Dan Taylor Destination360's visit to Machu Picchu

Destination360
Nov 6 · 2 min read
©2019 Dan Taylor Destination360

7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop between the Andean Mountain Range, the majestic city soars above the Urabamba Valley below.

The Incan built structure has been deemed the “Lost Cities”, unknown until its relatively recent discovery in 1911. Archaeologists estimate that approximately 1200 people could have lived in the area, though many theorize it was most likely a retreat for Incan rulers.

The Royal Tomb has been the site of numerous mummy excavations. Of more than 100 skeletal remains discovered here, 80% were women. This fact, among others, leads many historians to surmise that the area was inhabited primarily by high priests and chosen women.

The Intiwatana at Machu Picchu, known as the “hitching post of the sun” is a carved rock pillar whose four corners are oriented toward the four cardinal points. The Inca were accomplished astronomers, and used the angles of the pillar to predict the solstices.

Machu Picchu Timeline:

20,000–10,000 BC The earliest settlers, most likely migrants from Asia, arrive in Peru.

1465 Incas dominate the territory from the northern Andes to Ecuador.

1532 Atahualpa defeats his brother to gain control of the Inca Empire. Pizarro enters Cajamarca and captures Atahualpa, whom he jails. Atahualpa offers a ransom of gold and silver to win his release.

1533 Spaniards assassinate Atahualpa and name Topa Hualpa his successor (who serves as puppet Inca); Cusco is sacked and burned by Spaniards.

1572 Tupac Amaru, the last Inca emperor, is captured and executed.

1821 General José de San Martín captures Lima and proclaims Peru’s independence.

1824 Peru defeats Spain and becomes the last colony in Latin America to gain its independence.

Machu Picchu Hikes:

Tales of the legendary lost city entice many travelers to embark on Machu Picchu hikes. Depending on your fitness level and how long you want to spend on the trail, you can choose the best tour for your trip to the sacred Incan city. There are Machu Picchu hiking tours for every type of traveler, whether you want to begin your journey 75 miles away in Cusco or just a few miles away in Aguas Calientes.

When it comes to Machu Picchu hikes, you have two main decisions to make: the length of the hike and the size of the tour.

Story in progress by Dan Taylor Destination360. All Rights Reserved.

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