Five Things You Might Not Know About Machu Picchu
One of the new ‘seven wonders of the world’, Machu Picchu surely has to be on every traveller’s bucket list. Combining incredible history with breathtaking natural splendour, and a hiking challenge of a lifetime, it has a huge amount to give. But while most people would recognise this iconic Incan citadel, there are quite a few facts that the average armchair traveller may not know. So, before you pull your hiking boots on and set out on your next Choose a Challenge adventure, these are our five favourite lesser-known Machu Picchu facts.
Five Things You May Not Know About Machu Picchu
You can only see around 40% of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is widely known for its stone architecture and sweeping vista. But what most people don’t realise is that there’s more to the place than meets the eye. In fact, around 60% more. Most of the building work is underground. As well as an elaborate drainage system and fountain wall, there are suspected burial chambers. And most historians believe that the site is far from having revealed all of its secrets.
Machu Picchu wasn’t an island
Until relatively recently, it was supposed that Machu Picchu was entirely independent. A stronghold for an Incan emperor and his serfs. But it is now believed that the Incans either shared the citadel with other tribes, or allowed frequent visitors for trade. Andean civilization archaeologist, Brian Bauer, believes that many of the artifacts found on site originally came from other parts of Peru.
It’s always best to book
Although the site is a world-renowned visitor attraction, attracting thousands of sightseers a day, you can’t just rock up to Machu Picchu and expect to be able to explore. First off, you’re only allowed on site with a guide. But it’s also important to note that in 2011, in an attempt to preserve the site, the Peruvian government set a limit to the number of daily visitors able to follow the Inca trail. While, the limit isn’t particularly low (3,400), during peak season, a surprisingly high number of disappointed visitors get turned away. If you book to join a trekking group, like Choose a Challenge, you won’t be one of the disappointed.
No one really knows why Machu Picchu was created
There have been a whole range of theories as to why Machu Picchu was positioned where it is. From burial site to place of worship. And with the positioning of the famous ‘sun gate’, this hypothesis bears some weight. But today’s leading theory is that Machu Picchu was built for the emperor Pachacuti, who protected his people against the invading Chanka people. The incumbent emperor – Pachacuti’s father – and his heir fled when the Chanka looked set to invade, but Pachacuti held his ground and eventually defeated the invaders. The grateful people are believed to have created Machu Picchu in his honour. But… Right now, it’s still just a theory.
Machu Picchu was deliberately ‘lost’
Machu Picchu was abandoned around 1572. It took until 1911 for it be rediscovered. This was no accident. When the Incans left the site in fear of Spanish invaders, they were determined that what was left of their home would not be pillaged by the marauding explorers. Possibly because they intended to return themselves at some future point. Either way, they burnt all the paths leading to the citadel as they departed. Obscuring the way to the top. It was a clever plan that turned out to be far more successful than they could ever have imagined.
Machu Picchu is known as a world wonder for a reason. It is glorious and fascinating in equal parts. With scenery that will take your breath away, and an atmosphere that you will never quite forget. But if you’re planning a trip anywhere, it’s always worth the effort to do a little extra research before you start. It brings so much more depth to the experience.
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