If you’re going to plan a trip to South America, one country in particular that you’ll absolutely have to visit is Peru. As one of the great treasures of this southern continent, Peru is full of visually- and culturally-stunning sites that will truly make your experience here one to remember. One site above all that you need to see while in Peru is one of the world’s most legendary sites, Machu Picchu. Also regarded as the “Lost City of the Incas”, Machu Picchu will give you a firsthand look at ancient Incan culture while you uncover the mysteries of these majestic ruins.
Originally built by the Incas around 1450, no one has ever been able to definitively say what the purpose of these structures was. While various theories have been stated throughout the years, including the possibility of a ceremonial site or a military stronghold, most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as a retreat for ruling elites. Due to the fact that the Incas had no written language, there was no way for them to leave records of why they chose to build the site, or how it was used before it was abandoned during the early 16th century at the time of the Spanish Conquest.
Standing at 7,970 feet above sea level between the Andean Mountain Range and the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu wasn’t actually known to the outside world until 1911. It was actually American historian, Hiram Bingham, led up the mountainside by a Peruvian guide, who brought the “lost city” into an international view as the first western scholar to lay eyes on the land. In 1983, Machu Picchu was designated as a Historic Sanctuary for being one of the most important archeological sites in the world. In 2007, it was voted as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide Internet poll.
As millions of hikers, tourists, explorers and historians flood this Peruvian landmark today, one thing that they all seem to agree on is the fact that seeing Machu Picchu in person is an absolutely magical experience. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips that you know you will regret if you miss out – which is why we are encouraging you to join Blue Horizon on a week-long trip. Our “Peru: Ancient Land of Mysteries” tour will be held from June 7-14, 2014 and trust us when we say that you don’t want to miss it. For more information on this incredible opportunity, please visit our website and feel free to contact us if you have any questions; we’d be more than happy to provide you with answers.
