Archaeologists believe Machu Picchu's construction began around 1460 and may have been a private getaway for rulers and the society elite because of its great distance from the surrounding cities. The city was large enough to hold around 1,200 people. However, the city ruins suggest the Incas may have abandoned the site just 100 years after it was built, possibly because all of the residents died from a smallpox outbreak. The Spanish conquistadors who toppled the Incan Empire never found Machu Picchu, which is a testament to its seclusion.
The Incan city is located 7,700 feet above sea level on a hill in the Andes Mountains of Peru. The nearest city is Cusco which is about southwest of the location and is about 1,000 feet higher than Machu Picchu. From Machu Picchu, you can also see the Urubamba River and Valley. Most people choose to reach the location by train or by bus. However, others choose the ambitious Incan Trail.
This ancient trail can take you directly to the Sun Gate, the famous entrance of Machu Picchu. However, the trail is not an easy route. Hiking the path takes up to five days and requires camping in tents along the way. Only people who are in good physical condition should embark on the excursion, because walking high in the Andes Mountains can be extremely strenuous on the body.
When you reach Machu Picchu, there are several architectural pieces to explore. The Intihuatana Stone is one of the most interesting because it is probably the last remaining ritual rock left from the Incan civilization. Most of these rocks were destroyed by the conquistadors. Some researchers believe this particular stone may have worked like a clock or calendar. Another interesting part of the city is the Royal Tomb. Archaeologists have removed more than 100 mummified bodies believed to be Incan royalty. Nearly 90% of those mummies are thought to be women.
Entering Machu Picchu costs $20 for the first day. Each subsequent day costs only $10. If you choose to take the Incan Trail, you'll need to pay $50 for the guided tour and the entrance ticket. If you plan to spend the night in the area, only one hotel is available and it books up fast so reservations need to be made in advance. The hotel also is home to the only restaurant in the vicinity. As you might imagine, prices for food and lodging are a bit pricey. Remember to dress for the climate. At that altitude, temperatures are never going to be very warm. Morning temperatures can be below freezing and the warmest temperatures never reach up 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember to bring mosquito repellent and to cover as much of your body as possible to make your skin less tempting to them, especially if you are camping along the Incan Trail.
