History of Machu Picchu

The citadel of Machu Picchu is the most important tourist attraction in Cusco. Discovered on July 24, 1911, by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, this citadel is considered one of the most extraordinary examples of landscape architecture in the world.

Machu Picchu (in Quechua, 'old mountain') is nestled atop a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River, in the heart of the tropical jungle. It served as a religious center, an astronomical observatory, and a private estate for the Inca Pachacutec's family. It consists of two main areas: an agricultural sector, mainly composed of terraces and food storage facilities, and an urban area, which includes the sacred zone, featuring temples, plazas, and royal mausoleums crafted with remarkable precision. Stone staircases and carved water channels are a constant feature throughout this unique archaeological site. Facing the citadel stands Huayna Picchu (in Quechua, 'young mountain'), accessible via a steep stone path.

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, located in the Cusco region and spanning an area of 32,592 hectares, serves to preserve its unique flora and fauna, as well as the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountain forests. It also contributes to the protection of the archaeological remains found within its territory. Much of the charm and beauty that surround Machu Picchu, Peru’s greatest tourist attraction, is due to its spectacular natural setting: the lush cloud forests of this historic sanctuary.

Rediscovery

Although the rediscovery of the citadel is credited to the American historian Hiram Bingham, some sources suggest that Agustín Lizárraga, a land tenant from Cusco, had reached the ruins nine years before Bingham. It is said that Lizárraga left an inscription on one of the walls of the Temple of the Three Windows, which was later erased.

Lizárraga’s story and his visits to the ancient Inca ruins reportedly caught the attention of Hiram Bingham, who was in the region investigating the last Inca strongholds in Vilcabamba. Intrigued by these rumors, Bingham set out to find the ruins, arriving at Machu Picchu in July 1911, accompanied by Cusco tenant Melchor Arriaga and a Peruvian Civil Guard sergeant. There, the American historian encountered two families, the Rechartes and the Álvarez, who had settled on the terraces to the south of the ruins. It was finally a child from the Recharte family who guided Bingham to the "urban area" of the ruins, which was covered in dense vegetation.

Immediately, Bingham realized the immense historical value of the ruins and contacted Yale University, the National Geographic Society, and the Peruvian government, seeking sponsorship to begin studies on the Inca archaeological site. Archaeological work was conducted between 1912 and 1915. During this period, the thick vegetation covering the citadel was cleared, and Inca tombs located beyond the city walls were excavated.

In 1913, National Geographic published an extensive article on Machu Picchu and the ongoing research, bringing worldwide attention to the citadel. Over the years, the touristic significance of Machu Picchu grew, first at a national level and then internationally, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. On July 7, 2007, after an online vote involving millions of people worldwide, Machu Picchu was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.