Written by:
Friday, July 7, 2023peru.travel
The historic sanctuary commemorates its momentous designation as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, announced in Lisbon in 2007.
The Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu never ceases to amaze the whole world. Each year, one and a half million travelers climb up to its green esplanade surrounded by passages and walls to meet the past and look to the future.
Today more than ever, the world is celebrating Machupicchu’s designation as one of the New Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The announcement was made in Lisbon on July 7th, 2007. Machupicchu shared the podium with other ancient relics such as the Great Wall of China, the Nabatean city of Petra (Jordan), Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), the Mayan city of Chichen Itza (Mexico), the Colosseum in Rome (Italy) and the mausoleum of the Taj Mahal (India).
Machupicchu is located in the province of Urubamba, in the Cusco region, almost 8000 feet above sea level and is overlooked by the Huayna Picchu mountain.
Who moved the rocks to build the complex? Who erected its structures with such perfection?
The Temple of the Condor is one of the most spectacular examples of what the Incas could do with
stones in their natural position. Credit: Shutterstock.
History of the sanctuary
Some think that Machupicchu is the result of an extra-planetary or mystical intervention, but historians have shown that it was the effort of thousands of ancient Peruvians who made this marvel possible.
Machupicchu was the work of the Incas, a highly organized civilization that inhabited South American lands between the 15th and 16th centuries. The Incas worshiped Inti (the Sun God), Pachamama (Mother Earth), among other divinities of the natural world. They achieved remarkable territorial expansion and left a historical legacy.
Amidst this great legacy stands the imposing sanctuary.
“Some 3,000 to 4,000 people were needed, among them prisoners of war, called piñas, and populations separated from their communities and enslaved by the Inca, known as the mitimaes,” notes the historian from The National University of San Marcos, Juan Carlos Hidalgo, about the construction of Machupicchu. It took an extraordinary effort to gather the rocks that the same Huayna Picchu mountain provided for them and to build the structure that would essentially become the royal retreat of the Inca and a shrine to the Sun God.
Drainage system in a house in the Machupicchu Sanctuary, Cusco. Credit: Shutterstock.
The irrigation of the complex also came from the mountain overlooking it, since water from the clouds is collected in its heights and then descends along the many streams.
The construction of Machupicchu was ordered by the Inca Pachacútec, but it would remain unfinished due to the arrival of the Spaniards. After centuries, it was rediscovered by the American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Navel of the world
The name "Machupicchu" means "Old Mountain" in Quechua, while Cusco, capital of the Inca Empire, comes from the word Qosco which means "navel of the world". The Incas saw the Imperial City as the center of the universe in relation to their gods, and millions of travelers who visit Machupicchu every year share this view. One of the first questions they ask when they climb the complex is whether the Inca ruler lived there permanently. "That was not the case," explains Hidalgo, "Machupicchu basically fulfilled two functions: it was a house where the Inca could rest and at the same time a sanctuary in honor of the Sun God. Hence the choice of the Urubamba Valley: a secluded place (while still close to Cusco) where the Inca could be in touch with the Hanan Pacha or World Above."
Illustrious visitors
Many figures from the world of culture and entertainment have succumbed to the magic of Machupicchu over the years. These include the American singer Cole Porter (who was there in 1939), Pablo Neruda (1943), Ernesto Che Guevara (1952) and more recently Zac Efron, Ricky Martin, Juanes, Cameron Diaz, Owen Wilson and Jim Carrey.
A few years ago, the Game of Thrones actress, Emilia Clarke, also expressed her desire to see the historic sanctuary. "I want to go to Machupicchu in Peru," confessed the well-known Daenerys Targaryen in an interview with Zimbio.
In 2023, Machu Picchu was one of the Peruvian scenarios chosen for the movie Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, where the majesty of this Historic Sanctuary, considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, is reflected.
The director of the film, Steven Caple Jr., indicated that the team enjoyed filming in Machupicchu and were amazed by the beauty of the place.
“To introduce the Maximals in this film we thought the awe and the beautiful wonders of Peru would really capture who the characters are. We shot on top of Machupicchu which has never been shot before. Just thinking about, wow, one, we're here, but two, how did they make this? This is insane. Clouds rushed through the mountains. It's just such a beautiful experience”, expressed the filmmaker.
Getting there
First you have to go to Cusco. Once travel is allowed, you can take a flight from Lima. Flight time is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Or you can travel by bus. The journey takes about twenty hours from the capital. Once in Cusco, you have to travel another 1 hour and 45 minutes to Ollantaytambo, and 2 hours more from there by train to Machupicchu.
Recommendations
It is important to reserve the tickets or the tour in advance. The best season to go to Machupicchu is between April and October, which is the dry season. It is recommended that you take warm clothes and pills to prevent altitude sickness.
Follow us on social media
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
Related news
Peru obtains 18 nominations at the World
Travel Awards 2022 South AmericaWe invite you to vote for Peru through the website
www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.
PROMPERÚ announces: dear traveler,
health comes firstThe Peruvian government has taken the following
measures to fight COVID-19.
Peru, recognized as the most desired
preferred destination in Europe's luxury
networkOur country was chosen by the Serandipians by
Traveller Made Awards as the "Most Desired
Preferred Destination" in the world.