1.- INTRODUCTION TO MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu is cataloged as a world wonder also known as the lost city of the Incas because during the Spanish conquest this city was never discovered, according to studies it is considered that it was built during the mandate of the Inca Pachacutec, however with the passage of time this was abandoned in a mysterious way and without having a clear answer. It is only in 1911 that thanks to the explorations carried out by the North American explorer Hiram Bingham, this citadel made of stone was discovered on the top of a mountain. Although for a long time it was debated about its purpose, many people believed that it was a ceremonial center, others that it was a place of retreat for the nobles, there were even some who suggested that the cities had the purpose of being an educational training center for young people, however the reality and what most resembles is that this citadel had a multifunctional purpose that is to say that it contained religious, urban, agricultural, military and administrative sectors.
The detailed map of Machu Picchu allows you to know all the important aspects you need, however it also provides you with useful basic information for your trip starting by letting you know that the citadel is located in the central area of the Andes Mountains in the valley of the Urubamba River in the region of Cusco. At 2360 meters above sea level it is lower than other places like the Sacred Valley or Cusco so you won’t have to worry about altitude sickness. While observing the detailed map of Machu Picchu you can see that there are three identified sectors where the sacred precincts are located, the urban areas for nobles as well as for the people of the town.
By carefully observing the detailed map of Machu Picchu you will discover that this Inca city represents a symbol of greatness of a culture that showed its mastery over architecture, adaptability and even strategy. Visiting Machu Picchu is undoubtedly one of the things you should do at least once in your life.
2.- OVERVIEW OF THE DETAILED MAP OF MACHU PICCHU
Thanks to the detailed map of Machu Picchu you can see that the Inca city is located in a strategic area where you can get a panoramic view of the entire urban valley, although many people enter in a planned tour there is also another group that enters on their own and has the possibility to explore on their own in a more leisurely way the detailed map of Machu Picchu, here the local guides are also an excellent option.
The Inca citadel has the category of historical sanctuary so it is also a natural reserve protected by the Peruvian State having an extension of more than 32 thousand hectares, of course it is not only the natural aspect that counts, the archaeological centers and social remains found are vital and very important to know within the detailed map of Machu Picchu.
Another aspect that stands out quite fast within the detailed map of Machu Picchu are the naturally formed ecosystems such as lowland forests, high Andean grasslands, high forests and others in which the flora and fauna develops quickly and naturally giving home to countless species such as the spectacled bear, the cock of the rock and many varieties of orchids.
Within the detailed map of Machu Picchu there are 3 main areas, these are the sacred square, the urban sector and the residential area, in each of them you can find enclosures and special places that have a specific purpose.
2.1.- Temple of the 3 windows
It is another of the must-see places within the detailed map of Machu Picchu, is located in the main square of the citadel and provides an incredible view of the lower area of the city full, stands out for containing three windows with trapezoidal shape, highlights much polished that have these rocks as you can appreciate the fine finish they have and as is known this type of finish was only intended for sacred enclosures or directed to religious ceremonies, while the popular spaces or for the people had a rougher finish.
2.2.- Temple of the Condor
Within the Andean culture the condor is considered a divine bird that has the ability to communicate with the world of the gods, then it is not surprising that a specific enclosure has been dedicated to this animal which you can visit during your tour of the detailed map of Machu Picchu, inside you can see a rock that resembles the head of the bird while others at the top simulate the wings. It is considered that this place was mainly used to worship certain ages as well as to perform some ceremonies, the peculiarity of this is that the image of the condor resembles a descent that many relate to the underworld.
2.3.- Royal Tomb
As we have already seen the most important enclosure is the temple of the sun and under this construction is the enclosure called royal tomb, a cave made in a natural rock facing east, inside you can see some rocks carved with various niches, however what catches the eye at first glance is certainly the great altar that can be seen inside, currently access is restricted but from where you can see a step from the main entrance.
2.4.- Central Plaza
In the center of the city you can see the central square where you can currently see some llamas eating grass and multiple travelers who came to travel in the city of the Inca. However, during its heyday this place was considered the main ceremonial sector where ceremonies were held for all, it has a great view of the residential sector where it is located in most of the enclosures where the nobles lived.
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
“This year the Ministry of Culture decided to modify the established circuits to visit Machu Picchu, no doubt I would be lost since it was sudden, however having the detailed map of Machu Picchu it was more understandable for me which one to choose according to my travel needs.”
