Machu Picchu: A Wonder of the Inca Empire in Peru

Imagine a place of extraordinary beauty, nestled between the majestic Peruvian Andes and the lush Amazon Basin. This is the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – a testament to the remarkable creativity and ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Located in Peru, this incredible site spans over 32,592 hectares of breathtaking mountains, valleys, and peaks. At its heart lies the awe-inspiring architectural wonder known as “La Ciudadela” or the Citadel. Perched at an astounding altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level, this citadel was built in the 15th century but remained hidden from the world until its rediscovery in 1911.

I want to introduce you to a truly remarkable place called Machu Picchu. It’s an amazing site that has about 200 structures, where the Incas used to worship, celebrate ceremonies, study the stars, and grow crops. These structures were carefully placed along a steep ridge and connected by stone terraces. The city itself was divided into two sections: the lower part for agriculture and the upper part for housing. In the middle, there was a grand square that brought everything together.

Machu Picchu is a mysterious place, and even though researchers have studied it extensively, there are still many unanswered questions. For example, we still don’t know exactly how the Incas used their advanced knowledge of astronomy at this site. And it’s also unclear how they were able to domesticate wild plants and use them for their benefit.

When you visit Machu Picchu, you’ll be captivated by the remarkable blend of grand architecture and the surrounding natural beauty. The impressive structures seamlessly merge with the breathtaking environment, creating a harmonious connection. As I explore this ancient wonder, I am in awe of the intricate network of pathways, canals, terraces, and centers that bear witness to centuries of human activity.

The terrain here presents a unique challenge, resulting in a vibrant patchwork of variously utilized spaces and diverse ecosystems. These slopes of the tropical Andes showcase a mesmerizing range of landscapes, from the high-altitude “Puna” grasslands to the dense Polylepis thickets and the mystical cloud forests. Descending further, you’ll discover the enchanting tropical lowland forests. Each of these habitats is home to an astonishing array of plants and animals, many of which can only be found here.

While Machu Picchu may seem relatively small in size, its significance in preserving biodiversity cannot be overstated. This ancient site serves as a sanctuary for numerous rare and endemic species, safeguarding their existence for future generations. The conservation efforts here are crucial, ensuring the survival of these remarkable plants and creatures.

Did you know that the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is an important part of Peru’s protected areas system? It has special laws to protect its cultural and natural value. The sanctuary is well-defined and has a buffer zone around it that is even bigger than the sanctuary itself.

Back in 1999, a special team called the Management Unit of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu (UGM) was created. Their job was to put into action the plans that would help take care of Machu Picchu. These plans, known as the Master Plans, guide the people in charge on how to manage the site. The UGM took a break for a while but started back up again in 2011. It’s made up of people from the Ministries of Culture, Environment, and Foreign Trade and Tourism. They also have representatives from the Regional Government of Cusco and the local government of Machu Picchu. With everyone working together, they can make sure Machu Picchu stays true to what makes Peru special. It’s also a place that people from Peru and all over the world love to visit.

Despite having strong laws in place and a well-organized system, there are still difficulties when it comes to governing and protecting important areas. It can be quite challenging to coordinate the different laws and involve the various government agencies, especially when it comes to sharing money earned from tourism. Tourism definitely has its advantages, like bringing in money, but it also brings its own set of problems. As the number of tourists increases, there is a need for careful management and regulation to minimize any negative impacts on culture and the environment. It would be a good idea to use a significant portion of the money made from tourism to plan and manage these areas effectively. Another aspect that needs attention is transportation and infrastructure development. Additionally, it is important to ensure the well-being of both tourists and new residents who are attracted to these areas because of tourism. This requires sustainable and long-term solutions that are of high quality.

Ever since it became a World Heritage site, people have been worried about how the ecosystem is getting damaged because of things like logging, cutting down trees for firewood, taking plants for money, not handling waste properly, hunting, and farmers using land that they’re not sure they own. The problem gets worse because there are animals and plants that aren’t native to the area and the water in the Urubamba River is getting dirty from garbage and chemicals used in farming. There are also other big development projects going on nearby that make things even more risky. On top of all that, the site is in a place where the weather is really extreme, so natural disasters could make everything even worse. The good news is that there’s still hope and we can work together to fix it up and keep it safe for future generations to enjoy.

If you want to hear more about cool places to travel, you should follow us on social media. You can also tag us if you have any nice pictures to share.