Machu Picchu is an Incan citadel located at 7,972 feet above sea level high in the Andes Mountains in Peru. Situated above the Urubamba River Valley it was built in the 15th century and later abandoned for some unknown reason. It is remarkable for many reasons but primarily because of its giant walls that seemingly fuse huge blocks of rock together without the use of mortar. The continuous rock escarpments which separate the different levels and accommodate the steep slopes appear like giant architectural miracles. If that wasn't enough, several of the buildings at Machu Picchu are aligned with the sun within a quarter of a degree during the summer solstice. The Torreon is called the Temple of the Sun and it is there where a stone is reported to receive a ray of sunlight through the east facing window during the solstice.
In 1911, Hiram Bingham, an American politician was guided by indigenous farmers who led him and his expedition to Machu Picchu. He made the location internationally famous and the rest as they say is history. Machu Picchu is the largest tourist attraction in South America and as such is in much demand. Visitors are limited to 2500 people per day. Anyone interested in visiting should acquire tickets in advance. No entrance tickets are available for sell at Aquas Calientes.
In 1911, Hiram Bingham, an American politician was guided by indigenous farmers who led him and his expedition to Machu Picchu. He made the location internationally famous and the rest as they say is history. Machu Picchu is the largest tourist attraction in South America and as such is in much demand. Visitors are limited to 2500 people per day. Anyone interested in visiting should acquire tickets in advance. No entrance tickets are available for sell at Aquas Calientes.