The Ancient Builders of Machu Picchu: Genius Behind the Lost City | Travel Blog
Machu Picchu's ancient builders were real artists of engineering and architecture. They meticulously carved the stones and laid the city across them. There were many centuries during which their work resisted every bit of earthquake and time.
Machu Picchu's layout bore the signs of an ancient cosmic consciousness, an astronomical wisdom, and water knowledge. Terracing against the erosion, it is irrigated by aqueducts. They aligned every structure to observe celestial events and natural landscapes.
Table of content
- Discoverer of Machu Picchu
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Construction Mysteries: How the Inca Achieved the Impossible
- Seismic-Resistant Architecture: Building to Withstand Earthquakes
- Cosmic Alignments: Machu Picchu's Cosmic Connection
- Ingenious Water Systems: An Engineering Feat of Sustainability
- Spaces Sacred: All about Temples and Ceremonial Structures
- The Inca Trail: Your Stroll Along a Pathway of Sacred Wisdom
- Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: A Two-Hour Scenic Guided Tour
Discoverer of Machu Picchu
An American academic-archaeologist and exuberant discoverer, Hiram Bingham, arrived at Cusco in 1911. He aimed to uncover the last remnants of the Incan Empire, Vilcabamba.
Local farmers took him through mountains. After an arduous journey, he finally arrived at the ruins of Machu Picchu.
Bingham was spellbound by its architectural wonder and exposure to such a commanding position above the Urubamba River.
There was little difficulty in taking measurements and photographic records of the citadel. The thick vegetation enveloped the stone structures, terraces and temples.
This was the moment for the world to learn about the builders of Machu Picchu.
Bingham enlisted the help of Yale University and the local government in the study and excavation of the ruins. They recovered many artifacts to ship over to the United States, today various museums display them.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Machu Picchu is among the more visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites honoring it for its unique cultural history.
The builders applied precise stone-cutting techniques to put it together without modern or European tools.
Its perfect designs merge majestically with the Andean and Amazonian landscapes.
And it is no wonder that their infinite powers of imagination still maintain their apparent fascination. To this day, architects and engineers spanning the whole globe remain captivated by their ingenuity.
A Bridging Link Between Cultures and History
Before reaching Machu Picchu, certain travelers explore other very interesting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South America.
Arequipa and Cusco in Peru are the major tourist choices, joining with Tiwanaku in Bolivia and Quito in Ecuador.
For nature lovers, it remains delightfully popular to combine their Machu Picchu trip with an ecotour adventure. The most exquisite destination is the Galapagos Islands with the Peru essentials package.
This makes it an extremely diverse and unforgettable South American experience.
Construction Mysteries: How the Inca Achieved the Impossible
Historical evidence supports the claim that Inca Pachacutec, the ninth Inca, took responsibility for its construction.
The methodology of construction implemented here is beyond belief. Each moment that you see the constructions standing on such sacred ground, you marvel. They used a method that shall resist even violent earthquakes and extreme climate.
Scholars believe that Incas constructed Machu Picchu with huge stones using ramps, probably made of earth, tied ropes, and lots of manpower. The massive stone blocks exhibit precision that could endure without a drop of mortar.
Transporting such material across the Andes mountain range is still one of the ciphers in engineering by the Inca.
It is exciting to detect the same supreme skills at other archaeological sites. Examples include Sacsayhuamán, Sillustani and Qoricancha.
The builders crafted massive stone walls of Sacsayhuamán with immaculate workmanship. Those look identical to those found in Machu Picchu.
Seismic-Resistant Architecture: Building to Withstand Earthquakes
The ancient builders of Machu Picchu used a construction style for earthquake resistance. This technique baffles the laws of nature.
Given that it was built in the 15th century and is located in an earthquake-prone area. What factors contributed to the excellent resilience of this Inca City?
Unlike modern buildings that tend to crack under pressure, these doorways and windows of the Inca construction are trapezoidal in style. This design allows them to absorb shocks.
These sloping walls are interlocking rocks that provide for extra strength. This must be proof that the Inca knew about earthquake resistance.
Engineering Marvels Beyond Machu Picchu
The further constructions of the Inca, such as the ones at Pisac and Ollantaytambo, reflect a similar building legacy. They have managed to keep the stonework still, century over century, despite crazy seismic activity.
Pachacamac in Lima also reflects such an approach to earthquake resistance, although coastal cultures constructed it much earlier.
