Few images are as well known and reproduced as it shows the ruins of the city of Machu Picchu with the impressive Peñasco of Huayna Picchu in the background.

Picchu, the real name of the place before us, is a Llacta, a city dedicated to the control and administration of the various economic regions Inca. In these cities lived Inca administrators, along with officials, servants and courtiers.

But Picchu was not a more administrative hub, was the most beautiful and hidden Llacta the rule, designed to accommodate the most distinguished of the Incan aristocracy in the event of a surprise attack. In fact, their situation is far about the route of the Capac Nan (Camino Real) to avoid unwanted intrusions. And no doubt that the goal is met.

Hiram Bingham, was an American explorer and amateur archeology enthusiast Andes. For years he had tried to locate the legendary city of Vitcos, Reducto last of the Incas to conquer Spanish rebels. On July 24, 1911, accompanied by a local guide named Melchor Arteaga and Sergeant Carrasco and after hours of climbing through hills covered with forest vegetation, the three men spotted the imposing ruins of the Inca city not only trodden by the conquerors.

Two facts help to increase the flow of mystery that surrounds this city around. On the one hand, his story is a complete enigma, as the Incas, who were unaware of the deed have not left any evidence on the evolution and functions Picchu. It is suspected that the city served as a refuge for Acllas women chosen to serve the sun god, who perhaps were the last people (150 of 173 skeletons that were found in the cemetery of the city belonged to women). Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, and after the death of the last Inca rebel, he had to be abandoned.

Moreover, no one has correctly guessed how it was built this magnificent city. The Incas, but knew the wheel, not used, so the transportation and placement of huge rocks that underlie the architecture Picchu still causing dismay of archaeologists. Like imagine stunned because of the work of hauling tons of fertile soil that fill hundreds of cultivation terraces, designed for self sufficiency in the city, and probably brought from the Lower Valley.

While Bingham and his companions to the arrival at this place hidden from Peru was an odyssey fraught with risks (had to cross the Urubamba river with a rope bridge, pass through places infested by snakes and cats to climb steep slopes), today to date, this human work can be done with relative comfort.

From the ancient city of Cuzco share a special train for tourists heading to the Inca ruins. This train leaves at seven o’clock and arrived at half past ten narrow valley to Machu Picchu. From this point you can take a bus arrives at quarter time, to 2,300 meters above sea level which is set in the megalithic city. The visit usually lasts until the usual three p.m., at which time you can have lunch in a hotel in the vicinity.

For those who want to hear deep into the living environment in which the Incas, the possibility of performing in several days, the ancient Inca trail to Machu Picchu Cusco reported. The journey can enjoy the rain forest ecosystem and discover the spectacular Andean biodiversity.

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