Surrounded by enchanting silence, 80 km from Cuzco, on a steep mountain washed by the Urubamba River, there stands one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the world, Machu Picchu (Quechua: “Old Peak”), “The Lost City of the Incas”. This is a mystical place, some even think it is filled with positive energy. Machu Picchu impresses with its monolithic nature and architecture, its balance and harmony, thanks to which it fits well to the surrounding mountains.

The credited discoverer of the cite is Hiram Bingham, an archaeologist from the North America. The place was found in 1911 on top of a flat mountain, hidden from people’s eyes. The unapproachable Machu Picchu is still a mystery, and the more they dig, the more riddles they find. The main question is: what was it aimed for? Why would Incas make so much effort to built their city at such an inaccessible place?

During the excavations they found 173 human bodies, including 150 female ones. However, neither gold, nor other treasures were found. It seems that people left the city all at a time. But what made them leave the place — natural cataclysms, diseases, wars or something else — we still don’t know it for sure. Neither Spanish, nor Indian chronicles contain any information about Machu Picchu. Some scientists say this was a sanctuary for the Incas aristocracy, priests, best craftsmen, and, what is more important, for Virgins of the Suns. The Incas did their best to make their city very convenient, functional and long-lived. There are still excellent aqueducts standing there which provide Machu Picchu with clear water, some of the constructions look incredibly «new», like they were left just recently. Residential buildings occupy just a small part of this territory, the rest of it are temples, observatories and other religious constructions. That is why other researchers say this was a settlement built to control local economy, or to make discoveries about the surrounding world.

machu picchu tours – Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru, and one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The whole city is built of stone and is surrounded with green terraces, used to plant crops and flowers. You can feel that local people really loved their city, and this love is shared with everyone who arrives to Machu Picchu. Some even go to “The Lost City of the Incas” to spend their time sitting on the stones deeped into their thoughts.

Some facts.
Machu Picchu is located 2,400 meters above sea level.
How to get there. By train: 110 km Cuzco to Machu Picchu Pueblo (3-4 hours), then 20 minutes on a bus.
Hotels: there are some medium three-star hotels in Machu Picchu Pueblo, toilets, call boxes and a restaurant by the entrance to the archaeological site.

Things to do: sightseeing, historic and archaeological studies, shopping for craftworks. It is also excellent to enjoy local flora and fauna.
Spend a minimum of 1 day to study Machu Picchu and 5-7 days to visit nerby attractions, lying between the site and Incas path.

Weather: Machu Picchu can be visited at any time of the year, but the best period for a visit is: April — October. November — March is a summer time, but there are scattered showers and the humidity level is high. April — October is sunny and dry.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/the-lost-city-of-the-incas-machu-picchu-332160.html

Explore one of the Seven New Wonders of the World on an exciting tour of Machu Picchu that will take you back into time. Get fascinating insights into the Inca Regime way of life with a tour of the magnificent and mysterious ruins. Read this guide to know what to see and do on Machu Picchu tours. You can either choose a guided visit which will take you to the noteworthy spots, or explore the citadel on your own. Take your time to explore this archeological gem as there are myriad places to see, all featuring distinctive characteristics which will help you understand a little better how the Incas lived and died.

If you are up to it, climb the strenuous hike up to the Sun Gate overlooking Machu Picchu from where you will get the most spectacular views of the ruins as well as of the surrounding mountains and valley covered with lush forests. You will arrive on the site through the Sun Gate if you are coming from the Inca Trail, and if you catch an early bus in Aguas Calientes, you may in time to admire the sun rise lighting up the entire area.

There are several ceremonial sites and temples throughout the site. Near the summit of the main city stands the gorgeous Temple of the Sun, characterized by spectacular stonework, which was used to celebrate Inti (The Sun), one of the most important Inca deities. On Huayna Picchu, lies the beautiful Temple of the Moon, covering the entire slopes of the mountain. The temple comprises a set of architecturally enhanced caves, most likely used to hold mummies of important Inca ancestors and provide places for their worship. It also features intricate stonework on the walls which are decorated with niches and altars carved into the native rock.

Don’t miss the Intihuatana Stone, whose exact purpose is still unknown, and the only one that has been well-preserved. All others were found by the Spaniards in other Inca cities and destroyed. Some people believe the stone has special powers that fill you with energy when you touch it. Why not lay a hand on it and see? Maybe it will give the energy to hike up Wayna Picchu to get the most breathtaking views of Machu Picchu from above.