|
|
Machu Picchu Information
History of Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu means ‘Old Mountain’. There is a reason behind the location of the place. It was believed that the mountain range just behind the Machu Picchu looked like the face of an Inca overlooking the ancient city. The lost city of Machu Picchu was first rediscovered by the Hiram Bingham III in the year 1911. The city did not have any military use. However, agriculture was prevalent. They grew crops like potatoes and maize. The city was inhabited by the Incas till the Spanish conquered it in the year 1532.
|
|
Geography of Machu Picchu: the Machu Picchu is located on the Vilcanota mountain range, part of the Andes mountain range in the South American country of Peru. The Urubamba River flows down the valley of the Machu Picchu Mountain. The Machu Picchu provides a shelter to a variety of flora and fauna. Plants like the pisonayes, q'eofias, alisos, puya palm trees, ferns are found in addition to which there are more than 90 kinds of orchids. Animal life includes spectacled bear, cock-of-the-rocks or "tunqui", tankas, wildcats and colorful variety of butterflies and insects.
Machu Picchu Economy Information: the most important occupation of the inhabitants was agriculture, which is can be well understood from the ruins of the irrigational structures constructed during those times. Evidence on the sites of the ruins suggests that crops like potatoes and maize were cultivated. Each community had their own farm to support their needs. Simple wooden instruments were used along withhoe bladed with bronze, a foot plow and stone – tipped club. Animals such as the alpacas, the llamas and the vicuas served as the animals that carried the burden, provided wool and also fuel. They were important for the economy.
Social Conditions: social divisions were prevalent even in the days of the Incas. Archaeologists have found that there were three divisions of the Machu Picchu – the district of the priests. The society was composed of allys who were families belonging to the same clans each of which were looked after by the craca or the chief. The language of the Incas was based on the signs of nature objects related to
nature. The elements of nature were denominated certain alphabets which were used in the language. They were extremely religious people. They believed in the presence of evil and good. This is evident from the fact that the Temple of the Sun, the home of the Inca Lord, the Temple of the Moon is all located here. The Sun Festivity which was known as “Inti Raymi” was the most celebrated festival of the Machu Picchu city.
Machu Picchu Transport System: the Incas had a very well developed road transport system. The roads were linked to the Cuzco which was the capital of the Inca Empire. They had separate coastal roads and separate mountain roads. One of the mountain roads led to the city of Machu Picchu. Torist transportation to the ancient city is available in the form of tourist trains from Cusco. Once there, you can avail of the guided tour facility. Cuzco is accessible through a domestic flight from Lima. An international flight from La Paz can also be availed of. The best form of transport available is on foot!
Administration and Government: the Machu Picchu administration and government fell under that of the Inca Empire. They had a very organized system of government. Moreover, the kings were extremely rich and had no problems with administering for the welfare of the inhabitants.
Educational Institution in Machu Picchu: among the ruins of the ancient city of Machu Picchu, there were subtle implications of educational enlightenment. There is enough evidence to suggest that the Incas were civilized people from the way they had planned their cities.
Cultural Life of Machu Picchu: the Incas had a vibrant cultural life. They were poetic people, who liked to spend their leisure time in music and dance. Every religious or social ceremony was accompanied by music. Trumpets and bells have been excavated from the ruins which show that they had an inclination towards music and dance.
Accommodation Options: accommodation is not a problem in Machu Picchu. Visitors can choose from hotels which come in different ranges. Or if they want to spend the night in a more luxurious way they can opt for Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge which is the only accommodation in Machu Picchu itself.
Food and Wine: food and wine, both are available in the hotels of Machu Picchu without a problem. But the interesting part is that once you are a part of the sacred city of the Incas the thought of either food or wine does not tempt you that much. There is enough for sustenance though!
Shopping in Machu Picchu: the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge has a souvenir shop from where you can get small tokens for your friends and relatives. There are markets adjoining the train tracks in the Aguas town where the tourist train arrives which offer a variety of local products to shop.
| Most Interesting Links | |||||||
|
|
|
|
| ||||
