One of the most impressive citadels is Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was built by the Incan Empire and dates all the way back to 1300 AD. Archaeologists and historians have determined that at least three generations of Incas occupied Machu Picchu. Unfortunately, Machu Picchu was mysteriously abandoned. Most Incan cities were destroyed by Spanish conquistadors, but since Machu Picchu was in a hidden location, it is “one of the most well-preserved Inca cities and an archaeological gem.” So, now we have an old, but beautiful citadel left for people to appreciate and enjoy.
Machu Picchu means “Old Peak” or “Old Mountain.” It is from the Quechua Indian language. There are more than 150 buildings and 100 separate flights of stairs that make up Machu Picchu. You are able to walk through the ruins and take in what this great civilization made.
There is one particular travel package to Machu Picchu that makes sure you get the best experience you can. This package is called the Machu Picchu Classic and lasts 6 days. This packages ensures that you see all of the major sights. You can explore Cusco and Sacred Valley and take in the history of the Inca civilization. The tour guides will take you to local markets, eateries, and places to see indigenous traditions. You are really able to immerse yourself in the culture!
You can find other adventure-filled tours of Machu Picchu here.
Something fun about Machu Picchu is if you are one of the first 400 people to sign into the site, you are able to climb Huayna Picchu. It is a small peak shaped like a rhino horn. The views from here are supposed to be spectacular!
If you happen to be one of the first 400 people in the site and choose to climb Huayna Picchu, there is a secret temple! You can walk a trail to the Temple of the Moon. It is a ceremonial shrine that might have been used to hold mummies!
National Geographic says that Machu Picchu itself does not have much information regarding the history of the citadel. However, there is a hidden museum at the end of a dirt road towards the bottom of Machu Picchu. So, if you are a history fanatic, try to track down this museum!
Machu Picchu is definitely a mysterious place, which is why there is so much to discover! This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You are super lucky if you get the chance to go!
Machu Picchu still keeps secrets that to this day can not be clarified, for example, many say it was built by Inca Pachacutec, but this is not proven 100%. We only know that they left it and we can see in the middle of the city the stone quarry they used and that some of these stones were in the process of being cut. Source: https://www.machu-picchu.org/