Monday, March 25, 2013

Machu Picchu - World's Most Renowned Acient City

Machu Picchu is one of the world's most renowned ancient cities. It is located in the middle of a tropical mountain forest above the Urubamba Valley in the Cusco Region of Peru. Machu Picchu stands 2,430 meters above sea-level in an extraordinarily beautiful setting.


Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti in the middle of the 15th century. It was said to have been inhabited for around 100 years before it became uninhabited. Often referred to as the "City of the Incas" it remained uncovered for over three centuries. It was finally rediscovered by Hiriam Bingham, a Yale lecturer in July 1911.


Machu Picchu is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. It was perhaps the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height. The giant walls, terraces and ramp of Machu Picchu seem to have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.


Machu Picchu is Peru's most famous tourist attraction. The place attracts more than 500,000 foreign visitors a year and a large tourist industry with hotels and travel agencies has grown around it. Regardless of whether you have an interest in history or not, it can make you stop and stare in sheer awe.

No comments:

Post a Comment