Cosmic Alignments: Machu Picchu's Cosmic Connection
The ancient Machu Picchu builders laid out the city in celestial alignment. Indeed, many structures align so as to give better solar positions in solstices and equinoxes.
This precision in alignment, therefore, reveals their understanding of astronomy and how their celestial beliefs influenced their religious sanctuary.
A perfect example of this is the Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu. The Incas oriented the windows to let in the first rays of sunrise during the June solstice. This emphasized the belief the Incas held for Inti, the Sun God.
There are other cultures in Peru that created places of worship for celestial bodies. The Inca maintained the connection with such sites amidst their temples' supposed eternity.
You can still experience this heritage through events like the Inti Raymi festival, in Cusco.
Legacy Written in the Stars
Inca actually saw the Milky Way in the sky and on Earth in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Meaning 'Sacred River' in Quechua, the Wilkamayu River appeared to mimic the flowing Milky Way on Earth. It was a symbol of harmony, linking heaven and the landscape of the Andes.
Ingenious Water Systems: An Engineering Feat of Sustainability
The ancient Machu Picchu engineers created an advanced water system that still works today. Constructed from stones set for canals, fountains, and drainage systems, this engineering marvel was vital. It played a crucial role in supporting life in the challenging environment of the Andes.
The main water supply within Machu Picchu comes from a natural spring located above the city. From there, engineers transposed terraces and channels for an accurate way to evenly distribute its waters. Thus enabling clean water at one end of the city and preventing erosion and landslides at the very spot.
There were many other Inca sites with complicated irrigation systems. The better example is Tipón of the South Valley of Cusco and Choquequirao, the sister city of Machu Picchu.
Cantalloc Aqueducts and Maras Salt Mines are testimonies of the capacity of controlling water in different environments.
Spaces Sacred: All about Temples and Ceremonial Structures
The ancient builders constructed Machu Picchu to echo their deep-rooted spiritual beliefs.
Temples and ceremonial structures were essential in worship, primarily honoring nature and the cosmos. These sacred sites served as a connection between the Inca civilization and the divine forces they revered.
Other sacred sites are Pachacamac and Kuelap. Both have represented the central ceremonial center for their respective ethnic groups.
The pilgrims who made the journey along the Inca Trail were likely to go through ritual acts long before they reached Machu Picchu. These religious practices would serve to further bond their connection to nature.
The Inca Trail: Your Stroll Along a Pathway of Sacred Wisdom
More than just offering hikers an excellent hiking route, the Inca Trail takes you on a journey deep through history. This ancient pathway built by the inca truly takes the visitor through the oldest achievements of the Andean civilization.
Just like in the days of yore, the paths cut through cloud forests, mountain passes, and look at several archeological sites.
Every few days, hikers pass the amazing Wiñay Wayna archaeological site. Where they find undeniable proof of the technologically advanced and brilliant Tawantinsuyu civilization.
Camping along the Inca Trail immerses you in nature and the Andean way of life.
It offers a mix of walking in the footsteps of the noble Inca of yore. It also showcases the deep understanding of geography and astronomy imposed by the Inca Empire.
Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu: A Two-Hour Scenic Guided Tour
Traveling from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu recovers a scenic journey in the midst of the Andean landscapes.
Once aboard the bus moving gently through verdant slopes of the high Andes. You will have an arresting view of the Urubamba as an exciting prologue to the Hidden City to visit. The road gains in altitude while expectations sneak up for the grand entrance to the Incan ruins.
Upon arrival, a guide will lead travelers on a tour and highlight the most impressive areas. They explore the Sun Temple, the Intihuatana stone, and farming terraces produced by the Inca.
These architectural marvels speak loudly to the advanced skills of ancient builders within this sacred land. They master-handling the stones with impeccable geometric layout.
The tour reveals the spiritual and astronomical significance of Machu Picchu. It also highlights other important sites like Lake Titicaca and the Nazca Lines. This knowledge showcases a profound connection between the ancient Peruvian people and the cosmos.
A Timeless Wonder Among Tourist Destinations
Machu Picchu stands as a jewel among the world's tourist destinations. It offers a blend of rich history, breathtaking nature, and remarkable architecture.
To enhance your cultural journey, consider an Amazon adventure to Tambopata National Park or a cruise experience in Iquitos.
This journey will allow you to explore Peru's heritage in depth and appreciate its unique legacy.
