Machu Picchu is a 15th-century historical place that demonstrates the power as well as inventiveness of the Inca Empire. It is situated on a mountain rim about 7,000 feet above sea level. The place is situated in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machu Picchu District in Peru. According to many archaeologists, the place was constructed as a state for Pachacuti, the Inca Emperor. Machu Picchu serves as an important evidence of Inca civilization and its power and achievement. It is historic sanctuary built by cut stone fitted together tightly without using mortar.
The place was designed in classical Inca style with the help of polished dry-stone walls. The whole structure can be divided into three parts: the Inti Watana, the Temple of the Sun, and the Room of the Three Windows. Whereas, most of the building built at the outer part have been rebuilt with the intention of attracting tourists towards the ancient time. The structure of the site perfectly organised in order to matches the form of environs. The agricultural area take benefit of the natural angles. The lower part involves buildings appropriately engaged by farmers and teachers. The religious areas are situated at the top of the mountain, overseeing the luxurious Urubamba Valley, located thousands of feet below.
The site holds a special attraction for tourists as it provides an excellent view of the quality architecture and the magnificent mountain range. The place covers an area of 32500 hectares. It is believed that the site was built by Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui, who was the 9th emperor of the Inca.
The site holds spiritual significance due to existence of different structures. Temple of the Sun is one of the religious spots that has been the centre of attraction due to the fact that the Inca ruler used to live near by the site. There is a natural formed cave just beneath the temple. The cave is known as ‘royal mausoleum’.
Principle Temple is located on the northwest of Machu Picchu. It comprises a carved stone altar that had a layer of white sand at the time of its excavation. The Inhuatana, a giant rock, is a mysterious stone that is placed on a raised platform towering above the plaza.
Machu Picchu is also referred to “the Lost City of the Incas”. It is regarded as mysterious structure that was made without using any wheels or iron utensils. This model serves as the best illustration of Inca engineering. It is said that many stones, which were used in construction of the city, were more than 50 tons in weight. The site is well-thought-out as the major tourist destination in Peru and also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Machu Picchu is now government owned and maintained safe under the legal and historical sanctions of Peru. The place also provides home to vast number of the scarce species. The site is an important part of Inca Empire and also has a special attachment with the vast history of the ancient time.
