Machu Picchu

http://www.explorebyyourself.com/peru/dostoprimechatelnosti/machu_picchu

Machu Picchu is a legendary city that is nestled in the heart of the Andes at an altitude of 2400 m. It is an ancient Inca settlement between two mountain peaks and still keeps its secrets.

When you look at the ruins of Machu Picchu, spectacularly stood out among jungle-covered mountain peaks and steep slopes and terraces down to the valley, tourists breath.

For those wishing to explore the monumental ruins and the full extent to take in the sights of an ancient civilization can pass on the Inca Trail — the route, which for many centuries was used by the pilgrims. It goes from the Sacred valley near Ollantaytambo through exotic forest and majestic mountains. Hiking on it is a few days.

From the top of the Funeral of the cliff you can enjoy spectacular as on a souvenir postcard, a view is the perfect place to greet the sunrise unless you don't mind the abundance of people and llamas grazing nearby. Hence perfectly viewed the location of the ancient city with agricultural and urban areas separated by long dry moat.
Machu Picchu (in Quechua machu pikchu means “Old Mountain”) is the mysterious city of the Incas, built in the mid-fifteenth century, and the tourist center of Peru. It is located about 100 km from the capital of the Inca Empire Cusco, in the mountains at an altitude of 2450 meters above sea level so secluded and hidden in the Andes that it wasn't able to reach the Spanish colonizers. Us about this town became known in 1911 thanks to the American scientist from Yale to Hiram Bingham. Although in fairness it should be noted that the locals knew about Machu Picchu, but were reluctant to share information with outsiders.
The History Of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu was built in the middle of the XV century, during the heyday of the great Inca Empire, stretching from the Northern border of modern Ecuador to Santiago in the South. Reached the heights of his craft builders and architects built a city, the walls of which are still firmly towering over the green slopes.
The expansion of the conquistadors in the sixteenth century forced the inhabitants of Machu Picchu to leave their homes and go North, where the rainforest was located in the last stronghold of the Incas – Vilcabamba. According to legend, Machu Picchu magically emptied in the same night, when the Spaniards landed on the coast of Latin America.
Until the beginning of XX century the ancient city was forgotten and abandoned until the American Professor Hiram Bingham went to another expedition to Latin America in search of the legendary gold of the Incas. Over the past four centuries the memory of the city in the mountains has worn off, and nobody knew where is located Machu Picchu. To find the remains of original Inca helped the locals, and now, in 1911, Machu Picchu was re-opened to the world. Much to the chagrin of Mr. Bingham or gold or other valuable things in the city were not. Scientists still can't come to an agreement: if the Incas took their treasures themselves, saving them from the Spaniards, or in the days of oblivion Machu Picchu was looted by smugglers. And while adventure seekers cherish the hope to find unimaginable wealth, we had the opportunity to touch the history in one of the most fascinating places on earth.

When to go

Due to the mountain climate in Machu Picchu is not the sweltering heat or humidity as in the North of Peru. It rains during the warmer months from November to March, usually at this time of year the air warms up to 17-18 degrees. From April to October the temperature seldom rises above 15 degrees, but the sun at this altitude, I was quite comfortable in the tank top and light skirt. At night in Machu Picchu and the surrounding area is very cold, in the coldest month – July – temperatures can fall below zero.
From the point of view of the weather most comfortable time to travel to Machu Picchu is spring and autumn. Rain will not spoil the walk, while at night you need to wrap up in a jacket. But we must remember that from may to September in Peru the high tourist season, so booking hotels and tickets in advance is better.
If you want to avoid the crowds of onlookers and enjoy the wonderful city of the Incas alone, it is best to plan a trip for April or October.
I was at the beginning of may – the weather was excellent, and the tourists were few.



Complete oblivion Machu Picchu is also shrouded in mystery. Apparently, the Incas left it dead in 1532, when the city was captured by the Spanish conquistadors. The jungle quickly covered the deserted ruins. Nearly 400 years passed before it opened again.

Temple of the moon, another sanctuary, frequented less often, there are many mystical recesses, niches and portals, has also carved thrones and an altar – its purpose is still not fully clear. Temple of the Condor in the direction from the Central square of notable dark rock, symbolizing the wings of a bird, and rock a pale color at the bottom depicting his head.