Machu Picchu Historical Facts and Pictures

Standing 2,430 meters above the sea level, Machu Picchu is an amazing embodiment of urban creation by the Inca Empire. Located in Cusco Region in Machu Picchu district, Peru, on a mountain crest above the Sacred Valley, this Inca site is encircled by beautiful landscapes.

Machu Picchu Map

The estate was built by the Incas around c.1450 and then after a century later, during the time of Spanish Conquest the Incas abandoned it. In 1911 American historian Hiram Bingham, brought Machu Picchu to international fame and in 1983 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Photos

Structure and Style

The estate exhibits classical Inca style in its structure with glistening dry-stone walls. Approximately two hundred structures have set up this outstanding ceremonial, religious, astronomical and agricultural site. The buildings are arranged on broad parallel terraces around a large central square oriented on the east west. The wide terraces were used in agricultural purpose, while the stone stairways laid on the walls provide access to different levels across the estate. The area of Machu Picchu is divided between upper and lower sections, and a large square in the middle separates the residential, religious and farming zones. The eastern part was the residential area whereas, separated by the square, the western part was for ceremonial and religious purpose. The 3 primary structures of the estate The Temple of sun God, Inti Watana and the Room of the 3 Windows are dedicated to the Sun God or Inti..

Machu Picchu Images

Machu Picchu Hiking

Machu Picchu Pictures

The Face Structures and Hidden Facts within Machu Picchu

This ancient Inca civilization is full of mysteries and hidden facts all over its place. The site has many carved faces in the mountain ranges and walls within the estate. Although these carvings lack the perfection of the Dravidians and Mayas, the rough structure of these faces produces a sense of mysticism. Alien invasion within the site is one f the other mystical facts of Machu Picchu; some of the New Age Andean Cosmologists believe that aliens were inhabited in the Cusco region and built this grand architectural wonder, but these views were refuted by the Peruvians due to their strong belief in their ancestors’ architectural and technical ability.

Interior of an Inca Building Trapezoidal Windows

Machu Picchu Solar Clock

Temple of the Sun or Torreon

Machu Picchu Sunrise

The site is absolutely stunning as the grand architecture is perfectly blended with the natural enchanting environment and it has rightfully been voted as one of the seven wonders of the world.