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Machu Picchu is a rare gem.
A lost Incan city that shows some of the most remarkable archaeological artifacts from the 1400s, it also has one of the best views in the world.
Here are my top ten facts about Machu Picchu, not in any particular order.
1. Machu Picchu is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and has every right to be. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Machu Picchu was built around 1450 for the Inca ruler Pachacuti and abandoned about a century later, around the time of the Spanish conquest. Local farmers always knew it was there; Yale's Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. (His book, Lost City of the Incas, is still a great read.) Keep the existing book link on "Lost City of the Incas".
3. The indigenous language of the Andes is Quechua and for a long time it was only a spoken language. That’s why the history of Machu Picchu is still being discovered.
4. Because it was only a spoken language for hundreds of years, the purpose of Machu Picchu is still unknown but there are many theories. Some theories are that it was a royal palace for the Inca king and/or a ceremonial site or rather a pilgrimage site.
5. In Quechua, Machu Picchu means “old mountain” or “old peak.”
6. The Incans were some of the best masons in the world. The structures, staircases and shelters that were built fit perfectly and it’s said that 70-80% of what is seen today at Machu Picchu is original.
7. There are also theories that all the structures were built by hand with handmade tools using the rock formations found in the area.
8. Machu Picchu sits on the eastern slopes of the Andes, where the mountains drop toward the Amazon basin, so the site is wrapped in cloud forest full of orchids, birds, and other wildlife.
9. The Inti Watana stone and the Inti Mach’ay are two important structures in Machu Picchu that showcase the rituals and festivals the Incas celebrated. Both are aligned with the sun and are thought to have marked key dates like the solstices.
10. Most of the Inca civilization was destroyed by the Spanish when they took over in the mid 1500s. Machu Picchu was built on the top of a mountain at nearly 8,000 feet (2,430 meters) above sea level, meaning it was not visible from the ground below making it one of the most remarkable and well-preserved Inca cities.
How Machu Picchu Tickets Work Now
You can't just show up. Entry is by timed ticket, and every ticket is tied to one of three circuits (10 routes in total), so you follow a set path through the site. Daily visitors are capped, with a higher limit on peak dates. Official tickets are sold at tuboleto.cultura.pe, and you'll need your passport at the gate. Book as early as you can, especially for June through October.
Ready to see it for yourself? Visit Machu Picchu with a local guide on our 7-day Machu Picchu & Peru trip, or earn the view by hiking the classic Inca Trail. Both are small group trips for solo travelers 21 to 35, and your Machu Picchu entry is included.
