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Machu Picchu,
Cuzco, Peru
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Inca civilisation, Peru. 15th century
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At 2,430 metres above sea level, on a mountain site of extraordinary beauty,
this historical sanctuary lies high in the Andean mountains in the Cuzco
region of Peru. Known as the `Lost city of the Incas'. Machu Picchu
has been shrouded in mystery since its discovery by Hiram Bingham
in 1911. It is belived to have been built in the 15th century, at
the zenith of Inca civilisation.
The closest large town to the Inca Trail is Cuzco, the old imperial Inca
capital, which was both the administrative and the religious centre of
the empire. Seized by the Spanish in 1533 after the murders of the Incas
Huascar and Atahualpa, many of the original Inca buildings were destroyed
and their stone used to construct palaces and churches for the invaders.
Much of the city was also burned during the rebellion of 1534.
From Cuzco, air-conditioned tourist trains are available to take visitors
directly to Machu Picchu. To follow the Inca Trail, take the local train
and get off at Km.88. The trail starts here.
The trail crosses the river at Cusichaca ("Bridge of happiness" - the
names of many of the places along the trail are Quechua names invented
by Hiram Bingham, who led the expedition that (re)discovered Machu Picchu).
There is a suspension bridge for walkers here.
Machu Picchu Gallery
Mayuc Adventure Travel
GORP:
Ancient Peru
UNSCO Historic
Sanctuary of Machu Picchu
WCMC
Site Informatioin for Macchu Picchu
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Last update on 12/2001.
UNESCO
World
Heritage Site 1983