Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu
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Machu Picchu (Quechua: Old Mountain) is a well-preserved pre-Columbian Inca ruin located on a high mountain ridge, at an elevation of about 2,350 m Machu Picchu is located above the Urubamba Valley in modern-day Peru, about 70 km northwest of Cuzco.

The site is probably the most familiar symbol of the Inca Empire, due to its unique location, its geological features, and its late discovery in 1911. In 1983 the site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is thought the city was built by the Sapa Inca Pachacuti starting in about 1440 and was inhabited until the Spanish conquest of Peru in 1532. Archeological evidence (together with recent work on early colonial documents) shows that Machu Picchu was not a conventional city, but a country retreat town for Inca nobility. The site has a large palace and temples to Inca deities around a courtyard, with other buildings for support staff. It is estimated that a maximum of only about 750 people resided in Machu Picchu at any one time, and probably only a small fraction of that number lived in the town during the rainy season and when no noblity were visiting

Year Decision Comments
2008Reinforced MonitoringDeforestation, the risk of landslides and unchecked urban development.
1983 Inscribed Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Rob Wilson (UK):
This is certainly a wonderful place, however I have grave misgivings about ever visiting again.
I don't need to describe the majesty of the place, many have done that before me so I want to outline a few problems and issues.
Firstly, the cost. M.P. has become an out-of-control money making scheme. The return train ride costs a minimum of $60. The bus from Aguas Calinetes a ridiculous $15, and the site itself an incredible $40!
Secondly, the site is under grave threat from tourism. Because of the vast amounts of money being made from visitors to the site there is not control over numbers. I arrived at about 7am, and the place was relatively empty, but by 10am it was totally overwhelmed. There must have been thousands of people there, and sadly not all respected the place properly. I saw several people climbing over the ruins, which just astounded me. At this rate the place will fall apart in 10 years.
Thirdly and finally, Aguas Calinetes has no development plan and is out-of-control. The worst part of it is the fact that the town's waste is all dumped in the Urubamba River.
So, yes M.P. is a fabulous place, but think hard before visiting.
Date posted: July 2008
Dawn Poole (USA):
It was totally amazing and beautiful. The animals were so amazing and exotic. Any person could just stand in awe at the site because of its brilliance.
Date posted: May 2008
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Magnificent! The Inca trail is better to see and appreciate Machu Picchu.
 
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Aguas Calientes tourist hotels are far below along the Urubamba River, clean & modest, served by Perurail. The site itself is over 8,000 ft. up, reached by bus on steep winding road, & entails lots of walking up & down. Caretakers stay busy keeping the jungle at bay. Mist & rain are common, & rapids can be spotted half a mile down. Small hand-carved Inca water channels trace the place like veins; the only place I've seen to rival it in breathtaking vertical sweep is the Grand Canyon. I won't try to describe the ambience. You simply must experience it.
 
Anne Gouldthorpe (England):
A truly wonderful site, especially first thing in the morning when the mists are rising.
 
Robert Frostick (USA):
One of the most beautiful settings in the world. Wonderfully preserved and you are allowed to explore most everywhere. Stay at the base of the hill to save money.
 


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