It is an ancient Andean Inca settlement built before the 15th century. It is said that it had a private purpose, but some of the constructions show a ceremonial character and it is presumed that it could have been a religious sanctuary. Both theories, palace or sanctuary, are compatible. Machu Picchu is considered a masterpiece of architecture and engineering.
The site is divided into two main areas: the agricultural area, formed by sets of cultivation terraces, and the urban area, which is where people lived and where the main civil and religious activities took place.
In Quechua, the natives of the Peruvian Andes, “Old Mountain”.
It is located in the Cuzco region, province of Urubamba, on the Sacred Valley of the Incas, 80 kilometers northwest of the city of Cuzco. It is located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru, in the Andes mountain range at 2430 m.a.s.l.
It has a tropical mountain climate originated by the rivers that cross the mountain range and form a canyon, like the Urubamba River. The temperature is warm and humid during the day and cools at night, varying between 12 and 24 ° C. The area is very rainy, the rainiest months are between November and March and these rains alternate constantly with moments of intense sunshine.
It can be visited walking and it is recommended to have a guide to understand its wonderful and mysterious history. You can go in one day from Cusco, but it is recommended to visit sleeping in Aguas Calientes or Sacred Valley the night before and / or after.
Types of Machu Picchu tours
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