Machu Picchu Peru

The Incas of Machu Picchu are an enigma. They were thought to have inhabited a beautiful city in the Andes mountains for about 100 years. Then they simply disappeared. Their city wasn't rediscovered until an explorer named Hiram Bingham accidentally came along in 1905. But the mysterious civilization of Machu Picchu was already long gone.

Machu Picchu, also called the "Lost City of the Incas", is the beautiful ancient city located in Peru high atop a mountain. In fact, Machu Picchu is isolated in the Urubamba jungle at almost 8,000 feet altitude. Many visitors to Machu Picchu describe a feeling of serenity and mystery while visitng. Indeed, if you see photos of Machu Picchu, the beauty and peacefulness of the area are evident.

Very little is known about Machu Picchu, just theory. And there are many conflicting theories as well. The only clues the inhabitants of Machu Picchu left behind is the beautiful city itself. It is considered to be an engineering marvel, even by today's standards.

Machu Picchu is commonly believed to have been erected around the 13th or 14th century. And yet it still stands. The ancient city is huge. It covers 20 hectares and has about 140 stone buildings. Except for the parts of the buildings that were built from biodegradable materials such as wood, the structures are in excellent preserved shape. The area is also susceptible to frequent earthquakes. Imagine what the city you live in will look like in 500-600 years.

One of the marvels of Machu Picchu is the way in which the massive stone structures were constructed. The stones were fitted together in a method called "dry stone" technique. Dry stone technique involves fitting stones together with no mortar or binding material whatsoever. The stones are cut precisely enough to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. This method of construction is found in other places in the world. Ancient Egyptians used it to build the pyramids. Gaelic black houses also used this method of construction.

Another engineering marvel of Machu Picchu is the irrigation system. Miraculously, this system still works today. The water runs through stones that have been carved out to form aqueducts. It is made up of huge rocks instead of small stones fitted together. It is believed this was to reduce loss of water as it made its way to Machu Picchu. There are even water fountains scattered throughout the city. Water was available for drinking, irrigation for the terraces, and for baths.

If you've always wanted to visit ancient Machu Picchu, this is an excellent video of a virtual tour of Machu Picchu.

Learn interesting facts about the history of Machu Picchu and experience the beauty and mystery of this ancient city.