Facts about Machu Picchu (GNL11)
My own journey to Machu Picchu
While I’ d love to say that photo above is mine, I would be lying to you. Unfortunatley, my grainy photos taken back in 2012 just wouldn’t do this magical wonder any justice. After 4 days trekking along the Inca Jungle Trail, staying in basic, yet charming accommodation in remote little villages along the way, I finally arrived in Aguas Calientes. But my arduous journey wasn’t over yet, for the 9.4km hike up to Machu Picchu, at an elevation of around 400 metres awaited me the following morning ( you can take this shuttle bus up if you wish!). Personally, I felt that arriving at this majestic wonder cursing at the thought of having to take another step in my life would make it all the more satisfying, rounding of nicely a marvelous 4 days of trekking, and I wasn’t wrong. What greeted me was nothing short of amazing – what a place! Before I tell you some facts about Machu Picchu, let me give you a little background information about it.
A little background information
Indeed, Machu Picchu is a wonder. The strikingly intact citadel, perched on a secluded mountain summit high in the Peruvian Andes, appears as if its original occupants may suddenly reappear. The 550-year-old masonry has obstinately resisted the effects of time, even though the thatched roofs of its temples and homes have long since crumbled. This lost Inca metropolis is a marvel of human ingenuity and an engineering triumph, comparable to the Roman Colosseum, Chichen Itza, and the Great Wall of China. The fact that so much of the “common knowledge” about this contemporary marvel of the globe is merely fabrication makes it even more enigmatic. Is Machu Picchue on your bucket list?
I have selected the following intriguing facts about Machu Picchu to set right some misconceptions. They are essential reading too for anyone interested in seeing this genuinely amazing must-see location.
1. The mountain is called ‘Machu Picchu’ and not the Inca ruin
A widely spread myth regarding Machu Picchu is that it is a reference to the Inca ruin itself. According to TreXexperience writer Juan Coronel, Machu Piccu, in fact, refers to the actual mountain, with the literal translation of Machu Picchu being “Great mountain.” This peak can be seen to the south of the Machu Picchu Citadel and rightly takes its place in the vast majority of our photos.
2. Machu Picchu didn’t play a mayor role in Incan history
Given that it is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (which is your favourite?), you can be forgiven for thinking that it played a major role in Incan history. However, the Incas only inhabited Machu Picchu for 90 years before adandoning the site, and there is no evidence indicating that any particularly remarkable events occurred there. Machu Picchu’s primary distinction lies in its impressive preservation, with 70 percent of the ruins intact, quite a feat if you ask me!
3. Don’t try to hike the Inca Trail alone as an independent traveler, it is not allowed!
Permits are required to hike the classic 4-day Inca Trail, and these can only be acquired through licensed tour operators – you are spoiled for choice in Cusco, so finding one won’t be a problem. All hikers must engage a tour operator for both 1-day and 4-day hikes. For those interested in a more intense experience, the hike can be condensed into 3 days. Independent hiking on the Inca trail is not permitted. Operator services differ, so if you seek a hiking experiecne that fosters a connection with nature, be sure to inquire about your operator’s offerings.
4. People say you can rent a car and drive to Machu Picchu, you can’t!
According to Adios Adventure Travel, if you rent a car, you can drive to Ollantaytambo, but you’ll need to find parking and then take the train to Aguas Calientes, where no vehicles or taxis are allowed. From there, you can either take a 30-minute shuttle bus ride or hike up to the park entrance. Aguas Calientes is exclusively for pedestrians, and travelers must carry their luggage, which is why most visitors to Machu Picchu store the majority of their bags in locked storage rooms at their hotels in Cusco or Ollantaytambo. I would genuinly recommend hiking up to the park entrance, even if it leaves you dreading the idea of climbing stairs ever again.
5. Machu Picchu height might surprise you
If you ask anyone who has visited Machu Picchu for advice, their first tip will likely be, “Beware of altitude sickness.” This condition, caused by quickly ascending to elevations of 8,000 feet or more, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, headache, fatigue and shortness of breath, In actual fact, Machu Picchu is lower than Cusco about 3000 ft lower. The ruins are 2430m/7970 ft above sea level, whereas Cusco is 3400m/11200 ft above sea level, giving you some time to acclimatize. This may also appear to contradict the idea that the consequences of alititude sickness here are severe. While I am not saying that you will not feel the effects of the altitude, it’s just not as high as people may think. Given too that you will have likely spent some days in higher places, the effects of altitude sickness here might not be as drastic as you might think. I really don’t think I could have climbed those stairs if they were in Cusco.
Why not share your thoughts or your experiences?
I hope these facts about Machu Picchu have cleared up some doubts you may have had, and even whet your appetite to visit. Maybe you’d prefer another one of the New Seven Wonders or an entirely different destination altogether. Do you have a trip on the horizon that you’d like to tell us about? I’m sure that any trip will make that list of things you’re looking forward to that I spoke about in this post offering alternatives to New Year’s resolutions. I would love to hear your travel stories and your thoughts about Machu Picchu too, so please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you.