Wednesday Wonders – Machu Picchu

Here is my next post for my WonderLesch blog on the wonders of the world! We take a trip through the most important modern day attractions for you to know more about these places, or even help you decide on your next holiday destination.

Machu Picchu is an archaeological wonder, placed in the middle of the Andes Mountain range in South America, Perú specifically. The complex is a wonder of architecture, design and history, as the Incas lived there before, and it has been determined that the site served as a site for veneration and religious practices.

Millions of people on the internet voted on an official poll, and voted the ancient site as one of the 7 new wonders of the world. The place is objectively stunning, but it is also said that the majestic landscape and the ruins hold a certain kind of energy that leaves visitors in awe, no matter how skeptical.

Why should you visit Machu Picchu? Simply take a look at the images, there is nothing quite like being on the top of a mountain, with ruins that have been graced by hundreds and hundreds of years of history. It is a complicated venture though, since the recent measures against over-tourism have made the journey from nearby towns onto the ruins into a more complex thing, since you have to book your place in advance, and do a number of things that were not required before.

Nevertheless, these measures do a very good job of protecting the site from a tourist overflow and preserve the beauty of the place, making it a great future plan to spend some nice holidays in South America. Like most destinations in the country, a trip to Machu Picchu cannot be very expensive if planned ahead, so consider diving into the historical places that Perú has to offer.

As for the site itself, it is 2430 meters above sea level and it is divided into two zones: the agricultural one, that includes a vast network of artificial terraces, and the urban one, formed by diverse constructions and squares.

In the agricultural zones the steps, carved from the stone, stand out but you can also find magnificent views in the different lookouts that overlook the valley, perfect to rest and enjoy the panoramic, and even take a pic-nic!

On the other hand the urban area surrounds the main star of the show, the Sacred Plaza, it was first designed as a political center, and it contains three of the main buildings: the Temple of the Three Windows, the Main Temple, and the Intihuatana, a monolithic sculpture carved in granite stone that is believed to be used as an astronomical calendar. 

It is here that you can indulge in the Incan culture, their rituals, traditions, and even religion, while you take a trip to the past you will be amazed by how different their lifestyle was, but there is more than just history in Machu Picchu, you will be surrounded by the modern peruvian culture in one of the most breathtaking sites in the world. 

Outside of the complex, Perú in general is also a very attractive destination for you to experience a new place that has it all; from ecotourism in many Inca ruins situated in valleys, canyons with birds that float right in front of you due to thermal currents, to a very nice complex in Lima called “Distrito Miraflores”, where one can rest from trekking and sightseeing all day, in a very nice beachfront resort where one can dine, shop global brands and local artesanies, gamble or just rest and have a drink.

Wednesday Wonders – Machu Picchu

In the end, a visit to Machu Picchu is much more than just historical buildings and old cultures, it is the experience of aspects of the same culture both ancient and modern while exposing yourself to grandiose sceneries.

What place do you think is as pretty as Machu Picchu in Perú? Feel free to tell me about your own experiences in the comments.

Until Next Time,

Erin at Wonder Lesch