2.5.- Temple of the Sun
Considering that for the Inca culture, the sun god was the main god in their belief and religion, probably this is the most important enclosure within the detailed map of Machu Picchu, it is known that these spaces were mainly used for astronomical purposes and only the Andean priests with higher hierarchy within the nobility could access and perform ceremonies and sacred rituals, its structure has a semicircular shape built organically on a huge solid rock.
2.6.- Intihuatana
Your tour of the detailed map of Machu Picchu will not be complete if you do not get to know the famous sector of Intihuatana, a man who comes from the Quechua word that translated would be “where the sun is tied”, since its purpose was precisely this, to project the shadow between the rock and the sun while the Andean priests interpreted it to be able to predict the weather. This place is one of the most special in the detailed map of Machu Picchu because it remains almost intact as it was left by the Incas who lived here because the Spaniards fortunately did not manage to reach this point.
2.7.- Guardian’s House
It is the guardian’s house is an emblematic place that is a must to visit if you want to live an unforgettable experience during your tour of the detailed map of Machu Picchu, besides that is a strategic point for people who come to the city through the other road as is the case of travelers who enter through the Sun Gate after traveling the Inca roads or also in the past for those who came to access the Inca bridge sector.
2.8.- Sun Gate
Considered by many as the true entrance to the world wonder of Machu Picchu, the Sun Gate is both the end point of the Inca Trail and the starting point to the Inca citadel, it offers travelers who can get here a panoramic view so great that the only limitation will be your eyes.
2.9.- Storage houses
As previously indicated, Machu Picchu was most probably a multifunctional center where there were different types of enclosures, it is not surprising that there was also a storage sector where military equipment was kept and at the same time the food that was used later in times of drought, always taking advantage of the flow of cold wind to keep them fresh as long as possible.
2.10.- Water Mirrors
Although it is not known for sure what was the purpose of this enclosure, it is directly related to the moon and fertility where women went to worship the deity to allow them to have a family.
2.11.- Water Fountains
During your tour of the detailed map of Machu Picchu this will undoubtedly be one of the most striking attractions that you will discover, a set of 16 fountains that are still functional show how great was the ingenuity of hydraulic engineering during the time of the Inca culture, this allowed a water supply to the agricultural area.
2.12.- Sacred Rock
One of the most emblematic places within the detailed map of Machu Picchu, it is a rock of incredibly large size bordered by two open enclosures where the spectators of the ceremony were considered to be, while the open space in the middle was where the ceremony was held with the Andean priest. There are those who mention it as a representation of the Apus where he could be worshipped.
2.3.- Inca Bridge
Located at one of the ends of the Inca citadel is the popular Inca bridge that is currently off-limits but may have served as an annex of communication from this place to other remote places such as Vilcabamba by which could access the Chaskis who were the royal messengers or troops of the Inca army.
| “A trip is experienced three times: when we dream it, when we live it and when we remember it.” |
3.- FAQs ABOUT DETAILED MAP OF MACHU PICCHU
- What are the main areas to see in Machu Picchu?
When you go through the detailed map of Machu Picchu you will certainly get to know the guardian’s house, the upper terrace, the main square, the sacred rock and the temple of the condor. Of course it will depend a lot on the circuit you choose for your visit, you can learn more in our article about the new circuits of Machu Picchu.
- Are there guided tours available at Machu Picchu?
Yes, this can be done in two ways. The first is with the organization that you have with the travel agency that you visit throughout Peru or you can also do it by hiring a site guide at the door of the archaeological center.
- How long should I plan to spend at Machu Picchu?
The time allowed to enjoy the Inca cities of Machu Picchu is two hours, however in the company of a tour guide you can extend it a little more even up to two hours and 30 minutes.
- Are there amenities like restaurants or bathrooms at Machu Picchu?
Not inside the citadel, however at the main gate you can find the restroom service and also an exclusive restaurant that belongs to the hotel Sanctuary Lodge.
- What should I wear to visit Machu Picchu?
It will depend a lot on the season you choose to travel, however always try to wear light clothing so you can easily ascend and descend the steps that it has, in addition to that it is possible that you may be surprised by a sudden rain, for this we recommend you to wear a rain poncho at all times.
Visiting each of the places inside the detailed map of Machu Picchu is a feat since many people only focus on a specific point, however with good planning and trip design it is possible to achieve it. Auri Peru is an agency specialized in providing unique experiences to visit Machu Picchu for travelers like you who are looking to fulfill their dream, contact us now and discover what we can do for you.
“Everything is cured by traveling.”
