Machu Picchu Pictures
Since its discovery to the world in 1911, Machu Picchu has been photographed countless times. The first black and white shots made by explorer Hiram Bingham were published by National Geographic magazine. Today, the Inca city is one of the most photographed tourist destinations on the entire planet. See the best shots of this world wonder.
The discovery of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was discovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. The place was full of vegetation product of the passage of time. Photos of their discovery were published in National Geographic magazine.
Machu Picchu today
Machu Picchu is one of the best tourist destinations on the planet. Since it was listed as one of the ‘7 Wonders of the Modern World’ in 2007, each year it is visited by more than 1.5 million tourists. Because of this, the Inca city is also one of the most photographed destinations in the world. The shots are published on the main social networks and internet travel forums.
The Intihuatana
The Intihuatana (solar clock) served as the astronomical calendar at Machu Picchu. It is believed that by bringing their hands together, visitors are filled with the energy of the sun.
The Temple of the 3 Windows
In the religious sector is this enclosure made up of a set of trapezoidal walls 10 meters long and 4 meters wide. It is located right next to the Main Square.
The Sacred Rock
This immense structure reaches 7 meters wide and 3 meters high. Chance? Apparently the Incas carved it in the shape of a mountain, an Andean protector god.
The Main Square
The Main Square of Machu Picchu is damaged due to the passage of time and seismic movements. The main religious ceremonies in Machu Picchu were held there.
The Temple of the Sun
This temple is the only one with a circular shape in Machu Picchu. Only the elite and the priests could enter this place where the sun, the highest Inca deity, was worshiped.
Platforms of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu has a huge network of platforms. It is believed that these could supply its close to a thousand inhabitants in Inca times. There they grew products such as potatoes, corn, goose and more.
Machu Picchu Mountain
The highest point of Machu Picchu is the top of the Machu Picchu mountain at 3,082 meters above sea level. The name ‘Machupicchu’ (old mountain in Spanish) comes from this summit.
The Huayna Picchu mountain
The Huayna Picchu mountain (young mountain, in Spanish) is at 2,720 meters above sea level. This summit is present in the classic photo of Machupicchu. From the ‘Casa del Guardián’ (the cabin in the photo) you can get the best photographs of the place.
The stones of Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu was built with granite stone found in the place. Otherwise it would have been impossible to build the numerous enclosures, temples, platforms and more.
The landscapes of Machu Picchu
From the top of the Machu Picchu mountain you can take some of the best landscape photographs of the place. The walk there takes approximately 2 hours (2 kilometers of route to the top).
Tourists in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu receives approximately 1.5 million visitors a year. The time of high season occurs from April to August.