Machu Picchu was home to the pre-Columbian civilization Incans. The term 'pre-Columbian' refers to the period of ancient history before Christopher Columbus set foot on what is now American soil in 1492. The Incas dwelt in highland Peru from the 13th Century until they were wiped out by the Spanish in 1572, when the last Incan Emperor, Tupac Amaru, was executed.
A Yale University professor of Latin American Studies rediscovered the lost city in 1911. Since then, the ruins have become a draw for intrepid tourists. The essentially intact cultural remains made the 2007 list of 'New Seven Wonders of the World.' Prior to that, in 1987, it was designated a Historic Sanctuary by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site.
There are ten criteria under which a cultural or natural property may become listed by UNESCO. Of these, Machu Picchu meets four. It hosts natural phenomena of aesthetic importance and serves as a living example of evolution in process. It provides an outstanding display of human creative genius and it bears unique testimony to the ancient civilization.
Situated in the Andes Mountain Range, Machu Picchu has an elevation of 2,430 meters (7,972 feet). To get an idea of the fitness level required to fully enjoy exploring the area, visit a tall building in your area and walk up and down the stairs. Prepare yourself for several hours of this type of exercise.
Nearby Cuzco, at 11,000 feet or 3,400 meters, is a good place to stay for a day or two to get acclimatized to the altitude prior to tackling a trek in Machu Picchu. Using a hiking pole will help with fatigue and take the strain off any delicate knees. Anyone with a diagnosed respiratory disorder or joint problem should certainly consult a medical professional before subjecting themselves to the rigors of this sort.
Proud of their country, Peruvians are very patriotic. This is reflected in the way they want tourists to view Peru, to the extent that there is a high profile police presence protecting visitors from unwanted attention. Even when protesting against the government, the locals are polite and peaceful as well as passionate and loud about their cause.
Spanish is the main language, although Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and English are also spoken here. The lost language of Quipu was invented by the Incas. Less a language than a system of record keeping, Quipu was a system of data recording that consisted of knots tied in various colors of cotton or wool thread. It has been hypothesized that it was used to monitor tributes.
While transporting yourself to this remote area of South America can be expensive, once you are there it is fairly cheap to sustain yourself in terms of food and accommodation. While the month of February, the beginning of summer time, is a good time to visit the pacific coast of Peru, the trail to Machu Picchu is closed because of torrential rain. The months of May and September are reported to be good times to visit Machu Picchu. May is good because it is comparatively free of hoards of other tourists. If you are planning to do the Inca trail, your visit will be enhanced if you try to plan this aspect of your trip so that it ends with a full moon.
A Yale University professor of Latin American Studies rediscovered the lost city in 1911. Since then, the ruins have become a draw for intrepid tourists. The essentially intact cultural remains made the 2007 list of 'New Seven Wonders of the World.' Prior to that, in 1987, it was designated a Historic Sanctuary by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site.
There are ten criteria under which a cultural or natural property may become listed by UNESCO. Of these, Machu Picchu meets four. It hosts natural phenomena of aesthetic importance and serves as a living example of evolution in process. It provides an outstanding display of human creative genius and it bears unique testimony to the ancient civilization.
Situated in the Andes Mountain Range, Machu Picchu has an elevation of 2,430 meters (7,972 feet). To get an idea of the fitness level required to fully enjoy exploring the area, visit a tall building in your area and walk up and down the stairs. Prepare yourself for several hours of this type of exercise.
Nearby Cuzco, at 11,000 feet or 3,400 meters, is a good place to stay for a day or two to get acclimatized to the altitude prior to tackling a trek in Machu Picchu. Using a hiking pole will help with fatigue and take the strain off any delicate knees. Anyone with a diagnosed respiratory disorder or joint problem should certainly consult a medical professional before subjecting themselves to the rigors of this sort.
Proud of their country, Peruvians are very patriotic. This is reflected in the way they want tourists to view Peru, to the extent that there is a high profile police presence protecting visitors from unwanted attention. Even when protesting against the government, the locals are polite and peaceful as well as passionate and loud about their cause.
Spanish is the main language, although Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and English are also spoken here. The lost language of Quipu was invented by the Incas. Less a language than a system of record keeping, Quipu was a system of data recording that consisted of knots tied in various colors of cotton or wool thread. It has been hypothesized that it was used to monitor tributes.
While transporting yourself to this remote area of South America can be expensive, once you are there it is fairly cheap to sustain yourself in terms of food and accommodation. While the month of February, the beginning of summer time, is a good time to visit the pacific coast of Peru, the trail to Machu Picchu is closed because of torrential rain. The months of May and September are reported to be good times to visit Machu Picchu. May is good because it is comparatively free of hoards of other tourists. If you are planning to do the Inca trail, your visit will be enhanced if you try to plan this aspect of your trip so that it ends with a full moon.
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