Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu: New 7 Wonders of the World
Machu Picchu is considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World (as declared in 2007) due to its breathtaking beauty, historical significance, and impressive engineering.
Machu Picchu was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, following a global poll organized by the New7Wonders Foundation. It earned this prestigious title due to a combination of historical, architectural, cultural, and aesthetic significance. Here’s why it earned this prestigious title:
1. Architectural & Engineering Marvel
- Built in the 15th century by the Inca Empire, Machu Picchu showcases advanced dry-stone construction (no mortar) that has withstood earthquakes and centuries of weathering.
- The site includes terraces, temples, palaces, and an intricate water system, demonstrating the Inca's mastery of civil engineering.
- It includes terraces for agriculture, an advanced drainage system, and buildings aligned with astronomical events.
2. Strategic, Aesthetic and Stunning Location
- Perched 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level in the Andes, it sits between two dramatic peaks, Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
- The "Lost City of the Incas" is surrounded by lush cloud forests, adding to its mystical appeal.
- The city is nestled between towering peaks and the Urubamba River, blending harmoniously with the environment.
3. Historical & Cultural Significance
- Believed to be a royal estate or sacred religious site for Inca emperor Pachacuti, it was abandoned during the Spanish conquest but never discovered by the invaders.
- Its well-preserved ruins provide invaluable insight into Inca civilization.
- It provides invaluable insight into Inca civilization, their cosmology, urban planning, and spiritual beliefs.
4. Mystery & Discovery
- Although known locally, Machu Picchu was "rediscovered" by Hiram Bingham, an American explorer in 1911, capturing global attention.
- Its purpose remains debated, was it a retreat, an astronomical observatory, or a ceremonial center?
- Its "lost city" status and remote location have contributed to its aura of mystery and romance.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Site (1983)
- Recognized for both cultural and natural importance, blending human achievement with environmental harmony, and recognizing its outstanding universal value.
- Despite centuries of exposure to the elements, much of the site remains well-preserved.
6. Global Popularity, Symbol of Peru and Human Achievement
- As one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, it attracts millions of visitors, boosting Peru’s cultural tourism.
- It stands as a testament to the ingenuity, skill, and spiritual depth of pre-Columbian civilizations in the Americas.
- Its inclusion among the New Seven Wonders celebrates cultural diversity and honors non-European wonders.
Why a "Wonder"?
The New7Wonders campaign (2000-2007) involved 100 million global votes, and Machu Picchu won for its awe-inspiring beauty, historical mystery, and engineering genius, making it a true wonder of human achievement, creativity and resilience.
Would you like to know more about visiting or its hidden secrets?
The Inca Trail And Other Trek Routes
Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail is undoubtedly Peru's most popular trekking route. Recommended for the physical fit only, it runs for more than 40km and reaches 4,200 m.a.s.l. at its highest point, the Warmiwañuska or Dead Woman's Pass. The stone-paved trail, discovered in 1960 and part of the more than 23,000 km of roads built by the Incas across South America, crosses a remarkable range of natural landscapes and eco systems, from thick tropical jungle to the bear, unwelcoming rocks of the Andean mountains.
Machu Picchu Inca Peru
All in all it's probably the most beautiful walk in South America. The Trail takes three to four days of tough hiking, and can be commenced at Chillca (Kilometre 76 of the Cusco-Machu Picchu railway) or, most frequently, at Qorihuayrachina, Kilometre 88 of the railway.
The first day is relatively easy, and includes along the route the Inca ruins of Cusichaca, Q'ente, Pulpituyoc, and Llaqtapata, a site used for crop production remained well preserved. The second day is the hardest of all, mainly because the ascent becomes increasingly steep.
The trail follows original Inca stonework that climbs uphill, ending just short of the actual Warmiwañuska or Dead Woman's pass, at 4,200 m.a.s.l. The crossing of the pass opens day three, after camping in the Pacaymayo valley. From here it’s downhill.
Machu Picchu Inca Trail 4d/3N The Trail descends into the valley and heads to the restored site of Runkuraqay, a small Inca watch post, and then to Sayaqmarka, perched atop a sheer cliff, from where one can see the start of the massive Amazon rainforest, stretching to Brazil. The final day is another easy day, mostly descending and passing through lush jungles and cloud forests before reaching Machu Picchu, Peru’s most important tourist site, through the Inti Punku or Gateway of the Sun. Before going for the trail, you should spend at least 48 hours in Cusco acclimatising, as it features some tough hiking, including several hours above 3,500 m.a.s.l.
Machu Picchu Inca Trekking Otherwise, Acute Mountain sickness (altitude sickness) could make your first few days pretty uncomfortable. During the high season, from June to August, you should book well in advance -at least 3 months-, as the number of trek permits issued is limited to 500 per day (including tour guides and porters). Other trekking routes: The Royal or Sacred Path, Just before arriving at Aguas Calientes, at km. 104 of the train rails, this path takes the direction to Phuyupatamarca, climbing up terraces and stone stairs.
After 2 hours of hiking you arrive to the recently discovered and beautifully Wiñay Wayna ruins. Located on a steep mountain slope and looking over the Urubamba river, Wiñay Wayna is a nice example of Inca terrace architecture.
Machu Picchu Trek Peru The name means "forever young" in Quechua but experts still disagree upon the meaning: some consider it refers to the colorful orchids that populate the surroundings, while others say the name alludes to the Inca rites and ceremonies celebrated in the complex. The path then converges in the Inca Trail, arriving to Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, Inti Punko. The route takes some 6 hours, and can be done in alternative to the Inca Trail if the latter is deemed to harsh. A permit is needed for this route.
Purification Trail Part of the Inca Trail system, this route has been recently discovered by archaeologists. It starts at km. 107 of the railway track (3km upstream from Aguas Calientes), near the hydroelectric exit pipe. After crossing the suspended bridge, it follows to the Choquesuisui gully, and ascends until it meets the Inca Trail near Wiñay Wayna. The name, Purification Trail, alludes to the descending pools formed by the stream that runs alongside the path.
Putucusi Hike This dangerous and demanding 3-hour hike (round trip) involves a great reward: the spectacular view of the Machu Picchu landscape.
Putucusi ("happy mountain" in Quechua) is a round-shaped mountain that reaches 2,600 m.a.s.l. at its peak, and is located across the valley from the Inca citadel. This is a demanding hike (only possible during the dry season, March to November), which involves steep ladder climbs and slippery scrambling. Some ladders, stacked into the wall, even go up for 20 meters in almost a 90 degree inclination. Recommended for people with a good level of physical fitness only.
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