Machu Pichu, a real wonder
Machu Picchu was one of the residences of the rest of the first inca Emperor, but at the same time, best buildings and the evident ceremonial would show that it was used as a religious sanctuary. Both uses, the Palace and the shrine, not have been inconsistent. Some experts dismissed outright, a so-called military character.
At the same time, Machu Picchu is considered a masterpiece of architecture and engineering. The archaeological site itself only is accessible, well from the Inca roads that reach it, or by using the road Hiram Bingham. None of the two forms exempts the visitor with the price of admission to the ruins.
The above-mentioned road, was born in the village of Aguas Calientes, which in turn can only be accessed by train or helicopter. The absence of a direct road to the sanctuary of Machu Picchu is intentional and allows you to control the flow of visitors to the area, which, given their nature of national reserve, is particularly sensitive to the crowds. This, however, has not prevented the disordered growth of Aguas Calientes, which lives for and by tourism, because there are hotels and restaurants of different categories in this place.
Weather is warm and humid during the day and cool at night. The temperature ranges between 12 and 24 degrees Celsius. The area is generally rainy (about 1.955 mm per year), especially between November and March. The rains, which are heavy, rapidly alternate with moments of intense sunshine.
The area built in Machu Picchu is 530 m long and 200 m wide and includes at least 172 precincts. The complex is clearly divided into two zones: the agricultural zone, formed by sets of terraced fields, which lies to the South; and the urban area, which is, of course, that where lived its occupants and where the main civil and religious activities were developed. Both zones are separated by a wall, a moat and a staircase, elements that flow in parallel through the mountain slope.
The most important buildings and which must be visited, are:
Temple of the Sun
The main building is known as "Tower", finely carved blocks. It was used for ceremonies related to the June Solstice. One of its windows shows traces of having embedded ornaments that were torn off at some point, destroying part of its structure. In addition there are traces of a large fire in the place. The Tower is built on a large rock under which there is a small cave that has been lined with fine masonry. He is believed to be a mausoleum of mummies, it is speculated that it might be the first inca Emperor Pachacutec, mausoleum .
Royal residence
Of the buildings intended for housing this is the finest, big and better distributed from Machu Picchu.Your gateway gives to the first supply of the city and the Temple of the Sun. It comprises two large monolithic lintels and well carved stone walls. One of these rooms have access to a laundry room with a channel drain. The set includes a private terrace with view on the East side of the city.
Sacred Plaza
He is thus called to a set of buildings arranged around a square courtyard. All the evidence suggests that the site was intended for different rituals. Includes two of the best buildings of Machu Picchu, which consist of large carved rocks: the Temple of the three windows, the walls of large polygonal blocks were assembled like a puzzle, and the main temple, more regular blocks, believed that it was the main ceremonial precinct of the city. Attached to this is the so-called "House of the priest". There are indications that the general Assembly did not complete building.
Intihuatana
It is a hill whose sides were converted into terraces, forming a great pyramid's polygonal base. It has two long ladders to access, to the North and the South, latter especially interesting to be in a long I trecho carved from a single rock. At the top, surrounded by constructions of elite, is the Intihuatana (where the Sun is tied) stone, one of the most studied objects from Machu Picchu. He is associated with sacred considered places where establishing clear alignment between astronomical events and surrounding mountains.
Sacred rock
He is thus called to a flat face on a large pedestal stone. It is a milestone that marks the north end of the city and is the starting point of the road to Huayna Picchu.
Group of three covers
A large architectural complex dominated by three large is kanchas arranged symmetrically and intercommunicating. Their covers, overlooking the main plaza of Machu Picchu. Includes housing and workshops.
Group of mortars or acllahuasi
It is the largest set of the city, and you might suggest that they were the Acllahuasi (or House of chosen women) of Machu Picchu, dedicated religious service and fine craftsmanship. It includes a room of well carved stone floor inside two rocky outcrops, carved in the form of circular mortar allegedly for grinding grains, even thought they were filled with water and the stars were reflected. The set has evidence that also had ritual use since there are altars. Part of their environments also evidence have been elite residences.
The condor group
It is a broad set of constructions, irregular outline, with some caves for ritual use and a large stone carved in the center of a large patio that looks like a condor, and from there the name. Elite homes, which had the only private access to one of the sources of Machu Picchu are South of the "condor".
Stairway of the sources
It is a set formed by a grand staircase along which runs a system of 16 artificial water falls, most of which is carefully carved into polygonal blocks and surrounded by canals carved into the rock. The water comes from a spring on the heights of the Mountain Machu Picchu , which was channeled in Inca times. An additional system in the top of the mountain collects mountain rain filtration and leads them to the main channel.
Via: visitandoelmundo