Machu Picchu was difficult due to its remote location and challenging terrain. The site is nestled high in the Andes Mountains, making it inaccessible for centuries and requiring great effort to reach and explore.
Detailed response to a query
Machu Picchu, one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sites in the world, posed numerous challenges and remained hidden for centuries due to its remote location and difficult terrain. Set high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, this ancient city was perched on a ridge between two peaks, making it an incredible feat of engineering and an arduous place to reach.
The remote location of Machu Picchu contributed significantly to its difficulty and mystery. Tucked away in the lush and rugged terrain of the Urubamba Valley, the city remained isolated from the outside world for nearly 400 years. Its hidden location allowed the Inca civilization to thrive undisturbed.
Quote: “Machu Picchu is a trip to the serenity of the soul, to eternal fusion with the cosmos, there we feel our own fragility. It is one of the greatest marvels of South America. A resting place of butterflies in the epicentre of the great circle of life. One more miracle.” – Pablo Neruda
Interesting facts about Machu Picchu:
- Discovery: Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by explorer Hiram Bingham, who was led to the site by a local farmer.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, recognizing its cultural and natural significance.
- Architecture: The construction of Machu Picchu showcases impressive Inca stone masonry, with perfectly carved blocks of stone fitting together without mortar.
- Inti Watana: The Inti Watana stone, also known as the “Hitching Post of the Sun,” is an astronomical clock and ritual stone located at Machu Picchu.
- Terraces: Machu Picchu features extensive agricultural terraces that allowed the Inca civilization to grow crops on the steep mountainsides.
- Water System: A sophisticated water management system was built within the city, comprising numerous fountains, baths, and channels to supply fresh water to its inhabitants.
- Purpose and Abandonment: Scholars believe Machu Picchu served as a royal estate and religious site. It was eventually abandoned, possibly due to epidemics or political unrest.
Here’s a table showcasing some interesting features of Machu Picchu:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Positioned high in the Andes Mountains of Peru |
| Accessibility | Inaccessible for centuries, requiring great effort to reach and explore |
| Architectural Wonder | Perfectly carved stone masonry with no mortar |
| UNESCO World Heritage | Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 |
| Agricultural Terraces | Utilized stepped terraces for cultivation of crops |
| Water Management System | Sophisticated system of fountains, baths, and channels |
| Purpose and Abandonment | Likely served as a royal estate and religious site but was eventually abandoned |
| Rediscovery | Rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer |
The remarkable history and challenging geographical location of Machu Picchu make it an intriguing destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who are captivated by its stunning beauty and cultural significance.
Watch a video on the subject
In this YouTube video titled “Machu Picchu: What they won’t tell you about visiting here,” the narrator shares unique and lesser-known information about visiting the ancient Peruvian city. They describe the early wake-up call in Cusco, the bumpy bus ride to the train station, and the scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes, the base camp for Machu Picchu. The narrator highlights the breathtaking beauty of Machu Picchu, the strict rules that must be followed, and the challenges of overcrowding, mosquitoes, stairs, and altitude sickness. Despite these challenges, the video emphasizes that Machu Picchu is an incredible wonder of the world that can be a life-changing experience.
Other methods of responding to your inquiry
The Machupicchu mountain is 600 meters higher than the archaeological site, making the ascent difficult. In addition, if we take into account the altitude of this summit, the fatigue is even more intense.
You will probably be interested in this
Why was Machu Picchu difficult to build? The walls of the city are also oriented in the direction of the faults. “Machu Picchu’s location is not a coincidence,” Menegat argues in a press release. “The intense fracturing there predisposed the rocks to breaking along these same planes of weakness, which greatly reduced the energy needed to carve them.
Hereof, How difficult is Machu Picchu?
Response will be: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a hiking route of moderate difficulty. There are very demanding mountainous sections but there are also very simple descending sections surrounded by incredible nature. Most visitors like this type of hike. However, people who are not in good physical condition can also do the route.
People also ask, What are some challenges of Machu Picchu?
Response: Threats to the Sanctuary. Machu Picchu faces a variety of threats: excessive tourism, which is especially hard on the fragile site; the generation of solid waste; unsustainable agriculture practices; overgrazing and forest fires; aggravating erosion; landslides; mineral extraction; and the introduction of exotic plants
What are the problems with the Inca Trail?
Answer to this: Note: The Inca Trail is a route considered safe for all walkers. They all manage to complete the walk satisfactorily. However, due to the Andean geography that it crosses, it is possible to suffer some health problems such as: mountain sickness, dehydration, muscle contusions and sprains.