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DestinationsDestinationsOther |
Machu PicchuPerched on a mountain ridge 2,430 metres above sea level in southern Peru, the ruined ancient city of Machu Picchu is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South America's most famous historical attractions. Machu Picchu means "Old Peak" in Quechua, the language of the Inca Civilization. The city on the peak is old as well, having been founded by the Inca in 1460, less than 100 years before the Spanish Conquest of the empire. Abandoned before its completion, Machu Picchu remains one of the best and most popular examples of classical Incan dry-stone architecture. The Inca stand among the world's best stonemasons, despite the fact that their structures were built entirely without mortar (hence the name "dry-stone" masonry). It is said that in the central district of Machu Picchu, the location of the Temple of the Sun, the buildings are so well-constructed that not even a razor blade can fit between the jointures of the massive stones. Machu Picchu is Peru's most visited tourist attraction, and with good reason. Its location affords breathtaking views of the verdant Andes and the Peruvian rainforest, and its history is fascinating. It is accessible by tour bus from the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, though no accommodations exist at the site. Active travellers may also choose to hike to Machu Picchu, though the steep climb is not for the faint of heart (or breath). 
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