Via Twitter, Nat Geo Travel posted a video and a link to an article extolling the marvels of Peru's top tourist attraction.
According to this piece,
Machu Picchu —one of the Seven Wonders of the World— is tangible evidence of the urban Inca Empire at the peak of its power and achievement.
"The complex of palaces and plazas, temples and homes may have been built as a ceremonial site, a military stronghold, or a retreat for ruling elites—its dramatic location is certainly well suited for any of those purposes. The ruins lie on a high ridge, surrounded on three sides by the windy, turbulent Urubamba River some 2,000 feet (610 meters) below," the publication reads.
Nowadays, professionals are still struggling to find clues to the mysteries hidden on the eastern slopes of Peruvian Andes.
Machu Picchu appears to be the center of other related sites and trails. Also, various landmarks both man-made and mountainous appear to align with astronomical events such as the solstice sunset, the website points out.
Unfortunately, the Inca civilization had no written language, so they could not leave any trace of the true story behind this mysterious archeological site, built in the early 16th century.
Likewise, the piece underlines the Inca engineering skills.
"The site's buildings, walls, terraces, and ramps reclaim the steep mountainous terrain and make the city blend naturally into the rock escarpments on which it is situated. The 700-plus terraces preserved soil, promoted agriculture, and served as part of an extensive water-distribution system that conserved water and limited erosion on the steep slopes," it reads.
The article also stresses that "Inca's achievements and skills are all the more impressive in light of the knowledge they lacked."
It must be noted the Inca empire "had no iron, no steel, and no wheels" some 500 years ago when
Machu Picchu was built.
For this reason,
Machu Picchu stands as one of the best tourist destination around the world. In fact, it is a must-see spot for tourists visiting Peru.
Today,
Machu Picchu's management challenge is the preservation of the site while making it accessible to those who hope to experience an incredible part of Incan history.
(END) MAO/JAA/MVB