News

Machu Picchu isn’t this ancient city’s real name. The name was given by Hiram Bingham, the American explorer who discovered the site in 1911 after speaking with a nearby farmer. In his native tongue, the local called the mountain in front of the citadel Machu Picchu translating to “old mountain” and the mountain behind it called Huayna Picchu, “young mountain”. It’s not a “lost city” either as some will claim, many inhabitants were in the area long before Mr. Bingham.  

Juan Carlos on Unsplash"Explorer of Machu Picchu" by Alfred M. Bingham on Wikimedia

9. Flora & Fauna

Machu Picchu is engulfed by the Peruvian cloud forest which makes it extremely biodiverse. Also referred to as a “high jungle”, the area is lush with green flora and fascinating critters. With over 300 species of orchids, the land is a natural garden. You may catch a rare glimpse of an Andean bear which is the only bear species in South America. 

Anna Roberts on Unsplash

10. Mysterious Purpose

We don’t know what Machu Picchu was originally used for! There’s no written record of the civilizations during its construction. It’s a game of telephone and expert guessing to figure out what took place in the hidden city. Many archeologists believe it was an emperor's royal estate but others believe it was a retreat for high-ranking religious leaders and scholars.  

Dragisa Braunovic on Unsplash

Those are some interesting facts but how will you know they’re true unless you fact-check IRL? Here are the reasons why you need to see Machu Picchu up close:   

1. Advanced Stonework

We told you about the incredibly advanced construction of the city but did we mention that it was entirely built without any adhesive? The Incas polished and carved stones so meticulously that they could fasten together tightly without mortar or clay. You need to witness the structures up close to understand how impressive their technique was.      

Ruben Hanssen on Unsplash

2. Breathtaking Landscape

The site itself is fascinating alone but the mountains and landscape around Machu Picchu create a fairytale background. Pictures can only show so much, plunking yourself in the middle of the natural oasis will leave you in awe of its tranquil beauty. The views around every corner will take your breath away. 

Nate Watson on Unsplash

3. Positive Atmosphere

You need to be there to feel the infectious energy of Machu Picchu. Visitors from around the world gather there to experience the ora from the sacred site and its surrounding nature. Like-minded individuals create a community of people eager to learn about the site and immerse themselves in a foreign culture. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement and wonder.    

Frank Rolando Romero on Unsplash

4. Remote Location

This hidden gem is practically in the middle of nowhere and nowhere is the most beautiful place to be. Machu Picchu’s remote and high location makes it worth the climb. You need to witness the vastness of this destination without any light pollution or urban obstructions 

Ed Wingate on Unsplash

5. Holistic Wellness

You need to breathe in the damp air of the cloud forest. Lush plants and trees in the dense jungle purify the air and fill your nostrils with fresh and fragrant scents. You are gently forced to be mindful while you’re there and appreciate the beauty surrounding you. A trip to Machu Picchu can be therapeutic for so many reasons.    

Curioso Photography on Unsplash 

6. Improve Your Fitness

The Inca trail is not a walk in the park–– the trail is long and challenging with steep climbs. The hiking is all part of the experience and your body will thank you for it. You’ll spend days walking and climbing the mountains, strengthening your endurance and muscles as you breathe in the humid air.  

DANIEL QUEIROZ on Pexels

7. Check Off Your Bucket List

The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is on many folks’ bucket lists. It’s considered one of the wonders of the world and is worth seeing with your own eyes. There are special landmarks around the globe labeled as must-sees and Machu Picchu is one of those significant places. 

Maria Camila Castaño on Pexels

8. History Lesson

You will learn a lot from a trip to Machu Picchu. The ancient city has left us with an archeological treasure hunt and a historian wonderland. By visiting the site, we can learn about civilizations from long ago and understand their beliefs and values. Machu Picchu is a historical landmark deeply rooted in culture and religion that we can better understand when we’re there.   

Victor Rodriguez on Pexels

9. Meaningful Friendships

Since there is an abundance of tours offered to get you to the site, you’ll be traveling with many people. You can join other international tourists on the Inca Trail journey or join a tour group discovering the site. You’ll meet people who share your values and create friendships that will last beyond this once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

Armando Oliveira on Pexels

10. Real Life Time Machine

You won’t truly understand its historical impact until you see it up close. Visiting Machu Picchu feels like you’ve been transported back in time as you’re surrounded by structures that are thousands of years old. You can feel its lengthy history as you examine the stones and enter the old temples.

Rodrigo Arrosquipa on Pexels