My long cherished desire fulfilled as I gazed in amazement at the massive Machu Picchu, one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
An Incan citadel set at 2430 meters high in Andes mountain range of Peru, Machu Picchu is spectacular. Machu Picchu symbolizes power and inventiveness of Inca empire. Machu Picchu is archaeological wonder, too. Constructed without any use of mortar or tools, still stones fitted so tightly that even a paper cannot be placed in joint.
Due to the great archaeological significance, Machu Picchu was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. And in 2007 Machu Picchu got the distinction as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. And one of the must visits in my list of global travels that materialized recently during my visit to Peru in South America.
In fact describing Machu Picchu as ruin is not fully correct. Machu Picchu has not fallen, it conserves its major portion of construction in its original form, even today.
Built in 15th century Machu Picchu citadel is the most innovative creation of Inca empire. One of the most advanced urban planning of ancient era. And worship of sun by Incas is the main factor that Machu Picchu was constructed at such high elevation so that they could remain closer to sun, their supreme god, in sky.
Fabulously built Machu Picchu site comprises of many monuments, temples, royal tombs, plazas, storing houses, platforms, canals and stairways. Each construction at site holds specific purpose which comprised administrative, religious, social and astronomical value. Below are few pictorial representations of Machu Picchu citadel through my lens. 
There are many theories about the legend of Machu Picchu citadel. Machu Picchu words come from ethnic Quechua group. Machu means old and Picchu means mountain. Thus Machu Picchu stands for old mountain.
Machu Picchu came to attention after American historian Hiram Bingham’s findings. Hiram understood the historical value of discovered citadel ruins and contacted Yale University. He requested the National Geographic Society and the Peruvian government for funds to do studies on Inca site. Subsequently archaeological work was carried out. In year 2013 Machu Picchu was revealed to the world when National Geographic magazine published extensive article on Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu is a protected area due to its immense heritage value. The surrounding areas of citadel are conserved for its rich biodiversity. Several unique species of flora and fauna are found in this region.
These days there are multiple options to reach Machu Picchu citadel from Cusco, the base point for Machu Picchu tours and treks. If not into trekking then train journey and bus journey could be undertaken. I did two days tour from Cusco to Machu Piccu that comprised scenic journey in Peru Rail Expedition train and hike through sub tropical, densejungle. Early morning at four I started my solo hike from Aguas Calientes and reached Machu Picchu citadel to witness incredible sunrise. My English speaking guide was waiting at the entrance. And then commenced the exploration of the iconic ruins which took more than two hours.
To sum up I just say that mode of travel to the historic site may be any, Machu Picchu fascinates all.
Wow, very informative. Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea of yours
Thanks.
I find your post very informative with essential tips and exciting ideas for new travelers. Thanks for sharing. I’ll keep following your blog for learning and getting ideas on traveling around the world.
Thank you Fahim.
Nice one
Wow what an amazing place
Very informative…
I have never been there, but it’s on my bucket list. Your pictures are fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Kristie.
I’d love to see this. Great photos!
A very informative post you’ve written here, I too was able to tick Machu picchu off my list. There are some so called ‘wonders of the world’ that are over-hyped and are a let down when you visit them but Machu Picchu was not that – It truly was amazing. I actually met a guy there who goes 4 times a year, and has been doing that for the past 5 years, he told me it never gets old.
Absolutely Amit.
Wow! Your images are amazing! Makes me want to be a traveller too 🙂
Why not? You will certainly relish.
You have the lovliest photos of Machu Picchu! I hope I also get to visit here soon!
Thank you Marie.
Oh i just noticed your clothes and gear, is it really cold in Machu Pachu? Safe to say, I am fascinated with the folklore associated with it! Thanks for sharing!
Not year round but I visited in winter.
These photos are amazing, I’ve always wanted to go
I hope to one day also visit! Were you scared to travel alone or have you been doing that for a while now? I couldn’t work up the courage to travel alone lol. Thank you for sharing!
I have been traveling solo for years Joanna.
These photos are amazing- it looks like an amazing place, definitely one for the bucket list! Samantha xx | samanthadobbin.com
Thanks Samantha.
Looks like an amazing experience!! This place is definitely on my Bucket list and I hope to one day be able to see this all in person as well! Great photos that you have! Thanks for posting 🙂
Thank you.
One of my childhood dreams was to visit Machu Pichu. I have read dozens of books, watched various documentaries and much more about the Inca civilization. This article simply brought back some old memories and wishes. I just wonder how difficult is it to reach it?
Not that difficult Irma. These days so many options are available and you do not have to do difficult treks
if you are not comfortable doing.
This is such a wonderful spot to visit, but I haven’t had a chance to made my way to it yet. Your photos and accompanying storytelling really fuelled my lust for travel and I can’t appreciate such inspiration enough! I can indeed understand why Machu Picchu is considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
The two day tour from Cusco definitely seems like the way to go! I would LOVE to try the Peru Rail Expedition train through a jungle. What an adventure!
I saw you had climbed Mt Kilimanjaro, I’m very interested in doing that, so I am so glad I found this blog! I will explore it further, hopefully you have some articles from your climbing expeditioN!
Thank you Ann. You will certainly find articles on climbing.
Your photos make me want to go even more now! Looks like you had an incredible experience! xo, Suzanne~
Thanks.
Machu Picchu is definitely on my travel list. A friend of mine visited Machu Picchu and she loved it. She had some great stories. Machu Pichhu is so impressive. Incredible that this has been built in the 15th century. I didn’t know about the theories. Interesting to learn about that!
Thank you Carola.
Interesting and informative post. I like how you took us through the ruins with your photos so that we can also see what it looks like. Usually, we see only the typical Machu Pichu shot and not much more.
Tadeja
Thank you.
I really want to visit Machu Pichu, You got great pictures and very well written.
Thank you Ishani.
I սsed to be able to find g᧐od information from your blog posts.