Main Tourist Attractions of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is an archaeological gem that offers multiple attractions for visitors. Among the main tourist sites is the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, which extends over 32,592 hectares in the district of Machu Picchu, province of Urubamba, in the Department of Cusco. This sanctuary is located between the coordinates 13º 10' 19" and 13º 14' 00" South Latitude and 72º 30' 5" and 72º 36' 33" West Longitude.

The Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu is a geographically and culturally rich area that encompasses a territory full of sacred significance. A total of 196 archaeological sites have been recorded in this sanctuary, which are intimately related to each other and to the natural environment.

One of the main attractions is the Inca City of Machu Picchu, an urban complex that includes 19 urban complexes and 13 agricultural complexes, organized around a central plaza and two smaller plazas. These spaces are divided into two sectors: the urban sector (Upper and Lower) and the agricultural sector, separated from the urban area by a dry moat and further divided into two parts by the main Inca road or Qapac Ñan.

Patallaqta: An Example of Inca Ingenuity

In Patallaqta, an outstanding urban planning layout can be observed. The urban sector measures approximately 300 x 70 meters and is subdivided into three subsectors, with a trapezoidal plaza in the center. The Eastern subsector includes four large complexes, the central one has two blocks with a double courtyard each, and the Western subsector has several courtyards with enclosures surrounding an open space.

The agricultural sector of Patallaqta is equally impressive, measuring 600 x 150 meters. This sector is divided into two subsectors: the Upper sector, which includes 12 long and narrow terraces that also function as retaining platforms, and the Lower sector, which has around 13 large agricultural terraces.

Agriculture in Machu Picchu was viable thanks to a sophisticated irrigation system that captured water from the left bank of the Cusichaca River.

Pulpituyoq: A Ceremonial Site

Another place of interest is Pulpituyoq, a ceremonial site that was part of the extensive urban center of Patallaqta, also known as Llaqtapata. This site is yet another example of the ingenuity and spirituality that characterize the locations of Machu Picchu.